Best Pregnancy Safe Face Wash Brands 2023

Pro tip: It is very important for pregnant women to take the time to research the ingredients in their face wash, as some ingredients can be harmful to the baby and cause birth defects, advises Shawnda Dorantes APRN, MSN, FNP-C, family nurse practitioner, and founder of Beauty Lounge Medical Spa. She recommends sticking with hypoallergenic face washes that contain no fragrances, as they are less likely to cause harm during pregnancy.

“Look for a face wash with a hypoallergenic label because these products are less likely to cause allergic reactions, which can be of extra concern with raging hormones during pregnancy,” Dorantes tells Today’s Parent. “I also recommend patients look for all-natural and organic products that are fragrance-free. Many scented face washes contain harsh chemicals that are not conducive to sensitive skin during this time.”

Are there ingredients in face washes to stay away from when pregnant and nursing?

While there are many skincare ingredients that can hydrate the skin and leave it looking radiant, there are others to avoid when you’re pregnant or nursing.

“I always urge pregnant and nursing patients to avoid products that include retinol or salicylic acid, which both are commonly found in acne treatments,” says Dorantes. “Other chemicals to stay away from include benzoyl peroxide, formaldehyde, phthalates and parabens which can potentially cause harm to developing babies.”

The best pregnancy-safe face wash options 2023

Best overall:

EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser

Merchant

This bestselling face wash is popular for a reason. It’s oil-free, paraben-free and pH-balanced—making it the best of the best. With its gentle enzymes, this product is perfect for daily use on all skin types and doctor-approved. It also helps reduce inflammation and has a texture that’s as soft as a cloud.

And the best part? Since it’s free of all the nasties, this facial cleanser is pregnancy-safe, according to Dorantes. “I always recommend this face wash to expecting mothers,” she says. “It loosens makeup and oil with a thick foam, and it leaves your skin feeling refreshed. It’s safe for all skin types, reduces inflammation, and is pH-balanced.

Pros:

• Oil-free
• Paraben-free
• pH-balanced formula
• Safe for all skin types to use
• Gentle enzymes help to reduce inflammation
• Cloud-soft texture
• Loosens makeup and debris quickly

Cons:

• Some reviewers suggest this cleanser may be too lightweight for extremely oily skin that needs a more thorough cleaning

SHOP NOW