Best Face Washes for Pregnancy

Are you looking for the best face washes for pregnancy that are both safe and effective?

Then let us help with our best face wash during pregnancy guide!

Pregnancy changes everything, but you might not think about changing your skin care regimen. However, while you might not think that face washes and other skin care products will affect your baby, it’s possible they will. That’s why mothers should pick a safe face wash for pregnancy.

Whatever you apply to your skin absorbs into your bloodstream, so it’s always best for you to pick products that use the safest ingredients possible. While science and experts have yet to prove whether or not conventional skincare products will harm your unborn baby, chemicals have been found in the umbilical cord blood.

Skipping face wash is not a good idea either!

Any pregnant mama will tell you that pregnancy changes your skin. You may have more acne than ever before, or your skin type may change, becoming dry, oily, or both. Your skin may go back to its pre-pregnancy norm, but it’s also possible for the changes to stay.

It’s essential to keep your skin balanced and avoid washes that may have ingredients that could dry out your skin if it’s already dry, or if you have oily skin, you may want to avoid too much hydration.

Let’s look at some of the top choices for a safe face wash for pregnancy; you’ll love these!

And if you love this guide on the best face wash while pregnant, then make sure to also check out our guides on the best pregnancy safe facial exfoliators, best body washes for pregnancy, best mouthwash for pregnancy, and best body lotion for pregnancy. Or even these best pregnancy safe toners.

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List of 9 Best Face Washes for Pregnancy

Best Face Wash For Pregnancy

1. CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

CeraVe is possibly the top-rated skin care product line for good reasons. It is free of harsh and toxic chemicals formulated with three ceramides – 1, 3, and 6II. The goal of these ceramides is to cleanse, clear, hydrate, and restore your skin’s natural protective barrier. It won’t strip away your natural moisture.

One of the best things about this hydrating cleanser is that it is gentle and works for most skin types. No matter if you have oily, dry, or acne-prone skin, you can use this face wash.

CeraVe includes hyaluronic acid to plump up your skin, smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles. These ingredients help tighten your skin without drying it out or making it feel overstretched. This is a non-comedogenic, non-irritating cleanser that is gentle. Since it is paraben-free and fragrance-free, this facial cleanser is excellent for sensitive skin; it’s dermatologist-developed and tested.

The formula is a no-foaming, creamy texture that won’t create a lather. Instead, it feels like lotion when you apply it to your skin. As a result, your skin will feel clean and hydrated each time you use it.

What We Like:

• Dermatologist Tested
• Cleanses & Hydrates
• Great for Sensitive Skin
• Affordable
• Non-Irritating

What We Don’t Like:

• Some Prefer Foaming & Lathering

2. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

One of the most popular face washes for pregnant women is Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. It’s safe to use twice daily; it’s a mild, fragrance-free, soap-free wash. If you notice that your skin is more sensitive during pregnancy – something commonly noted by mothers – this cleanser is less likely to irritate your skin.

Cetaphil will leave your skin feeling clean and refreshed each time you use it. It works for all skin types, but it is ideal for sensitive and dry skin. Dermatologists developed it to work for even the most sensitive skin types since it is pH balanced, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic.

It’s even gentle enough to use with or without water!

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is a creamy, non-foaming cleanser that removes impurities using micellar technology. It will lift away dirt, oil, and makeup without drying or rubbing your skin. In addition, it cleanses without irritation, perfect for everyday use!

What We Like:

• Great for All Skin Types
• Bottle Lasts a Long Time
• Gentle
• Good for Sensitive Skin

What We Don’t Like:

• Not Lathering
• Not Good for Acne-Prone Skin

3. Alba Botanica Hawaiian Facial Cleanser

Alba Botanica is a pore-purifying face cleanser that uses pineapple enzymes to clean your face. The ingredients are 100% vegetarian, cleansing your skin without removing the natural skin oils.

Alba Botanica uses a plant-based blend of botanical ingredients, such as pineapple and papaya. It also includes aloe vera to help hydrate your skin.

If you have sensitive skin, you don’t have to worry; the Alba Botanica Facial Cleanser is a great option. It will plump up your skin, leaving it clean, fresh, and soft. The formula is hypoallergenic, so you never have to worry about irritation. In addition, it is free of parabens, phthalates, and other harmful ingredients.

What We Like:

• Soothing & Hydrating
• Hypoallergenic
• Paraben & Phthalate Free
• Good for Sensitive Skin
• Cruelty-Free

What We Don’t Like:

• Not Good for Oily Skin

4. Aveeno Positively Radiant Facial Cleanser

Most people are familiar with the brand Aveeno, and their Positively Radiant Facial Cleanser is an excellent choice for a face wash for pregnancy. It uses soy and kiwi complexes and micellar gel to pull out dirt, pollution, and impurities. The formula is dermatologist recommended, so you know it’s safe to use.

Aveeno created this facial cleanser to keep your skin hydrated while removing excess oils and rejuvenating your dull skin. It will leave your skin feeling soft and smooth, giving you a natural glow, perfect for any pregnant mama. This is a non-comedogenic product free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.

What We Like:

• Dermatologist Recommended
• Hydrating
• Free of Harmful Chemicals
• Non-Comedogenic

What We Don’t Like:

• Not Great for People with Soy Allergies

5. InstaNatural Vitamin C Face Wash & Exfoliating Gel

InstaNatural Vitamin C Cleanser is created with powerful antioxidants like vitamin C and green tea and hydrating agents like aloe vera. Using a cleanser with vitamin C helps unclog your pores, removing dirt from them and helping to decrease acne. All pregnant women need protection from blemishes and breakouts.

Aloe vera is an excellent addition to this face wash because it nourishes your skin; it’ll feel so soft and supple. At the same time, these ingredients penetrate your skin, removing layers of impurities. In addition, InstaNatural uses different oils to boost hydration, and they use sugarcane to help reduce visible signs of aging.

It’s worth a try. Many reviews say that InstaNatural leaves your skin feeling fresh and clean. Best of all, the ingredients are great. This formula is free of parabens, SLS, PEG, DEA, TEA, artificial colors, formaldehyde, and mineral oil. So you can feel comfortable using it on your skin while pregnant.

What We Like:

• Gentle on Your Skin
• Reduces Aging
• Moisturize Your Skin
• Great Ingredients

What We Don’t Like:

• Not as Ideal for Sensitive Skin

6. Christina Moss Naturals Face Wash

You might have heard of Christina Moss; this is a line of fantastic hair care and skin care products. Their organic facial wash is free of any harsh chemicals you may worry about on your skin. You won’t find any parabens, sulfates, artificial fragrances, or artificial dyes.

Christina Moss uses natural ingredients formulated to help remove all build-up on your skin without stripping away its natural oils or drying your skin out. If you read the ingredient list, you’ll find components like olive oil, sunflower seed oil, shea butter, aloe vera juice, coconut oil, and rosemary essential oil.

These ingredients were purposefully selected because they hydrate, nourish, and protect your skin. This face wash will help protect your skin from sun damage, but it will also reduce acne and breakouts, reduce skin inflammation, and seal in much-need moisture. When you use this face wash, you’ll find that your skin feels healthier and softer.

What We Like:

• Won’t Dry Out Your Skin
• Nourishing
• Protects from Sun Damage
• Free of Harmful Ingredients
• Good Priced

What We Don’t Like:

• Not Ideal for Sensitive Skin
• Not Ideal for Acne-Prone Skin

7. Belli Skincare Anti-Blemish Facial Wash

Belli Anti-Blemish Face Wash is a great option if you have trouble with acne-prone skin. The ingredients, such as lemon peel, green tea, olive oil, and lactic acid, help prevent breakouts that so many pregnant moms experience. Lactic acid is one of the main ingredients, and it works by cleansing and exfoliating your acne-prone skin.

At the same time, Belli Skincare includes antioxidants to protect your skin from sun damage, infections, and inflammation. This wash won’t dry out your skin but rather unclog your pores, plump your skin, and give your face an overall healthier glow to your skin.

Belli Skincare is a fantastic brand that focuses on using safe ingredients for your skin. Their facial wash formula is free of salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, phthalate, gluten, artificial fragrances, and artificial dyes.

What We Like:

• Great for Acne
• Protects Your Skin
• Exfoliating
• Free of Harmful Ingredients
• Good Price

What We Don’t Like:

• Acne-Fighting Won’t Work for All

8. EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser

The EltaMD foaming facial cleanser is a gentle, oil-free face wash recommended by dermatologists. Their formula contains enzymes and amino acids that help remove makeup, dirt, and excess oil from your skin.

You’ll love the thick, foamy, rich text that feels gentle on your skin. It contains micro-massaging oxygen bubbles, cleansing and rebalancing your skin’s moisture levels without harming your natural skin barrier. In addition, EltaMD uses the pineapple enzyme to reduce inflammation on your skin while removing dead skin cells.

This foaming facial cleanser is an excellent choice if you have sensitive skin. You’ll find that your skin feels fresh, clean, and rejuvenated. In addition, it is non-irritating and an excellent overall option.

What We Like:

• Rebalances your skin
• Seals in Moisture
• Dermatologist Recommended
• Non-Irritating

What We Don’t Like:

• Pricey

9. Mederma Hydrating Facial Cleanser

Mothers often struggle with acne during pregnancy, and if you’re having these issues crop up during pregnancy, you need a face wash that kicks the acne to the curb. Expecting mothers love this cleanser with a foamy, soft texture, and it helps balance your skin’s natural pH.

However, many pimple-fighting face washes and products contain unsafe products for pregnant women. Mederma uses glycolic acid, a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that comes from sugar cane. It’s effective and safe to treat acne during pregnancy.

Mederma Hydrating Facial Cleanser is hypoallergenic, soap-free, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic. It removes excess oil on your skin, exfoliates dead skin cells, and stops breakouts in their tracks.

What We Like:

• Balances Your Skin pH
• Non-Comedogenic
• Non-Irritating
• Hypoallergenic
• Suitable for all Skin Types

What We Don’t Like:

• Expensive for a Small Bottle

How to Pick the Best Face Wash During Pregnancy

Avoid Specific Ingredients

When you pick pregnancy skin care products, you want to avoid specific ingredients that may not be safe for your baby at this time. So before grabbing it, you should make sure there are no parabens, phthalates, sulfates, or other harmful ingredients in the face wash.

Here are some specific ingredients you should avoid in face wash and all skin care products while pregnant.

Retinoids

Retinoids are a category C drug, and research suggests it is a possible link to congenital disabilities when used during pregnancy. Therefore, it’s best to avoid skin care products containing retinol, Retin-A, retinoic acid, and retinyl palmitate while pregnant.

Salicylic Acid

You commonly find this ingredient in topical acne medication. Typically, products that contain 2% salicylic acid used limitedly won’t harm your baby, but it is a good idea to avoid it anyway.

Hydroquinone

Here is another common ingredient in face washes that are a category C according to the FDA, with a higher absorption rate than other ingredients. Believe it or not, between 34 to 45 percent of this whitening agent absorbs into your skin. So it makes sense to avoid this during pregnancy!

Action

If you’re suffering from sensitive skin, you want to make sure you pick a gentle facial cleanser that won’t strip away your natural oils.

Non-Comedogenic

If you’re having acne problems, be sure you grab non-comedogenic products because they won’t clog your pores. Acne tends to be worse when pregnant, so if that sounds like you, it’s best not to pick a product that could cause even more havoc for your complexion.

Texture

Consider the texture of the face wash for pregnancy. Most women prefer foaming, soft, creamy cleansers because they feel the best on your skin. Also, these textures are the most hydrating for your skin.

Hypoallergenic

The term hypoallergenic is not regulated by the FDA, but it is typically a sign that the product contains fewer ingredients that may cause allergic reactions. Even if you see this on the label, be sure to read the label and complete ingredient list.

Your Skin Type

Make sure you consider your skin type. If you have sensitive skin, you’ll want to pick gentle cleansers. Those with acne problems due to pregnancy hormones want to pick a face wash that helps kick the breakouts to the curb.

Some women have oily skin, so you’ll want to make sure you pick a wash that removes excess oils. Those with dry skin should choose hydrating and moisturizing washes.

FAQs about Pregnancy Safe Facial Wash

Final Thoughts on Best Face Wash While Pregnant

While it’s not possible to prove whether or not your conventional face wash will harm your unborn baby, taking the risk isn’t worth it. You have plenty of awesome and safe pregnancy face washes you can use for all skin types!

And if you love this guide on the best body wash during pregnancy, make sure to check out these guides on the best shampoo for pregnancy, best foundation for pregnancy, best pregnancy safe BB cream, and things new moms need for themselves.