A few days after I found out that I was pregnant, I went through every beauty product I own. Being a fashion and beauty influencer, I’m constantly trying out new products. So let’s just say the process took quite some time! After tons of research, I found what is now my holy grail to quickly learning if a beauty product is safe for pregnancy: 15 Minute Beauty’s Brand List. It’s such a great resource because you simply click into the beauty brand and then there is a list of all products carried by that brand divided between Pregnancy and Nursing Safe Products, Not Safe for Pregnancy, Ok for Nursing and Not Safe for Pregnancy or Nursing. I used this list to create my own pregnancy safe skincare routine during my first trimester.
I gave away all products that were not safe for pregnancy or nursing (my close friends were very happy to benefit from this one!). I boxed up products that were ok for nursing since I’ll use those within the year. And I only kept out pregnancy safe beauty products. It was hard to see my beauty cabinet clear out. But I was pleasantly surprised to find that I could still use some of my skincare faves. It’s also been great trying new brands and products. I’ve quickly developed more beauty favorites that I plan to continue post pregnancy!
Here is a list of all the skincare products I used during my first trimester:
Face wash
On days I wear makeup, or feel like my skin is clogged up, I wash my face with Tatcha The Deep Cleanse Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser ($39). It’s a mild exfoliant and that does an amazing job cleaning my skin without drying it out.
Korres Greek Yoghurt Foaming Cream Cleanser ($16) is a great mild cleanser. It goes on super creamy, has a very faint smell and leaves my face feeling totally refreshed. I’ve been using it daily morning and night.
On days I’m wearing makeup or feel I need extra exfoliation, I wash my face at night using Foreo Luna Mini 2 ($139). It gets rid of everything, leaving my face super clean. The design makes getting those hard to reach place like around the nose, easy to clean.
Serums and Toners
I used to use SkinCeuticals’ Phloretin CF daily. But after becoming pregnant, my normally oily skin became drier. So I swapped to SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic ($169) as my daily serum. The vitamin C majorly helps with the dark spots that have become even more prevalent during pregnancy.
I was thrilled to learn that my favorite SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel ($86) is safe to use during pregnancy. I like to seal my vitamin C with this gel, which binds moisture to the skin. It has a high concentration of hyaluronic acid, which really helps hydrate the skin.
At night I’ve been using Caudalie Premier Cru Anti-Aging Face Serum ($169) to help with hydration. Pregnancy has made my skin super dehydrated and I find the high levels of hyaluronic acid in this serum to majorly help.
Thayers has been my go-to for years when it comes to toners. Recently I’ve been using Thayers Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Facial Toner ($10.95) in Rose Petal. They have all different variations. But as most of you know, rose scents have always been my favorite.
Moisturizers & SPF
My brown spots have been so much more prevalent during my pregnancy. So I’m adding additional vitamin C. I like to use Naturopathica Vitamin C Revitalizing Lotion ($68) after my serums in the morning. It has a lightweight scent and feel, and absorbs very quickly.
Caudalie Premier Cru Anti Aging Cream Moisturizer ($129) has high level of hyaluronic acid, which helps provide moisture. Since my skin has been so deydrated during pregnancy, I’ve found this to be very helpful. I also love the eco-friendly design of this product: you can buy pod replacements to insert into the tub rather than purchasing a whole new jar.
On nights I feel like I need extra hydration, I use Algenist Overnight Restorative Cream ($94). It’s super creamy and my skin drinks it right up. In the morning, my face feels baby soft.
Sunscreen is one of the hardest beauty products to find during pregnancy. Mineral ones are the safetest but most left me with a white cast. The exception? Wander Beauty Pack Up & Glow Priming Mineral SPF 40 ($36). I now use it every day before leaving the house.
When I want a tinted sunscreen that is safe for being pregnant, I turn to Bliss Block Star Mineral Daily Sunscreen ($25). It’s a great mineral option that gives just a touch of tint and blends well with my light-medium skin.
Deodorant & Body
A bunch of friends recommended that I switch to natural deodorant when I was pregnant. I’ve tried so many over the years and honestly I haven’t been happy with any. I’ve been a Dove girl forever. So I simply swapped to Dove 0% Aluminum Stick ($6.29). I went with sensitive skin but they have all different scents. It took a few days to adjust. But it quickly worked just as well as the previous Dove formula I’ve used for years.
I’ve been using stretch mark products religiously morning and night. My favorite has been Bio-Oil Skincare Oil ($23.99). I prefer an oil over a cream becuase I find it to be more hydrating and I can use less, which means the product lasts way longer! It’s for stretch marks and scars. So in addition to my bell and chest, I’ve been using it on scars on my arm as well, since they’ve gotten more noticeable during pregnancy.
Every time I get out the shower, I apply Jergens Ultra Healing Hand and Body Lotion ($7.89). The vitamin C helps with the brown spots I’ve been getting during pregnancy. And the product easily absorbs so I don’t have to rub it in too much.
I keep Algenist Genius Liquid Collagen Hand Cream ($38) on my nightstand. I’ve been using it on my hands and feet to wake up with super moisturized skin.
I hope you enjoyed reading about the skincare products I used during my first trimester! I’ll update you at the end of my second trimester to let you know about new beauty finds. And, as always, I’ll continue to update my Beauty Finds page! There you’ll find product reviews that are searchable by category.