best moisturizer for pregnancy?

The 14 Best Skin-Care Products to Use While Pregnant (and Nursing)

While preparing for the birth of your child is an overwhelmingly joyous occasion, being pregnant does come with more than a handful of inconveniences, including having to give up certain foods (sushi, cold cuts, wine) and activities (high-intensity and high-impact workouts). Pregnant women also have to be careful about what they put on their skin, as products containing potent acne-fighting ingredients — like prescription retinoids, over-the-counter retinols, hydroquinone, benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid, to name a few — are not safe during pregnancy.

This, understandably, can come as bad news to moms-to-be with acne and other skin conditions that pregnancy can often make even worse. What | s more, some of these ingredients should still be avoided even after giving birth — especially if you | re breastfeeding, since topicals like retinoids can be absorbed into the skin then excreted into breast milk or simply transferred to a baby | s skin upon contact. But the data on lactating mothers is limited, so it can be confusing to know exactly what is or isn | t safe to use while breastfeeding.

To help you navigate what is already a stressful time, we spoke to eight dermatologists about what ingredients to absolutely avoid during pregnancy (and breastfeeding), alternative ingredients to look for, and the best products expectant mothers can use to tackle problems like acne, dry skin, dark spots, and more. But before using any, Dr. Jennifer MacGregor of Union Square Dermatology says that it | s best practice to “get a recommendation from your dermatologist and check with your OB before trying to conceive or as soon as you find out you are pregnant.” The same goes for once the baby has arrived: If you have any questions about the safety of any new product, speak to your doctor and pediatrician before trying it.

Best overall product to treat acne | Best acne cream to treat acne | Best blemish patches to treat acne | Best hydrating serum | Best less-expensive hydrating serum | Best serum to treat acne | Best serum for brightening dark spots | Best less-expensive serum for brightening dark spots | Best cleanser | Best less-expensive cleanser| Best overall moisturizer | Best brightening moisturizer | Best oil | Best sunscreen
What we | re looking for

Active ingredients: Unfortunately, retinoids (and retinols), the vitamin A–derived ingredient that works wonders on both acne and fine lines by promoting skin-cell turnover, are considered unsafe to use during pregnancy. “Those molecules have pretty good data showing that they can affect embryo development in the first trimester,” says Dr. Abigail Waldman of Mohs and Dermatologic Center at Brigham and Women | s Hospital. “Even though most of the studies were done when the medication is taken orally, we believe that it is absolutely contraindicated to use any cream or lotion with those ingredients, at least during the first trimester. But I generally say avoid it during all of pregnancy.” For breastfeeding moms, the data is less clear, but the dermatologists we spoke to generally agree that it | s best to avoid oral or topical retinoids and retinols during lactation, too. According to Waldman, “There are no data studying it in lactating mothers and in breast milk, so it | s kind of one of those unknowns. I generally recommend not using it when breastfeeding.” Instead, the dermatologists we spoke to recommend using milder acids like azelaic and glycolic, which are more gentle and generally safe. They also recommend vitamin C. Vitamin C is an effective ingredient that can also take the place of retinoids when it comes to treating dark spots and general skin-tone issues while pregnant or breastfeeding, according to Waldman and Dr. Michelle Park of Washington Square Dermatology. “Used in conjunction with sunscreen” — more on that below — “vitamin C not only has properties that boost collagen production and has a retinoid-like effect but also works as an antioxidant that helps fight sun damage,” Park explains.

Price point: In case price is a consideration, we | ve noted how much you | re getting with each product as well as the cost per ounce.
Best overall product to treat acne during pregnancy
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
$10 now 23% off
$8

Azelaic acid | 1 ounce ($10/ounce)

So how should pregnant women address acne if many go-to products contain retinoids and salicylic acids (another ingredient to avoid during pregnancy)? All eight of our experts recommend using azelaic acid, a topical also used to treat rosacea, that works by killing bacteria found in pores and decreasing the body | s production of keratin. Park says azelaic acid makes a fantastic substitute for retinols. “It | s my favorite topical acne treatment to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding,” she says. “It helps clear redness and acne, as well as decrease pigment production, so it helps with the dark marks that acne can leave behind.” MacGregor agrees, noting that “azelaic acid has a subtle brightening effect.” Although typically prescribed by doctors (under the name Finacea, for example), azelaic acid can be found over the counter, including in this creamy formula from The Ordinary that came specifically recommended by Park.
$8 at The Ordinary
$10 at Ulta Beauty
Best acne cream to treat acne during pregnancy
Acnomel Adult Acne Medication Cream
Acnomel Adult Acne Medication Cream
$10
Buy at Bed Bath & Beyond
$13 at Amazon

Resorcinol, sulfur | 1 ounce ($10/ounce)

In addition to azelaic acid, New York City–based dermatologist Dr. Cybele Fishman says that pregnant women can use “topical erythromycin (prescription) and all over-the-counter topical sulfur, zinc, and niacinamide treatments.” From the latter category of over-the-counter products, Fishman recommends the sulfur-based acne medication, Acnomel. (Park; Dr. Nava Greenfield of Brooklyn | s Schweiger Dermatology Group; and Dr. Yoon-Soo Cindy Bae, a clinical assistant professor at New York University who also works at the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of New York, also agree that sulfur-based products are safe to use to treat acne while pregnant or breastfeeding.)
Best blemish patches to treat acne during pregnancy
Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Original Acne Patches
Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Original Acne Patches
$11

Hydrocolloid | 36 patches ($0.36/patch)

These hydrocolloid patches from Hero Cosmetics are safe to use too, and are a favorite of dermatologist and founder of Tone Dermatology Dr. Caroline Robinson who says they promote post-blemish healing.
$11 at Target
$13 for 36 at Amazon
Best hydrating serum
SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel
SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel
$86
Buy at Dermstore
$86 at SkinCeuticals

Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 | 1 ounce ($83/ounce)

Those who can get extremely dry skin know that sometimes a moisturizer alone won | t deliver all the hydration you need. In instances when “a topical moisturizer isn | t cutting it, you can use a hydrating serum in conjunction with the moisturizer,” Park says. For quenching super thirsty skin while pregnant or breastfeeding, she recommends SkinCeuticals | s Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier or the Hydrating B5 Gel (which also contains hyaluronic acid).
Best less-expensive hydrating serum
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
$8

Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 | 1 ounce ($7/ounce)

For a more affordable serum with hyaluronic acid to use on extra dry skin during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, Park recommends The Ordinary | s HA with B5 (another product that Rio also swears by).
$8 at Sephora
$8 at Ulta Beauty
Best serum to treat acne during pregnancy
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
$7

Niacinamide, zinc | 1 ounce ($6/ounce)

In addition to azelaic acid, Fishman says that pregnant women can use “topical erythromycin (prescription) and all over-the-counter topical sulfur, zinc, and niacinamide treatments.” From the latter category of over-the-counter products, Fishman recommends the sulfur-based acne medication, Acnomel, as well as The Ordinary | s niacinamide and zinc blemish treatment. (Park; Dr. Nava Greenfield of Brooklyn | s Schweiger Dermatology Group; and Dr. Yoon-Soo Cindy Bae, a clinical assistant professor at New York University who also works at the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of New York, also agree that sulfur-based products are safe to use to treat acne while pregnant or breastfeeding.)
$7 at Sephora
$9 at The Ordinary
Best serum for brightening dark spots during pregnancy
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
Strategist Tested
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
$169

Vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid| 1 ounce ($169/ounce)

Of all the vitamin C formulas out there, Park told us she trusts one above the rest: “I always stick with Skinceuticals CE Ferulic acid for its efficacy and the research they have put into their product.” Bae also recommends Skinceuticals | vitamin C serum for hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and discoloration. And, to further support its worthiness, we should note that this took the title of best overall vitamin C serum when we talked to dermatologists about their favorites.
$169 at Dermstore
$169 at SkinCeuticals
Best less-expensive serum for brightening dark spots during pregnancy
Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum
Best Seller
Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum
$70
$78 now 10% off
Buy at Amazon
$78 at Sephora

Ferulic acid, ascorbic acid | 1 ounce ($78/ounce)

Skinceuticals CE Ferulic may be prohibitively expensive if you | re trying to save money for all the other things you need for your newborn. But Park says, “For about half the price, you can try Drunk Elephant | s Vitamin C.” She adds that “The Ordinary also has a low-cost option.” (Maelove | s Glow Maker is another dermatologist-approved vitamin C serum that would make for a budget-friendly alternative to the one from Skinceuticals.)
Best cleansers for pregnant women
Best cleanser for pregnancy
Glytone Mild Gel Cleanser
Glytone Mild Gel Cleanser
$33

Glycolic acid | 6.7 ounces ($5/ounce)

Cleansers can be effective for treating skin issues like acne and hyperpigmentation — you | ll just want to leave them on the skin for at least 60 seconds so actives like glycolic acid have time to interact with skin. While many acids need to be used sparingly during pregnancy, glycolic acid is relatively low-risk and thus safe for skin. Dermatologist Dr. Janklow Libby says a concentration of less than ten percent falls within the okay-to-use range, and helps to exfoliate, speed up cell turnover, and treat and prevent acne. Libby likes glycolic acids in face wash form, which she describes as “short contact therapy” — meaning it only spends a limited amount of time on the skin as opposed to a serum or moisturizer, which doesn | t wash off. Her favorite product for this is the Glytone Mild Cleanser. She recommends applying it in the shower and leaving it on for a minute or two before rinsing.
$33 at Amazon
$33 at Dermstore
Best less-expensive cleanser for pregnancy
Neutrogena Skin Balancing Gel Cleanser
Neutrogena Skin Balancing Gel Cleanser
$9

Polyhydroxy acid | 6.3 ounces ($1.38/ounce)

PHAs (or polyhydroxy acid) are also safe to use. “PHAs are different from other acids like AHAs or BHAs because all skin types can benefit from them,” says Robinson. “They are both an exfoliant and a humectant so they leave the skin balanced and never stripped.” PHA molecules are also larger than AHAs and BHAs, so they don | t penetrate as deeply and tend to be less irritating. Robinson likes this cleanser from Neutrogena, which has a PHA concentration of two percent and a gel-texture consistency.
$9 at Amazon
$11 at Ulta Beauty
Best overall moisturizer during pregnancy
Neutrogena Hydro Boost
Neutrogena Hydro Boost
$20

Hyaluronic acid | 1.7 ounces ($11/ounce)

“If you | re looking for a face moisturizer, I would recommend products that contain hyaluronic acid, which is incredibly hydrating and will plump the skin,” says Park, who adds that “hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in our body | s tissues that | s naturally there anyway, so it | s not like introducing a foreign chemical.” (Other acids, however — including some alpha hydroxy acids/AHAs and beta hydroxy acids/BHAs — should either be avoided or used sparingly, according to most of the pros we talked to.) Neutrogena | s gel-cream is Park | s (and, incidentally, our beauty hobbyist Buzz Bissinger | s) go-to pick for an affordable moisturizer that gets the job done. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, she says “it has a lot of benefits, including moisturizing and fighting fine lines,” adding that “it | s just an overall great moisturizer.”
$20 at Amazon
$22 at Target
Best brightening moisturizer for pregnancy
Glytone Enhance Brightening Complex
Glytone Enhance Brightening Complex
$74

Glycolic acid | 1 ounce ($67/ounce)

AHAs and BHAs are both popular types of skin brighteners and exfoliants that can be found in moisturizers, but, according to MacGregor, “they disrupt the skin barrier and enhance penetration of other topicals, including untested substances.” She and another dermatologist we spoke to say its best to generally avoid moisturizers with AHAs and BHAs (which include salicylic acid) if pregnant or breastfeeding. But others, including Fishman and Dr. Shinjita Das at Massachusetts General Hospital, say there are some topical acids — including glycolic, lactic, malic, and mandelic — that are considered low-risk and okay to use (though Das warns to avoid letting a baby | s skin touch any areas where they may be applied). This moisturizing face cream, recommended by Park, contains azelaic acid and glycolic acid, both of which, she says, will “help with acne but also to even out skin tone.”
$74 at Amazon
$74 at Dermstore
Best oil during pregnancy
Bio-Oil Skincare Oil
Bio-Oil Skincare Oil
$13
$16 now 19% off

Vitamin E, vitamin A| 4.2 ounces ($3.8/ounce)
$13 at Amazon
$22 at Ulta Beauty
Best sunscreen to use during pregnancy
EltaMD UV Pure Broad-Spectrum SPF 47 (4 oz.)
EltaMD UV Pure Broad-Spectrum SPF 47 (4 oz.)
$30

Zinc oxide | 4 ounces ($7.5/ounce)

In addition to using the above products, the dermatologists we spoke with also noted that keeping out of direct sunlight — or regularly using a mineral sunscreen (or a moisturizer with SPF) if you | re exposed to it — will help keep skin issues at bay while pregnant or breastfeeding. In fact, Greenfield told us that “strict sun avoidance” is one of the most important thingsks you can do to prevent hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and discoloration. That means wearing “protective clothing, a hat, and a broad spectrum mineral/physical sunscreen such as EltaMD Pure.” The brand is generally beloved by derms (it took the top spot in our list of best sunscreens for face), and MacGregor notes that EltaMD | s tinted sunscreens with SPF 41 or SPF 44 are a good option if you | re looking for one that functions more like a tinted moisturizer. Park, Nagler, and Waldman also stress using a mineral sunscreen (which typically contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as their main active ingredients) over a chemical one, as mineral formulations sit on the surface of skin to block UV rays, where chemical ones seep into skin and suck UV rays in before reflecting them.