Which Face Moisturizer is Best during Pregnancy | Pregnancy-Safe Moisturizers Review 2022

3.4K

Looking for a pregnancy-safe moisturizer to use? Here are reviews on the best face moisturizer for pregnancy that safe for you and your baby!

I remember the first time I got pregnant and I told my officemates about it. I got lots of congratulatory greetings, but the thing I remember the most about what one workmate told me. She said, “Oh, you must choose organic cosmetics for the next nine months then!”

That suddenly hit me and I checked all my make up and cosmetics as soon as I got home! I love using face moisturizer so much, but since I was pregnant back then, I looked for the Best Face Moisturizer for Pregnancy.

• Related: Best Body Lotions for Pregnancy
• Related: Best Cream to Prevent Stretch Marks During Pregnancy
• Related: Safe Body Washes During Pregnancy

How your skin changes during pregnancy

A period of pregnancy is the one where immunological, endocrinological, metabolic and vascular changes are at peak, which may impact on the skin and other organs in the system.

 A majority of women were found to experience complex skin changes and a survey showed that all the women had undergone skin changes during their pregnancy.

It’s common to have alterations in the connective tissues during pregnancy called  pregnancy specific dermatoses (PSDs). These changes occur during the third trimester where skin irritation starts and scratching, itching and unpleasant skin sensations (pruritus) are common.

Hence, harsh chemicals, moisturizers, soaps and other body products should be strictly avoided. Go gentle on yourself and use natural products only.

Choosing the Best Face Moisturizer for Pregnancy

Pregnancy-safe moisturizers are usually made from natural and organic ingredients, so harsh chemicals are kept away from you and your baby. Many products claim that they are hypoallergenic, but once you purchase a facial moisturizer, make sure to test it out first.

Face Moisturizer	Moisturizing Properties	Value for Money	For Sensitive Skin
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Oil-Free Mattifying Moisturizer	4.5	3.5	5.0
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Face Moisturizer Gel	4.4	4.0	4.4
EltaMD AM Therapy Face Moisturizer	4.4	4.0	4.4
Era Organics Vitamin C Face Cream	4.0	4.5	4.4
Farmstead Apothecary 100% Natural Anti-Aging Face Cream	4.4	4.4	3.5
Burt’s Bees Sensitive Solutions Calming Day Lotion	4.0	4.2	4.3
BeeFriendly Face and Eye Cream	4.4	4.0	4.3
Awake Human Organic Facial Moisturizer	4.6	4.5	4.6
LILY SADO Coconut Milk & Manuka Honey Natural Face Moisturizer	4.6	4.5	4.7
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion	4.4	4.0	4.3
Hawaiian Aloe Vera Face & Body Moisturizer & Night Cream	3.5	3.5	4.0
Refresh Botanicals Organic Face Moisturizer	4.5	3.5	4.5
bliss Drench and Quench Cream-To-Water Daily Moisturizer	4.7	4.5	4.2
Bioderma – Hydrabio Cream	4.1	4.0	4.2
AHAVA Essential Day Moisturizer	4.5	4.5	4.0

Ingredients should I avoid in moisturizer when pregnant

You should always ask your OB-GYN or dermatologist if you get any unusual skin reaction after using a specific product. But as a quick guide, here are some of the ingredients that you must avoid:

• Retinoids
• High-dose salicylic acid
• Hydroquinone
• Phthalates
• Formaldehyde
• Oxybenzone

Best Pregnancy-Safe Face Moisturizers

So far, this is my top 10 list of my most loved face moisturizers, and I am using most of them even now that my baby is almost one!

If you’re a pregnant mama looking for a pregnancy-safe moisturizer, check all these items below!

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Moisturizer

Best face moisturizer for pregnancy with oily and acne prone skin

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Moisturizer is one of the best face moisturizers for pregnancy. The moisturiser is composed of anti- sebum ingredients that are great for sensitive and acne prone skin. 

It also consists of vitamin C and E and antioxidants that nourish the skin and provide intense hydration. This moisturizer can be used daily for effective results. Say goodbye to your skin patches and pigmentation as this moisturizer will help you get rid of them easily.

It’s fragrance free and doesn’t clog pores. The moisturizer gives a matte finish look and is free of fragrance. Within a few days of using this product, your face will be smooth, soft and plumpy.

You can use it as your makeup base as well. It’s pretty expensive for the quantity but definitely worth trying as it works wonders on the skin.

Other features: 

• 1.35 Fl Oz
• Allergy tested
• Free of fragrance

Pros:

• Non-comedogenic 
• Dermatologist tested
• Matte finish 
• Meant for sensitive skin

Cons:

• No value for money

Also Read: Best Pregnancy Safe Concealer

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Face Moisturizer

Best face moisturizer for pregnancy with dry and sensitive skin

Neutrogena face moisturizer is a pregnancy safe moisturizer packed with hyaluronic acid. The moisturizer locks in moisture and deeply hydrates the skin resolving all the dry skin problems.

The gel formula feels smooth and supple on the skin. It doesn’t make the face oily and acts as a natural skin barrier. This Neutrogena face moisturizer is known for resorting and rejuvenating flaky skin. 

It’s lightweight formula doesn’t feel heavy and sits for long hours.  I love this moisturizer because it’s free of toxic chemicals and made with water-based formula. It comes in a jar and is mess free and easy to use. 

Neutrogena face moisturizer is a non-comedogenic product that doesn’t clog pores. It’s fragrance free and won’t cause any skin irritation. Use it on your face and neck for best results. Definitely, the best moisturizer for dry skin during pregnancy.

Other features: 

• 1.7 Oz
• Gel based
• Fragrance free

Pros:

• Non-comedogenic
• Lightweight
• Ultra hydrating
• No toxic chemicals

Cons:

• Might not suit on acne prone skin

EltaMD AM Therapy Face Skin moisturizer

Best face moisturizer for pregnancy with all skin types

EltaMD AM Therapy face moisturizer is a great cream based formula meant for all skin types, even the most sensitive ones. It works in three actions: moisturise, repair and restore the skin. 

It’s formulated with niacinamide that repairs broken skin and helps in healing acne prone skin. It improves skin textures and makes it supple and soft by fighting with impurities and skin dirt. 

The lightweight cream gets absorbed in the skin and starts action in no time. It’s recommended to use it before going to bed. It doesn’t clog pores as it’s non-comedogenic. There’s no fragrance and also it’s very soothing on the skin. 

If you’re suffering from a change of skin tone during pregnancy, don’t worry! As this moisturizer will help you bring back your true skin tone again.

Other features:

• 1.7 oz
• Pump bottle
• Cream based

Pros:

• Non-comedogenic
• Fragrance free
• Suitable for all skin types
• Improves skin tone

Cons: 

• Extra sensitive skin might break out

Era Organics Vitamin-C Face Moisturizer & Eye Cream

Best pregnancy-safe face moisturizer for dull and dry skin

Women need a multipurpose moisturizer like the Vitamin-C Face Moisturizer & Eye Cream. This superfood for your skin hydrates moisturizes and also fights wrinkles and fine lines! I have been using this cream for months now, and I noticed that my eyebags lightened unlike before.

It has little to no irritation on the skin, and I love the fact that this cream uses organic Vitamin C extracts from vitamin C-rich fruits.

The cream also contains other vitamins like A and E, which are known to be antioxidants that fight off harmful free radicals. This cream helped me, especially when I was pregnant in the middle of harsh winters. My dry skin patches were moisturized comfortably!

Pros:

• Creamy texture
• Not too oily

• Anti aging properties
• No toxic chemicals
• No fragrance

Cons:

• Consistency is quite thick and heavy
• Not suitable for oily skin

Also Read: Best Pregnancy Safe Foundation

Farmstead Apothecary Anti-Aging Face Cream

Best pregnancy-safe face moisturizer for blemishes

Choosing a facial moisturizer when pregnant has to be OB-GYN approved like the Farmstead Apothecary Anti-Aging Face Cream. This moisturizer has lots of ingredients to make your face refreshed and moisturized!

You would love that it is lightweight because pregnant women usually don’t like heavy products since they are always feeling hot! This product is safe, and it has no allergens that would harm you and your little one.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Hypoallergenic
• Pump-styled bottle for convenience
• Natural ingredients
• Meant for all skin types
• Non-greasy
• Lightweight
• Specially made for pregnant women

Cons:

• Since it is lightweight, many prefer to use a thicker cream during winters
• Pricey
• Has a strong citrusy scent

Burt’s Bees Sensitive Solutions Calming Day Lotion

Best face moisturizer for pregnancy with sensitive skin

I got some red bumps on my face when I was on my second trimester, and the Burt’s Bees Daily Face Moisturizing Cream saved me. It gives a luminous and fully-hydrated effect on my face, and I don’t even have to put on a make-up base.

You would love that this product is hypoallergenic, so it usually doesn’t cause any skin irritation for most women. It also doesn’t have a super-strong smell that can aggravate a pregnant lady’s nose.

Pros:

• For sensitive skin
• Hypoallergenic
• Safe for people with eczema
• Value for money

Cons:

• A bit watery inconsistency

BeeFriendly Face and Eye Cream

Best pregnancy-safe face moisturizer for dull skin

Even when I am not pregnant, I love using all-natural products on my face. The BeeFriendly Face and Eye Cream is a natural USDA Certified Organic moisturizer that completely rejuvenates my face!

This cream naturally aids in the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, plus it leaves your skin soft and smooth too. It has a deep moisturizing mechanism, and you can apply it to any other parts of your body that needs moisturizing.

I even loved applying this to my baby bump before! You don’t need lots of products for your body, because this is a multipurpose moisturizer. The best part is that it has healing properties that help in collagen building and skin cell regeneration too.

Pros:

• All-natural product

• Unscented
• No chemicals
• Natural ingredients
• Dewy and supple skin
• Works perfectly under make-up
• Multipurpose

Cons:

• Quite greasy texture
• Quite pricey hen compared to other equally good moisturizers for pregnancy

Awake Human Organic Facial Moisturizer

Best face moisturizer for pregnancy that hydrates dry skin

Pregnant women most often want unscented products to save themselves from throwing up! The Awake Human Organic Facial Moisturizer can be your new favorite moisturizer because it is unscented, and there are no sketchy chemicals inside.

It gives a refreshing and fully hydrated feeling once applied to the skin. What’s great about this cream is that you can use it both during the day and night. It does not leave any greasy feeling on the face.

Treat your skin with only the good stuff from Awake Human Organic Facial Moisturizer!

Pros:

• Unscented
• Lightweight texture
• Works great under make up
• Suits all skin types
• No chemicals
• Vegan
• Not greasy

Cons:

• No hypoallergenic label
• Grainy texture

Also Read: Best Pregnancy Safe Make Up and Beauty Products

LILY SADO Coconut Milk & Manuka Honey Natural Face Moisturizer

Best pregnancy-safe face moisturizer for collagen formation

Manuka honey is known to improve the overall appearance of our skin. If you are suffering from acne, this ingredient can help reduce the inflammation of your skin. Acne can emerge from dry skin, so the LILY SADO Coconut Milk & Manuka Honey Natural Face Moisturizer should be your BFF!

This moisturizer profoundly penetrates your skin to give you a luxurious glow and hydration. It has a silky smooth texture that is not too greasy and is easily absorbable.

Your skin would feed on the powerful antioxidants from this product. It also helps firm and tone your skin at a cellular level!

You can use this product day and night, so you don’t need a lot of skincare items to make your skin glowing and healthy.

You surely would have a more glowing pregnancy glow!

Pros:

• Has anti-inflammatory features for acne-prone skin
• Anti-aging
• Multipurpose
• Affordable
• Cruelty free
• No toxic chemicals

Cons:

• No hypoallergenic label
• A little thick and dense consistency
• Not suitable for oily skin

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion

Best face moisturizer for pregnancy with sensitive and oily skin

The CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion gas garnered a whopping 5,316 rating on Amazon, obviously because it legit works! If you are looking for a night moisturizer that is unscented and hydrates your face, you should check this out.

It adds a protective barrier on your skin, so you are all ready to go in the morning. This lotion also contains moisture-retaining ingredients, so if your face tends to dry out quickly, that would never be your problem anymore.

Aside from being unscented, it is also hypoallergenic, so your face would be safe from any irritants. You can enjoy 24-hour hydration, and you don’t even need a moisturizer during the day!

Pros:

• Absorbs well
• Non-greasy
• Value for money
• Unscented
• Fragrance free
• Non comedogenic
• Allergy tested

Cons:

• Quite heavy texture
• Not for acne-prone skin

Hawaiian Aloe Vera Face & Body Moisturizer

Best pregnancy-safe face moisturizer for damaged skin

If you’re looking for the best face moisturizer for pregnancy that has lots to offer, you can never go wrong with this one from Total Activation! I was always feeling hot when I was pregnant, and sometimes putting on moisturizers annoys me even when I need it! Hawaiian Aloe Vera Face & Body Moisturizer have helped me out with that problem since this cream calms my skin throughout without it feeling heavy on my face.

It is made from 100% natural and safe ingredients so that you can smear this cream all over your body! You would feel the soothing aloe vera as you massage it on your skin.

Plus, this cream also calms eczema, where it heals and soothes all the itchiness away!

Pros:

• 100% pure and natural
• Perfect for eczema-prone and acne-prone skin
• Lightweight
• Multipurpose
• Non-greasy
• No chemicals added

Cons:

• No hypoallergenic label
• Quite pricey

Refresh Botanicals Organic Face Moisturizer

Best face moisturizer for pregnancy that retains high skin elasticity

Get this best face moisturizer for pregnancy from Refresh Botanicals and you’ll never have dull skin again. Don’t just moisturize your face, make it youthful as ever too! You can get both of those features from the Refresh Botanicals Organic Face Moisturizer. It refreshes your face after every application, because you are sure that you apply one of the safest products ever!

This product improves your skin texture the longer you use it. It has a mild and non-abrasive exfoliation, so you get moisturizing and exfoliating all at the same time!

Pros:

• 100% natural
• Relieves some common skin condition
• Unscented
• Sebum control
• Can be used on eczema as well as psoriasis
• Organic scent

Cons:

• No hypoallergenic label
• A little greasy

Bliss Drench and Quench Cream-To-Water Daily Moisturizer

Our list of best face moisturizer for pregnancy covers this one from Bliss! Even pregnant women also need to be freshen up and there’s no doubt that moisturizer is the best solution to this! If you’re searching for a weightless moisturizer, getting this drench and quench daily moisturizer from bliss will never be a mistake! 

This moisturizer is jam packed with various vitamins and minerals in keeping your skin look hydrated and smooth. Whether you have a normal skin type or a sensitive skin one, using this moisturizer is undoubtedly safe and effective.

Other Features:

• Vegan Formula
• Balanced ingredients
• 100% harsh chemical-free
• For all skin types

Pros:

• Ultra-lightweight
• Smoothen skin texture
• Enhance skin elasticity

Bioderma Hydrabio Moisturizer 

Another best face moisturizer for pregnancy offers various benefits to help you achieve that glowing skin. Other than keeping your skin hydrated, this best face moisturizer from Bioderma is also a great makeup base if you’re trying to look for one! Enjoy several benefits which are totally safe for your health on your pregnancy journey.

This moisturizer includes dermatological tested ingredients ensuring the efficacy of the product. Protect your face with sun damages and skin irritation using this moisturizer – sure you’ll be getting your money’s worth! 

Other Features:

• Lightly scented
• Fights skin aging
• For all skin types

Pros:

• Up to 8-hour hydration
• Boost skin luminosity
• Deeply hydrates skin

AHAVA Essential Day Moisturizer

This best face moisturizer for pregnancy from AHAVA is not your ordinary moisturizer. Although AHAVA is not a well-known brand of skin care products, it receives tons of positive feedback from customers that made us want to include this product on our list of best face moisturizers for pregnancy.  

This moisturizer keeps your face soft and hydrated all at once! Just by knowing that it is composed of Aloe Vera, this product works wonders in resolving various skin problems. Besides, this product helps in nourishing your skin deeply and maintaining its healthy look. 

Other Features: 

• 1.7 Oz
• For Dry Skin
• Glycerin
• Aloe Vera 

Pros:

• Vitamin E
• All day hydration
• Soothes skin

Cons:

• Not for sensitive skin

Buying Guide for Best Pregnancy Safe Moisturizer

Best Face Moisturizer for Pregnancy: Quick Summary

Best Face Moisturizer for Pregnancy	Best For	Key Ingredients
Era Organics Vitamin-C Face Moisturizer & Eye Cream	Dull and dry skin	Kakadu Plum, Jojoba Oil, Avocado Oil, Vitamin E
Farmstead Apothecary Anti-Aging Face Cream	Clearing up blemishes	Water, organic safflower seed oil, organic jojoba oil
Burt’s Bees Sensitive Solutions Calming Day Lotion	Sensitive skin	Aqua , Sunflower seed oil, Glycerin
BeeFriendly Face and Eye Cream	Rejuvenating tired skin	Purified Water, Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Organic Beeswax
Awake Human Organic Facial Moisturizer	Hydrating dry skin	Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Certified Organic Jojoba Oil, Certified Organic Sweet Almond Oil
LILY SADO Coconut Milk & Manuka Honey Natural Face Moisturizer	Boosting collagen formation	Water, Coconut Oil, Cocoa, Seed Butter, Glycerin
CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion	Sensitive and oily skin	Aqua, Niacinamide
Hawaiian Aloe Vera Face & Body Moisturizer	Healing dry skin	Organic Aloe, Deionized Water, Organic Sunflower Oil, Glycerin
Refresh Botanicals Organic Face Moisturizer	Retaining high skin elasticity	Jojoba oil, Cornflower Water
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Moisturizer	Anti-Sebum Moisturizer	Antioxidants,Vitamin C,Vitamin E
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Face Moisturizer	Dry and Sensitive Skin	Water, Glycerin, Hylauronic acid
EltaMD AM Therapy Face Skin moisturizer	Improving Skin tone	Niacinamide, Paraffin
Bliss Drench and Quench Cream-To-Water Daily Moisturizer	100% Harsh Chemical Free	Salicylic Acid
Bioderma Hydrabio Moisturizer	Fights anti aging	Aquagenium patent
AHAVA Essential Day Moisturizer	All day Hydration	Glycerin

• Choose a moisturizer according to your skin type

Dry skin

Go for intense hydrating properties when choosing a moisturizer for dry skin. Look for hydrating botanical ingredients like hyaluronic acid, cocoa butter, coconut oil, shea butter, and mango butter that helps in hydrating your skin by seeping in deep. It will also fade away stretch marks.

Acne-prone skin

If you have acne issues during pregnancy, avoid retinol products which are unsafe during pregnancy and hinder fetus development. Go for mild glycolic acid that removes dead skin and gently exfoliates skin. 

You can also go for a small amount of azelaic acid that reduces aging issues and pigmentation issues. 

Sensitive skin

During pregnancy skin becomes extra sensitive due to hormonal changes. It’s better to use 100% organic and natural ingredients moisturizer that contains no toxic chemicals. 

• Sun protection

You should look for mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that are safe during pregnancy to protect yourselves from UVA and UVB rays. These ingredients protect from sun damage. 

• Check for anti aging ingredients

Usually, moisturizers contain retinoids to solve aging issues but retinoids are very dangerous during pregnancy. Tretinoin (Retin-A) and accutane (isotretinoin)  can lead to embryotoxicity and cause miscarriages. Hence, it’s best to avoid these ingredients. 

• No chemicals

Pregnancy is an extremely delicate stage and it’s important to keep in mind what ingredients moisturizer you’re using and applying in your body. You should avoid all the harmful chemicals like parabens, sulphates, mineral oils, phthalates, fragrances and formaldehydes. 

These ingredients dry out the skin and harm the baby. There are so many case studies that say these ingredients increase the risk of miscarriages.

How To Have Healthy Skin While You Are Pregnant

• Choose products with mild exfoliation properties and botanical ingredients to eliminate dead cells and nourish the skin.
• Pick an unscented moisturizer that has high hydration properties. Massage well for deep absorption in the skin.
• Make sure the quantity of salicylic acid is less in your moisturizer. According to a famous study, OTC products that contain less amount of  salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, and glycolic acid are safe during pregnancy.

Best Face Moisturizer for Pregnancy: FAQs

Keep your skin moisturized without worrying about the safety of your little one with these products above!

Read More:

• Best Protein Powder for Pregnancy
• Do I Need Nipple Cream for Breastfeeding?
• Best Self Tanner Safe for Pregnancy
• Best Beauty Face Masks During Pregnancy