Are you looking for makeup removing cleansing gel that is free from harsh chemicals? I carefully studied ingredients list of 25+ facial cleansers and found 7 that are perfectly safe for sensitive skin and can be used during pregnancy! Read on to see which of these best pregnancy-safe face washes is the right choice for your skin type.
Article by Jessica Pierce – Registered Nurse & Nationally Registered Paramedic
A positive pregnancy test might come with happy tears and excitement, but there’s plenty of other, more difficult emotions that might arise when you get the news. How difficult will this pregnancy be? Do I have what it takes to be a mom? How will I keep my baby safe?
Pregnancy truly changes everything. In addition to the obvious things you’ll now need to avoid like smoking and alcohol, a lot of other things you might be used to putting in or on your body are no longer safe for the little one growing inside.
Choosing skincare products during pregnancy can feel extraordinarily daunting, especially since a lot of so-called “pregnancy-safe ingredients” might not actually be safe for growing fetus.
Don’t worry too much though, mama – I’ve got you covered! Keep reading for a list of some of my favorite pregnancy-safe face washes (not only for acne, but for all skin types and also for makeup removal!).
This article is not a substitute for medical advice.
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Best Pregnancy Safe Face Washes & Cleansers
The results are in – here is a listing of some of the very best pregnancy safe facial washes and pregnancy skin care products according to both the experts and pregnant moms.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed while trying to choose a pregnancy face wash, that is effective at removing makeup, heavy and long-wear cosmetics, dirt and other impurities, this is a perfect place to start. I promise I only recommend products I use myself!
1. Mad Hippie Cream Cleanser
The Mad Hippie brand is a favorite of skin-conscious mamas and clean beauty enthusiasts alike. This gentle cleanser presents with a creamy texture and touts jojoba, green tea, macadamia oil, and orchid extract as its key ingredients.
Why Moms Love It
Moms rave about the moisturizing effects of this gentle face wash. They say it’s absolutely fantastic for sensitive skin and dry skin as well. Tons of moms use this product to remove makeup.
Speaking from my own experience, this facial cleanser is really good at removing heavy makeup (including water-proof eyeliner!), plus it leaves your skin hydrated and bouncy. It’s also very gentle on blemishes and wounds (no burning sensation).
Keep In Mind
Several reviews mention difficulties with getting the pumps on the bottles to work. This product also comes in a glass bottle, so make sure you store it somewhere it won’t accidentally get knocked over!
2. MANYO FACTORY Pure Cleansing Oil Korean Facial Cleanser
This soap free oil unclogs pores and reduces pore congestion to restore your beautiful pregnancy glow. Designed for all skin types, argan oil, olive oil, fermented rice, and Vitamin E leave skin feeling soft and can even help treat acne.
Why Moms Love It
Moms using this product gush about how it balances natural skin oils and leaves dull skin feeling fresh without excess oil buildup. They love that the gentle cleanser is made with all natural oils and keeps skin soft without aggravating acne prone skin.
Moms with dry skin can’t seem to get enough of this product. The fact that it’s soap free is a huge plus for those looking for a soothing and moisturizing face wash.
| PRO TIP: If breakouts and blemishes are among your less than desired pregnancy symptoms, this face wash is one of the best pregnancy acne treatments out there and help to treat breakouts! Check out this article for more amazing non-comedogenic cleansers that are a safe bet to reduce acne during pregnancy. |
Keep In Mind
A small number of users noticed some skin irritation.
3. ACURE Seriously Soothing Cleansing Cream
This paraben free, phthalate free cleansing cream is designed for sensitive skin making it a great face wash for pregnant women as well. The gentle facial cleanser won’t disrupt the skin’s natural pH, and can calm redness due to its soothing active ingredients.
Why Moms Love It
Reviewers love the creamy texture of this skin cleanser. Moms who have been trying different cleansing gels, found Acure to have some of the best face washes for redness-prone skin.
| PRO TIP: For die-hard Acure fans, this makeup remover is a great companion to their face washes. Hyaluronic acid removes dead skin cells and makeup, and is gentle enough for all skin types. |
Keep In Mind
Although the formula is fragrance free, some users notice a mild scent that they aren’t a fan of.
4. Badger Face Cleansing Oil
Packed with essential oils, Badger’s range of facial cleanser oils are beloved by those who want their skin feeling fresh without stripping away the skin’s natural moisture. They’re also free from parabens and other nasty stuff.
Why Moms Love It
Some moms use this cleanser as a moisturizer. They love the organic, non comedogenic formula and find that it nourishes the skin’s natural glow without clogging pores or worsening pregnancy acne.
Keep In Mind
Some users complain about the fragrance of the oils. The brand originally had a fragrance free formula available, but it has since been discontinued due to low sales.
5. Cocokind Organic Facial Cleansing Oil
Made primarily with avocado and coconut oil, this skin cleanser unclogs pores without harmful ingredients or triggering skin inflammation. Lavender and tea tree essential oils reduce skin redness and leave skin hydrated and refreshed.
Why Moms Love It
Moms with sensitive skin feel like their skin does really well with this product. They also love that there aren’t any harmful chemicals in the ingredients list.
Keep In Mind
Several users note that the product is very thick and they have difficulty getting it out of the bottle.
6. Beauty By Earth Foaming Face Wash
This foam cleanser is also designed for acne prone skin. It’s made with peppermint and green tea, which can improve skin tone in those dealing with oily skin to reduce breakouts and prevent acne.
This facial wash is made with vegan, all natural ingredients and is free from harsh and toxic chemicals. As a foam cleanser it penetrates the skin barrier to remove dead skin and provide a deep and effective wash.
Why Moms Love It
This face wash is made without artificial fragrances and is phthalate free. Moms love that it contains organic ingredients and doesn’t contain harsh chemicals.
Keep In Mind
Some reviewers found the product to be irritating to their skin, even noticing a tingling or burning sensation after use. Several users with sensitive skin don’t recommend this product as it increased their skin irritation. It may be due to peppermint oil in this foam wash. Consult with your dermatologist if you’re unsure whether you can use it for your skin type.
7. THRIVE All Natural Face Wash For Sensitive Skin
This all-organic paraben free face wash is another go-to for mamas with sensitive skin. The gentle formula is designed to relieve stressed skin and combat dryness or irritation from an active lifestyle.
What’s noteworthy, this is the only cleansing gel on my list, so it has different consistency than other products (cleansing creams, oils or foam). Some women prefer this texture, as it suds nicely and it’s easy to wash off.
Why Moms Love It
Users love the gentle lather this cleanser provides, and say that it works great on oily skin.
Keep In Mind
This product contains a synthetic preservative called dehydroacetic acid. However, according to this article by EWG1 it’s safe to use during pregnancy.
What’s Up With Oil Cleaning?
As you might have noticed, quite a few of our suggested cleansers are oil-based. This might seem a bit suspicious if you deal with oil-prone skin or frequent breakouts. So what’s all the hype about?
The main concept behind oil cleaning is that “like attracts like.” You may remember trying to mix oil and water for a science experiment as a kid and finding out that you had to shake the mixture really hard, but the two ingredients still separated.
Oil cleaning works on the premise that combining the cleansing oil with the oily buildup on your skin from sweat or makeup will lift impurities off of the skin’s surface, making it easier to wash off with water.
Oil Cleaning Tips And Tricks
If you’re planning to try out one of the aforementioned oil cleansers, it’s important to note that most of these products need to be applied to dry skin.
Once you’ve applied the oil to your face, you then add water to emulsify the combined oils and rinse them down the drain. It may take one or two rinses to remove all the oil, and that’s okay!
Benefits Of Oil Cleaning
The most frequently touted benefit of oil cleaning is that when done properly it can provide a good cleansing without excessively drying out the skin of the face. This is a common problem with a lot of soaps or gels formulated for oily skin.
Instead of stripping away all of your skin’s natural oils, oil cleansing simply replaces excessive, dirty oil with a healthy amount of natural oil, that is good for your skin. Sounds luxurious, right?
If you’re dealing with dry skin during pregnancy (which is very common), cleansing oils may be just the right choice for you.
Pregnancy-Safe Face Wash – FAQ
What face washes and face wash ingredients should I avoid during pregnancy? Does “dermatologist recommended” equal pregnancy safe? Will ingredients in my face wash cross over into my bloodstream?
These are all valid questions – keep reading for the answers to some of your most burning queries about your pregnancy skin care regimen.
What Skincare Brands Are Safe For Pregnancy?
Mad Hippie, Earth Mama Organics, Acure – these are one of the best skincare brands that are safe for pregnancy.
But keep in mind it’s not so much a matter of the brand, but the active ingredient in specific product.
Look for skincare brands that are transparent about what goes into their cleansers and face washes (and other skincare products), and steer clear of harmful chemicals such as parabens and phthalates.
It may be helpful to visit a brand’s website and read about their company’s mission and vision. Many skincare brands write about their commitment to safety and ethics on their homepage.
What Face Wash Is Safe During Pregnancy?
Prime features of your best pregnancy face wash will include products that are pH balanced, phthalate and paraben free, and as all-natural as possible.
Our top paraben-free pick from the list above is the Acure Seriously Soothing Cleansing Cream.
What Ingredients To Look Out For In The Best Face Wash For Pregnancy?
Here are some “green light” ingredients to check for in your facial cleanser:
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Alpha Hydroxy Acids
An alpha hydroxy acid is a specific type of exfoliant that is the safest on skin. Lactic acid and glycolic acid are two prime examples.
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Azelaic Acid
If you’re struggling with pregnancy acne, dark spots, or skin discoloration, this is one of the few treatments that’s believed to be pregnancy safe.
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Natural Ingredients
Ingredients like coconut oil and aloe vera are sourced directly from nature and gentle on the skin. Aloe vera can even be applied directly to the skin for a soothing treatment.
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Some, But Not All, Vitamins
Pregnant women actually need more Vitamin C than usual while they’re growing a baby. Vitamin C can help to prevent a number of scary pregnancy complications like preeclampsia and restricted fetal development.
What Ingredients To Avoid In Face Washes During Pregnancy?
Here’s a list of ingredients pregnant women should steer clear of while looking for a facial cleanser:
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Retinol
Retinol is a form of Vitamin A. High concentrations of Vitamin A derivatives, or retinoids, have been linked to serious birth defects. It’s best to avoid all of these while you’re expecting!
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Parabens
Parabens have been linked to disruption of reproductive hormones as well as some birth defects, and can be irritating to the skin. There’s also research suggesting that parabens can increase cancer risk. It’s best to avoid these chemicals all the time!
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Phthalates
Phthalates are reputed to cause problems with fertility and reproductive development disorders. They’re another family of chemicals that can lead to birth defects as well. Phthalates are another ingredient to avoid whenever possible.
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Fragrances
Even some essential oils aren’t great for pregnant women. Added fragrance can be irritating to sensitive pregnancy skin…not to mention that your sense of smell is also more delicate during pregnancy!
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Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid, or BHA. Beta hydroxy acids like salicylic acid are commonly found treatments for acne. While there’s some debate on whether salicylic acid is safe for use during pregnancy, it may be a good idea to stay away.
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Benzoyl Peroxide
Experts are still on the fence about this one, as well. Many sources state that benzoyl peroxide is safe for pregnant women, but others prefer to avoid it.
We’re hoping this list helped you find a fantastic, safe face wash! Try one of these top rated skin care products out next time you’re in the drug store – the best face wash experience of your life could be just around the corner.
Article By Jessica Pierce, RN
Jessica Pierce is Registered Nurse, Nationally Registered Paramedic, writer, and contemporary dance artist based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She holds two undergraduate degrees from Oral Roberts University – a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (2018) and a Bachelor’s of Art in Dance Performance (2019).
The purpose of this article is informative. It’s not a substitute for professional medical advice or medical care. Remember: safety first! Consult your doctor/pediatrician in case of any doubts. The author of this article does not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. This article contains affiliate links which means when you make a purchase through our links, we may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us to run this website.
Sources of pictures:
Resources:
https://www.thebump.com/a/pregnancy-safe-skin-care-products
https://www.wellandgood.com/pregnancy-safe-facial-wash/
https://www.scarymommy.com/pregnancy/pregnancy-safe-face-wash
https://www.ewg.org/
Hello Moms! I am Zooey. I am a wife and a mother of three amazing kids: almost 5-year-old Haley and 2-year-old twins Jesse and Matthew. I am a jogger, cooker and blogger.If you have a question or a comment, do not hesitate to write to me! 🙂