10 Best Pregnancy-Safe Acne Treatment Products, According to Experts

If you are expecting a baby, then congratulation to you in advance. But the blissfulness is not free from some unwanted things like having acne on the face throughout your pregnancy journey. Aside from acne, you might face other skin issues while pregnant. That’s why it is essential to take safe and effective treatment for pregnancy acne without being too late. However, you might have to stop using typical products that you used before the pregnancy period.

But what acne products and treatments are safe during pregnancy? And what acne products do you need to avoid? Keeping all these things in mind, our experts have vetted out some of the safest products to treat pregnancy acne effectively. But first, you need to know a few things about pregnancy acne treatments. 

What anti-acne treatments and ingredients should you avoid while pregnant?

According to ACOG, acne medications must be avoided during pregnancy as there is an increased risk of birth complications. Some common acne treatments listed below are considered unsafe for pregnant women.

• Hormonal therapy
• Oral tetracyclines
• Topical retinoids

So you should avoid using these prescription acne medications while pregnant. Consult with your healthcare provider to learn more about pregnancy-safe acne treatments.

Pregnancy-Safe Acne Treatment Products

Safe Face Wash for Pregnancy Acne: Neutrogena Rapid Clear Face Wash

One of the best components to treat acne is benzoyl peroxide. This powerhouse ingredient keeps your skin safe from sudden breakouts by removing harmful bacteria.

A drugstore favorite: Neutrogena’s rich and creamy formula is enriched with 10% benzoyl peroxide that treats the skin deeply to cleanse all the impurities and excess oil. Plus, the result lasts several hours to give the skin a smooth and clear feel. No wonder dermatologists often recommend it as a safe and effective face wash for your acne-prone skin.

It works gently even on highly sensitive skin with no sign of adverse reaction. Also, the positive reaction works rapidly from the moment you apply it. “From the first day of use, I noticed a noteworthy improvement on the face,” one user remarked. However, our experts suggest trying a couple of days initially and then increasing the frequency after a few weeks once it gets used to the skin.

• Key ingredients: 10% Benzoyl Peroxide
• Formula type: Gel
• Texture: Rich, Creamy
• Skin Type: Acne Prone

Safe Face Wash for Oily Skin: La Roche-Posay Cleanser

Looking for a dermatologist-developed formula for treating pregnancy acne. Look no further. 

The La Roche-Posay Cleanser is one of the best face washes for oily skin. The cleanser is infused with a balanced PH to prevent the process of aging. It contains Zinc Pidolate, a vital mineral that protects the skin from harmful bacteria and inflammatory acne.

The clear-textured formula also purifies your skin by removing all the makeup, dirt, and pollutants from the surface of the skin. Free from soap, oil, paraben, and alcohol, it only removes the excessive oil from the skin while ensuring much-needed moisturization. “This is a great cleanser to break down oil, makeup, and sunscreen residue without causing any irritation or acne spots,” one user shares. “It has done wonders for my oily, acne-prone skin,” another one adds. “The formula makes rich lather with a small amount!”

• Key ingredients: Zinc Pidolate
• Formula type: Gel
• Texture: Clear, Refreshing Gel Texture
• Skin Type: Dry, Sensitive

Safe Face Mask for Pregnancy Acne: Peter Thomas Roth Therapeutic Sulfur Acne Treatment Mask

Sulfur is a popular ingredient in acne treatments because of its healing and cleansing properties. Peter Thomas Roth has a sulfur-based face mask to treat your pregnancy acne precisely.

This face mask includes 10% sulfur to help clear acne redness and further re-emergence. Aside from treating acne, it helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles on your face. The product is also good enough to give a soft and soothing feeling to your skin. As a result, you will look younger, unlike you have never expected before.

Another big positive of this pregnancy-safe acne treatment product is it works even on ultra-sensitive skin. Even though sulfur is known to dry out the skin, the formula is mild and non-drying. However, we recommend applying a good face moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated. For the best result, you should continue using it consistently 2 to 3 times per week.

• Key ingredients: 10% Sulfur, Kaolin and Bentonite Clays
• Formula type: Oil
• Texture: Creamy texture
• Skin Type: Acne-prone skin

Safe Moisturizer for Pregnancy Acne: Tatcha The Water Cream

Inspired by the philosophy of “less is more,” Tatcha’s minimalist approach to their skincare formula perfectly fits the bill for pregnant women. The Water Cream is a high-quality facial care product from Tatcha.

Formulated for oily skin, this lightweight gel hydrates dry, oily skin and makes the skin ultra-soft. Thanks to the combination of a few Japanese botanical extracts, the cream helps recreate a skin barrier for healthy aging. Furthermore, it relieves the skin from discomfort and cleanses the skin deeply while retaining the much-needed natural oil.

According to a clinical study involving The Water Cream, 90% of responders reported pore improvement and almost all of them reported excess oil reduction after the first application. Also, the majority of the testers were impressed at how quickly the moisturizer makes skin feel hydrated.

A little on the pricey side, we found it excellent for acne-prone skin to keep hydrated for hours. It is even suitable for sensitive skin. The moisturizing agent is free from oil, paraben, colorant, and other toxic chemicals to give you peace of mind while using the product.

• Key ingredients: Japanese Wild Rose, Leopard Lily, Hadasei-3, Green Tea Extract
• Formula type: Gel
• Texture: Lightweight creamy texture
• Skin Type: Oily skin

Safe Sunscreen for Pregnancy Acne: Supergoop! Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40

A safe sunscreen is a must-have for a good pregnancy skincare routine. Aside from keeping the skin protected from harmful and skin-damaging UV rays, it also helps prevent various skin issues, including acne.

Ideal for expecting mamas, our experts have found one of the cleanest mineral sunscreens: Supergoop! Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40. EWG validates our claim, too.

We like its tinted formula that glides on smoothly to give a nice matte finish. Users reported no white cast on the skin. Not to mention, the product offers effective sun protection. So you can use it to protect your face from environmental stressors and sunburn.

This mineral-based sunscreen is free from chemical propellants like oxybenzone and octinoxate. Both ingredients are common in regular sunscreens, but experts have fair toxicity concerns regarding their use. It has over 1,000 reviews on Ulta, with one reviewer saying, “I have allergies and acne-prone skin; the product hasn’t irritated my sensitive skin at all.” 

• Key ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Dimethicone
• Formula type: Lotion
• Texture: Ultra-light, tinted texture
• Skin Type: All

Safe Exfoliator for Pregnancy Acne: M3 Himalayan Scrub

Exfoliation is essential to prevent your skin from breakouts and improve skin elasticity. The M3 Himalayan Scrub is a brilliant pick if you want to avoid acne and clogged pores and get a balanced skin tone. It is formulated with lychee fruit and sweet almond oil to improve complexion and minimize the emergence of acne scars and pregnancy stretch marks.

The exfoliator has anti-aging properties to fight back precisely against free radicals. All the powerful components make it useful to get the best and safest pregnancy acne treatment. With balanced PH and mineral content, it improves your skin health and reduces various skin issues. In addition, the natural Himalayan salt has anti-inflammatory properties to ensure optimal moisturization of the skin.

The product also reacts gently on sensitive skin and heals the damaged skin by transforming it into bright, even skin. The inclusion of collagen in this formula makes it potent to keep your skin free from visible wrinkles and ensure sufficient blood circulation to the skin.

• Key ingredients: Himalayan Salt, Lychee Fruit Essential Oil, Sweet Almond Oil
• Formula type: Scrub
• Skin Type: All

Safe Day Cream for Pregnancy Acne: Weleda Renewing Day Cream

Using a day cream regularly, especially early in the morning, can have multi-fold benefits for the skin. A day cream can be helpful for keeping the skin hydrated, nourished, and protected throughout the day. The Weleda Renewing Day Cream is a superb selection to transform your blemished skin into the best possible version of yourself.

It contains natural ingredients and is made with the highest quality standard for optimal results. Cruelty-free, paraben-free, phthalates-free, synthetic preservative-free, and fragrance-free, the product only includes natural ingredients such as wild rose seed oil, beeswax, and sweet almond oil. The wild rose seed oil works as a healing agent to reduce scars and fine lines, while the sweet almond oil treats the damaged, dry, and itchy skin precisely.

Furthermore, the addition of beeswax makes it worthy of trying out. Beeswax promotes cell reconstruction on the skin surface and protects the skin by forming a skin barrier. What’s more, the product comes with an impressively designed tube to allow a smooth squeeze of the cream. The lighter formula also has a fantastic scent to make you feel refreshed every time you use it.

• Key ingredients: Wild Rose Seed Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Beeswax
• Formula type: Lotion, Cream
• Texture: Rich, creamy texture
• Skin Type: All

Safe Nighttime Cream for Pregnancy Acne: CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream

Like day cream, night cream is also necessary for a nightly skincare routine. This rich, hydrating night cream from CeraVe is perfect for expecting mamas fighting fine lines and wrinkles.

Developed and tested by dermatologists, the cream is infused with biomimetic peptides, hyaluronic acid, and three essential ceramides to calm and restore the skin barrier. The inclusion of niacinamide in the formula makes it more effective in treating acne and minimizing redness and inflammation. Also, the use of CeraVe’s patented MVE Technology ensures long-lasting dryness relief.

On top of that, the formula is free from toxic components. Hence, it is compatible with most skin types, including extra-sensitive skin. Though the formula is quite thick, it doesn’t leave any greasy or sticky feeling on the skin’s surface.

• Key ingredients: Biomimetic peptides, Hyaluronic acid, Essential ceramides
• Formula type: Cream
• Texture: Smooth, hydrating texture
• Skin Type: All

Safe Acne Patch for Pregnancy Acne: COSRX Acne Pimple Master

Acne patches are renowned for their super convenient usage. This Acne Pimple Patch from COSRX is nothing different. It keeps your acne-prone areas safe and treats them effectively for faster recovery. Also, the product is made with simple ingredients to ensure no harm to pregnant mamas.

The product targets and treats the concerned area precisely by developing a moist environment. It also works impressively well for pimples. You can use the patch overnight and experience a clear face quickly. In addition, the product comes in a variety of packaging in three different sizes.

If your face has an excessive amount of acne, then go for the larger size. The small or medium size is okay for moderate acne-prone skin. Not to mention, the innovative packaging keeps the patches fresh for a long period of time.

Apart from that, the patch doesn’t include any toxic substances that might trigger allergic reactions on the delicate skin. Since the product is cruelty-free, it isn’t tested on animals. In addition, the product is entirely safe for all skin types.

• Key ingredients: A.D.F. Dressing Hydrocolloid
• Formula type: Sheet
• Skin Type: Acne Prone

Pregnancy-safe Acne Spot Treatment: Murad Acne Spot Treatment

Did we miss anything? Is there any product we should include in this list of safe products for pregnancy acne treatment? Well, we know you are missing an acne spot treatment. The Rapid Relief Acne Spot Treatment from Murad will surpass your expectations. All you need is four hours to treat and reduce your blemishes. It will show an unmatched result with fast relief.

The powerful salicylic acid ingredients handle your acne spot efficiently to give your face a more natural and acne-free face. Your face will become ultra-soft and ultra-smooth using this extra-gentle product. Besides, it keeps your skin health in a balanced condition without showing any signs of irritation.

Since the cream is free from many harmful and toxic chemicals, it is ideal for pregnant women. Within a few days, you will surely get beautiful skin without any acne.

• Key ingredients: 2% Salicylic Acid
• Formula type: Gel
• Texture: Transparent gel-like texture
• Skin Type: Acne Prone

Conclusion

Not all products are suitable for your pregnancy acne. Moreover, sometimes one single product may not be enough to treat your pregnancy acne. You need to use various products like moisturizer, face wash, patch, night cream, day cream, and so forth. But all the products must be free from harmful chemicals to keep safe yourself and your unborn baby. That’s why we compiled our list with these pregnancy-safe products for acne treatment. Hopefully, you will find the right products to get rid of acne quickly.