13 clean beauty products that are safe for every day—even during pregnancy

If there ever was a time to start reading the labels of your skin care, hair care and beauty products—it’s now. If you’re pregnant or even thinking of getting pregnant, this is the time to get serious about what goes in, on and all over your body. Unfortunately, there is little government regulation in the U.S. to really clarify what clean means. There’s “natural”, there’s “organic” and then there’s actual “clean” (non-toxic). The list of unsafe offenders in skin care products is long and includes sulfates, phthalates, parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate, formaldehyde and benzalkonium chloride.

When it comes to pregnancy-safe products, you can bet that no-no list gets a whole lot longer. Ingredients like essential oils, dyes and even fragrance in some cases can mess with your hormones and deliver unnecessary toxins to you, and baby.

If you’re ready to start a skin care detox, read your product descriptions. And if your brand or retailer isn’t totally transparent (they usually aren’t), download the EWG Healthy Living app . One scan of each product’s barcode will give you the clean-verified rating (1 being the best, 10 being downright scary). It’s like having your own safety expert at home to say yay or nay without judgement.

Before you start nesting, let’s get started on a serious skin care detox. You’re doing it for a healthy pregnancy now, but for you always.

Codex beauty bia skin superfood all-over cream

This multi-purpose cream boasts immortelle and marshmallow root among its top ingredients—great for soothing dry, flaky skin. Use it on your face, your hands, your cuticles; anywhere you need some moisture relief.

$15

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Evereden nourishing stretch mark cream

We’re not saying you will get stretch marks, but there’s nothing wrong with lathering on a dose of intense hydration with a side of peptides every night before bed. Great for all the months of pregnancy and recovery.

$45

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Earth Mama lady face mineral sunscreen face stick SPF 40

Since we know that you’re still putting on your sunscreen even during winter months (hint, hint), this two-in-one stick will be a favorite. The light tint helps hide some of the unwanted effects of pregnancy, notably skin discoloration and over-tired under-eyes.

$15

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Esker clarifying oil

Squalane, avocado, evening primrose and cypress are key ingredients in this restorative body oil. Use it anywhere the skin needs a boost (varicose veins anyone?) to lessen dullness, discoloration and blemishes.

$40

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Volition strawberry-C brightening serum

Where’s the glow? Found it, thanks to mother nature and her Vitamin C. Strawberry fruit and seed extract plus kakadu plum naturally brighten and smooth skin in this daily use serum.

$42

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Lhamour rosehip facial oil

Handmade in Mongolia, this quick absorbing facial oil moisturizes and evens skin tone while enhancing elasticity and the natural generation of collagen— both much needed during these 10 months and then some.

$30

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Beautycounter countertime tetrapeptide supreme cream

Since you need to steer clear of retinol during pregnancy, look to Bakuchiol which delivers similar skin benefits (firm, plump and hydrated skin) without the potential side effects. Beautycounter’s products contain nothing on the “never” list.

$89

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Juice Beauty stem cellular anti-wrinkle moisturizer

Made from an organic base of botanical juices (instead of added water), the proprietary blend of fruit stem cells and Vitamin C are infused into a resveratrol-rich grape formula to reduce fine lines and wrinkles (who’s got those?). It also smells so good. It’s lemon-y, fresh and spa-like.

$70

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Pacifica clean shot hyaluronic & flowers 5% solution

Do not let the sound of hyaluronic acid scare you, it’s on the YES list. This 5% solution packs a punch when it comes to loading your skin with moisture, and keeping it in. Add to that elderberry and apple for a great, light scent and an invigorating boost for dry, damaged skin.

$12

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One Love Organics botanical E eye balm

An eye balm packed with antioxidants (including Vitamin E, organic shea butter, pomegranate and sea kelp) is practically a prerequisite for every mom and mom-to-be. Puffy, tired eyes will be a constant, but we’re here for it.

$49

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Ursa Major fantastic face wash

Ursa Major’s foaming gel cleanser is great for normal, oily and combo skin— all of which you’ll be experiencing during pregnancy (often all at once!). Gentle enough for everyday, this cleanser also has a hint of AHA exfoliation to help with the glow.

$28

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EleVen by Venus Williams unrivaled sun serum SPF 35

From the mom who knows about taking on a challenge, Venus Williams’ sunscreen goes on thin like a serum while providing max SPF and hydration. Sunscreen is an all year round event, be ready.

$50

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Kora Organics noni glow body oil

This lightweight body oil works wonders on stretch marks (belly, thighs and all else), and we have supermodel Miranda Kerr to thank for it. She used Kora Organics through all three of her pregnancies (we’re sure it’s not only the good genes).

$46

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