7 Best Body Washes For Pregnancy, Expert-Approved (2024) + Buying Guide
Use safe and chemical-free body washes during pregnancy for soft and healthy skin.
Patricia Gaile EspinosaMD 
Dr. Patricia Gaile Espinosa has 9 years of experience. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society, and a member of the Philippine Academy of Dermatologic Surgery Foundation Inc, Philippine Society of Venereologists, Inc, Ph... more
oyendrila kanjilalMA, Certified Skin Care Coach Experience: 2 yearsOyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skin care coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience,... more
shiboli chakrabortiMA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor,... more
anjali sayeeBTech Experience: 7 yearsAnjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy ... more
Pregnancy is a beautiful feeling, but it comes with several challenges – body changes and skin issues. To maintain the hygiene and health of new moms-to-be, invest in the best body washes for pregnancy.
From stretch marks, dryness, and breakouts to rashes and scars on your skin, your skin can experience potential issues while carrying your precious. During this time, it is important to choose your products carefully that are free of chemicals, gentle on your skin, and do not trigger or irritate any form of breakouts or pregnancy acne. Even after you deliver, using pregnancy-safe body washes can help you in the process of taking your skin back to normal. So, pick your favorite out of the 7 best ones we picked for you.
In This Article
7 Best Pregnancy-Safe Body Washes
1. Best Soothing Formula:The Moms Co. Natural Body Wash
Image: The Moms Co The Moms Co. Natural Body Wash helps combat dry, itchy, and stretching skin during pregnancy. It is a dermatologically-tested, coconut-based formula that offers moisturizing effects to restore your skin’s natural balance and prevent dry skin, receiving several positive reviews. This body wash contains a ginger essential oil that eases morning sickness, motion sickness, and nausea. Orange essential oil uplifts your mood, and pro-vitamin B5 enhances the skin’s natural elasticity and soothes itching and dryness.
Dr. Patricia Gaile Espinosa, MD, Philippine Dermatological Society, says, “Vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid, is a good moisturizer for the skin. It also aids and promotes healing of skin wounds and injuries.”
Pros
- Gentle formula
- Dermatologist-tested
- Toxin-free
- Paraben-free
- Vegan
- Mineral oil-free
- No synthetic fragrances
- SLS-free
- SLES-free
- PEG-free
- DEA-free
- TEA-free
Cons
- None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received over 594 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
2. Best Vegan:Belli Beauty Pure & Pampered Body Wash
The Belli Beauty Pure & Pampered Body Wash provides a balanced cleansing without stripping the natural oils of your skin. It contains antioxidant-rich and soothing botanical extracts like cucumber, green tea extracts, and lavender essential oil that offer a relaxing, aromatherapy experience.
Dr. Patricia Gaile Espinosa, MD, Philippine Dermatological Society, says, “Lavender, chamomile and green tea extracts all have anti-inflammatory properties, helps soothe the skin and reduce redness or irritations. These ingredients are mild for the skin and safe for use during pregnancy.”
This dermatologist-recommended body wash follows a safety screening process to avoid synthetic ingredients that might cause birth defects, miscarriages, and damage during breastfeeding.
Pros
- Mild and safe for daily use
- Allergy-tested
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Preservative-free
- Sulfate-free
- Gluten-free
- Phthalate-free
- Dye-free
- Cruelty-free
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Insufficient quantity
- Might irritate the eyes.
3. Best Dermatologist-Tested:Earth Mama Calming Lavender Baby Wash
The Calming Lavender Baby Wash by Earth Mama is a natural castile-based liquid soap suitable for newborns and pregnant women. This all-natural body wash is formulated with lavender, calendula, and vanilla that soothe the ski, garnering praise from reviewers online. The gentle formula is dermatologist-tested and clinically proven to treat skin irritations. The gentle formula is dermatologist-tested and clinically proven to treat skin irritations.
Pros
- Contains organic herbs
- Dermatologist-tested
- Clinically proven
- No artificial fragrances
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Paraben-free
- Triclosan-free
- Detergent-free
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive skin.
Quick TipThe Moms Co. Natural Body Wash Best Soothing Formula | Belli Beauty Pure & Pampered Body Wash Best Vegan | Earth Mama Calming Lavender Baby Wash Best Dermatologist-Tested | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | Sensitive | Sensitive | Sensitive |
| Dimensions | - | 7.3 x 2.8 x 2 inches | 1.87 x 1.87 x 7.25 inches |
| Weight | - | 6.56 Ounces | 5.28 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 594 | 355 | 217 |
| Price | $250.0 | $12.99 | $12.91 |
4. Best Lightweight Formula: Pipette Relaxing Body Wash
The Pipette Relaxing Body Wash is infused with renewable sugarcane-derived squalene, extra pure coconut, and oat-derived surfactants that nourish the skin deeply. The body wash fills your skin with the plant-derived aroma of bergamot, geranium flower, and mandarin orange that revitalize your senses and offer you intense relaxation. Made with pregnant and postpartum moms in mind, this extra-gentle cleansing formula supports deep cleaning of the skin, while restoring its moisture balance. Additionally, this therapeutic, pregnancy-safe formula is hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested, sure to reduce the appearance of stretch marks during pregnancy.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologist-tested
- Pediatrician-approved
- Soothing fragrance
- Creamy consistency
- Lathers well
- EWG-verified
- Cruelty-free
- Formulated with 100% renewable energy
Cons
- None
5. Best Chemical-Free:Luxe-Mama
The Luxe-Mama shower gel is formulated with aloe vera and coconut soap. It is an excellent choice for would-be mothers as it contains organic ingredients, herbs, and essential oils that help treat dryness, itchy belly, and stretch marks during pregnancy.
Pros
- Gentle formula
- Pleasant smell
- Sulfate-free
- Chemical-free
Cons
- None
Pro Tip6. Best For Sensitive Skin:Best Washes Uplifting Body Wash
The Best Washes Uplifting Body Wash soothes dry, itchy, and irritated skin. It contains natural ingredients that are gentle on sensitive skin and treat breakouts, rashes, and hormonal skin. Spearmint’s delicate aroma calms icky tummies and alleviates nausea. Black pepper tackles tired mind and muscles, and aloe vera soothes sensitive skin.
Pros
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Suitable for hormonal skin changes
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Can be used as a bath soak
Cons
- None
7. Best For All Skin Types: Honest Company Mama’s Gotta Glow Face+Body Wash
The Honest Company Mama’s Gotta Glow Body Wash is a mild formula suitable for use in the morning and the evening. The formula is infused with apple AHAs and naturally-derived amino acids that exfoliate your skin for dead skin cell removal and to improve its appearance. The body wash also clarifies the skin and smoothens its texture. Formulated especially for would-be mothers, this pregnancy-friendly body wash is free of common irritants like BHAs, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, and SLS.
Pros
- Suitable for morning and evening use
- Unscented
- Mild formula
- BHAs-free
- Salicylic acid-free
- Benzoyl peroxide-free
- SLS-free
- Retinoids-free
Cons
- None
Certain factors need to be considered before buying a pregnancy-safe body wash. Let’s take a look at them in the next section.
Best Body Wash For Pregnancy – A Buyer’s Guide
- Ingredients To Look Out For
Choose a body wash with soothing skin care ingredients with antimicrobial properties that are safe for the baby and mom, such as glycerin, aloe vera, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid. Kojic acid, lactic acid, coconut oil, vitamin C, and grapeseed oil. These pregnancy safe ingredients keep your skin itch-free and hydrated. You can also opt for non-irritating organic and natural skin care products that help reduce skin inflammation, restore moisture, and protect the skin.
- Ingredients To Avoid
Avoid body washes that contain retinoids, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and hydroquinone as these skin care ingredients are not considered safe during pregnancy. Avoid popular skin brightening ingredients, such as AHAs and BHAs, as they might disrupt the natural skin barrier and make your skin prone to damage. Your body wash should also be non-comedogenic, if you have oily skin or suffer from breakouts, and free of harsh elements like phthalates, formaldehyde, oxybenzone, sulfates, and parabens.
- Go For A Trusted Brand
Do not go for body washes based on the price. Choose a reliable and dermatologist or gynecologist-recommended brand with good quality products that claim to be safe and suitable for all trimesters of pregnancy. You can also scan the ingredients’ list and discuss the safety of any product with your dermatologist.
Note: Consult a dermatologist before purchasing any skincare products while you are pregnant. A doctor’s recommendation will help you choose the right body wash according to your skin type.
Infographic: Body Wash Ingredients To Avoid During Pregnancy + Skin Care Tips
Pregnancy is a special time, and it calls for special care, even when you are taking a shower. The infographic below will draw your attention to the no-no ingredients commonly used in body washes that you should avoid during pregnancy. We have also added a section about how you can take care of your skin while you are pregnant. Take a peek! Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Pregnant women need to take care of themselves efficiently. From food to pregnancy-safe skin care and makeup, everything must be top-notch when you are carrying a baby. For pregnant women, it is important to choose products that are gentle on your delicate skin and devoid of unwanted chemicals. These products should be able to manage skin concerns like stretch marks, breakouts or pregnancy acne, and dryness. For those troubled with itchy skin or morning sickness, the Moms Co. Natural Body Wash can be a good choice. If you want something for both the baby and new mom, opt for the Earth Mama Calming Lavender Baby Wash, while the Pipette Relaxing Body Wash is suitable for sensitive skin. Some of these body washes restore their skin’s organic balance with the help of natural and clean ingredients. However, it is important to steer clear of body washes that are too greasy and leave white residue. Opt for a body wash that has received positive reviews and conduct a patch test before application to check for allergies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it necessary to use a body wash during pregnancy?
Yes, it is essential to use a body wash during pregnancy to keep your skin moisturized and itch-free.
Will body wash help me get rid of dry and itchy skin during maternity?
Yes. Body washes with non-drying formulas help prevent dry and itchy skin during maternity.
What ingredients are not safe during pregnancy?
Some commonly used cosmetic ingredients like aluminum chloride hexahydrate, aluminium chlorohydrate, BHAs, chemical sunscreen, formaldehyde, hydroquinone, parabens, phthalates, retinol, etc. should be avoided during pregnancy.
What shampoos should I avoid while pregnant?
While pregnant, avoid shampoos containing ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, methylisothiazolinone, etc.
What shampoo is safe for pregnancy?
Hypoallergenic shampoos that have a non-toxic formulation and are made without harmful chemicals like phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate, synthetic fragrances, parabens, etc., are safe for use during pregnancy. Chemicals are quite common in shampoos and cannot absolutely be avoided. So, try to limit the use of chemical-based shampoos to a maximum of once a week.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Oyendrila Kanjilal, is a certified skin care coach who has plenty of beauty tips at her disposal. She knows the pregnancy glow gets affected by sensitive and vulnerable skin and has found the perfect solution. She compiled this list of body wash products for pregnancy after conducting extensive research and reviewing user feedback of the products.
