The 28 Best Pregnancy-Safe Cleansers, According To Experts

When you’re expecting, your skin can take you on a rollercoaster ride of surprises—one day, it’s glowing; the next, it’s breaking out like it did in high school. And while a solid skincare routine can help keep things balanced, pregnancy often calls for a closer look at what’s actually in your products.

Many common cleanser ingredients—like salicylic acid and certain essential oils—fall into the better-to-avoid category during pregnancy, which can make finding a safe (yet effective) face wash feel like a daunting task. But here’s the good news: You don’t have to settle for a lackluster cleanse just because you’re skipping certain activities.

We tapped dermatologists and scoured ingredient lists to find the best pregnancy-safe cleansers that actually work—whether you’re dealing with dryness, sensitivity, or those all-too-common hormonal breakouts.

Before we dive in, it’s of course important to note: Pregnancy affects everybody differently, and everyone’s medical history is unique, which is why the experts we spoke with advise checking with your doctor before beginning the use of any products if pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant (should there be any unique-to-you concerns).

The 28 best pregnancy-safe cleansers, at a glance: 

• Best overall: The Honest Company Gentle Gel Cleanser, $15
• Best overall, runner-up: EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser, $28 (originally $35)
• Most hydrating: Sonäge Hydrating Cleanser, $26
• Best brightening: Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser, $38
• Best for breakouts: Visha Skincare Mommy Purifying Cleanser, $30
• Best for sensitive skin: Lumene Oat Milk Oil Cleanser, $19
• Best for double cleansing: Facial Cleansing Oil by KALOS CO, $32
• Best with rose water: HonorMD Wild Rose Cleanser, $40
• Best with probiotics: Dionis Skincare Purifying Cleanser, $35
• Best evening cleanser: RATIONALE #4 The Cleanser, $104 ($73 starting April 1)
• Best pregnancy-safe cleaning spray: Active Skin Repair, $30
• Most nourishing: KORA Organics Milky Mushroom Gentle Cleansing Oil, $47
• Most calming: Dr. Althea Green Relief Amino Gel Cleanser, $16
• Best balm: Doll 10 Daily Dissolve Enzyme Cleansing Balm, $36
• Best sustainable cleanser: INBAR + Co Gentle Cleanser, $48
• Best splurge: Valmont Bubble Falls, $80
• Best with antioxidants: Youth to the People Kale and Green Tea Spinach Vitamins Superfood Cleanser, $36
• Best no-rinse: BIOEFFECT Micellar Cleansing Water, $67 (originally $75)
• Best face wash/makeup remover combo: Jane Iredale BeautyPrep Face Cleanser, $32
• Best oil-to-foam cleanser: Knours. Your Only Facial Cleanser, $28.00 
• Best cleansing bar: Ethique Solid Cleanse Bars, $18
• Best mineral cleanser: Ahava Mineral Radiance Cleansing Gel, $23
• Best vitamin-enriched: Murad Essential-C Cleanser, $36
• Best exfoliating: Yina Bioadaptive Cleanser, $78
• Best soothing: Malaya Organics Cleansing Oil, $48
• Best hydrating: Plenaire Rose Jelly Gentle Makeup Remover & Hydrating Cleanser, $24
• Best for sensitive skin: Tata Harper SUPERKIND Softening Cleanser, $88
• Best fragrance-free: Trilogy Very Gentle Cleansing Cream, $31

Best overall: The Honest Company Gentle Gel Cleanser — $15

Women are obsessed with this cleanser, and for good reason. We love how this gel-based formula effectively washes away daily grime without over-drying, leaving skin feeling soft, balanced, and calm—a major win for hormone-fueled sensitivity. With a short and sweet ingredient list featuring chamomile and calendula, we think it’s a perfect pick for soothing stressed-out skin. Plus, it’s fragrance-free, which makes it a safe bet if you’re suddenly more sensitive to scents.

Best overall, runner-up: EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser — $28.00 (originally $35)

This gentle, pH balanced cleanser is strong enough to lift all debris, oils, and other impurities, yet gentle enough not to cause irritation. It also works well with acne-prone skin, as the extra-fine foaming bubbles give a deep clean, and the gentle enzymes help remove dead skin cells and reduce inflammation.

Most hydrating: Sonäge Hydrating Cleanser — $26

The Sonäge Hydrating Cleanser had us at “hydrating,” and boy did it deliver. Our skin felt plump and refreshed, like we had been drinking a gallon of water (even when we hadn’t). This daily face wash helps maintain your skin's natural moisture barrier and pH thanks to hydrating ingredients like glycerin, jojoba oil, and peach fruit extract. Best of all, the formula is EWG Verified, meaning it meets strict safety standards, avoiding harmful toxins, endocrine disruptors, and contaminants, making it a worry-free choice for all skin types–including expecting moms. 

Best brightening: Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser — $38

The Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser is like a little morning pick-me-up in a bottle. With a burst of refreshing citrus scent, this gel formula works hard to cleanse and lightly exfoliate your skin without irritating it. We love that it’s enriched with strawberry seed oil and tomato extracts, which bring a natural glow to dull, tired skin—ideal for those hormonal pregnancy days when your skin feels unpredictable. Oh, and yeah: it’s free from over 1,300+ banned ingredients, including many that are advised against during pregnancy (like parabens, sulfates, phthalates, synthetic fragrance, and phenoxyethanol). Cherry on top.

Best for breakouts: Visha Skincare Mommy Purifying Cleanser — $30

Formulated by double board-certified dermatologist Purvisha Patel, this multitasking cleanser gently exfoliates, minimizes pores, and reduces redness and scaling without over-drying. Safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, it’s formulated without parabens, sulfates, fragrance, hydroquinone, or gluten; instead, it utilizes tea tree oil, lactic acid, glycolic acid, and zinc pyrithione, making it ideal for controlling pregnancy breakouts without compromising your skin’s hydration.

Best for sensitive skin: Lumene Oat Milk Oil Cleanser — $19

The Lumene Oat Milk Oil Cleanser is like a warm hug for your face. Its creamy, oil-based formula melts away makeup, sunscreen, and impurities while leaving your skin soft and hydrated. We loved the inclusion of oat milk, which is packed with skin-calming properties, making it perfect for pregnancy-sensitive skin. Bonus: This cleanser feels indulgent without breaking the bank, making it an excellent pick for budget-conscious moms-to-be.

Best for double cleansing: Facial Cleansing Oil by KALOS CO — $32

Made on a small, five-acre ranch located in California's Central Valley, the Facial Cleansing Oil by KALOS CO is a blissful blend of organic avocado, olive, almond, and coconut oils. The silky formula effortlessly dissolves makeup and impurities without clogging pores, leaving your skin feeling seriously soft and nourished. Whether you’re using it on its own or as a first step in your evening routine, don’t be surprised if this cleanser becomes a permanent staple.

Best with rose water: HonorMD Wild Rose Cleanser — $40

The HonorMD Wild Rose Cleanser isn’t just a cleanser—it’s a spa day in a bottle. This gentle, nourishing formula is infused with antioxidant-packed rose hip seed oil and vitamin-rich seaweed. It left our skin feeling clean yet so very hydrated, making it a standout for dry or combination skin types. And while some scents can be a turnoff during pregnancy, the subtle, natural rose scent was enjoyable rather than overpowering. 

Best with probiotics: Dionis Skincare Purifying Cleanser — $35

The Dionis Skincare Purifying Cleanser is all about using the power of nature to its gentlest max. Goat milk (yes, goat milk) takes center stage here, delivering a probiotic-packed dose of soothing hydration while gently removing impurities. This dermatologist-tested and paraben free formula left our skin feeling clean but never tight—exactly what’s needed when pregnancy hormones make your skin unpredictable. 

Best evening cleanser: RATIONALE #4 The Cleanser — $104

(will be $73 starting April 1)

The RATIONALE #4 The Cleanser is packed with antioxidants and skin-replenishing ingredients that make it gentle enough for pregnancy yet potent enough to keep your skin looking radiant (no matter what your hormones throw your way). In our testing, this cream cleanser stood out for its ability to remove a day’s worth of makeup and dirt without over-drying—perfect for those who want a luxurious cleanse that doesn’t strip their skin’s natural oils. (Hot tip: It can also double as a mask—customers will use it once a week and let it sit 10-15 minutes before washing off.)

Best pregnancy-safe cleaning spray: Active Skin Repair

Active Skin Repair is a bit of a multitasking hero in the skincare world: a 6-in-1 daily facial spray that helps heal and prevent acne and eczema. What makes it unique is its medical-grade hypochlorous acid, which works wonders for calming redness and inflammation—ideal for pregnancy-related skin sensitivity. Trust us, you’ll want to keep this in every bag you own. It’s a versatile and cost-effective solution to use after you wash your face or after sweating to help keep your acne at bay.  

Most nourishing: KORA Organics Milky Mushroom Gentle Cleansing Oil — $47

KORA Organics Milky Mushroom Gentle Cleansing Oil is proof that nature knows best. This dual-phase oil cleanser, enriched with silver ear mushroom and sunflower seed oil, melts away impurities and nourishes the skin in one easy step. In our testing, it felt luxuriously hydrating without leaving behind any greasy residue. Plus, like all KORA products, this organic formula has earned the Sorette Seal of Approval, making it a trusted choice for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. 

Most calming: Dr. Althea Green Relief Amino Gel Cleanser — $16

Dr. Althea Green Relief Amino Gel Cleanser is the skincare equivalent of a cup of warm, calming tea. This amino acid-based formula is as gentle as it gets, making it perfect for sensitive, reactive, or irritated pregnancy skin. We loved how the gel texture transformed into a silky lather that left our skin soft and clean without feeling stripped. It’s a great option for maintaining hydration while keeping your skin calm and happy.

Best balm: Doll 10 Daily Dissolve Enzyme Cleansing Balm — $36

This cleansing balm melts into your skin, harnessing the power of enzymes to gently resurface your skin while dissolving makeup, dirt, and oil. The first time we used it we were blown away at how gently but fully it removed our makeup, and how soft and hydrated it left our skin. Formulated with antioxidant-rich Vitamin C to brighten, Niacinamide to hydrate, as well as Papaya & Pineapple Enzymes—and without over 1,300 banned ingredients—this balm will leave your skin looking clean, bouncy, and glowing.

Best sustainable cleanser: INBAR + Co Gentle Cleanser — $48

The INBAR + Co Gentle Cleanser is proof that minimalist skincare can pack a serious punch. There's something about this product that just leaves your skin feeling moist and glowing—no makeup residue, no itchy skin. Just apply a pea-sized amount on dry skin and let the safflower and sunflower oil formula combined with an essential oil blend of jasmine sambac and a hint of tuberose do the rest. 

Best splurge: Valmont Bubble Falls — $80

Valmont Bubble Falls takes foaming cleansers to a whole new level. This ultra-luxurious cleanser creates a rich foam that feels weightless but works hard to cleanse and refresh your skin. What really impressed us during testing was how it left our complexion looking dewy and balanced—zero tightness or dryness. Plus, the gentle formula (free of sulfates) makes it safe for even the most finicky pregnancy skin. If you’re looking for a splurge-worthy addition to your routine, this is it.

Best with antioxidants: Youth to the People Kale and Green Tea Spinach Vitamins Superfood Cleanser — $36.00

The directions include “lather and massage to activate the cold-pressed ingredients.” Packed with antioxidants, the kale, green tea and spinach blend has a healthful, lightweight scent. Seal it in with the kale and spinach Superfood Moisture Cream. Both are vegan and made without phthalates, parabens and sulfates.

Best no-rinse: BIOEFFECT Micellar Cleansing Water — $67.00

This fragrance-free, barely-there face wash is actually lava filtered water from Iceland. Icelandic water is known for its therapeutic properties which pull in healthy skin minerals and skin-replenishing elements. With the perfect level of calcium and magnesium, this naturally soft water keeps skin from drying out when you need to retain moisture the most.

Best face wash/makeup remover combo: Jane Iredale BeautyPrep Face Cleanser — $30.00

BeautyPrep is a micellar cleansing water that is both a makeup remover and a moisturizing face wash in one. Cucumber seed extract and cucumber fruit extract hydrate, soothes and protects while algae extract soothes, nourishes and hydrates the skin.

Best oil-to-foam cleanser: Knours. Your Only Facial Cleanser — $28.00

This oil-to-foam cleanser starts off as an oil to dissolve dirt & make-up, then transforms into a foam cleanser with water for a non-stripping, easy double cleanse. Key ingredients include jojoba oil, chamomile and olive oil for the ultimate in soothing and moisture.

Best cleansing bar: Ethique Solid Cleanse Bars — $18.00

It’s been a while since using bar soap to wash your face, right? This face cleansing bar is vegan, plant-based and comes in three formulations depending on your state of oily vs. dry skin during pregnancy. The Deep Green is made with French clay, sea salt, and castor and sweet orange oils giving your skin that fresh-out-of-the-ocean feeling.

Best mineral cleanser: Ahava Mineral Radiance Cleansing Gel — $23.00

This clear, lightweight, vegan gel cleanser is full of signature ingredients sourced from the what is thought to be nourishing Dead Sea. Short on ingredients you want to avoid while pregnant (parabens, alcohol, GMO and SLS/SLES) they’ve added in aloe vera (moisturizer and anti-inflammatory) as well as Allantoin as an anti-irritant for sudden blemishes.

Best vitamin-enriched: Murad Essential-C Cleanser — $36.00

Vitamins A, C, and E. Yes, yes and yes! Dr. Murad knows that during pregnancy (and all times) we love an energizing, brightening cleanser that doesn’t dry out our fragile, hormonal skin. It has a light citrus scent, moisturizes, and has no parabens or phthalates. It’s suitable for combination, balanced, dry, and oily skin types.

Best exfoliating: Yina Bioadaptive Cleanser — $78.00

Allow a few minutes to massage this cream cleanser into your skin so that the Pearl and Poria powder can gently exfoliate and cleanse. Active and purifying Chinese Medicinal plant extracts such as white tea, poria, and pearl dissolve daily impurities, residual makeup, and pollutants.

Best soothing: Malaya Organics Cleansing Oil — $48.00

Malaya’s cleansing oil is a makeup remover and cleansing oil combined. Organic apricot kernel, sweet almond, safflower, jojoba and olive oils leave skin feeling hydrated, glowing and balanced. Vegan-, cruelty- and gluten-free, this product is handcrafted in small batches.

Best hydrating: Plenaire Rose Jelly Gentle Makeup Remover & Hydrating Cleanser — $24.00

The jelly-like texture of this cleanser rapidly dissolves makeup while soothing and cooling the skin. Formulated with mild, sugar-based actives and pure distilled rosewater, this gentle jelly cleanser even dissolves stubborn eye makeup without any harsh scrubbing.

Best for sensitive skin: Tata Harper SUPERKIND Softening Cleanser — $88.00

Created for sensitive skin, this gentle face wash is hypoallergenic, totally fragrance-free and dermatologist tested. Gluten- and alcohol-free, soy-free and vegan, you can trust in Tata’s products to be luxurious, nourishing and rich in all-natural ingredients.

Best fragrance-free: Trilogy Very Gentle Cleansing Cream — $31.00

Trilogy’s fragrance-free cream cleanser refreshes skin with essential fatty acid rich camelia, nourishing antioxidant maqui berry and soothing breakthrough botanical complex Syricalm. Made in New Zealand, Trilogy’s products are cruelty free and made without toxins, parabens and, GMO ingredients.

What to consider when shopping for pregnancy safe cleansers

Ingredients to Avoid

Pregnancy is basically a crash course in reading ingredient labels. Celebrity esthetician and facialist Ildi Pekar advises to avoid salicylic acid, retinoids, and any high percentage AHA/BHA. If you’re dealing with breakouts or pigmentation, Pekar recommends looking for products with zinc, azelaic acid, or niacinamide. “Zinc is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory with a proven record of clearing breakouts. Azelaic acid is another antioxidant with antibacterial effects in addition to brightening effects that can fade dark spots. Niacinamide helps clear, brighten, and smooth skin and can regulate oil production. To exfoliate, look for something gentle with rice powder or dried flowers/herbs to lightly buff the skin without stripping or penetrating too deep,” she says.

Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, also recommends staying away from hydroquinone and pure or high concentration essential oils. “When choosing skincare products, opt for natural or organic ones, or those labeled safe for pregnant women,” she says.

Your Skin Type (Because It Might Change)

If pregnancy has turned your normally predictable skin into an unpredictable diva, welcome to the club. Some people experience a newfound oil slick situation thanks to hormonal surges, while others find their skin drier than ever. “Acne also can either get better or it can get a lot worse during pregnancy, it’s hard to predict,” says celebrity dermatologist Whitney Bowe. “I’ve seen patients whose acne is really great during their first pregnancy and then flairs up like crazy during their second pregnancy.” Your best bet? Match your cleanser to your current skin type, not what worked pre-pregnancy. A foaming or gel cleanser can help balance excess oil, while a creamy, hydrating formula is ideal for dryness. Sensitive skin? Look for fragrance-free, ultra-gentle options that cleanse without irritation.

Fragrance (Or Lack Thereof)

Let’s talk about scent—because if you’re deep in first-trimester nausea, even your go-to face wash might suddenly smell like too much. Some artificial fragrances can also trigger sensitivity or irritation, making fragrance-free options a smart bet. But if you love a little sensorial boost in your skincare routine, stick to naturally derived scents, like chamomile or aloe, which tend to be gentler and less overwhelming than synthetic perfumes.

How It Feels on Your Skin

At the end of the day, your cleanser should do more than just tick off the right ingredient boxes—it should feel good to use. A formula that leaves your skin tight and dry? Hard pass. A cleanser that makes you want to double cleanse just for the experience? That’s the goal. Texture is also something to factor in when choosing a cleanser. “Foaming gels are better for oily or acne prone skin, while mousse foams and lotions are typically more gentle for sensitive skin,” says Pekar. Whether you prefer a silky oil, a bouncy gel, or a lush cream, finding a texture you love makes sticking to your routine that much easier (even on those nights when all you want to do is collapse into bed).