Safe Skin Care Products For Pregnant Women
1. Bio Oil
This is a must-have pregnancy care product for you. This oil is loaded with plant extracts and essential vitamins and is extremely lightweight. It gets absorbed into your skin quickly and is extremely moisturizing. This is an organic product that keeps your skin glowing and hydrated, reduces uneven skin tone, and has anti-aging effects. Pros
Hypoallergenic Smells great Non-greasy
Cons
Those with oily skin, avoid putting on the face (skin may get more oily)
2. Nine Naturals Citrus Mint Nourishing Shampoo
This shampoo is exceptionally gentle and will clean your hair without making it dry. The best part is, it’s free of petrochemicals, paraben, SLS, phthalates, artificial preservatives, and synthetic fragrances. It has a soothing and relaxing citrusy scent that feels refreshing in case you are fatigued or feeling nauseated. Pros
Natural ingredients No paraben, SLS, phthalates, and chemicals
Cons
Nothing as such
3. Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula
Palmer’s is a renowned brand that manufactures products for both babies and their mothers. This particular body cream is made with cocoa butter, which is an excellent moisturizer. It also contains shea butter, collagen, vitamin E, and elastin. This product claims to heal the stretch marks and other scars on your skin, leaving it soft and glowing. All the ingredients are gentle on the skin and are safe to use during pregnancy. Pros
Effective on stretch marks Easily available Smells great
Cons
Jar gets a bit messy (better use the tube with a pump dispenser)
4. Kama Ayurveda Dhanwantaram Thailam
The Dhanwantaram Thailam by Kama Ayurveda combines a traditional Ayurvedic formula containing ingredients such as vetiver, sesame oil, sida cordifolia, and gooseberry. This Ayurvedic formula is best for relieving stress and pain, and for boosting immunity. This product is safe to use and can be used by anyone, including pregnant women. Pros
100% natural Prevents stretch marks
Cons
Nothing as such
5. Butter London Patent Shine 10X Nail Lacquer
There’s a lot of confusion over wearing nail polish when you are pregnant. Of course, safety is the first concern. While there are not too many nail polishes that are pregnancy-friendly – but this one is! The Patent Shine 10X series of nail polishes by Butter London is non-toxic. It’s free from Xylene, formaldehyde, DBP, toluene, ethyl tosylamide, camphor, and formaldehyde resin. So, it won’t harm your baby. Pros
Free from harsh chemicals Shade options
Cons
Expensive
6. Neutrogena Pure and Free Baby Sunscreen
If you are thinking what a baby product is doing in this list, then let me tell you that this product can be used both by babies and the expecting mothers. Pregnant ladies need a sunscreen that offers a broad spectrum coverage and contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Pros
Mineral-based sunscreen
Cons
A bit greasy
7. Forest Essentials Mother’s Stretch Mark Oil, Nalpamarathy Keram
This is an Ayurvedic formula that targets stretch marks and other patches that you get during pregnancy. It contains a coconut oil base along with ingredients such as Kachura and green turmeric. These are highly active ingredients that give you effective results. Pros
Organic cold-pressed oil Handmade Herbal extracts
Cons
Nothing as such
8. Mustela Maternity Stretch Marks Prevention Cream
This cream has a non-oily texture that gets absorbed quickly into the skin. It contains a unique blend of avocado peptides, shea butter, and beeswax that not only moisturize and nourish the skin but also increase the skin’s elasticity. Using the product during pre-natal and post-partum pregnancy is safe. Pros
Hypoallergenic Contains natural ingredients
Cons
Nothing as such
9. Kama Ayurveda Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Extra virgin coconut oil is an ideal skin moisturizer. It’s not just loaded with antioxidants, but it also helps reduce scars and pigmentation, fights UV damage, and keeps the skin glowing. Kama is renowned for its Ayurvedic products, and that’s why you can easily use this product without thinking twice. Pros
100% natural product Heals stretch marks
Cons
Nothing as such
10. Forest Essentials Kshadathylam Mother’s Back Pain Oil
Pregnancy comes with a lot of worries. You are not only worried about the baby’s well-being but also about the changes that you are experiencing (in case you are a new mum). The expanding belly often puts pressure on your back. And to relieve that back pain, this oil from Forest Essentials works like magic. It’s completely safe to use during pregnancy. Pros
Contains natural herbal extracts
Cons
Nothing as such
11. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 50+
This isn’t a sunscreen but a sunblock that reflects UV rays and prevents it from reaching your skin. And if you have been skeptic about using sunblocks during your pregnancy, you can use this sunblock without any worries. It is non-oily, water and sweat-proof, and is PABA-free. So, it won’t harm you and your baby. Pros
Non-comedigenic PABA and oil free Gentle
Cons
May feel a bit sticky on combination skin
12. Himalaya Herbals Kajal
This brand is well known for its natural and herbal products. And you don’t have to worry about using this kajal during your pregnancy. This product contains Triphala and Damask Rose along with castor and almond oil. It retains the moisture in your eyes and prevents eye strain. It defines your eyes without harming it. Pros
No side effects Freshens up the eyes Affordable
Cons
Smudges easily Glossy finish
13. SoulTree Ayurvedic Lipstick
This ayurvedic lipstick contains honey and clarified butter or ghee that keep your lips moisturized, heal dry and chapped lips, and have a lightening effect. It doesn’t contain paraben, SLES, and SLS, so it’s completely safe to use during pregnancy. It’s available in multiple shades. Pros
Cruelty-free BDIH Germany certified
Cons
Stays for only 3-4 hours (not as long as branded ones)
14. Khadi Sandalwood Face Pack
This is an herbal face pack that gently reduces the size of the pores on your skin and gives you a clear appearance. Sandalwood helps in keeping your skin calm and also maintains its pH balance. Pros
Smells good Affordable Brightens the skin
Cons
Results may take a bit of time
15. Biotique Bio Bhringraj Fresh Growth Therapeutic Oil For Falling Hair
Hair fall is an issue that every pregnant lady faces, especially after giving birth when the hormones run amok in your body. And to combat that, you can use this herbal formula by Biotique. Pros
Alcohol-free 100% natural Paraben and cruelty-free
Cons
Nothing as such
The skin care products listed above are best to use during pregnancy. But before you buy any of them, consider checking out a few essential points to ensure that they are safe to use.
Things To Consider When Buying Pregnancy Skin Care Products
Harmful Chemicals And Additives To Avoid
Ingredients check cannot go missing when buying skincare range during pregnancy. It is suggested to stay away from harmful chemicals and artificial additives during pregnancy. Skincare products that contain ingredients like paraben, high amounts of salicylic acid and hydroquinone, etc. are to be avoided due to the below reasons:
Parabens: Parabensare a big no-no during pregnancy as they are associated with an increased risk of cancer. Retinoids: Retinoids have been found to be associated with birth defects. The use of this additive may lead to issues like congenital disabilities and neurocognitive problems in the child. Hydroquinone: Although there is no concrete proof that hydroquinone is related to birth deformities, it’s advised to limit the use of products with this ingredient during pregnancy as hydroquinone can get absorbed significantly by the skin, leading to its excessive amounts in the body. Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde is a kind of preservation that is used to increase the shelf life of skin care products. However, products with this ingredient are not suitable during pregnancy as they can increase the risk of infertility and miscarriage. Phthalates: Products that contain phthalates should also not be used during pregnancy as exposure to this ingredient can cause hormonal and reproductive disorders. Safe To Use Ingredients And Additives
It’s safe to apply natural and organic skin care products during pregnancy as they not only prevent allergic reactions but also work gently on your skin to keep it healthy and glowing. Nevertheless, not all chemical compounds are harmful. Therefore, we have listed some non-organic ingredients that are safe during pregnancy:
Glycolic Acid: Though it’s not recommended to use large amounts of glycolic acid in pregnancy, products that contain a safe quantity of this acid are safe to use. Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid is responsible for inducing moisture and hydration to the skin. It is also safe to use during pregnancy. So, if you are dealing with dry and rough skin, consider this alternative in your moisturizing cream. Mineral-Based Ingredients: Sun protection is essential in any case, and even more so during pregnancy to save your sensitive skin from the harmful sun rays. Look for mineral-based sunscreens that contain ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Remember one thing, if you are doubtful about a certain ingredient, avoid using that product. The skin care and makeup routine should be kept simple when you have conceived. These natural and harmless alternatives will help you keep yourself glowing during this period. I understand the daily struggles you are going through, but this is just a temporary phase, and your skin will be back to normal soon. If you have used any of these pregnancy safe beauty products, do let me know how it felt. And if you think you can add to this list, feel free to drop a comment below!
