My Pregnancy Skincare Routine

When I first got pregnant, I really didn’t have a clue about what types of skincare products were safe to use. Who knew that having a baby would make me so much more passionate and aware of what I’m putting into my body and on my skin? Not trying to be preachy, just hear me out…

I’ve been a natural skincare junkie for a few years now, but the whole pregnancy thing was new to me and the topic of skincare products doesn’t typically come up at your prenatal appointments. Even if you know to ask about skincare products, there’s a good chance your doctor may not know all of the ingredients to avoid. The best doctors to ask about skincare are dermatologists, but as always, don’t be afraid to do your own research!

Even though I choose mostly natural and organic products, that doesn’t mean that they’re necessarily safe during pregnancy. So, I took to the internet to do my own research and make decisions that felt safe for both me and babe. Since I was basically clueless about pregnancy and skincare, I thought I’d share my findings in hopes that it may help you make informed decisions. Here we go!

P.S. Get my FULL list of products in my Beauty Shop Page

What products are safe for your skin during pregnancy?

Your skin is one giant organ; everything it comes to contact with gets passed through your bloodstream and therefore down to your baby through the placenta. Babies are very sensitive and studies show that using some anti-aging skin products such as retinol and vitamin A during pregnancy can lead to birth defects, so it’s best to avoid these ingredients. But, the list doesn’t just stop there.

Since I’m not a doctor, I thought I’d share some articles that helped me make informed decisions regarding my skincare routine while pregnant. Remember to do your own research and talk to your doctor, too!

• Ask a Dermatologist: 14 Skincare Products to Avoid While Pregnant
• Pregnancy Skincare: What’s Safe for Your Skin & Body During Pregnancy
• 5 Things You Didn’t Know to Avoid While Pregnant

Skincare product ingredients to avoid during pregnancy

Below is a general list of skincare products you should try and avoid during pregnancy. That being said, we can’t all be perfect, but it’s good to pay attention to labels when purchasing soaps, shampoos, conditioners, laundry detergent, hairspray, dish soap, lotions, perfumes, and basically anything that comes into contact with your skin! These are ingredients that are so called no-nos during pregnancy:

• Aluminum chloride hexahydrate
• Beta hydroxy acids
• Chemical sunscreens (instead use mineral sunscreens)
• Diethanolamine (DEA)
• Dihydroxyacetone (DHA)
• Formaldehyde
• Hydroquinone
• Formaldehyde
• Benzoyl Peroxide
• BPA
• Parabens
• Phthalates
• Retinol products (also Vitamin A)
• Thioglycolic acid
• Toluene
• Diazolidinyl Urea
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
• Botulinum Toxin
• Stearic Acid

The laundry detergent I use during pregnancy (and when I’m not pregnant)

Most laundry detergents out there contain unnecessary chemicals and synthetic fragrances that are not only harmful to your skin but also to the environment and the air we breathe. Branch Basics has an amazing article to reference that explains why it’s best to switch to a non-toxic laundry soap.

Years ago, I made the transition to non-toxic cleaning products in our home using the Branch Basics starter kit. I now exclusively use Branch Basics products, which are biodegradable, plant-based, non-toxic and yes — actually work! Basically you just mix water with their concentrate based on the bottles they send you in the starter kit. Everything in the kit is plant based, and all ingredients are rated an A or B by the EWG. I also use their laundry detergent and oxygen boost in laundry and LOVE it. It gets all my stains out including wine. Highly recommend. Use the code ‘AMBITIOUSKITCHEN’ for 15% off your first order!

Cleaning products that are safe to use during pregnancy

As mentioned above, I now use all Branch Basics products for cleaning my home, and they’re pregnancy safe. Previously I was using products like Seventh Generation, but found that it didn’t have EWG high rated ingredients. Bummer, but I feel SO much better about using Branch Basics! I’m a super fan, really. I have the starter kit and love it. Use the code ‘AMBITIOUSKITCHEN’ for 15% off your first order!

“Branch Basics is a unique, proprietary blend of plant-derived ingredients that are all natural, fragrance free, non-combustible, non-hazardous, non-fuming, non-toxic, and biodegradable. The ingredients are purified water, coconut oil, fatty acids, minerals and enzymes from edible and seed-bearing plants, sodium bicarbonate.” – the Branch Basics website.

See how I use Branch Basics in my home:

Perfumes and fragrances during pregnancy

In general, I just tried to avoid using perfume and synthetic fragrances during my pregnancy as much as possible. This is just a personal choice, but I felt like it wasn’t necessary for me to wear.

Is it okay to dye your hair while pregnant?

During the first trimester, it’s best to avoid. You also want to make sure you aren’t bleaching your hair at any point during your pregnancy. I went back to doing biolage and made sure that none of the dyes ever touched my roots (which is why my hair is a lot more dark!). Check out this article for more helpful info on dyeing your hair during pregnancy.

Is it safe to get a spray tan while pregnant?

Unless you are sure about the ingredients in your spray tan formula, then it’s best to avoid. Even the self-tanners at home have a lot of unknown chemicals.

Pregnancy safe deodorant

I get a lot of questions about this one on Instagram. I made the switch to more natural deodorants and LOVE them. They’re safe and actually work. Since some conventional deodorants contain aluminum, parabens, and phthalates, you may want to consider the switch, too!

Skincare products to use to avoid stretch marks

Surprisingly and lucky me, I haven’t had an issue with stretch marks during pregnancy — that I can see, anyway! Obviously keeping your skin hydrated is essential; not only does that mean drinking plenty of water, but also eating nourishing and hydrating fruits and veggies, and of course, a cream or oil won’t hurt. I highly recommend these products:

• Osea Algae Body Oil: I use this as a belly oil and truly feel like i’m pampering myself.
• Osea Body Butter: Thick and luxurious!
• Osea Body Lotion: What can I say? I really love the Osea line. It’s safe, and smells soooo good! I use this lotion all over.
• Binto x Clary Belly Oil (this stuff smells SOOOO freakin’ good and might just be my fav!)

My skincare motto during pregnancy

Less is more! You don’t need to spend a ton of money on products to make your skincare routine effective. I’m a skincare junkie so I love buying and testing new products (so I can share them with you!) but frankly keeping it simple is perfectly fine and probably best for a nice, clear complexion that glows.

For your face, I recommend using the following: good facial cleanser, vitamin C serum, a moisturizing cream and a facial oil.

My pregnancy skincare routine + product suggestions

Again, while I use all of the products mentioned in this post, it doesn’t mean you need or should go out and buy ALL of them.

1. Elemis Rose Cleansing Balm
2. Biossance Vitamin C Oil
3. Trilogy Night Cream
4. Youth to the People Face Wash
5. Osea Body Oil
6. Osea Body Lotion
7. Dr. Teal’s Unscented Epsom Salt Soak
8. Babo Botanicals Body Wash / Bubble Bath
9. Innersense Natural Shampoo
10. Innersense Natural Conditioner
11. Osea Body Butter
12. Biossance Omega Face Cream
13. Biossance Firm + Lift Serum
14. Biossance Eye Cream
15. Volition Chocolate Macadamia Hydrating Mask
16. Andalou Pumpkin Honey Mask
17. Trilogy Vitamin C Microdermabrasion

Are there any pregnancy safe skincare products that you love?!

I hope you found this pregnancy skincare post helpful. Feel free to share it with mamas to be and leave a comment below with your favorites! xo.

Shop my pregnancy favorites & recommendations

Head over to my Beauty Shop Page to see all my other favorite products. 

P.S. Don’t forget to check out our Ambitious Mama category which houses everything pregnancy and baby related including: baby registry, pregnancy books I’m reading and my first trimester, second trimester and third trimester posts (from baby #1) and first trimester and second trimester posts with baby #2. I didn’t do any posts with baby 3 because well… I was tired 🙂

Disclaimer: Please consult your doctor before trying new products.