Top Beauty Picks for Pregnant Women and New Moms

[Photo by Camylla Battani]

Pregnancy brings changes to nearly every aspects of life, including personal care. With hormones raging, an ever-growing belly, swollen limbs, and an array of pains to consider and care for—self-care takes on a whole new meaning.

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Certain ingredients, normally commonplace in my beauty cabinet, are suddenly off-limits like retinols, acids, and anything strongly scented since an accelerated sense of smell can bring on nausea in an instant. And when the baby arrives, there’s no way anything too perfumed will be applied when snuggling a brand-new, fresh infant. Here are our top beauty picks for pregnant women and new moms:

Dr. Gross Ultra Gentle Peel ($88) 

Pregnant or not, a girl’s got to exfoliate. I’ve been a big fan of Dr Gross’ peels for years. A peel is sold every three seconds globally, so clearly the brand has a winner here. I switched to the Ultra Gentle Peel during pregnancy, which features calming and hydrating colloidal oatmeal and green tea extract to comfort sensitive, delicate skin.

The two-step system, daily exfoliant includes a gentle formula of three exfoliating acids, along with a neutralizing step that delivers anti-aging, soothing ingredients. None of the ingredients in the gentle formula enter the bloodstream, which is added peace of mind. Along with lightening a couple dark spots my pregnancy brought out, I always had a  ‘pregnancy glow’ thanks to these must-haves.  

Primally Pure Body Butter ($28) 

For me, the richer the better when it comes to body butter. When skin stretches it can get itchy and uncomfortable quick, so I was pleased to find Primally Pure’s Almond + Vanilla Body Butter. Made with a natural blend of organic butters, oils, and tallow from grass-fed cows, the formula is nourishing, healing, and deliciously thick with a frosting-like aroma. I was lucky to try the cocoa-scented lip balm from the brand, too. Both balms made it into my overnight hospital bag when I delivered my baby—a true testament! 

The Honest Company Honest Me Moment Soaking Salts ($14.99)

 Soaking in a warm bath is a little slice of heaven, especially when you’re swollen, sore, and exhausted. A common misconception, baths are perfectly safe to enjoy throughout pregnancy, so long as the water isn’t too hot. Unscented, dead sea salt remineralizes the body, encouraging calm and relaxation. Pour 1-2 cups of salt in to dissolve, then enjoy a dip for up to 15 minutes. 

Phytomer Rosee Soin Radiance Replenishing Oil ($83) 

Hormones during pregnancy can bring an array of changes to the complexion, varying with each woman. For me, dryness and dark spots were my biggest concerns. Phytomer’s Rosee Soin Oil has been a favorite, addressing my issues with marine brightening algae extracts and nourishing plant extracts and oils. The dry oil is easy to use and adaptable; it can be used alone, mixed with a serum or CC cream, underneath moisturizer, or mixed with a cream mask. I  especially loved this little luxury during the tiring first few months of life with a newborn. 

Noodle and Boo Instant Hand Sanitizer ($10) 

Washing and sanitizing your hands during a global pandemic is insane. Washing and sanitizing during a pandemic while being pregnant or with a new baby in tow is next level. I’ve been a fan of Noodle & Boo for some time and haven’t met a baby product I haven’t loved, thanks to their responsible formulation standards and delicious, soft baby scent.

The brand’s signature Crème Douce fragrance blends peach, water blossoms, berries, and sweet vanilla to make a refined scent appropriate for babies and kids. Instant Hand Sanitizer kills 99.99% of germs without the harshness of other hand sanitizers, leaving skin feeling soft and smelling like heaven.

Wellnesse Whitening Toothpaste ($12) 

Tooth sensitivity can increase with pregnancy, resulting in bleeding gums and overall discomfort. When I heard about a great natural solution created by a wellness enthusiast and mom of six, I knew I had to give it a try. The top seller within the Wellnesse brand, Whitening Toothpaste in Fresh Mint contains no harmful chemicals and is safe for all ages. Formulated with green tea to fight tooth decay and bad breath and neem oil to prevent bacteria from sticking to teeth and turning into plaque, this one is a pregnancy-safe winner. 

Crystal Invisible Solid Deodorant ($5.34)

Natural and effective can be hard to come by in a deodorant—and Crystal delivers. Free of aluminum chloride, parabens, phthalates, and artificial fragrance, Crystal’s invisible solid deodorant prevents odor for long-lasting protection. Since outfit changes are extra frustrating while pregnant or nursing, there’s no white residue to worry about with this one, thankfully. The brand has unscented options, but I found myself reaching for the Lavender & White Tea scent since it was both calming and subtle. 

Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream (8.25)

I never fully understood the importance of nipple care before becoming a mother. As a mama who loves nursing, the truth of the matter is the first few weeks can be really rough, leaving nips sore, cracked, and bleeding. A staple recommendation of lactation consultants, Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream has only one ingredient, is safe for both Mom and baby, and it doesn’t need to be removed prior to breastfeeding.

Great to use during pregnancy and while nursing (especially prior to showering), it adds comfort throughout the day and night with its rich, thick, and balmy texture. The mini three-pack is a wise choice because you’ll want a tube within reach whereever you’ll be. In addition to nipples, apply on lips, cuticles, knuckles or any dry patches for added nourishment. 

Belli Pure & Pampered Body Wash ($13) 

Belli is known for its pregnancy-safe and OB/GYN-approved collection of skin and body care tailored for women. Not only is Pure & Pampered Body Wash allergy tested, non-toxic, and safe for use before, during, and postpartum, it also smells luxe and spa-like. Cucumber, green tea, and lavender provide aromatherapy benefits in the daily-use, non-stripping formula. 

Tubby Todd Mama + Baby Gift Set ($70)

This set has four gentle products for mama and baby to help care for sensitive skin through pregnancy, postpartum/newborn stage, and beyond. It includes:

• 8.5oz Hair + Body Wash (Fragrance-free or Lavender + Rosemary)

• 2.0oz All Over Ointment tube (Fragrance-free)

• Belly Oil (Fragrance-free)

• Organic Nipple Balm (Fragrance-free)

• Limited-edition sticker

[Images courtesy of brands]

Alisha Racker’s beauty career has spanned over a decade as she's worked as a master esthetician, skin care PR-pro and freelance writer. She lives in the beautiful mountains of Salt Lake City with her husband and daughter.