Pregnancy can affect skin in unexpected ways. Hormonal changes can bring on dryness, sensitivity, breakouts or pigmentation, sometimes all within the space of a few months. A thoughtful pregnancy-safe routine focuses on gentle ingredients that support the skin, while steering clear of ingredients that aren't recommended during this time.
Skincare ingredients can be absorbed through the skin in varying amounts, so it's worth paying a little closer attention to what's in your daily products while pregnant. Checking ingredient lists, and talking through any concerns with your doctor or healthcare professional, is a good way to keep your skincare choices right for you.
Common Skin Changes During Pregnancy
Pregnancy hormones can change the way skin looks and feels. Some changes build gradually, others seem to show up overnight.
Dryness And Sensitivity
Skin can turn drier or more reactive during pregnancy, even if it's never given you trouble before. Gentle cleansers and moisturisers with skin-supporting ingredients can help maintain hydration without adding extra irritation.
Breakouts
Hormonal changes can ramp up oil production, which may lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Keeping your routine simple, with gentle cleansing and carefully chosen products, can support clearer skin without reaching for strong actives.
Pigmentation
Increased hormone activity can bring on darker patches of skin, sometimes called melasma or the "mask of pregnancy." Daily sun protection and gentle skincare can help, while stronger pigmentation treatments are often better saved for after pregnancy, or discussed with a healthcare professional first.
Itchiness
As the body changes and skin stretches, areas like the belly and breasts can start to feel dry or itchy. Regular moisturising with gentle, nourishing ingredients can help keep skin comfortable.
Skincare Ingredients To Avoid During Pregnancy
Some skincare ingredients are best avoided, or only used with medical advice, during pregnancy. It's worth getting familiar with the label.
- Retinoids: Topical Retinoids such as Retinol, Retinal and prescription Tretinoin are generally recommended to be avoided during pregnancy, due to potential risks to a developing baby (ABC News, 2026). For more on how this ingredient works outside of pregnancy, see our piece on What Retinol Is And How It Works In Skincare.
- High-Dose Salicylic Acid: High concentrations of Salicylic Acid, particularly in peels or treatments used over larger areas, are best avoided during pregnancy unless a healthcare professional recommends otherwise (NSW Health, 2021).
- Hydroquinone: Hydroquinone is generally avoided during pregnancy, as a relatively high amount can be absorbed through the skin and there's limited safety information available for use during this time (NSW Health, 2021).
- Certain Essential Oils: Some Essential Oils may not be recommended during pregnancy, depending on the type, concentration and how they're used. It's worth checking with a healthcare professional before adding them to your routine.
A Simple, Natural Pregnancy Skincare Routine
A safe skincare routine during pregnancy can be as simple as gentle cleansing, plenty of hydration and ingredients chosen with care as your skin's needs change.
Start With Gentle Cleansing
Choose a mild, Soap-free cleanser that lifts away daily build-up without stripping the skin's natural oils. This matters even more when pregnancy leaves skin feeling drier, more sensitive or easily irritated.
Keep Skin Hydrated
Follow up with a moisturiser that helps support the skin barrier and lock in hydration. Ingredients like Jojoba Oil and other natural moisturising oils can help keep dry or sensitive skin feeling soft and comfortable. A body oil can also help nourish dry, tight and changing skin during pregnancy.
Choose Your Actives Carefully
Pregnancy is a good time to take a second look at any stronger actives in your routine and check each one is suitable. For more on gentle ingredients and everyday skin support, our Natural Anti-Ageing Skincare Routine guide has some practical, no-fuss tips.
Protect Skin From The Sun
Daily sun protection is especially worthwhile during pregnancy, as hormonal changes can make pigmentation like melasma more noticeable. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, and pair it with shade and a hat where you can.
Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Products To Consider
Pregnancy can be a good time to simplify your routine, especially if skin starts asking for a little more TLC.
Creamy Hydrating Face Cleanser
Our Creamy Hydrating Face Cleanser cleanses gently, without the harsh detergents that strip the skin's natural oils. It's a simple place to start when browsing our Face collection for a gentle daily cleanser, particularly if skin feels more delicate than usual.
Our Creamy Hydrating Face Cleanser gently cleanses without harsh detergents that strip the skin’s natural oils. It’s a simple place to start when browsing our Face collection for a gentle daily cleanser, particularly when skin feels more delicate than usual.
Full Cream Moisturiser
Our Full Cream Moisturiser is made with natural oils including Sweet Almond Oil, Coconut Oil and Olive Oil. These nourishing oils help hydrate and pamper dry skin, making it a rich option when skin is craving extra moisture.
Fast Hydrating Lotion
Our Fast Hydrating Lotion has a lightweight feel that sinks in quickly, with natural oils and gentle ingredients chosen to replenish moisture. It suits delicate, dry or sensitive skin that needs a bit of extra hydration, with more options in our Dry & Dehydrated Skin collection.
Milk Wash
Our Milk Wash uses gentle cleansing ingredients instead of SLS, and is formulated without synthetic preservatives, so it cleanses without leaving skin feeling stripped or dry. If pregnancy has left your skin more sensitive or reactive, it sits comfortably alongside the other gentle options in our Sensitive Skin collection.
Sources:
- ABC News. (2026). Retinoids are booming in the beauty industry, but are they safe to use during pregnancy? https://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2026-02-08/retinoids-and-retinol-when-pregnant/106250060
- NSW Health, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (MotherSafe). (2021). Skin, hair care and cosmetic treatments in pregnancy and breastfeeding. https://www.seslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/groups/Royal_Hospital_for_Women/Mothersafe/documents/skinhaircareandcosmetictreatmentsapril2021.pdf
