Beauty Comparison

Shop by need · Pregnancy

Pregnancy-friendly skincare: no retinoids, no hydroquinone

1375 products in our library pass every rule for pregnancy: with no retinoids and hydroquinone. The best of each type are below, picked by code from their full ingredient lists and updated November 6, 2026.

The catch: a product can suit you by its ingredient list and still not suit your skin, so patch test anything new and see a doctor if a problem doesn't settle.

For pregnancy, read the full ingredient list, not the front of the pack. Ingredients are listed from the highest amount to the lowest, down to about 1%, and only the full list proves a product is fragrance-free, since "unscented" products can still contain a masking fragrance. Every product on this page was picked from its full ingredient list.

Best Moisturizers for Pregnancy

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Compare every pick in moisturizers for pregnancy

Best Cleansers for Pregnancy

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Compare every pick in cleansers for pregnancy

Best Sunscreens for Pregnancy

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Compare every pick in sunscreens for pregnancy

Best Serums for Pregnancy

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Compare every pick in serums for pregnancy

Best Body Lotions for Pregnancy

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Compare every pick in body lotions for pregnancy

What we leave out, and why

Every pick on this hub is also free of retinoids and hydroquinone, two active ingredients. Each pick was confirmed free of both on its full ingredient list, the surest place to check. Ask your doctor, midwife or pharmacist before using any active product in pregnancy, and read the full list of anything new. Patch test anything new on a small area, such as inside the elbow, for several days before using it all over.

    A simple routine for pregnancy

    1. 1

      Read the full ingredient list first

      Start with the full ingredient list, not the front of the package. Ingredients are listed from the highest amount to the lowest, down to about 1%. Below that point, the order is free, so their position does not show how much is there. Check the first few names to see what makes up most of the product.

    2. 2

      Patch test new products before full use

      Patch test anything new before using it all over. Apply a little to a small area, such as inside the elbow, and wait several days. Ask your doctor, midwife or pharmacist before using any active product, meaning one that works on the skin, during pregnancy. Every pick in this hub is also free of retinoids and hydroquinone.

    Frequently asked questions

    How are the pregnancy products on this page chosen?

    We pick products by code, reading each full ingredient list (INCI, the standard list on the label). Products with more of the helpful ingredients rank higher, and no more than two products per brand make the list. Each list comes from the brand's own page or Open Beauty Facts and is dated.

    Do the pregnancy picks contain retinoids or hydroquinone?

    No. Every pick is free of retinoids and hydroquinone. Even so, ask your doctor, midwife or pharmacist before using any active product in pregnancy, meaning one with an ingredient that acts on the skin.

    How do I read the ingredient list on a pregnancy product?

    Ingredients are listed from the highest amount to the lowest, down to about 1%. Below that point, the order is free, so the position of a small ingredient tells you little. The full list, called INCI, is the standard list on the label.

    Should I patch test a new pregnancy product?

    Yes. Patch test anything new: apply a little to a small area, such as inside the elbow, for several days before using it all over. Do this even for products labeled unscented, since they can still contain a masking fragrance.