Tara and Dana's Must-Have Skincare Products to Use During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, many women change up their skincare and beauty routines to ensure they're using non-toxic and pregnancy-safe products. 

We've got two mamas-to-be on Team SN at the moment (Tara and Dana!), so we decided to get their take on what products they've been loving during their pregnancies, and which items they've decided to remove from their routines. Read on for their take on skincare during pregnancy, and for details on their go-to products!

Dana's Approach to Pregnancy Skincare

Pregnancy skincare is tough! In my usual non-pregnant life, I’m lucky that I rarely break out, so my first trimester was quite a rude awakening to see a new pimple pop up every day. Hormones do crazy things to your skin, and at the same time, you need to be cautious of the ingredients you use and avoid the tougher chemicals that are known to clear up breakouts. Feels like a catch 22. For me, my pregnancy skincare routine has been all about changing up my exfoliants and focusing on lightweight moisturizing oils and SPF.

Shop Dana's Pregnancy-Friendly Skincare Picks:

Naturopathica Oat Cleansing Facial Polish

Naturopathica Oat Cleansing Facial Polish

Exfoliating while pregnant has been a challenge, because many of the acids I typically reach for are off the table. I love this oat polish because it’s super gentle and is packed with physical exfoliants to gently buff off dead skin cells without any harsh chemicals.

Shop the Facial Polish

Herbivore Botanicals Orchid Oil

Herbivore Botanicals Orchid Oil

This one is super moisturizing, but also a bit lighter than most face oils I’ve used. It smells like the prettiest orchid and feels super luxurious.

Shop the Orchid Oil

Drunk Elephant Milki Micellar Water

Drunk Elephant Milki Micellar Water

Some nights I fall asleep on the couch at 8pm, which has made this micellar water from Drunk Elephant especially valuable. I’m definitely guilty of using this in place of a proper face wash a few nights a week.

Shop the Micellar Water

Billie Super Salve

Billie Super Salve

This one’s so clean you could probably eat it. I love that it moisturizes my dry lips and adds a subtle pink glow.

Shop the Super Salve

Tara's Approach to Skincare During Pregnancy

You definitely need to re-think your skincare routine when you’re both planning pregnancy and while you’re expecting! For me, I was prescribed Spironolactone to prevent hormonal breakouts, and had to stop taking it months before I started trying as it can cause birth defects. As far as products go, I’ve learned which ingredients we pregnant ladies need to avoid and replaced with suggested alternatives. The most applicable ingredients I needed to rid of my skincare routine were: Retinol, Benzoyl Peroxide, Salicylic Acid (in potencies greater than 2%), and chemical SPF. I honestly haven't been overly neurotic and mainly look for brands I know produce clean products.

Shop Tara's Pregnancy-Friendly Skincare Picks:

Naturopathica Serum and Facial Oil

Naturopathica Serum and Facial Oil

I use these products nightly in replace of Retinol. I love using them in tandem as it helps resurface, plump, and moisturize my skin overnight!

Shop the Booster Serum and Facial Oil

Neostrata Foaming Glycolic Wash

Neostrata Foaming Glycolic Wash

I use this facewash to replace my previous wash which contained salicylic acid. This was recommended by my Dermatologist to help combat the pregnancy-hormonal breakouts I was getting. Glycolic Acid, which is an AHA, is considered safe to use in lower concentrations.

Shop the Face Wash

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension

I use this brightening formula in replace of my acne products that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. I read that this was a must-have while pregnant to help clear skin, and I believe it’s working! I use it every morning and actually had my dermatologist prescribe me more potent Azelaic Acid for nighttime or targeted needs.

Shop the Azelaic Acid

The Honest Company Body Lotion

The Honest Company Body Lotion

The Honest Company has a suite of products that are all pregnancy safe, and right now I am hooked on this ultra-refreshing body lotion.

Shop the Body Lotion

*Team SN's picks are selected based on products we truly love. Note: this article does contain affiliate links, and we will receive a commission if you purchase a product linked here.