Pregnancy brings a lot of changes to our skin. Sometimes it’s a healthy ‘glow’ and other times it’s stretchmarks and dry or oily skin.
It’s a skincare rollercoaster!
In this post, we take a look at some of the best face moisturizer for pregnancy and tell you exactly what you should be looking for in a cream and what you should stay away from.
Let’s get started!
Our Top Picks
Our Top Pick: Neutrogena Hydro Boost
Runner Up: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Also Consider: Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Facial Moisturizer
Top Luxury Pick: Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream
Top Natural Pick: Honeyskin Hydrating Face Moisturizer
The Best Face Moisturizer For Pregnancy
As part of our testing, we reviewed 8 products and researched reviews for an additional 4 to come up with our top list below.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Water Face Gel Moisturizer
The hyaluronic acid in Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Water Face Gel Moisturizer will help to plump up your skin, making it more hydrated and smooth. Neutrogena claims that the hyaluronic acid in this product can "lock" moisture into your skin for 24 hours.
I fell in love with the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Water Face Gel Moisturizer at first swipe. It’s loaded with skin-loving ingredients that hydrate and plump skin, giving you a dewy glow without any sticky or greasy feel. The lightweight face gel moisturizer is an ultra-soothing formula that’s perfect for all skin types, especially normal to oily. If you’re looking for a hyaluronic acid serum, but don’t want to spend the money on one of the more expensive ones on the market, this Neutrogena Hydro Boost face gel moisturizer is worth trying.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
We first discovered CeraVe when we looked at the best lotions for pregnant bellies and we’ve been fans ever since.
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 is an ideal facial moisturiser for daily use thanks to the oil free formula. What we particularly like about the CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 is that it comes with SPF 30 meaning that there's less risk of developing pigmentation issues caused by the sun.
In addition, this moisturiser is suitable for most skin types and contains a combination of ingredients that are beneficial to the skin.
Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Facial Moisturizer with Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Sunscreen
The Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Facial Moisturizer is another fantastic choice for use during pregnancy due to the oil free formula and SPF 15 sunscreen content.
Again, since it is preservative free it will not last as long so I recommend buying the six ounce tube so you do not have to worry about running out too quickly. This three-in-one moisturizer with soy complex contains natural light diffusers that create a more radiant looking appearance.
Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream – Quick-Absorbing Face Moisturizer with Vitamin C and Anti-Aging Purslane
Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream – Quick-Absorbing Face Moisturizer with Vitamin C and Anti-Aging Purslane
We won't sugarcoat it, Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream is expensive. That said, it's without doubt one of the best facial moisturisers that we've ever tried.
After only a few weeks of use, our skin was definitely smoother and plumper, but it's the visible reduction in fine lines that makes this cream so special.
Like other premium skincare products, Dr. Sturm Face Cream should be used after you cleanse your face with one of her exfoliating toners (we love the exfoliating rose spray), but before using a serum.
It's the combination of the vitamin C, purslane extract and hyaluronic acid that makes this cream so effective. We'd recommend you use your Dr. Sturm Face Cream religiously for at least three months to see the full benefits, but trust us, it will be worth it.
Honeyskin Hydrating Face Moisturizer
Honeyskin was a surprise late entry to our list, the brand is relatively unknown outside of the US, however, that doesn’t mean it’s not a quality product.
Keep your skin hydrated, nourished and beautiful with an all-purpose cream that goes seven layers deep. The quick absorbing formula provides constant daily moisturizing even if you're washing every few hours! Great for puffy eyes or blemishes; this will keep them under control while also giving back some of those precious natural oils lost from stress or poor quality skincare products like harsh chemicals which can lead to dryness over time.
Things To Avoid
When buying a good facial moisturizer for pregnancy there are a few ingredients that you want to steer clear of. These are:
Retinoids : Retinoids can be dangerous and can cause birth defects. Tretinoin and Accutane are the most commonly-known retinoids, but there are many others. You may want to read labels because all topical vitamin A derivatives should be considered risky due to their strong cellular-regenerating properties. Retinol is a weaker derivative
Tetracycline : Tetracycline is an antibiotic that can be absorbed through the skin and may affect fetal development.
Benzoyl peroxide: According to some sources, benzoyl peroxide may be harmful for pregnant women because it can cause hormonal imbalances and lead to birth defects. Because treatment during pregnancy is not recommended by many dermatologists
iS Clinical Youth Serum: Active ingredients include Retinol, Vitamin C, Peptides and Green Tea Extract . These are all considered safe for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers but itSalicylic acid: Salicylic acid is the only beta-hydroxy acid allowed in over-the-counter products. Because it may be absorbed through the skin salicylic acid should not be used during pregnancy
- Hydroquinone: Hydroquinone, an ingredient found in many skin lightening creams , is known to cause birth defects when ingested orally or injected into the body.
The Bottom Line
So there you have it, our best face moisturizers for pregnancy. Remember while ingredients and formula do play a part in there effectiveness, the one thing to keep in mind is the consistency of putting them on morning and night.
Ellen Fetters
Ellen Fetters, is a former Children's and Young People's Nursing Practice with an BSc from the University of Sunderland. After completing her SCPHN - HV she then worked as a Health Visitor within the local community.
In 2017 Ellen left nursing to launch Parenting Click, an online parenting resource aimed at creating happier families through better parenting.
She lives with her husband, beautiful baby girl, and two darling dogs. She spends her free time writing, running and learning how to become a better parent.