Your Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Routine: What to Use (and What to Skip)

The moment you see those two lines on the test, a whole new kind of anxiety sets in — one nobody really warns you about. You pick up your face wash, flip it over, and suddenly wonder: is this safe? What about my serum? My moisturiser? The face oil I've been using for two years?

You're not being paranoid. Your instincts to protect your baby are doing exactly what they're supposed to do. And while the beauty industry can make pregnancy-safe skincare feel incredibly complicated, the truth is — it really doesn't have to be.

Let's make this simple for you.

Why your skin changes during pregnancy

Your hormones are going through something extraordinary right now. Surging oestrogen and progesterone affect nearly everything — including how your skin looks, feels, and behaves. You might notice:

• More oil production and breakouts (even if you've never had acne before)
• Hyperpigmentation, including the "mask of pregnancy" or melasma
• Dry, stretched, itchy skin — especially on your belly as it grows
• Increased sensitivity to products you've always used without a second thought
• That beautiful "pregnancy glow" — yes, it's real, and yes, you deserve it

None of this means something is wrong. It's your body doing something remarkable.

Ingredients to avoid during pregnancy

This is where most of the confusion comes from. Some ingredients are genuinely worth avoiding, while others are more of a cautious-just-in-case situation. Here are the key ones to look out for:

Retinoids (Vitamin A derivatives) — This includes retinol, retinyl palmitate, tretinoin, and retinoic acid. High doses of vitamin A have been linked to birth defects, so the general recommendation is to avoid these throughout pregnancy. This is the one with the clearest guidance — skip it.

High-dose salicylic acid — The salicylic acid in a gentle face wash is generally considered fine in small amounts. However, high-strength salicylic acid treatments (peels, strong toners) are best avoided.

Hydroquinone — A skin-lightening ingredient. Most dermatologists recommend avoiding it during pregnancy given how readily it can be absorbed through the skin.

Certain essential oils in high concentrations — Some essential oils are not recommended in pregnancy, particularly in high concentrations or early trimester use. Rosemary, clary sage, and pennyroyal are commonly listed. Always check the formulation of products you're using.

Chemical sunscreen actives — Oxybenzone and avobenzone are sometimes flagged. Mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) are a safe and effective swap.

As always — when in doubt, check with your midwife or GP. What's appropriate can vary from person to person.

What's safe (and actually lovely) to use

Here's the reassuring part: plenty of genuinely nourishing ingredients are completely pregnancy-safe, and your skin can thrive with them.

Hyaluronic acid — A brilliant hydrator that pulls moisture into the skin. Safe throughout pregnancy, and wonderful for the sensitivity and dryness that can come with hormonal changes.

Vitamin C — A great antioxidant that supports collagen production and can help with pigmentation. Generally considered safe and beneficial during pregnancy.

Niacinamide — Calming, pore-refining, and helpful for hormonal breakouts. A lovely pregnancy-safe alternative to retinol.

Certified organic plant oils — Oils like apricot kernel, rosehip, avocado, camellia, and argan are pregnancy-safe and beautifully nourishing for dry or itchy skin. They support the skin barrier and help with elasticity as your body changes.

Our RESTORE Belly & Body Oil is made with a blend of certified organic apricot kernel, avocado, camellia, argan, and rosehip oils — all pregnancy-safe from trimester one. It was specifically created for pregnant mums who want to nourish their skin without worrying about what's in the bottle. Apply it after a warm shower while your skin is still slightly damp — your belly, hips, thighs, and breasts will thank you.

Your simple pregnancy-safe skincare routine

Morning:

1. Gentle, fragrance-free cleanser
2. Hyaluronic acid serum (especially helpful if your skin feels dry or tight)
3. Lightweight moisturiser
4. Mineral SPF (every day, even if you're staying indoors)

Evening:

1. Gentle cleanser to remove SPF and the day
2. Niacinamide serum if you're dealing with breakouts or pigmentation
3. Moisturiser
4. RESTORE Belly & Body Oil on your belly, hips, breasts, and anywhere feeling dry or stretched

That's really it. Simple is better right now — your skin is already working overtime.

A note on your belly specifically

As your belly grows (and grows, and grows), the skin stretches — and stretching skin desperately needs moisture. Dry, stretched skin is the reason so many mums experience that relentless itchiness in the second and third trimester. Keeping the skin hydrated supports elasticity and makes your skin feel much more comfortable as your body does its extraordinary work.

A body oil, applied warm and massaged gently into the skin, is one of the loveliest pregnancy rituals you can build for yourself. It's two minutes of quiet. Two minutes of caring for your body, the way it deserves.

Practical tips for your pregnancy skincare routine

1. Switch to a mineral SPF if you're using a chemical sunscreen — zinc oxide is safe and effective.
2. Swap retinol for niacinamide or vitamin C — both are pregnancy-safe alternatives with real skin benefits.
3. Read ingredient lists on anything going on your skin — apps like INCI Decoder can help decode labels quickly.
4. If your skin becomes suddenly more sensitive, simplify to just cleanser, moisturiser, and SPF.
5. Use a body oil on your belly, hips, and breasts daily — ideally after a shower while skin is slightly damp.
6. Stay well hydrated — skin moisture starts from within.
7. Don't feel you need to overhaul everything overnight. Small, considered swaps are enough.
8. When in doubt about any product, check with your midwife or GP before continuing use.

Frequently asked questions about pregnancy-safe skincare

Can I use retinol while pregnant?

No — retinol and other retinoid derivatives are generally recommended to be avoided during pregnancy. Swap for niacinamide or vitamin C instead, both of which are pregnancy-safe with skin-brightening and calming benefits.

Is rosehip oil safe to use during pregnancy?

Rosehip oil is generally considered safe during pregnancy and is a popular ingredient in pregnancy skincare for its nourishing and antioxidant-rich properties. It's included in our RESTORE Belly & Body Oil, which is certified safe from trimester one.

Can I use my usual face wash while pregnant?

Most gentle, fragrance-free face washes are fine to continue using. The ingredients to watch for are high concentrations of salicylic acid or any retinoid-based actives. A simple, gentle cleanser is all you really need during pregnancy.

Do I need special skincare during pregnancy, or can I just simplify?

Simplifying is honestly one of the best approaches. A gentle cleanser, a good moisturiser, mineral SPF, and a nourishing body oil will cover most of what your skin needs during pregnancy. You don't need a complicated routine.

Will a body oil help prevent stretch marks?

Genetics plays the biggest role in whether you develop stretch marks — no product can guarantee you won't get them. However, keeping your skin well-moisturised supports elasticity, helps with the itchiness that comes as your belly grows, and makes your skin feel much more comfortable throughout pregnancy.

Made with love for mums in Australia. Little Seedling Essence — Pregnancy Safe Skincare, Made in Byron Bay.

Ready to start? Explore the full Essence Collection or shop our RESTORE Belly & Body Oil — made with certified organic oils, pregnancy-safe from trimester one.