The wondrous journey of pregnancy brings about so many changes in a woman's body, one of them being adapting to a pregnancy-safe skincare routine that meets your growing belly's needs. To take the load off your back, we've curated a list of the best pregnancy-safe body washes that will provide you with the most soothing bath time experience. Our team of skincare and health experts spent hours testing the products, ensuring that all of them meet the strict criteria for safety during pregnancy.

To come up with this well-researched list, our team also consulted other experts, going over scientific literature and trying a wide array of pregnancy-safe products currently offered. Our top picks were then selected not just for their amazing scents and textures, but also for the use of high-quality, pregnancy-safe ingredients. They target skin concerns such as melasma, eczema, and acne while also addressing stretch marks, skin sensitivity, and the itchiness that comes with an expanding belly during pregnancy. Formulated to pamper and nourish your skin, choosing the best body wash for pregnancy will now be a breeze with this article.

• 1
  Best Overall

  JASON Calming Lavender Body Wash

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Unwind with a relaxing shower using JASON's Calming Lavender Body wash – it's just what every soon-to-be momma needs for her sensitive skin! The formula is infused with lavender and marigold extracts, offering soothing, softening, and nourishing properties with a rich blend of vitamin E and pro-vitamin B5. Additionally, the body wash is also natural and free from any harsh chemicals, so you can rest assured knowing that you're enjoying a guilt-free, cruelty-free, and biodegradable product.

Key Ingredients: Lavender, marigold extracts, vitamin E, and pro-vitamin B5.

Fragrance: Lavender

Size: 30 oz

2

Most Hydrating

CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash

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Treat your skin to an indulgent, spa-like experience with CeraVe's Hydrating body wash, ideal for dry skin types. It's very gentle on the skin and the moisturizing formula creates a luxurious lather that leaves the skin clean without stripping it of its natural moisture – it will feel incredibly refreshed. The formula is infused with hyaluronic acid and essential ceramides, pampering your skin with much-needed care. Plus, the product is developed with dermatologists and is free from fragrances, parabens, and sulfates.

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and glycerin.

Fragrance: Unscented

Size: 10 oz

3

Most Gentle

VANICREAM Gentle Body Wash

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Your sensitive skin deserves to be pampered and this VANICREAM Gentle Body Wash deserves just that! It has a creamy, unscented formula that effectively gets rid of dirt and oil without leaving the skin dry. Free from harsh additives such as gluten, sulfates, and soap, it's also ideal for those with dry skin. Tested by dermatologists and awarded the National Eczema Association's seal of acceptance, this body wash is gentle, refreshing, and safe to use by the entire family.

Key Ingredients: Glycerin

Fragrance: Unscented

Size: 12 oz

4

Best Fragrance

Native Lilac & White Tea Body Wash

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Experience the magic that the NATIVE Lilac & White Tea Body wash has to offer! Ideal for both men and women, the blend transforms every shower into an opulent escape. The naturally derived ingredients leave the skin hydrated and oh-so-soft. The best part is that the formula is guilt-free, vegan, and never tested on animals, while the exotic lilac and white tea scent has the power to turn ordinary moments into extraordinary ones.

Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, cleansing salts, and citric acid.

Fragrance: Lilac and white tea

Size: 18 oz

5

Best Texture

Aveeno Restorative Skin Therapy Body Wash

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Gently cleanse your sensitive, distressed, and dry skin with Aveeno's Restorative Skin Therapy Body Wash. This formula is recommended by dermatologists since it's free from sulfates, parabens, and fragrances, cleansing the skin without leaving it dry – it will feel moisturized and soothed all day long. Additionally, this product has also been tested on adult patients who are undergoing oncology treatment and has proven to be a comforting choice that's effective yet very gentle.

Key Ingredients: Antioxidant oats, aloe, and vitamin B5.

Fragrance: Unscented

Size: 18 oz

6

Best for Oily Skin

alba BOTANICA Very Emollient Body Wash

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Treat your senses to the tropical goodness of alba BOTANICA's Very Emollient Body Wash. It smells like paradise while gently cleansing and moisturizing the skin – all thanks to the combination of virgin coconut oil and nourishing coconut milk. Additionally, it has a 100% vegetarian formula, contains no harsh chemicals such as parabens and phthalates, and is also not tested on animals, allowing you to feel great about your self-care routine.

Key Ingredients: Virgin coconut oil and nourishing coconut milk.

Fragrance: Coconut

Size: 32 oz

7

Best for Vegans

the moms co. Natural Body Wash

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Pamper your skin during pregnancy with the moms co. Natural Body Wash – a pregnancy-safe skincare product designed for mothers and mothers-to-be. Infused with a soothing blend of coconut-based cleansers and natural moisturizers, the all-natural formula helps battle dryness and itching while leaving behind a delightful coconut scent. It also doesn't contain any harsh chemicals and is the ideal choice for a toxin-free, fee-good showering experience.

Key Ingredients: Coconut-based cleansers and ginger essential oil

Fragrance: Coconut
Size: 6.8 oz

8

Most Travel-friendly

HONEST Mama’s Gotta Glow Face + Body Wash

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Take your pregnancy glow to the next level with the HONEST Mama’s Gotta Glow Face + Body Wash – a gel-based wash designed with the needs of mothers-to-be women in mind. This pregnancy-safe cleanser gently exfoliates the skin, improving its appearance and texture while being safe and mild enough to be used twice every day. Trust us when we say you'll feel super refreshed and using this amazing product!

Key Ingredients: Apple AHAs and amino acid cleansers.

Fragrance: Unscented

Size: 8 oz

9

Best for Daily Use

ATTITUDE Blooming Belly pH-Balanced Shower Gel

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Pamper and nourish your skin while you're pregnant with ATTITUDE's Blooming Belly pH-Balanced Shower Gel – a clean and transparent bath product that is EWG Verified. The gel-based formula is enriched with 98.6% natural ingredients such as soothing argan leaf extract, making your skin appear healthy and radiant. Tested by dermatologists, this vegan and cruelty-free product is perfect for your self-care time, allowing you to experience the joys that motherhood brings.

Key Ingredients: Argan leaf extract

Fragrance: Gentle rose and argan oil

Size: 16 fl

10

Most Versatile

earth mama Ginger Fresh Body Wash

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This organic, foaming Ginger Fresh Body Wash from earth mama will give you a refreshing start to the day. Crafted with care, it doesn't contain any harmful additives or synthetic fragrances and is clinically tested for irritation, making it super safe to be used by everyone in the family. It has multiple uses – from a soothing pregnancy body wash to a household hand wash, this cruelty-free wonder is a delight to own.

Key Ingredients: Organic coconut oil, organic olive oil, organic calendula, organic aloe, organic grapefruit peel oil, and organic ginger root oil.

Fragrance: Fresh ginger

Size: 5.3 oz

Now that you’re aware of the best pregnancy-safe body washes, let’s find out a bit more about what ingredients are safe to use and which ones you should avoid.

Pregnant individuals must be mindful of the ingredients in their facial products. The following is a general guide to some ingredients that are commonly considered safe and some of which you must stay away from:

Pregnancy-safe Skincare Ingredients

1. Hyaluronic Acid: This is a hydrating ingredient that aids in retaining moisture in the skin.

2. Glycolic Acid And Lactic Acid: When used in lower concentrations, these alpha hydroxy acids are deemed safe to be used during pregnancy.

3. Vitamin C: This antioxidant helps brighten the skin while also protecting it against free radicals.

4. Azelaic Acid: This ingredient is typically used to treat acne-prone skin and is usually considered safe during pregnancy.

5. Niacinamide: Known for its amazing anti-inflammatory properties, this ingredient is generally safe for use.

6. Vitamin E: This antioxidant is a great way to give the skin some nourishment.

7. Shea Butter And Cocoa Butter: These all-natural moisturizing ingredients are safe and may help with stretch marks.

8. Zinc Oxide And Titanium Dioxide: These are physical sunscreen ingredients that are typically considered safe for use during pregnancy.

1. Retinoids: High concentrations of vitamin A derivatives, such as retinoids in skincare products, may potentially harm the developing fetus.

2. Salicylic Acid: When used in low concentrations they are generally considered safe, but higher doses of salicylic acid like the ones found in chemical peels must be avoided.

3. Benzoyl Peroxide: While using this ingredient topically is generally considered safe, you should consult with your doctor before doing so.

4. Hydroquinone: We suggest that you avoid this skin-lightening agent during pregnancy due to limited research and studies.

5. Formaldehyde And Formaldehyde-releasing Preservatives: These ingredients are commonly found in nail polishes and hair straightening treatments and are better to be avoided.

6. Phthalates: Generally found in fragrances, phthalates are to be avoided during pregnancy due to their potential hormonal effects.

While researching the best body washes for pregnant women, we also studied the effects that pregnancy has on the skin. We were able to understand and identify what ingredients to look for and which ones to avoid, while also consulting dermatologists for their valuable insights and product recommendations.

After spending months testing various products, we noticed the common ingredients present in most body washes and studied them to find out their potential risks and if there were any safer alternatives. With all the gathered information, we were able to come up with our list of top 10 picks that are free from any harmful ingredients.

Using the right body wash for pregnancy is important for the well-being and comfort of your skin. The following are some factors for you to consider while choosing one:

Fragrance

Go for a body wash that has a natural or subtle fragrance since strong and bold scents may trigger nausea. 

Your Skin's Needs

Pregnancy brings about a lot of changes in the skin. Ensure that your body wash caters to specific needs such as dryness, sensitivity, or changes in texture.

pH-Balanced Formulation

Maintaining the natural pH balance of your skin is vital, especially during pregnancy when hormonal changes can affect the skin's acidity. Choose formulas that are pH-balanced to prevent irritation while also maintaining the skin's protective barrier.

Dermatologist-tested

The best way to ensure that a body wash is safe and effective is to check if it's been dermatologist-tested. This ensures that the formula has been thoroughly evaluated.

Moisturizing Properties

In most cases, pregnancy leads to dry and itchy skin. Opt for a body wash that contains moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin, shea butter, or hyaluronic acid.

Hypoallergenic Formulation

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make your skin more prone to allergies. By choosing one that's hypoallergenic, you can minimize the risk of skin irritation.

Keep in mind that everyone's skin reacts differently during pregnancy, so you must pay attention to what your skin needs. If you want advice that's directly tailored to your condition, we suggest that you consult a healthcare professional.