12 Best Face Washes For Pregnancy – Safe And Effective – 2023
During pregnancy, treat your skin with organically-safe and non-toxic formulations.
Dr. Anna H. ChaconMD, FAAD
Expertise: Dermatology
Experience: 9 years
Dr. Anna Chacon is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology with over 9 years of experience. She enjoys practicing all aspects of dermatology and is licensed to practice in 49 states. She i... more
Oyendrila Kanjilal Certified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 2 years
Oyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skincare coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience, ... more
Image: Shutterstock
Hormonal changes are quite common during pregnancy. Some might experience glowy skin, while some may experience dull skin. Keeping the skin fresh and glowing is necessary to eliminate tired looks, and thus, the best face wash for pregnancy comes into the picture. Ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, parabens, formaldehyde, DEA, and phthalates are harmful, especially for pregnant skin. So, pick a face wash that is free from harmful nasty chemicals and is gentle on your skin.
In this article, you will find the 12 best face washes suitable for pregnant skin. Check them out. Keep scrolling!
In This Article
12 Best Face Washes For Pregnant Women
Best For Sensitive Skin:CeraVe Hydrating Face Wash
Image: Cerave
The CeraVe Hydrating Face Wash is free of harsh and toxic chemicals. It is formulated with three ceramides – 1, 3, and 6II. All three cleanse, clear, hydrate, and restore the skin’s protective barrier. They do not strip the skin of its natural moisture. The hyaluronic acid helps keep the skin plump and smoothens out all fine lines and wrinkles. It tightens the skin without making it feel over-stretched or dry. It is non-comedogenic, non-irritating, gentle on the skin, paraben-free, and fragrance-free. It is suitable for sensitive skin.
Pros- Hyaluronic acid helps keep the skin plump.
- Developed with dermatologists
- MVE delivery technology helps lock moisture.
- Cleanses and hydrates
- Does not strip the skin of its natural oils
- Not over-drying
- Restores the skin’s protective barrier
- Makes the skin soft and look fresh
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Non-comedogenic
- Non-irritating
- Gentle on the skin
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Affordable
Cons
- May not remove makeup completely
Pro TipBest For Skin Nourishment:InstaNatural Vitamin C Cleanser
The InstaNatural Vitamin C Cleanser is formulated with powerful antioxidants like vitamin C and green tea and hydrating agents like aloe vera. Vitamin C helps unclog the pores and removes dirt and gunk. It protects the skin from blemishes and breakouts. Aloe vera nourishes the skin and makes it soft and supple. The cleanser penetrates into the skin layers to remove impurities. It soothing oils boost hydration. Its sugarcane extract helps reduce the visible signs of aging. It leaves the skin feeling fresh, clean, and bright. Click on the video to know all about the InstaNatural Vitamin C Cleanser.
Pros- Gentle on the skin
- Aloe vera nourishes the skin.
- Not too drying
- Soothing oils boost hydration.
- Reduces signs of aging
- Paraben-free
- SLS-free
- PEG/DEA/TEA-free
- Artificial color-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Cruelty-free
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Not suitable for very sensitive skin.
Best For Moisture Renewal:EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser
The EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser is a gentle, oil-free, and dermatologist-recommended face wash. It contains important enzymes and amino acids. It removes makeup, dirt, pollution, and excess oil. The thick, rich, and foamy texture feels soft and gentle on the skin. This gentle face wash has micro massaging oxygen bubbles. These cleanse and rebalance the skin moisture without compromising the skin barrier. The pineapple enzyme helps reduce inflammation and removes dead skin cells. The cleanser is safe to be used on sensitive skin. It leaves your skin feeling fresh, clean, bright, soft, and rejuvenated. To know how to apply the eltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser, watch this video.
Pros- Micro massaging oxygen bubbles clean and rebalance the skin moisture.
- Gentle face wash
- Seals moisture
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Safe to use on sensitive skin
- Non-irritating
- Pump dispenser for easy use
Cons
- Expensive
Best For Gentle Exfoliation:Mederma AG Hydrating Facial Cleanser
The Mederma AG Hydrating Facial Cleanser gently removes dirt and impurities while exfoliating the dead skin layer. It is a hydrating cleanser that leaves the skin feeling refreshed, soft, and clean. It has a foamy, soft texture and helps balance the skin pH without stripping the natural skin oils. This safe face wash is non-comedogenic, soap-free, non-irritating, hypoallergenic, and is dermatologist-recommended. It can also be used to shave the underarms and bikini lines.
Pros
- Glycolic acid gently exfoliates the skin.
- Hydrates the skin
- Balances the skin pH
- Does not strip the natural skin oils
- Non-comedogenic
- Soap-free
- Non-irritating
- Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Can be used to shave the underarms and bikini lines
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
None
Pro Tip5. Best Anti-Aging Benefits:Aleavia Purifying Organic Facial Cleanser
Best For Gentle Exfoliation:Mederma AG Hydrating Facial Cleanser
The Aleavia Purifying Organic Facial Cleanser is formulated with 100% natural and organic aloe vera. It cleanses the skin and removes impurities while keeping the skin hydrated. It helps maintain the optimum skin pH. Its prebiotics reduce the risk of skin infections, reduce the signs of aging, and exfoliate and nourish the skin. The cleanser leaves the skin feeling fresh and soft with a healthy glow. It helps clear acne and acne scars, alleviates rosacea, lightens sun spots, reduces fine lines, plumps the skin, and reduces pigmentation. It is paraben-free, non-toxic, non-GMO, free of dyes and fragrances, and vegan.
Pros- Formulated with 100% natural and organic aloe vera
- Keeps the skin hydrated
- Maintains the optimum skin pH
- Prebiotics reduce the risk of skin infections.
- Reduces the signs of aging
- Exfoliates the skin
- Helps clear acne and acne scars
- Alleviates rosacea
- Lightens sunspots
- Reduces fine lines
- Plumps the skin
- Reduces pigmentation
- Paraben-free
- Non-toxic
- Non-GMO
- Free of dyes and fragrances
- Vegan
Cons
- May not suit sensitive skin
6. Best For Large Pores:Christina Moss Naturals Organic Facial Wash
The Christina Moss Naturals Organic Facial Wash is free of harsh chemicals. It gently cleanses your skin and removes all build-up without drying the skin or stripping the skin of its natural oils. It is formulated with a rich blend of organic ingredients like olive oil, sunflower seed oil, shea butter, aloe vera juice, coconut oil, and rosemary essential oil. These ingredients hydrate and nourish the skin. They protect the skin from sun damage, reduce acne and breakouts, fight skin inflammation, soothe the skin, and seal moisture. The facial wash leaves the skin feeling healthy and soft by unclogging the pores and clearing the skin of all dirt and excess oil. It is paraben-free, sulfate-free, artificial dye- and fragrance-free, and chemical preservative-free.
Pros
- Unclogs the pores
- Removes all build-up without stripping or drying the skin
- Hydrates and nourishes the skin
- Protects the skin from sun damage
- Has an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin
- Seals moisture
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Artificial dye- and fragrance-free
- Chemical preservative-free
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive, acne-prone skin
Quick TipBest Oil-Free Formula:La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
The La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser is oil-free. It helps remove dirt, excess oil, pollutants, and impurities. It is infused with skin-healing ceramide-3, prebiotic thermal water, glycerine, and niacinamide. It has a creamy texture and helps retain the skin’s natural moisture. It maintains the skin’s natural pH and protective barrier. It hydrates and soothes the skin and removes residue from clogged pores.
This dermatologist-tested French drugstore face wash is among the best pregnancy-safe face washes. It is paraben-free, soap-free, sulfate-free, non-comedogenic, allergy-tested, fragrance-free, oil-free, and tested on sensitive skin. Take a look at the YouTube video to know in detail about the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser.
Pros- Clears the clogged pores
- Oil-free
- Hydrates and soothes the skin
- Maintains the skin’s natural pH and protective barrier
- Paraben-free
- Soap-free
- Sulfate-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Allergy-tested
- Fragrance-free
- Tested on sensitive skin
- Affordable
Cons
- May not foam
- Does not have a creamy texture
- Not suitable for skin with rosacea
Best Hypoallergenic:Alba Botanica Hawaiian Facial Cleanser
The Alba Botanica Hawaiian Facial Cleanser is a pore-purifying pineapple enzyme face wash. It is made of 100% vegetarian ingredients and cleanses the skin without stripping off the natural skin oils. It is suitable for sensitive skin. It plumps the skin and leaves it feeling clean, fresh, and soft. It is hypoallergenic and is paraben-free, phthalate-free, and is not tested on animals.
Pros- Soothes the skin
- Clears the clogged pores
- Hydrates the skin
- Seals moisture
- Hypoallergenic
- Plumps the skin
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- May not suit oily skin
Best For Hormonal Acne:Belli Anti-Blemish Facial Wash
The Belli Anti-Blemish Facial Wash is formulated with lemon peel, green tea, olive oil, cucumber, camellia, and lactic acid. It is an acne-fighting face wash that prevents hormonal breakouts. Its antioxidants protect the skin from infections, sun damage, and inflammation. It gently exfoliates the skin too. It helps maintain a healthy glow during pregnancy. This face wash does not over-dry the skin. It helps unclog the pores, plumps the skin, and adds a healthy, natural glow to it. It is paraben-free, salicylic acid-free, benzoyl peroxide-free, phthalate-free, gluten-free, fragrance-free, and artificial dye-free.
Pros- Fights hormonal acne
- Antioxidants protect the skin from infections, sun damage, and inflammation
- Gently exfoliates skin
- Helps maintain a healthy glow during pregnancy
- Unclogs the pores
- Plumps the skin
- Paraben-free
- Salicylic acid-free
- Benzoyl peroxide-free
- Phthalate-free
- Gluten-free
- Fragrance-free
- Artificial dye-free
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Acne-fighting action may vary from person to person
Best Non-Comedogenic:Aveeno Positively Radiant Hydrating Facial Cleanser
The Aveeno Positively Radiant Hydrating Facial Cleanser is formulated with soy and kiwi complex. The micellar gel-formula is dermatologist-recommended. It draws out all the dirt, pollution, and impurities. It keeps the skin hydrated while washing away excess oils and rejuvenates dull skin. It leaves the skin feeling soft, smooth, and dewy. It gives the skin a natural glow that looks lit-from-within. It is non-comedogenic, paraben-free, sulfate-free, and phthalate-free.
Pros- Micellar gel-formula draws out all the dirt, pollution, and impurities
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Hydrates the skin
- Non-comedogenic
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
Cons
- May not suit people with a soy allergy
Best For Skin Inflammations:Bella B Foaming Face Wash
The Bella B Foaming Face Wash is formulated with pharmaceutical-grade tea tree oil. Its shea butter and aloe vera hydrate and soothe the skin and reduce inflammation. The organic acai berry, pomegranate, and green tea are powerful antioxidants that protect the skin from sun damage and microbes. This foaming face wash for pregnant women washes off excess oil, removes dirt from clogged pores, and is hypoallergenic. It is free of parabens, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and alpha hydroxy acids.
Pros
- Hydrates and soothes the skin
- Reduces inflammation
- Organic acai berry, pomegranate, and green tea antioxidants protect the skin from sun damage and microbes
- Hypoallergenic
- Paraben-free
- Salicylic acid-free
- Benzoyl peroxide-free
- Alpha hydroxy acid-free
- Affordable
Cons
- May not suit sensitive skin
Best For Rosacea:Visha Skincare Advanced Purifying Cleanser
The Visha Skincare Advanced Purifying Cleanser is a gentle facial cleanser that contains zinc with mild alpha and beta acids. These help decrease inflammation and restore the skin’s natural glow. This pregnancy-safe face wash effectively cleanses and exfoliates skin, unclogs pores, and reduces redness. It gently cleanses the skin of impurities and environmental pollutants. This facial cleanser reduces skin irritation, rosacea, and dermatitis. It also helps balance the skin’s pH. It is suitable for sensitive skin as well.
Pros- Decreases inflammation
- Restores the skin’s natural glow
- Exfoliates the skin
- Unclogs pores
- Reduces redness
- Balance the skin’s pH
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Reduces skin irritation, rosacea, and dermatitis
Cons
- Expensive
These are the twelve face washes you may choose from. In addition to a face wash, having a skincare regimen with safe products helps. Here’s how to take care of your skin during pregnancy.
How To Take Care Of Your Skin During Pregnancy?
- Wash your face with a gentle and safe cleanser.
- Use a toner to clean all the residue and balance the skin’s pH.
- Use a chemical or physical exfoliant once a week to remove dry and dead skin. Wash off with lukewarm water.
- Apply a nourishing mask or a sheet mask twice a week.
- Apply a moisturizer after cleansing and toning every day.
Dr. Anna Chacon, certified dermatologist, says, “While most facials are entirely safe during pregnancy, retinoids and heavy dosages of salicylic acid should be avoided anywhere on your body. Other forms of peels including microdermabrasion might be particularly harsh on pregnant skin.”
The following section can help you make a better purchase decision.
Things To Consider While Buying Pregnancy-Safe Face Washes
- Ingredients – Avoid face washes that contain salicylic acid, parabens, DEA, benzoyl peroxide, phthalates, sulfates, formaldehyde, retinol, and retinoid in all forms.
- Action – Choose gentle facial cleansers that do not strip the skin of its natural oils.
- Texture – Choose foaming, soft, and creamy cleansers. Their texture feels good on the skin and is mostly hydrating for the skin.
- Hypoallergenic – Avoid cleansers that can irritate your skin or ingredients that you are allergic to.
Infographic: Ingredients To Avoid In A Face Wash During Pregnancy
Hormonal changes during pregnancy may cause dull skin and acne. Avoid this by eating healthy and following a skin care regimen that can help reduce hormonal acne. It is also very important to stay away from harmful chemical-laden products during pregnancy. The infographic below will guide you through all the ingredients to avoid during pregnancy. Check it out! Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
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Download Infographic
Hormonal changes during pregnancy may cause dull skin and acne. A woman’s skin during pregnancy can be extra delicate, and harsh chemicals may cause breakouts and other reactions. Avoid this by keeping your skin healthy by eating healthy, exercising regularly, and following a skincare regimen that can help reduce hormonal acne. It is also very important to stay away from harmful chemical-laden products during pregnancy. Hence, the listed products are hypoallergenic, sulfate-free, paraben-free, and balance the skin’s pH levels.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Oyendrila Kanjilal, is a certified skin care coach and stresses the need for pregnant women to use safe products during the term to avoid undesirable effects. She has extensively researched face washes ideal for pregnant women and skimmed through hundreds of reviews posted by users on different online platforms for this article. So, the face washes listed above are free from harmful ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, parabens, formaldehyde, DEA, and phthalates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a simple face wash safe during pregnancy?
No. It is recommended to use a face wash that does not contain salicylic acid, parabens, DEA, benzoyl peroxide, phthalates, sulfates, formaldehyde, retinol, and retinoid in all forms.
How often should pregnancy face wash be used?
Use a pregnancy face wash twice every day.
Can pregnancy face wash help treat acne and redness of skin?
Yes, pregnancy-safe face wash can help reduce skin redness and acne.
Is it really important to use a pregnancy face wash?
Yes, you must have a skincare regimen, especially if you are prone to breaking out due to hormonal changes.
What skincare products should be avoided during pregnancy?
Avoid all skincare products that contain salicylic acid, parabens, DEA, benzoyl peroxide, phthalates, sulfates, formaldehyde, retinol, and retinoid in all forms.
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