Pregnancy Approved Beauty Products (That Actually Work!)
Welcome to my ultimate guide to safe, pregnancy-approved beauty products! When I found out I was pregnant unexpectedly a few months ago, I knew that I would have to do a pretty decent overhaul of my skincare and body products.
In case you missed it: Read We’re Having a Baby!
I had been slowly transitioning into plant-based, cruelty-free brands over the past couple years, but because I wasn't worried about protecting a little bebe inside of me yet, I didn't dig into each product as thoroughly as I could have.
The day after I found out I was pregnant, I typed “pregnancy safe beauty products” into Google, expecting to find up-to-date guides and honest reviews. Surprisingly enough, I was met by ads, sponsored “reviews”, and overall a ton of products I had never even heard of.
It was disappointing, but I didn’t want to give up on my favorite brands from well-known and trusted sites like ULTA and Sephora in favor of products that I wasn’t sure would even work.
Instead, I decided to take some time and do my own research on some of the brands that I’ve used over the years and love. What I found was that many of these companies had been making strides toward clean beauty that was pregnancy-safe already! Of course, not all of the products I had were safe for me and bebe, but I was able to discover (and even keep) some of my, now, favorites.
Without further ado, lets break down 13 of my favorite pregnancy approved beauty products that actually work!
(Nothing in this post is sponsored or gifted; I purchased and tested all of these products on my own dime.)
Disclosure* I encourage you to do your own research on these products and consult with your doctor to determine if they are safe for you and your baby prior to using. These are products that have worked for me personally.
Rock the Bump Body Butter
The first item that I purchased when I found out I was pregnant was the “Honest Mama Bump Care Kit” which included one of my highest recommended products: Rock the Bump Body Butter.
This thick and buttery blend of shea butter, avocado oil, and vitamin E is so nourishing for my growing belly and has been incredible so far at keeping stretch marks away. I am about to repurchase this body butter, but the first container has lasted me almost 3 months.
Honest, $19.95
Glow On Body Oil
The second item that I never knew I needed, but now refuse to live without, is the Glow On Body Oil which was also included in my “Honest Mama Bump Care Kit”. In comparison to the body butter, this oil has lasted much, much longer and I don’t anticipate buying another during my pregnancy because you need so little when applying.
1-2 pumps of this plant-based oil (a mixture of organic coconut, avocado, and olive oils) is perfect for applying to my belly, boobs, and butt (aka: all of the places where potential stretch marks could pop up). I rub this in on top of my body butter to lock in the moisture and provide some extra glow and softness to these areas.
Honest, $17.95
Sweet Curves Body lotion
While this lotion works well and is great for efficiency and cost since it comes in the “Honest Mama Bump Care Kit”, my honest opinion is that it is a bit watery for the type of body lotion that I prefer. It is a blend of healthy omegas and nurturing plant-derived shea butter and avocado oil.
Personally, since I have just finished the bottle, I will be swapping it out for my tried-and-true Aveeno Daily Moisturizing lotion.
Honest, $14.95
Nail polish remover
One of the products that I was adamant about finding an alternative for was my nail polish remover because my old one smelled so strongly of chemicals. After some research, I purchased this gentle, acetone-free formula that easily removes even the darkest shades of nail polish without drying out my nails.
It works amazing (even better than my old one), and I feel much safer doing my nails at home these days.
Mineral Fusion, $10.30
Nail polish Elderflower Power
As for nail color, I chose “Elderflower Power” by Sally Hansen’s plant-based brand and I have already gotten so many questions about it on Instagram every time I show my nails in my stories. It is the perfect light pink for any season and goes on so smoothly.
I am also using this clear top coat to finish off my safe, at-home manicure.
Sally Hansen, $6.72
Prime + Perfect mask
This superfood face mask (a high concentration of skin-reviving antioxidants and shea butter) has quickly become a part of my weekly self-care routine and for good reason.
The smell of the mask is so wonderfully rich and fruity, the consistency is thick and creamy, and it makes my skin feel glowy and refreshed every time after using it.
Honest, $19.99
Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment
This is the product that I researched most when it came to pregnancy because, quite honestly, the word “acid” put me on edge. However, after diving deep into an internet search, nothing that I found made me feel uneasy about continuing to use this product that had become my most-loved over the past year.
“He points out that glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acids are all considered safe and are good options for someone who still wants some sloughing action” - Vogue.
Another article states, “Lactic acid, another AHA, will help refine the pores and generally do the same thing that glycolic acid does, but at a lower strength and with less irritation” - Harper’s Bazaar.
This all-in-one AHA treatment powered by lactic acid clarifies, smooths, and retexturizes the appearance of skin. It also hydrates and exfoliates the surface layers of the skin, revealing a more clarified, fresher, and younger-looking complexion.
In addition to smoothing my skin, I have personally noticed that it has brightened the appearance of my dark spots and has given me a more even-toned complexion.
Sunday Riley, $85
Superfood Facial Oil
This facial oil is my most recent purchase (I have been using over the past 2 weeks now). I had been wanting to try this raved-about skincare product for over a year after seeing The Skinny Confidential share it on her Instagram, but it is admittedly pretty pricey for how small the bottle is.
However, with the cold weather (or the changing hormones) drying my face out little by little, I decided that now was the time to invest in my skin. In short, I’ve been looking to experience that “pregnancy glow” that everyone talks so highly about during the second trimester.
The reason behind the hefty price tag is that the oil contains antioxidant and omega-rich broccoli, flax seed and daikon radish that feed the skin, helping to plump and smooth. It is a lightweight, non-greasy and easily absorbed formula which leaves your skin balanced with a healthy-looking, radiant glow (aka: consider my pregnancy glow achieved). It is also free from: Artificial color, Parabens, SLS, SLES, DEA, and Mineral oil.
I usually apply 4 drops of this directly onto my face and massage it in before adding a few small dollops of my favorite Jet Lag Mask (shared below) to lock in the perfect amount of moisture for an overnight facial.
Elemis, $55
Jet Lag Mask
This mask is truly a cult-favorite in the beauty community. I think it’s safe to assume that you have at least heard of this product, if you aren’t using it already.
The Jet Lag mask is made up of a nourishing mix of vitamins, ceramides, antioxidants, and gently exfoliating extracts. The Chestnut extract activates the natural exfoliation process, polishing away dullness so skin looks radiant, healthy, and well-rested. Vitamin C brightens your skin tone and behaves like a moisture-magnet, boosting the hydration barrier. Lastly, Niacinamide, a naturally occurring compound of vitamin B3 and nicotinic acid, visibly reduces pores, uneven skin and fine lines.
Every time I combine my Superfood Facial Oil with this mask, I wake up glowing as if I just got a celebrity-worthy facial. It is undeniably my go-to for pampering myself these days.
Summer Fridays, $48
Reusable Makeup remover pads
If you are going to purchase anything from this list, let it be these (magical) reusable makeup remover pads. Never will I go back to fussy makeup removing wipes that drag down my skin, are expensive, and terrible for the environment.
You only have to buy these once (I’ve had mine for 2 years now) and you wash them with your clothes in the laundry to clean in the convenient mesh bag they provide. It comes in a pack of 14, so I generally only have to throw the bag into the laundry once every other week.
They are perfect for traveling too, even without any makeup remover, the two-tone microfiber somehow wipes away your makeup so gently using just warm water.
Green Estate, $12.99
Micellar Water (Makeup Remover)
Anytime I’m wearing a full face of makeup, or I just feel a little extra gritty from being outside, etc. I use this micellar water on my reusable makeup remover pads to cleanse my skin.
I’ve been using this oil-free makeup remover for at least 3 years now and have yet to find another one that I enjoy as much. The price tag is great and 1 bottle usually lasts me about 6 months.
Bioderma, $14.90
Aluminum-Free Deodorant
If you have been following along on Instagram, you know that I’ve tried just about every popular plant-based deodorant on the market. I switched over about 3 years ago and although there is a short “adjustment period” where your body is essentially detoxing the chemicals from your old deodorant, once that is done, I have had no issues whatsoever with smelling fresh.
Of all of the brands I have tried, Kopari is by far my favorite because of how smooth it glides against my skin. It also goes on completely clear so I haven’t had to worry about staining my clothes, and it smells wonderful. The deodorant is made of up coconut water, coconut oil, and sage oil.
Kopari, $11.95
Vitamin B12 Infused Toothpaste
Last, but certainly not least, this vegan, fluoride free toothpaste is a must. Not only does it taste and smell great, but it whitens my teeth safely and naturally and it is clinically proven to increase B12 levels by 50%.
I can confidently say that I will never return back to those overly sweet, junk-filled toothpastes that I grew up with.
Cali White, $8.99
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I'll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure here.
Shop this post:
What is your favorite clean beauty item at the moment? Tag me in your favorite beauty selfie on the gram, or comment on my latest post and tell me!
Want more beauty inspiration? Read 25 Nail Art Designs for Fall That Aren’t Tacky and Lip Filler, Botox, and Nasolabial Folds Filler: What You Need to Know.
Lastly, do you want some inbox love? Get the special treatment: exclusive content, sales I'm loving, new blog posts, social media, & more. Join our email list now!
xo Anna Elizabeth