15 Best Pregnancy-Safe Face Masks, Vetted by Experts

Are you struggling with clogged pores, inflammation, or sudden breakouts during pregnancy but wondering if it is safe to add a face mask to your pregnancy skincare regimen? Well, don’t think you are alone in this situation. The struggle is common for expecting moms. That’s because many beauty face masks contain ingredients best avoided during pregnancy, such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. 

As a pregnant woman, you shouldn’t use a face mask until it is made from safe ingredients, free from side effects, and compatible with your sensitive skin. Face masks come in different types like clay, mud, sheet, and cream. Whether you want to treat your pregnancy acne or just want to feel pampered, you can’t ignore the importance of choosing a safe face mask during pregnancy.

Our beauty experts have evaluated dozens of face masks to find the best of the best. Ahead, our list of pregnancy-safe face masks will help you find your desired one.

Is it safe to use face masks during pregnancy?

Yes, face masks are safe as long as they don’t contain certain ingredients that are ideal to avoid during pregnancy. It’s hard to find a skincare product that’s 100% natural. Still, you should go for the one that claims to be more than 99% natural.

Dermatologists recommend not using face scrubs and masks that contain retinol or salicylic acid. We recommend asking your OB before trying any face mask just for extra safety.

Are facial masks effective against pregnancy acne?

Face masks usually come with safe and effective moisturizing properties, which can help to deal with pregnancy acne. However, be wary of your sensitive skin while choosing a face mask during pregnancy. 

When used regularly, you’ll notice the appearance of pores and dark spots fading, giving you a smoother and calmer complexion.

Pregnancy-Safe Face Masks

Our Top 3 Picks

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Face Mask

If your face is too dry, you may want to try the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Face Mask. The face mask includes a water-based formula to provide more hydration. As a result, your extra dry skin will recover with a moisturized, smooth, and natural appearance.

Why this is our top pick:

This sheet mask utilizes hyaluronic acid, a skincare ingredient well-known for its strong water-balancing properties. Not only the formula makes your skin healthier and supple, but it also helps soothe your dry skin without triggering any breakouts. It is also an ideal pampering option for extra-sensitive skin during pregnancy. You will not see any irritating issues even if you apply it regularly.

While checking, we found that it has an average toxicity score (5) on EWG. The package comes at a reasonable price, with easy-to-follow directions. There are two sections in each mask, one for your lower face and one for your upper face. Neutrogena recommends keeping the face mask for 15-30 minutes and cleaning your face with a gentle face wash afterward.

Key specifications:

• Item form: Sheet
• Key benefits: Hydrating
• Key ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid
• Salicylic Acid-Free: Yes
• Alchohol-Free: Yes

Caudalie Instant Detox Clay Mask

The Instant Detox Clay Mask from Caudalie is a smart pick if you want to improve your skin tone and polish fine lines. The main components of this cream are rose clay, papaya enzyme, and tannins. With more than 99% natural formula, it functions simultaneously as a face cleanser and exfoliator, protecting your face from acne, pores, puffiness, and other skin problems during pregnancy.

Why this is our top pick:

This clay mask utilizes the exfoliating power of rose clay to draw impurities from the skin, whereas the anti-inflammatory properties of tannins leave a soothing effect on the skin. In addition, the papaya enzyme works well to clear out clogged pores. Eventually, the combination of these ingredients gives your complexion a radiant look. 

What’s more, it removes excess oils from the skin surface and purges blackheads. Most users reported fewer breakouts with clean and refreshed skin after using it for a couple of days. “I was amazed at how well it cleaned my pores,” a tester reported. “It’s been a game changer for my acne-prone skin,” another echoed.

Using the clay mask is super simple. Just apply it like a thin layer on your face and keep it for 5-10 minutes. Then gently wipe with a clean, wet washcloth. You can also apply a face moisturizer afterward.

Key specifications:

• Item form: Clay
• Key benefits: Pore Treatment, Oil Control, Detoxifying, Cleansing
• Key ingredients: Polyphenols, Clay, Caffeine
• Salicylic Acid-Free: Yes
• Alchohol-Free: Yes

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

If you are a fan of Korean skincare and makeup products, stop looking for a lip mask and grab the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask. Five different variations are available for this lip mask: Berry, Gummy Bear, Mango, Vanilla, and Sweet Candy.

Why this is our top pick:

Laneige has used natural, nutrient-rich ingredients in this mask. As a result, it acts gently on dry, cracked lips. In addition, the formula is paraben, phthalate, and petrolatum free. Whether you have dry, chapped, or sensitive lips, you can surely try this mask without worry. The end result will be super-moisturizing and healthy-looking lips.

We found the product has a thick texture that leaves the lips incredibly soft and moisturized for a long time. You won’t feel any discomfort even when using it regularly. “It’s a holy grail lip moisturizing product,” a user raved. “This overnight mask has made a HUGE difference in my lips!” another reported.

Key specifications:

• Item form: Balm
• Key benefits: Hydrating
• Key ingredients: Berry Mix Complex, Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Murumuru Seed Butter, and Vitamin C
• Salicylic Acid-Free: Yes
• Alchohol-Free: Yes

Recommended Pregnancy-Safe Face Masks

Rated Highly by Parents and Experts

ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm

This cleansing balm and face mask combo from Elemis is one of the safest options if you want to get smooth and glowing skin during pregnancy. You will feel delighted to try this multi-purpose product since it helps cleanse, soften, and nourish your skin at the same time. Even better? Its plant-based formula is free from chemical preservatives, artificial colors, and fragrances.

Our in-house testers noticed fewer dark spots and blackheads while using this product. How does this cleansing balm function? It keeps your skin fresh, relaxed, and extra-soft by reducing the number of clogged pores and other skin toxicities. Also, the soft-textured balm glides smoothly on the skin.

Though most users feel it’s a little pricey, they rave about the moisturizing power of this facial mask and how well it works even for incredibly dry, sensitive skin without any sign of adverse reactions.

Peter Thomas Roth Facial Mask

Here comes an ultra-gentle facial mask from Peter Thomas Roth, which is full of many natural components. From an exfoliator to an expert moisturizing agent, this multi-purpose face mask is effective in many ways. It eradicates the dead cells from your skin to rejuvenate the skin. Also, it prevents the buildup of acne and decreases inflammation.

One key component of this facial mask is the pumpkin enzyme, which works as a collagen booster to soften your skin. If you have blemishes and freckles on the face, this product works effectively to fade them. 

Furthermore, this face mask helps brighten your face and prevents signs of aging. Additionally, it improves the overall appearance of your face to make you look healthier and more beautiful.

Bliss – Mighty Marshmallow Facial Mask

The moisturizing power of this facial mask will exceed your expectations since it is infused with powerful plant-derived extracts. Thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties of marshmallow root extract, it will transform your dry skin into a hydrated and brighter one. Other key components of this product are citrus, eucalyptus, and pine oils. These oils are especially useful in reducing dark spots, wrinkling, fine lines, and acne scars to ensure a balanced skin tone. 

Also, there is Vitamin C extract. This ingredient has enormous power to protect your skin from oxidative damage by free radicals. 

While it has a marshmallow scent, the scent is fairly light and nice. The majority of customers rave about its super light and fluffy texture. Also, users claimed less dullness, puffiness, and other skin problems once they started using it.

Cetaphil Pro Purifying Clay Mask

Our experts love Cetaphil products for their clinically tested, high-quality ingredients. Cetaphil Pro Purifying Clay Mask uses Bentonite clays that can work wonders for skin types that are oily or acne-prone.

An ample number of benefits are associated when you use this clay mask. It purifies the skin by removing toxins and excess oil to make it feel clean and refreshed. Also, it gently exfoliates to eliminate the development of dead skin cells, resulting in an improved, brighter skin tone.

However, this facial mask is likely to leave your skin a little tightened. Hence you need to use a light, oil-free moisturizer for long-lasting hydration.

Olay Vitamin C Face Mask Kit

Comes from a prominent beauty brand, Olay Face Mask Kit consistently delivers amazing results. This mask kit is a great option to consider if you want to remove dead cells and make your skin brighter.

With the hydrated silica, the facial mask nourishes your skin and adds enough moisturizing agents to the skin. Besides, it contains AHAs as active skincare ingredients to exfoliate your skin and transform your acne-prone skin into a clean one.

This amazing vitamin C mask makes your skin ultra-polished and soft. Most users reported noteworthy differences even after first-time use.

Honest Beauty Mask

If you are looking for a Dermatologist-tested and recommended face mask, then this moisturizing mask from Honest Beauty is a good option. It is formulated with superfruits and shea butter; the combination helps repair and nourish your damaged skin at the same time.

We like how the face mask transforms a tired, stressed, and dull face into a refreshing and healthy one. Since the formula is full of vitamins and other beneficial ingredients, it promotes healing.

Vegan-free, cruelty-free, and paraben-free, this face mask is a must-have for your pregnancy skincare routine to get smooth and glowing skin. Also, the beauty mask smells good without hurting your nose. The inclusion of shea butter makes it effective in eliminating freckles during pregnancy.

Other Recommended Pregnancy-Safe Face Masks

New York Biology Dead Sea Mud Mask for Face and Body

We know you are wondering if Dead Sea mud masks are safe during pregnancy. Yes, they are safe. Here is a high-quality mask from New York Biology that has gathered more than 50k customer reviews on Amazon.

This dead sea mud mask is rich in minerals, which can be particularly helpful for oily and acne-prone skin. This luxurious pampering product works exceptionally well, even on dry, sensitive skin. Not to mention, the facial mask eliminates all the impurities to give your face a healthy-looking, beautiful glow.

Aside from this, the product reduces excess oils, dust, and dirt from the skin. The refining power of this face mask is admirable. It is easy to apply and has a nice smell. Most customers rave about how shiny and smooth their skin looks after using it for a week.

Elemis Peptide4 Plumping Pillow Facial Mask

Here is another premium beauty face mask from Elemis for pregnant women. The facial mask is well known because of its long-lasting hydration.

It is enriched with Peptide4, which works immensely well as a moisturizing agent. This skin-kind active ingredient revives dull and dehydrated skin for a bright and refreshing look. It’s also packed with quality ingredients, like Star Avensis oil, Indian night jasmine, and Speedwell extract, which work together to deliver an even-looking complexion.

Recommended by dermatologists, this face mask is safe and delivers effective results with no allergic reactions. So don’t worry if you have delicate skin. While the moisturizing face mask gives prolonged hydration while restoring the original glow of your face, it’s a pricey option. 

Users reported optimal comfort while using the product. Apply the cream gently to your face and wait for 10-15 minutes before wiping it off with a safe face wash.

Andalou Naturals Face Mask

Looking for a budget-friendly, natural mask for your sensitive skin? Then look no further. The Andalou Naturals is an excellent pregnancy-safe face mask for sensitive, acne-prone skin.

With the help of ingredients like alpine rose stem cells, pomegranate, and aloe vera, it removes all the impurities from your face to make it hydrated and healthy. It also works impressively to bring back the original glow of your skin from depressed or stressed looks. Apart from its ultra-moisturizing power, it acts gently even on highly sensitive skin. Happy customers have reported drastic changes to their dark spots with a few times of use. 

There are a few variations of this mask. So you can choose an ideal version based on your skin type and skincare purpose.

Ebanel Collagen Face Mask

Ebanel Collagen Face Mask is a brilliant pick when you want to use a face mask for a long time. Packed with skin-stimulating serum, this face mask keeps your face super moist so that it feels smooth, soft, and well-hydrated. For women who want instant hydration, it is also an appropriate solution.

A powerful antioxidant like Edelweiss is included in this face mask to nourish your skin. Also, it keeps your skin safe from UV rays. With the effective peptide component, the face mask makes your skin tighter and makes you look younger.

It suits most skin types without incurring any harmful reactions. As reported by users, it deeply hydrates the skin and gives a relaxed feeling each time when used.

Majestic Pure Facial Mud Mask

Here comes a special face mask from Majestic Pure that can give your face a perfect brightness along with a youthful appearance. This clay mask is formulated with amazing botanical components to deeply nourish your skin.

You will not experience any irritating issues using the mud mask. Aside from giving your skin a perfect glow, it absorbs all the toxins from the skin.

Most importantly, it has a light yet soothing scent to make you feel more relaxed while applying. You don’t need to apply the mask daily because the result easily lasts for a few days.

Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask

If you are after a salon-like facial experience right at your home, then go for the Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask. Aside from a gentle cleansing experience and ease of use, we also love how its clean formula treats various skin problems effectively and gives long-lasting results.

The bamboo charcoal and white china clay infused in the mask helps get rid of dead skin cells and gently exfoliate the skin. Whether you feel your face needs a deep cleansing to remove all the dirt, oil, and impurities, facial masks like this can help clean and detoxify your skin for a bright, even-looking complexion.

Vegan, cruelty-free, and natural, this face mask leaves your skin healthier and softer. Not only this, many users claimed that it works like magic for overnight spot treatment and blackheads.

Conclusion

A right face mask is necessary to make your stuffed, heavy, and tired face into a glowing one. Furthermore, it does give you an ample number of benefits to achieving flawless and shiny skin. You will no longer look dull when using any of the above pregnancy-safe face masks. Instead, you will look beautiful, vibrant, and attractive during your whole motherhood journey.