Your Pregnancy Safe Skincare Guide: The Dos, Don'ts & The Brand Mums Love

Pregnancy-safe skincare might not be the first thing on your mind when you see those two lines — but after heartburn remedies and a decent maternity bra, we promise you, it's seriously under rated pregnancy hero.

At the time of writing, I’m a mum-of-two, five weeks postpartum with my second baby — and I’ll admit, it wasn’t until midway through that pregnancy that I learnt the importance of pregnancy-safe skincare.

So, let's get cracking on what to use –and what not to–while you're cleansing, toning and moisturising for two. 

A new 2025 report found that up to 90% of pregnant women experience skin changes — ranging from normal physiological alterations to flare-ups of pre-existing conditions or pregnancy-specific dermatoses.

So, why had no one told me about this?

‘Honestly, skincare is one of those areas that many maternity professionals aren’t  trained in or wouldn't routinely discuss,’ says Professor Caitriona Ryan, Consultant Dermatologist Advisor for SKN TO SKN

‘Skincare routines have become far more sophisticated over the past few decades, with a surge in active ingredients and targeted treatments. This has created more choice than ever, but also more confusion — especially during pregnancy and postpartum.

The key is to simplify pregnancy beauty routines without compromising results, and to offer evidence-based guidance that helps women feel both safe and confident in what they’re using on their skin — especially in pregnancy and postpartum.’

‘Pregnancy skin can be unpredictable,’ says Professor Ryan.‘Some women glow, while others face breakouts, melasma, or sensitivity. 

The key is to keep your routine gentle and barrier-supportive, while choosing ingredients that are safe and effective. Many products are fine under normal circumstances, but pregnancy calls for more selectivity.'

So, while your makeup bag probably contains pregnancy safe makeup, your bathroom cabinet is a whole different story. 

Pregnancy is a hormonal rollercoaster — and not one you can simply get off once the baby arrives. 

Each trimester brings new hormonal shifts, and while there’s a sense of what’s “normal”, every woman reacts differently — just like in puberty. That makes it nearly impossible to predict exactly how your skin will behave or when.

Let's run through some of the changes - and challenges - you might experience. 

What Ingredients to Avoid in Pregnancy Skincare

After hearing all the above about how sensitive our skin is in pregnancy, it might inspire a “go natural” instinct, but not everything from our skincare needs to go in the bin.

Here’s your “red list” of ingredients to look out for - and avoid.

Adjusting Your Skincare for Each Trimester

Just like your energy, emotions, and bump size, your skin changes throughout pregnancy — so your skincare should too.

A large 2025 review found that hyperpigmentation affects up to 90% of pregnant women, while stretch marks (striae gravidarum) occur in 60–90% of pregnancies and can impact body image, emotional wellbeing, and social confidence.

There’s no magic wand — but knowing what to expect, and adjusting your skincare each trimester, is a powerful first step in supporting your skin (and yourself) through the changes.