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When expecting, we know that what we put into our bodies can affect our baby’s development. But the same also applies for what we put onto it; our skin can absorb upwards of 60 percent of topical applications! This means that parents-to-be have to be extra vigilant about finding nontoxic skincare products and cosmetics.

There are a number of natural and organic options out there, but which ingredients should we most look out for? We’re glad you asked. Here are a few ingredients to be mindful of while pregnant:

  • Avoid retinol or retinoids (vitamin A) as much as possible. Often used to treat skin conditions, retinoids have been found to cause serious birth defects.
  • Dealing with melasma? You may want to avoid soy, which can increase hyperpigmentation because of its estrogenic effects.
  • You may already be sensitive to particular smells, but synthetic scents often contain phthalates which can cause reproductive malformation. Unfortunately, the same can be said of many essential oils as they aren’t always tested by the FDA. These oils are highly concentrated and potentially dangerous to our health, even when used on skin outside of pregnancy.
  • While we always advocate for sunscreen, avoid using chemical filters like oxybenzone which can be absorbed into the bloodstream. Instead, choose a mineral sunscreen for maximum safety.

Luckily, we’ve found seven brands offering pregnancy-safe cosmetics and skincare products, so you won’t need to worry about any of the above! Each of these companies offers natural or organic options so you can both look and feel your best. 

(While you’re getting your glow on, check out our guide to natural prenatal vitamins, too. And also be sure to check out our favorite sustainable maternity clothing and nursing bras.)


Best Overall | Most Affordable | Best Skincare


1. ILIA

Best For | Serum-based foundations with mineral SPF
Pregnancy-Safe Ingredients | Natural & USDA-certified organic ingredients, mineral SPF
Brand Ethics | Cruelty-free, eco-friendly packaging & recycling program, gives back to 1% For The Planet & One Tree Planted
Price Range | $24 (eye primer) – $54 (foundation)

ILIA is a TGT fave for its multitasking products that are clean, organic, and great for skin. Whether you’re looking for a tinted serum or a Vitamin C formula that combines actives like niacinamide and squalane with a mineral SPF, or a vibrant lip oil with plumping hyaluronic acid, ILIA has it all. Simplify your routine and lighten your makeup bag with these multi-tasking products that celebrate a natural, healthy look. (Be sure to check out details on how to recycle the packaging when you’re done!)


2. Juice Beauty

Best For | Plant-based color
Pregnancy-Safe Ingredients | Plant-derived Phyto-pigments, USDA-certified organic ingredients
Brand Ethics | Cruelty-free, recycled packaging, renewable energy-powered operations, vegan, gives back
Price Range | $20 (eye pencil) – $44 (serum foundation)

If you’re looking for clean beauty that goes the extra mile, Juice Beauty’s PHYTO-PIGMENTS™ might be just what the doctor ordered. With plant-based formulas, these products are antioxidant-rich, vegan, and free from synthetic coloring. Cold-pressed organic oils make these super moisturizing, while delivering vibrant color and illuminating your skin. 


3. Amareta

Best For | Prenatal and postpartum skincare
Pregnancy-Safe Ingredients | Certified organic sunflower seed oil, shea butter, mica
Brand Ethics
| Organic & natural ingredients, made by women and for women
Price Range | $25 (natural flush)⁠–$62 (moisturizing cream)

Sync your skin with your cycle: Amareta wants us to adapt to our hormones and cycles, especially during pregnancy. Its line of MadeSafe cosmetics are formulated without parabens, retinoids, or questionable essential oils which could be harmful to a baby’s health. Whether you’re dealing with added sensitivity or irritated stretch marks, Amareta offers plant-based solutions that work for all skin types.


4. Well People

Best For | Bio Powder Foundation
Pregnancy-Safe Ingredients | Organic botanical and plant-based ingredients
Brand Ethics | Cruelty-free, Leaping Bunny and PETA certified, EWG verified, made in the USA, Fair Trade Certified™
Price Range | $10 (mini mascara) – $30 (tinted moisturizer with SPF)

Well People is committed to providing safe, clean, plant-powered makeup that is skincare-based and cruelty free. The brand has also recently removed organic beeswax, pearl powder, and carmines from their formulas to become 100% vegan! More than 35 of their products are EWG-verified, and their boxes are printed on FSC-Certified paper (the brand is also exploring corn, sugar and post-recycled materials for their containers). Formulas with hydrating broccoli seed oil, rejuvenating pomegranate seed oil, soothing mango seed oil, and brightening algae, you can enjoy these clean beauty looks every trimester and beyond.


5. Honest Company

Best For | Mascara
Pregnancy-Safe Ingredients | Avocado & jojoba oil, acai, pomegranate, mica
Brand Ethics
| Cruelty-free, natural ingredients, eco-friendly packaging, gives back
Price Range | $9 (tinted lip balm)⁠–$18 (mascara + lash primer)

Sustainability and safety are two main values behind Honest Company’s cosmetics. All cosmetics are naturally formulated without talc, phthalates, or synthetic oils and fragrances; plus, more than a dozen skin tones and shades are available, so you can always find your perfect(ly safe) match. Purchases support the team’s commitment to social responsibility, giving back to mothers and babies across the U.S.


6. Ecco Bella

Best For | Refillable makeup
Pregnancy-Safe Ingredients | Organic oils, vitamin E, green tea extract, mica
Brand Ethics
| Cruelty-free, organic & natural ingredients, refillable packaging
Price Range | $15 (refills)⁠–$33 (face powder)

Ecco Bella marries together science and beauty with a line of USA-made cosmetics for face, eyes, and lips. Each formula combines plant-based and naturally occurring ingredients to both treat and protect your skin. Want to be safe and sustainable? Opt for Ecco Bella’s refillable compacts to cut down on excess packaging and waste.


7. Luv & Company

Best For | Darker skin
Pregnancy-Safe Ingredients | Vegetable oils & wax, shea & cocoa butters, herbs, mica
Brand Ethics
| Cruelty-free, organic & natural ingredients
Price Range | $24 (loose mineral eye shadow pigments)⁠–$49 (liquid foundation)

Luv & Company is the inclusive and nontoxic cosmetic line we’ve been waiting for. This Black woman-owned and run brand is best suited for melanin-rich parents-to-be. Cruelty-free and natural, you can find a range of mineral foundations, highly pigmented lipsticks, and rich brow pomades to instantly elevate your look.