Pregnancy can lead to a variety of skin changes due to hormonal fluctuations and increased hydration needs. Issues like melasma, eczema, acne, and heightened skin sensitivity, along with itchy skin and stretch marks, are common. Choosing the right body wash during pregnancy is crucial for maintaining healthy and hydrated skin. Additionally, avoiding certain ingredients that could be harmful or irritating is essential.
To help you navigate the options, we consulted experts, reviewed scientific literature, and assessed numerous products. Our top picks include only those with pregnancy-safe ingredients, and this article has been reviewed by a board-certified dermatologist to ensure accuracy.
What Skincare Ingredients Are Safe During Pregnancy?
Safe Ingredients:
Shea Butter: A moisturizing oil from shea nuts, safe with no known allergy risk.
Coconut Oil: Moisturizes and enhances the skin barrier.
Oat Extract: Alleviates dry, itchy skin.
Aloe Vera: Soothes acne and burns.
Ceramides: Fats that retain moisture, protect against environmental damage, and promote anti-aging.
Ingredients to Avoid:
Retinoids: Reduce acne and wrinkles. Some types, like adapalene, may be safe under physician supervision.
Retinol: Improves skin tone, pigment, and texture, but should generally be avoided.
Potentially Dangerous Ingredients:
Parabens: Prevent the growth of bacteria and mold, but can disrupt hormones.
Phthalates: Used to make plastics more durable, associated with adverse birth outcomes.
Potentially Allergenic Ingredients:
Cocamidopropyl Betaine: An organic compound from coconut oil, can cause contact dermatitis due to impurities.
Formaldehyde Donors: Release formaldehyde to preserve product shelf life, potentially causing allergic reactions and increased risk of miscarriage with occupational exposure.
Our Favorite Pregnancy-Safe Body Washes
Best Overall: CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash
Why We Like It: Hydrating and gentle, contains ceramides 1, 3, and 6-11. Recommended by Dr. Penzi for its ability to protect and maintain the skin barrier.
But Take Note: Contains cocamidopropyl betaine, which can cause irritation if not fully rinsed off.
Details: Fragrance-free, key ingredients: ceramides 1, 3, and 6-11, size: 10 oz.
Best Foaming: Dove Beauty Instant Foaming Sensitive Skin Body Wash
Why We Like It: Gentle and hypoallergenic, yet effective at removing up to 99% of bacteria. Phthalate- and sulfate-free.
But Take Note: Has a light floral scent and contains cocamidopropyl betaine.
Details: Fragrance: floral, key ingredients: benzalkonium chloride 0.13%, size: 13.5 oz.
Best for Itchy Skin: Alba Botanica Very Emollient Coconut Rescue Body Wash
Why We Like It: Contains organic unrefined coconut oil, which is rich in antioxidants and improves hydration and elasticity. Hypoallergenic and free from parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and sulfates.
But Take Note: Has a characteristic coconut scent.
Details: Fragrance: coconut, key ingredients: organic, unrefined coconut oil, size: 32 oz.
Best for Acne: The Honest Company Mama’s Gotta Glow Face & Body Wash
Why We Like It: Helps clarify and exfoliate skin without harmful ingredients like beta-hydroxy acid, retinols, benzoyl peroxide, or salicylic acid. Contains safe ingredients like apple alpha hydroxy acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, and amino acids.
But Take Note: Has a peculiar scent despite being fragrance-free.
Details: Fragrance-free, key ingredients: apple alpha hydroxy acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, amino acid, size: 8 oz.
Best Vegan: Jason Calming Lavender Body Wash
Why We Like It: Certified cruelty-free, contains vitamins E and B5, and has a soothing lavender scent. Free from parabens, phthalates, and petrolatum.
But Take Note: Contains cocamidopropyl betaine.
Details: Fragrance: lavender, key ingredients: lavender extract, marigold extract, aloe vera, calendula, chamomile extract, avocado oil, apricot kernel oil, size: 30 oz.
Best Moisturizing: Method Simply Nourish Body Wash
Why We Like It: Contains shea butter, rice bran, and coconut oil for hydration and skin protection. Plant-based and biodegradable, in a bottle made with over 50% recycled plastic.
But Take Note: Contains cocamidopropyl betaine.
Details: Fragrance: coconut, key ingredients: rice bran, coconut oil, shea butter extract, size: 18 oz.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Vanicream Body Wash
Why We Like It: Soap-free and free from dyes, fragrance, lanolin, parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde releases, botanical extracts, sulfates, cocamidopropyl betaine, and gluten. Contains coco-glucoside for gentle cleansing.
But Take Note: Has a thin, creamy consistency.
Details: Fragrance-free, key ingredients: coco-glucoside, sodium cocoyl isethionate, size: 12 oz.
Best Natural: Native Body Wash
Why We Like It: Made with only nine natural ingredients derived from coconut oil, salt, or food-grade acids. Light coconut and vanilla scent.
But Take Note: Contains cocamidopropyl betaine.
Details: Fragrance: coconut and vanilla, key ingredients: sodium cocoyl isethionate, food-grade salt and acid, coconut and vanilla fragrance, size: 18 oz. or 36 oz.
Best Fragrance-Free: The Honest Company 2-in-1 Cleansing Shampoo + Body Wash
Why We Like It: Hypoallergenic and tear-free, containing calendula, coconut oil, chamomile, aloe vera, jojoba, and quinoa extract. Free from dyes, synthetic fragrances, parabens, phthalates, and formaldehyde donors.
But Take Note: May not foam as much when used as shampoo due to the absence of sodium lauryl sulfate.
Details: Fragrance-free, key ingredients: calendula, coconut oil, chamomile, aloe vera, jojoba protein, and quinoa extract, size: 10 oz.
Best for Rashes: Aveeno Restorative Skin Therapy Body Wash
Why We Like It: Formulated with at flour and oat extract to relieve itching and irritation and reduce inflammation. Contains aloe vera and pro-vitamin B5.
But Take Note: Contains cocamidopropyl betaine.
Details: Fragrance-free, key ingredients: oat flour, oat extract, aloe vera, pro-vitamin B5, size: 18 oz.
Best for Dry Skin: Mustela Organic Cleansing Gel
Why We Like It: Hypoallergenic and made with organic and vegan ingredients like aloe vera and olive oil. Free of parabens and phthalates.
Details: Fragrance: olive oil, key ingredients: aloe vera, olive oil, size: 8 oz.
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