12 Best Face Washes for Pregnancy That Are Safe to Use [2023 Reviews] (2024)

You thought an increase in the size and shape of your belly is the only physical change that occurs during pregnancy? Maybe not, but little did I know during my time that the face also bears the brunt of carrying a child. And the primary cause of this is hormonal changes.

As a result of these hormonal changes, your skin can start to look excessively dry or develop acne. Melasma is also not such an unheard of skin condition that affects some pregnant women. I’m just giving you one bad news after another, aren’t I? But it’s not like you didn’t already know this.

So here comes the good news, great news actually. Products like the best face wash for pregnancy are now widely available. They have the ability to solve the most common to the most stubborn skin-related problems. That many pregnant women have to deal with!

However, it’s not advisable to trust all the choices currently up for grabs. You’ve got to be a bit skeptical about what you use on and for your skin these days. In the light of this matter, I’ve narrowed down the search for you. And the final products that I have shortlisted are completely effective plus safe to use.

Top Face Washes & Cleansers for Pregnancy

If you’re clueless about what is the best face wash for pregnancy, you might find these reviews very useful. This list of safe face washes during pregnancy is perfect for you. If your skin is even slightly prone to developing acne!

Body Boost Clarifying Daily Face Wash

Wondering how a face wash for pregnancy is any different from a regular face wash? The Body Boost Clarifying Daily Face Wash is the perfect way to explain this difference. The cleanser is totally effective and even gentle. Hormonal skin demands the use of gentle skincare product

What also sets this face wash apart from the rest is the inclusion of antioxidants, plant extracts, and astringents. The antioxidants come from cucumber and green tea. They provide protection against harmful free radicals. As for plant extracts, they minimize excess pigmentation. And lastly, the natural astringents are the ones that clear out your blemishes.

You can use this wash on a daily basis. And on your back or chest as well. The product is clinically tested. This suggests no allergic reactions or skin sensitivities to deal with during pregnancy.

And here’s another piece of news in your favor. There’s no possible downside to using the Body Boost Clarifying Daily Face Wash.

Belli Anti-Blemish Acne Facial Wash

Now here’s an acne-fighting face wash for pregnant women that suits all skin types. It’s the Belli Anti-Blemish Acne Facial Wash. And it targets your pregnancy/hormonal acne and breakouts. Also, you can have the most sensitive skin and not worry about any reaction.

The effective combination of natural ingredients is what makes the most impact. These ingredients include lemon peel, lactic acid, cucumber extract, and green tea. So what you’re actually looking at is an exfoliating cleanser rich with antioxidants.

Lactic acid cleanses and exfoliates your acne-prone surface. In fact, it also has anti-aging benefits. Green tea equals antioxidants, which reduce skin redness and irritation. Cucumber extract hydrates the skin. And lemon peel acts as a natural complexion-clearing and anti-bacterial agent.

There are zero harmful ingredients in here. That means don’t expect your skin to feel excessively dry or irritated. Instead, what’s slightly letting down is the strong lemony smell.

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

This particular product is very popular on Amazon. The manufacturer is Cetaphil, after all. They are responsible for offering some of the most gentle skincare face washes. Along with lotions and body washes. And this cleanser is not an exception.

It works well on whatever skin type, even the sensitive kind. Clinically proven for hydrating the skin. The Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser softens the surface along the way. You can use it to remove makeup as well. Isn’t that something you’ve been searching for quite a while?

The creamy formula is non-irritating and mild. It soothes your skin while removing dirt, makeup, or any other impurities. And that’s the best part when you’re pregnant. You can clean your face, body, and hands with this gentle cleanser.

Much like the other Cetaphil products, this one too is soap-free and non-foaming. It doesn’t destroy your skin’s natural protective barrier. And the face wash also helps in maintaining the natural pH balance of your skin.

You can use the cleanser even without water. Now that’s a first, isn’t it? But please don’t consider buying this product if you prefer a face wash that lathers.

Bella B Foaming Face Wash

It looks like a simple, average product but it really isn’t. The Bella B Foaming Face Wash is equipped with pharmaceutical-grade organic ingredients. Like tea tree oil. It’s a hypoallergenic formula that cleanses your face gently. And it does minimize acne, in case you’re wondering.

Expect to find no salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acid, or benzoyl peroxide. And like I said earlier, organic ingredients are used. S there aren’t any parabens in here too.

Plenty of antioxidants are a part of the face wash. Thanks to the composition of green tea, acai berry, and pomegranate. Key emollients such as honey, cucumber, aloe vera, and shea are also added to the mix. All these elements are perfectly safe and healthy for pregnant women. So go ahead and use it twice a day even. To clear out your acne-prone/hormonal skin.

Just one last thing though. The face wash might be too gentle for very oily skin.

Lucina MD Nourishing Cleanser

Above all else, you’ll fall for the delicious and bright citrusy smell of this face wash. The Lucina MD Nourishing Cleanser targets your sebum production. After all, it’s the very thing responsible for acne and breakouts during pregnancy.

What this formula contains is wheat germ oil. For an additional boost of antioxidants! Wheat germ oil is actually an essential nutrient that the skin deserves. To look clearer and more youthful.

Apart from that, there’s seaweed and grapefruit extracts. They bring in hydration. And reduce the formation and appearance of wrinkles.

Even the addition of linoleic acid is a huge plus. As this contains fatty acids to promote cellular health. In short, linoleic acid increases the glow and radiance of your skin.

The Lucina MD Nourishing Cleanser is packed with no harmful substances. So your baby’s body and brain do not get affected in any way. You’ll be quite relieved to know that this face wash is specially created for pregnant and breastfeeding women. And for those dealing with serious breakouts and acne.

Rest assured; no major setbacks to look out for here.

Aleavia Purifying Organic Facial Cleanser

The word “organic” in the product title says it all. The Aleavia Purifying Organic Facial Cleanser is a very effective solution for pregnant women. As it has the power to treat your acne in the most natural manner.

The facial cleanser is 100 percent organic and natural. Without any harmful toxins, parabens, and chemicals. There are no artificial fragrances plus dyes either. And you can use it to remove your makeup as well. Even the waterproof kind!

What’s even more outstanding is that this formula helps in stabilizing your skin’s natural pH balance. Thanks to aloe vera for that. This particular ingredient also reduces the negative effects of a skin condition known as Rosacea.

If you think that’s all, you’re wrong. The organic cleanser goes a long way in combating visible warnings of acne. It’s got healthy anti-aging properties too. What more could you have asked for, right?

Expect the liquid inside the large bottle to last for a very long time. Just be careful during application as the facial cleanser stings the eyes.

Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Daily Facial Cleanser

It’s such a task to choose skin care products that are healthy and safe to use. And this undertaking becomes even more difficult when you’re pregnant. So at such times, can you rely on popular brands like Neutrogena? Well, in the case of face washes, you definitely can.

This gentle hydrating facial cleanser is specifically created for those with sensitive skin. That means it cleanses, softens, and moisturizes your skin. Without giving rise to an allergic reaction!

The formula is mild and creamy, no doubt. It gets rid of excess oil thoroughly, no doubt about that either. You can even remove your makeup with it.

The daily cleanser is very gentle. No matter how sensitive or dry your skin is. Even when it comes to treating skin conditions, this stuff is quite a reliable option. Be it for acne, rosacea, or eczema.

The ingredients are all non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic. They don’t clog your skin pores, which is just what you want to hear if you have acne-prone skin.

But here’s the most captivating part. The Neutrogena facial cleanser is a polyglycerin formula. The creamy, hydrating liquid clears out your dry and sensitive skin. While also being gentle to not trigger an unwanted reaction!

However, this review comes with a warning. An unpleasant after-wash burning sensation is a common complaint. So please test the waters before you decide to dive right into it.

Nourish Organic Moisturizing Face Cleanser

Watercress and cucumber; the two hard-to-say-no-to ingredients on the list. That’s the unique selling point of this face cleanser by Nourish Organic. Watercress is packed with antioxidants. They protect your skin against environmental damage. And cucumber is for hydrating and replenishing the skin.

Is it safe to use during pregnancy? Completely! The gentle cleanser eliminates all impurities. Without causing any redness, irritation, or dryness. The formula penetrates deep for dissolving oil, dirt, and even makeup. Plus, it’s fragrance-free.

Apart from watercress and cucumber, the face wash contains aloe vera. This common skin care ingredient moisturizes and soothes the surface. So your skin looks radiant throughout the day.

It’s a vegan, organic, cruelty-free, gluten-free product. Only the consistency is a tad too thin. So it gets a bit difficult to use the cleanser for body parts other than your face.

Maternal Anti-Blemish Face Wash

I have many good things to say about the Maternal Anti-Blemish Face Wash. But for the sake of keeping it easy for you, I’m going to talk about the 3 most important characteristics.

The first is the plant-derived and vegan nature of the face wash. The ingredients used are safe and effective. This includes green tea and lactic acid. Along with plant extracts plus oils that have a rich level of antioxidants.

The second praiseworthy aspect is the safety factor. You can be pregnant or nursing, this Maternal Anti-Blemish Face Wash doesn’t cause any harm. Thanks to the exclusion of elements like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, artificial fragrances/dyes, parabens, etc.

And the third and final part is the non-irritating properties. You can use the face wash daily. And predict no clogged pores, breakouts, or skin irritation. The natural ingredients used are of the highest quality. So they suit even the most sensitive skin.

However, to be honest, it’s a preventative product, for the most part. Meaning it keeps new acne from developing on your skin. But doesn’t do much to the already existing ones!

Mederma AG Hydrating Facial Cleanser

AG stands for Aqua Glycolic. And Aqua Glycolic on a daily basis, in this case, is gentle and non-drying. No matter your skin type or age! The facial cleanser eliminates dirt and oil from the face. Leaving it feeling refreshed and smooth!

And you know what; you can use it for shaving your sensitive areas too. Like the underarms, face, and bikini line. Quite a multi-tasking cleanser/shaving cream it is, isn’t it?

This hydrating formula exfoliates and eliminates your dry and dead skin cells. It’s hypoallergenic and dermatologist-recommended. So it goes without saying that harmful chemicals are not added to the mix.

The facial cleanser works like magic. In the sense that it keeps acne and dry patches at bay. Even if you have an unusual combination of flakey bits and acne-prone, oily skin. It’s a must-have skincare product in every expecting mother’s beauty regimen.

But if you think Aqua Glycolic is the first ingredient, that’s not true. It’s not even in the first 3, quite disappointingly!

Era Organics Natural Moisturizing Face Wash

Can you expect this face wash to clear up your acne in less than a month? YES, you certainly can. The Era Organics Natural Moisturizing Face Wash is also a body wash by the way. This particular formula perfectly balances your skin’s natural pH level. So healing without irritating or drying out your skin becomes possible.

What’s worth taking home is that this wash soothes the most stubborn skin conditions. Like psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema, and acne of course. And the fact that it works on sensitive skin means the product is gentle enough for pregnant women.

Organic ingredients, aloe vera and manuka honey, are a part of the deal. They have natural anti-aging properties. So it’s not unreasonable for you to expect your skin to look supple and toned.

Even the application part is easy. You only require a little bit mixed with water to clean your whole face as well as neck. You might just have to tolerate the odd smell. Mind you, it’s odd and not foul.

Christina Moss Naturals Organic Facial Cleanser

With over 1,900 reviews, the last product is unquestionably not the least. It’s the Christina Moss Naturals Organic Facial Cleanser. This one is simply the perfect choice for you. If your skin is on the sensitive side. That’s because it has no chemical or artificial preservatives, fragrances, and other substances. Needless to say, the facial cleanser is hypoallergenic.

The effective, concentrated formula thoroughly yet gently cleanses your skin. And while doing so, it takes away all the acne buildup. At the same time, it doesn’t dry out or irritate the skin. You don’t even need to use a huge amount for cleansing your entire face. Only dime size, that’s more than enough.

What are the ingredients present in here? There’s rosemary essential oil and flower extract. For protecting your skin cells against damage caused by free radicals and sun. Then there’s olive fruit oil. It’s got antioxidants that further prevent skin damage. Olive oil-infused cleansers also have the ability to minimize your acne. And they do so by destroying the bacteria directly responsible for your breakouts.

Coconut oil is for moisturizing the skin. It also serves as a very safe and effective makeup remover. And lastly, aloe vera to hydrate and cleanse your skin from deep within.

So many natural and organic ingredients, am I right? It’s almost impossible to turn down such a healthy skin care product.

The only drawback is the bathroom disinfectant-type pine scent. But you might look past it as long as the facial cleanser takes care of your acne during pregnancy.

What are the Possible Causes of Acne During Pregnancy?

Relationship Between Bacteria and Oil on The Skin

The primary cause of acne during pregnancy is an 8-letter word; HORMONES. When pregnant, your body’s got plenty of them coursing through it. Some of them tend to increase sebum production. Sebum is nothing but oil. And excessive oil almost always gives rise breakouts. That’s your side of understanding, isn’t it?

The oil present in your skin; well, that’s not the actual cause of your acne. The bacteria residing on that skin is. Bacteria feed on excess oil. And these two further mix with your dead skin cells. The result of which is clogged pores and skin inflammation. And that causes a breakout.

Other Causes of Acne During Pregnancy

But you know; oil is not the enemy. As a matter of fact, oil in the right amount is a part of your skin. Good bacteria come in contact with this oil and produce moisturizing molecules. So how does this oil cause acne? It happens when you disrupt the correct balance of the oil.

Here’s how such a tragedy occurs:

So now you know that you can’t always blame pregnancy hormones for your acne. Hormonal fluctuations are not the same in every woman’s body. During your first pregnancy and postpartum, you might get heavy cystic acne. That won’t appear during the second one.

Ingredients to Avoid in Face Washes for Pregnancy

What are the most popular acne products to avoid while pregnant?

Every pregnancy skin care routine should not include the following substances:

Retinoids

Retinoids in beauty products are associated with birth defects

Salicylic Acid

Now, this particular ingredient is a beta hydroxy acid. It is added to face washes to get rid of your dead skin cells. And to dissolve the excess oil for cleansing your pores.

Instead, you can choose an alpha hydroxy acid such as lactic or glycolic acid. These two perform the same function but with a relatively lower risk.

Soy Products

Some pregnant women also have to deal with melasma. It’s a skin condition that causes hyperpigmentation. So to avoid the formation of melasma during pregnancy, it’s best to stay away from soy products.

The soy ingredient in anything, even your body wash, is not a good idea. For your 9 months and beyond, you can choose any one of these best pregnancy body washes. They don’t include soy in any form or quantity.

Also, put on sunscreen to minimize the chances of melasma when pregnant.

Hydroquinone and Benzoyl Peroxide

Skip these two skin lightening agents as well. They are not safe to use if you’re carrying a child. But you can replace benzoyl peroxide with a skincare product that’s sulfur-based.

What to Look For In Face Washes for Pregnancy

The word “safe” only means organic and natural. At least that’s what it does in the case of face and body washes. However, I would still recommend talking to your doctor first.

A face wash that consists of natural elements is your safest option. And thanks to dedicated manufacturers, these safe products are now also very effective. As far as treating acne during pregnancy is concerned.

Some of the most common natural ingredients included in these face washes are as follows:

Don’t ever skip reading the ingredients on the bottle or tube of the face wash. If there are a few of them that you don’t understand or haven’t heard of before. Do your research and then decide to buy. All ingredients should be pregnancy-safe; never forget or underestimate that.

How to Get Rid Of Acne During Pregnancy?

What is the best acne treatment safe for pregnancy? This is a frequently asked question. Considering most of the skincare products for treating acne aren’t recommended for pregnant women. So what can you do to keep acne away?

Exfoliate

It’s time to get rid of your dead skin cells, which tend to clog pores. Exfoliation 2-3 times a week sounds about right. If you do it more than that, it might lead to skin irritation. So don’t overdo it.

Wash Your Face Not More Than 2-3 Times a Day

Once in the morning, once at night, and once in between. 3 times is enough to eliminate bacteria, oil, and other potential pollutants.

When you end up washing your face more frequently. You’re only encouraging your skin to produce excess oil. In order to make up for the slack of moisture due to the frequent washing.

Moisturize

You might think it’s okay to skip moisturizer but it’s really not. Even if your skin is oily!

Skipping moisturizer doesn’t provide your skin with enough oil to prevent dryness. As a result of which your skin boosts oil production.

Use Light-Based Skincare Products

This includes light pens or light masks created for treating acne. And they do so by destroying bacteria present on the face. For pregnant women, these are safe as they don’t introduce substances that get absorbed into the skin.

Go for Makeup That’s Non-Comedogenic

Products that are non-comedogenic don’t clog pores. It’s as simple as that.

Ditch Dairy

It also promotes sebum production. This means more clogged pores.

Eat Healthy

Now I don’t need to tell you that, as a mother-to-be, you have to consume a clean diet. But you might want to know that bad eating habits and acne go hand in hand. For instance, high-glycemic items of food increase blood sugar and insulin. And this triggers an adjustment in the hormone levels, which causes acne.

So eat clean and keep away from high-glycemic and sugary foods and treats.

Avoid Touching Your Face

Dirt, oil, and bacteria from your fingers can easily get transferred to your face. So make sure you don’t touch the face without washing your hands first.

Keep Your Hair From Touching Your Face

Likewise, the hair also carries oils. So when sleeping or awake, it’s best to wear your hair up.

The End

The best face wash for pregnancy does exist after all. You just have to pick any one of the 12 most popular choices I’ve shortlisted in the article. For a more detailed understanding, the buying guide section has also been laid out for you.

If you’re still in doubt, there’s no harm in paying a visit to your doctor to discuss the problem of pregnancy acne. But if you actually end up with a face wash that works in your favor, then nothing like it.

Just keep in mind that there’s no ONE solution to a problem. You have to take care of your skin more profoundly if you want the desired results. The process may be slow but you’ll eventually get there.