The Clean Beauty Guide to Pregnancy: What to Use (and Avoid)
Discover pregnancy safe skincare
Pregnancy changes everything, including the way we care for ourselves. While you’re growing a tiny human, your skin, hormones, and even your sense of smell go through major shifts. Suddenly, ingredients you never thought twice about can feel like a big deal. That’s where clean beauty comes in.
Swapping to cleaner, non-toxic products during pregnancy isn’t about perfection – it’s about minimizing unnecessary exposure to harsh chemicals, especially during those delicate developmental months. This guide will help you understand what to avoid, what’s safe, and how to build a clean beauty routine that works for you (and your bump!).
In this post, we’ll walk through the importance of blush, how to choose the right shade for your skin tone, and some tips for perfect application. Let’s dive in!
Why Clean Beauty Matters During Pregnancy
Your skin is your body’s largest organ and some ingredients in conventional beauty products can be absorbed into the bloodstream. While many are perfectly safe, others have been linked to hormone disruption, skin irritation, or even developmental concerns in large doses.
The goal isn’t to panic – it’s to be informed. Choosing non-toxic, pregnancy-safe products is a way to care for both your body and your baby with intention.
Ingredients to Avoid While Pregnant
🚫 Retinoids (Retinol, Retin-A, Tretinoin)
Linked to birth defects when taken orally—best avoided topically too.
🚫 Salicylic Acid (in high doses)
Low percentages (under 2%) are often considered safe, but skip strong peels or prescriptions.
🚫 Hydroquinone
Used for skin lightening, but with high absorption rates—it’s not pregnancy-safe.
🚫 Phthalates
Found in synthetic fragrance; known hormone disruptors.
🚫 Parabens
Linked to potential hormone disruption.
🚫 Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
Still used in some nail polishes and hair treatments.
🚫 Chemical sunscreens (Oxybenzone, Avobenzone)
Swap for mineral sunscreens like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
Pregnancy Safe Clean Beauty Swaps
Face Cleanser:
Use a creamy or oil-based cleanser with calming botanicals
We love: Pai Light Work Rosehip Cleansing Oil or Cocokind Oil to Milk Cleanser
Moisturizer:
Use a moisturizer that keeps the skin supple and plump.
We love: Osmosis Quench or Ursa Major Golden Hour Recovery Cream
Sunscreen:
Use Mineral-based SPF (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) and not chemical based.
We love: Kinfield Daily Dew SPF 35 or Pipette Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Body Lotion:
Use Fragrance-free or naturally scented with essential oils lotions.
We love: Earth Mama Belly Butter or Hatch Belly Oil
Makeup:
When we are living in our glowing skin during pregnany, less is more.
We love: Kosas or Ilia makeup
Haircare:
Use haircare that is free from synthetic fragrance and SLSs.
We love: Innersense Organic Beauty or Rahua shampoos and conditioners
Deodorant:
Use a deodorant that is free from aluminum and synthetic fragrances.
We love: Primally Pure
Bonus: Clean Beauty for Baby Bump Self-Care
Pamper yourself with clean, mama-safe favorites:
Magnesium Soak: Helps with restless legs
Dry brushing: Encourages lymphatic flow
Cooling eye masks: For those early sleepless nights
Pregnancy is a beautiful (and sometimes overwhelming) season, but your beauty routine shouldn’t add stress. Start small – swap one product at a time and listen to your body. Clean beauty is about progress, not perfection.
Whether you’re prepping for your first prenatal visit or already in your third trimester, know this: you’re already doing an amazing job. Choosing cleaner options is just another way to love yourself and your little one.
Want to Read Another Article? Try Reading This One On the 7 Best Non-toxic Nail Polishes