12 Best Face Washes and Cleansers for Pregnancy Acne in 2023

Are there any safe and effective face washes for pregnancy acne? What ingredients are best to avoid in a facial cleanser for pregnancy acne? If you are looking for answers to these questions, then you have come to the right place.

During pregnancy, women face some common skin problems. And pregnancy acne is one of them. To treat pregnancy acne, first and foremost, take a look at your skincare products. You should never compromise with quality when it comes to your skincare products during pregnancy. That is especially vital when you are expecting. Using an effective and chemical-free face wash is the first crucial step to deal with pregnancy acne.

However, many of us unintentionally end up buying face washes during pregnancy that often contain harsh ingredients. Fortunately, we have carefully picked a handful of safe face washes that you can use to treat your pregnancy acne.

Best Face Washes for Pregnancy Acne

Our Top 3 Picks

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel

No products found.

If you are struggling with pregnancy acne and have tried dozens of products with no luck, then try this La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser. La Roche-Posay is well-known for producing quality skincare products for sensitive, acne-prone skin. Not just sensitive, this face cleanser also works well for oily, combination skin.

La Roche-Posay utilizes the purifying, astringent, anti-inflammatory properties of zinc pidolate to remove excess oil from the skin. Apart from removing excess oil, it also has the power to remove acne-causing bacteria from the skin. The foaming gel formula is also free from any harmful ingredients, which is the first thing you should consider before buying an acne wash during pregnancy.

Most regular face cleansers leave the skin excessively dry after cleansing. But it won’t happen with this particular face cleanser. Since it has a gentle formula, it doesn’t dry out the skin while giving it a deep cleansing to remove stubborn makeup and impurities. Also, it locks in your skin’s natural moisture so that it feels refreshed and clean.

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

No products found.

CeraVe is popular for its affordable and effective skincare line. This CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser is the holy grail of face washes that many users swear by! Its gentle formula works perfectly for most skin types, including dry, oily, and acne-prone skin.

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser uses the combination of hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin to remove dirt, excess oil, and makeup from the skin. This powerful combination also works great to improve skin moisturization and restore the natural skin barrier. Free from fragrance and paraben, the non-comedogenic formula helps keep your acne-prone skin in check. Aside from preventing breakouts, it clears pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads from your skin.

The formula has a no-foaming, creamy texture that doesn’t lather at all. So it feels like a lotion. But as stated by its thousands of customers, the product does a wonderful job to make your skin clean, soft, and hydrated after every use. So, you can add it to your pregnancy-safe acne care regimen without worry. 

Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser

No products found.

Vanicream is the ideal choice if you want a face cleanser with minimal, clean ingredients. Tested by dermatologists, this non-comedogenic face wash has a gentle formula that effectively cleans your face without drying your skin. In addition, it keeps your face moisturized for quite some time, so your dry skin will no longer feel taut and tight. Using the face wash will give you peace of mind since it is free from harsh ingredients or chemical irritants.

The cleanser effectively removes excess oil, dirt, and impurities from your skin, leaving your skin soft and clean. Besides, it can thoroughly cleanse light makeup well. Once you start using this facial cleanser, you will no longer experience any redness, flaking, or skin irritation. 

If you are allergic to smell or harsh skincare ingredients, you will be happy to know that it is fragrance and toxin-free. Therefore, the cleanser is suitable for everyday use.

Face Washes for Pregnancy Acne

Rated Highly by Parents and Experts

No products found.

Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel

Why not treat your pregnancy acne with a premium face cleanser that is capable of giving your face a clean, bold look that you have never thought of possible?

The cleanser utilizes a combination of enzymes and fruit acids to give your skin a deep clean by removing oil, makeup, and other impurities from the skin. The blend plays a crucial role in preventing inflammatory acne and similar skin conditions. Additionally, the formula removes damaged skin cells to smoothen out skin texture.

The cleansing gel is safe for most skin types, including dry, sensitive skin. Oil-free, paraben-free, and gluten-free, its clean herbal-like scent also feels so refreshing. Though this gentle cleanser is a little pricier, it is worth a try considering its effectiveness.

CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser

We have already reviewed a non-foaming face wash from CeraVe, but this one is a foaming face wash. It’s more like an acne wash than a regular face wash. So be careful about not using it every day. 

The face wash has all the ingredients you’d need in an acne cleanser. Hyaluronic acid and ceramides, along with 4% benzoyl peroxide, work together to cleanse acne pimples and blackheads without drying out your skin. Apart from removing acne, the combination helps restore your skin’s natural barrier.

Plus, the non-comedogenic and fragrance-free formula shows gentleness when you apply it to your sensitive skin.

First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser

Check out this First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser formulated with soothing and clean ingredients. The formula uses all-around components like allantoin to protect and heal your damaged skin. And it does that without over-drying your skin, mostly thanks to the moisturizing properties of aloe and glycerin.

The face cleanser also utilizes antioxidant boosters to minimize the acne-causing bacteria on the skin. While using the product, you will not notice any signs of skin sensitivity because it is formulated to suit most skin types. By thoroughly cleansing your skin, this fantastic skin cleanser gives a natural shine to your face.

The only thing that might put you off is the licorice root among the ingredients. As long as you aren’t ingesting, the small amount of licorice root used in skincare products shouldn’t freak you out during pregnancy.

Boscia Detoxifying Black Charcoal Cleanser

If you are struggling with breakouts during the pregnancy period, why not give Boscia’s Detoxifying Black Charcoal Cleanser a try. One key ingredient of this cleanser is glycolic acid, which is well-known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Along with activated charcoal, artichoke leaf extract, and Vitamin C, the formula removes the excess oil and dirt to give your skin a deep clean.

The formula also gently exfoliates the surface of your skin to remove pore-clogging impurities without stripping or drying your skin. If you feel worried about licorice root and glycolic acid in the ingredients, know that the formula contains less than 0.1% of these ingredients. These amounts are within the safe limit for daily usage during pregnancy.

You will love that it produces a light lather and rinses off easily with no residue left behind. Even your dry, sensitive skin will feel super smooth and soft each time you apply it.

InstaNatural Glycolic Facial Cleanser

Looking for a natural face wash to treat your stubborn acne? Well, take a look at this InstaNatural Glycolic Facial Cleanser. The way it transforms acne-damaged skin into gorgeous glowing skin is truly impressive. 

InstaNatural’s skincare line is mostly Vitamin C based, but this one is a glycolic acid cleanser, although the percentage of glycolic acid is only 2.5%. If you are wondering whether glycolic acid is safe to use in pregnancy, know that skincare products with a low concentration of glycolic acid are fine during pregnancy. Still, we recommend asking your doctor before using glycolic cleanser during pregnancy. 

The formula also uses organic ingredients like chamomile, cucumber, and green tea extracts to keep your face soft and moisturized. Most importantly, it doesn’t have any harsh or toxic chemicals to harm your skin. Though it has a citrus or herbal type scent, it isn’t strong enough to trigger sensitive skin.

The face wash is also safe to use with others skincare products for healthy-looking skin. All you need to do is pour a small amount into your hand, gently massage it on your face, then wash it properly with clean water.

Other Recommended Face Washes for Pregnancy Acne

No products found.

Honest Beauty Gentle Gel Cleanser

Do you have sensitive skin that can’t stand most face washes on the market? Then this Gentle Gel Cleanser from Honest Beauty will be an excellent pick for you. The cleanser contains a handful of clean ingredients to gently remove makeup, dirt, and impurities from the skin. Plus, it helps retain the natural moisturizing element of your skin so that it doesn’t become too dry.

It has a plant-based formula that will less likely cause any allergic reaction, irritation, or redness, even on highly sensitive skin. The magical blend of chamomile and calendula cleanses and soothes your skin without drying it out. In addition, its pH-balanced formula helps reduce skin inflammation and restores the natural glow of your skin.

Furthermore, the formula has ingredients with anti-aging properties to help you retain a youthful look during pregnancy. As claimed by Honest Beauty, their formula is free from artificial fragrances, parabens, harmful chemicals, or alcohols. However, we didn’t like its smell.

Belli Anti-Blemish Facial Wash

Belli has been a trusted name among pregnant women for its pregnancy-safe skincare line. This Anti-Blemish Facial Wash will be a good alternative if you want to completely avoid glycolic acid and benzoyl peroxide-based skincare products during pregnancy. It is formulated with a combination of lactic acid, green tea, and cucumber. None of these ingredients cause any allergic reaction, even on sensitive skin.

The clean formula does a great job of keeping pregnancy breakouts in control. It also removes excess oil from your skin to make it smooth, soft, and glowing. As a bonus, it also works as a face mask to cleanse and exfoliate your skin. 

Paraben-free, gluten-free, phthalate-free, dye-free, and fragrance-free, the product is suitable to use with other skincare products as long they don’t contain harmful ingredients. Knowing that it only contains clean, non-toxic ingredients, you get to enjoy peace of mind. To get the best results, use it twice a day.

PanOxyl Antimicrobial Acne Cream Wash 

Say goodbye to your stubborn pregnancy acne with this Acne Wash from PanOxyl. This gentle acne cream uses 4% benzoyl peroxide to help your skin fight acne breakouts. Why benzoyl peroxide in acne cream? Because it destroys bacteria underneath the skin and helps in clearing out pores by eliminating dead skin.

If you are wondering skincare products with benzoyl peroxide is safe to use during pregnancy, know that benzoyl peroxide(a potent acne-fighter) is safe during pregnancy. That’s because the low concentration of benzoyl peroxide used in acne care products poses no risk to you or your baby. However, many dermatologists recommend using these products in limited amounts. You should ask your doctor to avoid any further confusion. 

The formula is also enriched with humectants and emollients to keep your skin moist. These natural ingredients are well-known for their moisturizing properties. No doubt that this antimicrobial cream will make your fight against acne a lot easier while pregnant.

Garnier SkinActive Gentle Sulfate-Free Foaming Face Wash

Are you tired of trying lots of face wash to tame your pregnancy acne but still no luck? Then give the Garnier SkinActive Face Wash a try.

The cleaning agent has a formula that gently exfoliates your skin to remove makeup and dirt from the skin. The formula has glycerin; thanks to its antimicrobial properties, your skin feels hydrated and calm. Plus, it has naturally derived ingredients that make your face feel really healthy and clean without drying it out.

On top of that, the product is free from harsh chemicals and comes at an affordable price. Before using the product, wash your face with clean water. Then apply the cleanser on your face, rub gently and wash your face with warm water. To get the best result, use it two times daily.

Best Face Washes for Pregnancy Acne

Questions & Answers

What ingredients are safe and effective for face acne during pregnancy?

Skincare experts and dermatologists recommend topical and over-the-counter products to treat facial acne during pregnancy. A few topical solutions, such as topical erythromycin, clindamycin, metronidazole, mostly used in skin care products in the form of gels and creams, are safe for pregnant women.

Also, don’t go paranoid about the low concentration of benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid in acne care products. Experts believe that these ingredients in skin care products don’t absorb into your system in high enough amounts to cause a problem.

Listening and reading all the conflicting advices online can freak you out. If you have concerns about an ingredient in your pregnancy acne wash, consult with your OB before using the product.

What acne treatments should be avoided during pregnancy?

You must avoid skin care products with retinol, retinoids, and high concentrations of salicylic acid during pregnancy. Also, stay away from prescription-strength skin care products. They should be reviewed by your doctor before use.

We also recommend avoiding petroleum and mineral oil-based skincare products, like face oils and acne concealers. These products can make things worse for you. Ask your dermatologist before using them.

How to take care of your acne-prone face during pregnancy?

Self-care is crucial to treat your pregnancy acne. American Academy of Dermatology Association suggests the following tips:

• Use a gentle and safe face wash or cleanser to clean the acne spots. Wash your face twice a day using mildly warm water.
• Apply an oil-free or non-comedogenic moisturizer on your face.
• If you have oily skin, use a pregnancy-safe shampoo to wash your hair regularly.
• Don’t squeeze and pick acne spots.
• Drink enough water every day.

Conclusion

Being pregnant can make you worry about anything you eat and use. Yes, it is hard to give your old skin regimen due to the harmful chemicals in it. But hey, it feels good when you think that you are doing it for your baby.

On the bright side, you are choosing skincare products with clean, non-toxic ingredients. We recommend that you pick one from our list of pregnancy-safe face washes for acne. Who knows? Maybe you will find a new skincare regimen that truly works for your skin.