The Revolution in Pregnancy-Safe Skincare
The relationship between pregnancy and skincare has historically been quite complex.
Eager to maintain their skincare routines, mums-to-be have needed to tread carefully through a minefield of ingredients, often setting aside their favourite products in case of potential risks to the development of their growing baby. Retinoids, certain acids, and chemical sunscreens, for example, have been sources of concern and debate by experts.
In response to these challenges, the cosmetics and skincare industry has made significant advancements in safety and transparency. Brands are now detailing ingredients and user guidelines in a clear way, which helps expectant mums navigate their skincare choices more confidently.
The huge growth in ‘clean beauty’ has also significantly influenced this area of the market. More and more brands are creating specialised product ranges with fewer harsh chemicals and more plant-based, organic ingredients. These products are gentler on the skin and address unique pregnancy skin concerns, such as increased sensitivity, hormonal acne, and hyperpigmentation, while also being safer for babies too.
As well as expanding pregnancy safe ranges, the industry has also stepped up its educational efforts. By partnering with healthcare professionals, many brands are now able to provide in-depth information to help women understand the changes their skin goes through during pregnancy, and how to adapt their skincare routines to accommodate this.
In these articles from British Vogue, Paula’s Choice, Dermalogica UK, and L'Oréal Paris you’ll find additional information on do’s, don’ts, and skincare safety during pregnancy.
Here are some great brands that offer safe and effective products for mums-to-be:
Luna Daily
Specialising in products that are safe for every part of a woman's body at every stage of womanhood, Luna Daily have formulated a fragrance-free range especially for pregnancy and post birth skin.
Lancôme
Lancôme’s Advanced Génifique Sensitive offers an active recovery, soothing facial serum for all skin types, including reactive and sensitive skin often experienced during pregnancy. As part of the existing, highly successful Génifique range, this sensitive formula strengthens the skin's barrier and instantly soothes the feeling of stressed skin.
Skin + Me
Skin + Me are a team of industry-leading dermatologists, pharmacists, and direct-to-consumer experts, who believe in providing a powerful, and most importantly, customised, approach to women’s constantly changing skin care needs.
Facetheory
This UK based vegan skincare brand blends the best of nature and science, to create affordable and tailored skin care solutions, that are gentle and safe for all women, including expectant mums.
Evolve Beauty
This Pregnancy Safe Bundle from Evolve Beauty is full of natural goodness for a nourished, glowing, and soothed skin. They also offer a free bespoke consultation with a skin expert for personalised pregnancy skincare advice.
Cradle & Tonic
Cradle & Tonic’s full range of products have been thoughtfully created for the pregnancy journey and beyond. Items include a body oil for stretch marks, a shower and bath gel, and a balm to help with a multitude of dry skin irritations.
Bloom & Blossom
Julia and Christina of Bloom & Blossom are mothers of 5 and on a mission to help families of all shapes and sizes feel good in their skin. Included in their products is a range of body care and skin care gift sets especially for mums-to-be.
Zita West
Zita West provides a highly specialised collection of premium supplements for men and women focused solely on fertility, reproduction, and pregnancy. Their product line also includes a skincare range with specific focus on each trimester of pregnancy as well as postnatal.
PHB Ethical Beauty
PHB offers ethical, vegan, cruelty free beauty products that are handmade in the UK. Their Pure Organic Skincare for Pregnancy range is designed to soothe and repair sensitive skin. They also donate 20% of their profits to charity, so every purchase positively impacts lives around the world.
This small selection of brands we’ve featured demonstrates the ever-growing range of high-quality, clean skincare products for women at every stage of motherhood, and the cosmetics industry’s adaptability and commitment to the wellbeing of mums-to-be, ensuring that safety and self-care go hand in hand during this life-changing and special chapter of life.
Are you a cosmetics brand that’s looking to make a bigger impact in the market? At Whitewater we specialise in working with brands to help them blend market strategies, narratives, and design, with the moral and ethical values of today’s consumers. Get in touch if you’d like our support.