Pregnancy safe skincare can be super difficult and confusing. I have an entire guide devoted to what products are safe to use while pregnant including information on what ingredients to avoid while pregnant and a huge list of pregnancy safe skincare products. The list has gotten so large that I’ve decided to start listing brands in their own individual posts.
Here you’ll find every pregnancy safe skincare product from Paula’s Choice as of 4/20/2019. If it is not safe, I’ll tell you why. All of the products meet my pregnancy safe criteria. If they release a new product that is not listed here, please comment below and I will add it. Note I will link to every product directly to avoid confusion. You’ll know exactly which product I mean.
Please note, it can take up to an hour to review the ingredient lists of each product. I review with my own list of pregnancy safe criteria. I obtain my ingredient lists from the brands and major retailers (typically Nordstrom and Sephora), and I review the US versions. Please do not ask me to re-review the same products over and over, I do not have the time to do so, and many people have been rude about this. For more brands, please head over to the list of pregnancy safe products.
Pregnancy Safe Products from Paula’s Choice
• All Over Hair & Body Shampoo
• C15 Super Booster
• C25 Super Booster
• CALM Redness Relief Cleanser
• CALM Redness Relief Cleanser for Normal to Dry Skin
• CALM Redness Relief Moisturizer Normal to Dry Skin
• CALM Redness Relief SPF 30 Mineral Moisturizer Normal to Dry Skin
• CLINICAL Ultra-Rich Moisturizer
• CLINICAL Ultra-Rich Soothing Body Butter
• DAILY Replenishing Body Cream
• DEFENSE Nightly Reconditioning Moisturizer
• EARTH SOURCED Antioxidant-Enriched Natural Moisturizer
• EARTH SOURCED Perfectly Natural Cleansing Gel
• Gentle Cleansing Cloths
• Hyaluronic Acid Booster
• HYDRALIGHT Moisture-Infusing Lotion
• Lip & Body Treatment Balm
• MOISTURE BOOST Hydrating Treatment Cream
• MOISTURE BOOST One Step Face Cleanser
• Omega+ Complex Moisturizer
• Pore Clarifying Charcoal Gel Mask
• Perfect Cleansing Oil
• Rehydrating Moisture Mask
• RESIST Anti-Aging Clear Skin Hydrator
• RESIST Moisture Renewal Oil Booster
• RESIST Omega+ Complex Serum
• RESIST Optimal Results Hydrating Cleanser
• RESIST Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser
• RESIST Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum
• RESIST Ultra-Light Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum
• SHINE STOPPER Instant Matte Finish
• SKIN BALANCING Oil-Reducing Cleanser
• SKIN RECOVERY Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
• SKIN RECOVERY Softening Cream Cleanser
• Soft Matte Lipstick in Persistent Pink
• Unscrub
Not Safe for Pregnancy, Ok for Nursing
• 10% Azelaic Acid Booster: Salicylic Acid, Licorice Root
• 10% Niacinamide Booster: Licorice Root
• Acne Body Spray 2% BHA: Salicylic Acid, Licorice Root
• CALM Redness Relief 1% BHA Lotion Exfoliant: Salicylic Acid, Licorice Root
• CALM Redness Relief Moisturizer for Normal to Oily Skin: Licorice Root
• CALM Redness Relief Repairing Serum: Licorice Root
• CALM Redness Relief SPF 30 Mineral Moisturizer Normal to Oily: Licorice Root
• CLEAR Extra Strength Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution with 2% Salicylic Acid: Salicylic Acid
• CLEAR Oil Free Moisturizer: Licorice Root
• CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser: Salicylic Acid
• CLEAR Regular Strength Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution with 2% Salicylic Acid: Salicylic Acid, Licorice Root
• CLEAR Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+: Chemical Sunscreens
• DEFENSE Antioxidant Pore Purifier: Salicylic Acid, Licorice Root
• DEFENSE Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30: Licorice Root
• DEFENSE Hydrating Gel-to-Cream Cleanser: Licorice Root
• EARTH SOURCED Power Berry Serum: Licorice Root
• GENTLE TOUCH Makeup Remover: Licorice Root
• HYDRALIGHT One Step Face Cleanser: Chemical Sunscreen
• HYDRALIGHT Shine-Free Daily Mineral Complex SPF 30: Licorice Root
• LIPSCREEN SPF 50: Chemical Sunscreen
• Peptide Booster: Licorice Root
• RESIST Advanced Pore-Refining Treatment 4% BHA: Salicylic Acid
• RESIST Advanced Smoothing Treatment 10% AHA: Glycolic Acid, Malic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Salicylic Acid, Licorice Root
• RESIST Anti-Aging Eye Cream: Willow Bark (Salicylate), Licorice Root
• RESIST Anti-Aging Eye Gel: Willow Bark (Salicylate), Licorice Root
• RESIST Anti-Aging Lip Gloss SPF 40: Chemical Sunscreen
• RESIST BHA 9 Treatment: Salicylic Acid
• RESIST Daily Pore-Refining Treatment 2% BHA: Salicylic Acid, Licorice Root
• RESIST Daily Smoothing Treatment with 5% AHA: Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid
• RESIST Skin Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 50: Chemical Sunscreen, Licorice Root
• RESIST Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30: Willow Bark (Salicylate)
• RESIST Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50: Chemical Sunscreens
• SKIN BALANCING Invisible Finish Moisture Gel: Licorice Root
• SKIN BALANCING Ultra-Sheer Daily Defense SPF 30: Chemical Sunscreens, Willow Bark (Salicylate)
• SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant: Salicylic Acid
• SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant: Salicylic Acid
• SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Lotion Exfoliant: Salicylic Acid, Licorice Root
• SKIN PERFECTING 8% AHA Gel: Glycolic Acid
• SKIN PERFECTING 8% AHA Lotion: Glycolic Acid, Licorice Root
• SKIN RECOVERY Replenishing Moisturizer: Licorice Root
• Skin Revealing Body Lotion 10% AHA: Glycolic Acid
• RESIST Smoothing Primer Serum SPF 30: Chemical Sunscreen, Salicylate, Licorice Root
• Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA: Salicylic Acid
Not Safe for Pregnancy or Nursing
Note I’m including products with retinoids here, as those are a bit iffy. It depends on how conservative you want to be while nursing (still absolutely contraindicated while pregnant). Refer to my post on ingredients to avoid while nursing for more discussion.
• 1% Retinol Booster: Retinol, Licorice Root, Willow Bark (Salicylate)
• CLINICAL Ceramide-Enriched Firming Eye Cream: Retinoid, Licorice Root
• CLINICAL Ceramide-Enriched Firming Moizurizer: Retinoid, Licorice Root
• CLINICAL Triple-Action Dark Spot Eraser 2% BHA Gel: Hydroquinone, Salicylic Acid, Licorice Root
• EXTRA CARE Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50: Chemical Sunscreen, Retinoid
• Moisture Boost Daily Restoring Complex SPF 30: Chemical Sunscreen, Retinoid
• RADIANCE Renewal Mask: Arbutin, Willow Bark (Salicylate)
• RESIST Barrier Repair Moisturizer: Retinoid, Licorice Root
• RESIST Intensive Repair Cream: Retinol, Licorice Root
• RESIST Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum: Retinoid
• RESIST Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment: Retinoid
• RESIST Triple-Action Dark Spot Eraser 7% AHA Lotion: Hydroquinone, Glycolic Acid
• SKIN BALANCING Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum: Retinoid, Willow Bark (Salicylate)
• SKIN BALANCING Oil-Absorbing Mask: Willow Bark (Salicylate), Retinoid
• SKIN RECOVERY Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum: Retinoid
• SKIN RECOVERY Hydrating Treatment Mask: Retinoid
Joan says
April 21, 2019 at 8:59 amHi Doctor is this safe for pregnancy?
1)mizon hydration serum
Ingredients:Water, Sodium Hyaluronate, Copper Tripeptide-1, Butylene Glycol, Sclerotium Gum, 1,2-octanediol, Ethylhexyl-glycerin, Tropolone, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Carppyl/capric Triglyceride,Hydrogenated Lecithin, Stearic Acid, C12-c20alkyl Glucoside, C13-22 Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Cholesteryl Hydroxystearate, Cholesterol, Ceramid 3, Triethanolamine, Carbomer, Betula Platpyhlla Japonica Juice, Portaluca Oleracea Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract, Amica Montana Flower Extract, Artemisia Absinthium Extract, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Gentiana Lutea Root Extract, Rubus Idaeus (Rasberry) Fruit Extract, Beta-Glucan, Adenosine, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Disodium EDTA
15mins says
April 21, 2019 at 9:49 amLooks ok to me!
Joan says
April 21, 2019 at 11:21 pmOkay thank you 🙂
yida says
May 4, 2019 at 10:40 pmhow about peptide booster
15mins says
May 5, 2019 at 7:11 amIt’s listed above under nursing safe but not safe for pregnancy due to licorice root.
Andra Cocolos says
May 22, 2019 at 6:52 amHi! I wish to know about PC Skin Balancing Pore reducing toner if it is safe to use during pregnancy!thank you so much!
Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Polysorbate 20, Adenosine, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Flower Extract, Arctium Lappa (Burdock) Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Sodium PCA, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Oleth-10, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Sodium Citrate, Xanthan Gum, Trisodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol.
15mins says
May 22, 2019 at 1:04 pmLooks ok!
Andra Cocolos says
May 22, 2019 at 2:11 pmThank you so much!
Jess says
May 27, 2019 at 12:36 amThanks so much for this list! Paula’s Choice has just released a new serum in the Earth Source range – Power Berry Serum. I was wondering whether this was pregnancy safe?
15mins says
May 27, 2019 at 10:05 amI just added it to the list above! It has licorice root, so it falls under ok for nursing, but not for pregnancy.
Q says
May 29, 2019 at 4:25 pmHi,
Ive read that alot of web sites say glycerin is not safe for pregnancy, what is your thought on this ingredient, alot of my skincare has this.
Thank you
15mins says
May 29, 2019 at 7:17 pmThat’s a new one to me. I’m of the opinion that it’s safe and I haven’t had it mentioned to avoid by any sources that I trust.
Giang says
July 15, 2019 at 2:34 amHi Doctor. Is this safe for pregnancy? Thanks so much.
Paula’s Choice CALM SPF 30 Mineral Moisturizer Broad Spectrum Sun Protection, 2 Ounce Tube, for Normal Oily and Combination Sensitive Skin-For
Redness Relief
https://www.amazon.com/Paulas-Choice-Moisturizer-Protection-Combination/dp/B01ATYTOYE
Ingredients :
Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 2.32%, Zinc Oxide 6% (sunscreens); Other Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Ethylhexyl Palmitate (emollient), Cyclomethicone (hydration), Dimethicone (hydration), C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate (emollient), Caprylyl Methicone (hydration), Glyceryl Stearate (emollient), PEG-100 Stearate (texture enhancing), Polysorbate 80 (texture enhancing), Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer (texture enhancing), Isohexadecane (texture enhancing), Cetyl Alcohol (texture enhancing), Polyglyceryl-6 Isostearate (texture enhancing), Propylene Glycol (hydration/penetration enhancing), Allantoin (skin-soothing), Chamomilla Recutita Matricaria Flower Extract (skin-soothing), Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (green tea extract/skin-soothing), Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract (licorice extract/skin-soothing), Alumina (stabilizer), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (hydration/skin-soothing), Glycerin (hydration), Panthenol (skin-replenishing), Algae Extract (skin-replenishing), Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Polyhydroxystearic Acid (texture enhancing), Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Hexyl Dimethicone (texture enhancing), Caprylyl Glycol (preservative), Butylene Glycol (hydration/penetration enhancing), Diethylhexyl Carbonate (stabilizer), Triethoxycaprylylsilane (texture enhancing), Disodium EDTA (stabilizer), Phenoxyethanol (preservative), Chlorphenesin (preservative)., and other
15mins says
July 18, 2019 at 8:58 pmI think this is the same one as the CALM SPF 30 listed above under not for pregnancy but ok for nursing. It has licorice root to avoid during pregnancy.
Anca says
July 15, 2019 at 6:34 amHello doc,
Can you please tell me if the below are pregnancy safe?
1. Paula’s Choice Resist Anti-Aging Repairing Toner – Weightless Advanced Repairing Toner
Aqua, Glycerin (hydration/skin replenishing), Ethoxydiglycol (hydration), Niacinamide (skin-restoring), Acetyl Glucosamine (hydration/skin replenishing), xilaS Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract (skin-soothing), Resveratrol (grape-derived antioxidant), etanorulayH muidoS (hydration/skin replenishing), Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 (skin-restoring), Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (skin-restoring), Phospholipids (hydration/skin replenishing), Epigallocatechin Gallate (antioxidant), Carnosine (skin-restoring), Genistein (antioxidant), Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract (skin-soothing), enisonedA (skin-restoring), Xanthan Gum (texture-enhancing), Citric Acid (pH adjuster), Polysorbate 20 (texture-enhancing), Butylene Glycol (hydration), Ethylhexylglycerin (preservative), Carbomer (texture-enhancing), Tetrasodium EDTA (stabilizer), Phenoxyethanol (preservative).
2. Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Moisturiser SPF 30
AAqua, Homosalate (7%, sunscreen agent), Benzophenone-3 (Oxybenzone, 4%, sunscreen agent), Butylene Glycol (hydration), Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (Avobenzone, 3%, sunscreen agent), Silica (texture-enhancing), Octocrylene (2%, sunscreen agent), Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract (antioxidant), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder (hydration), Ascorbyl Palmitate (vitamin C/antioxidant), Phospholipids (skin-restoring), Superoxide Dismutase (antioxidant), enisonedA (skin-restoring), Tocopherol (vitamin E/antioxidant), Bisabolol (skin-soothing), Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract (antioxidant/skin-soothing), Colloidal Oatmeal (skin-soothing), Panthenol (skin replenishing), Ginkgo Biloba (Ginkgo) Leaf Extract (antioxidant), xilaS Alba (Willow) Bark Extract (skin-soothing), Cetyl Dimethicone (hydration/texture-enhancing), Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate texture-enhancing), Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer (texture-enhancing), Titanium Dioxide (texture-enhancing), Sorbic Acid (preservative), Sodium Hydroxide (pH balancing), Steareth-21 (texture-enhancing), Steareth-2 (texture-enhancing), Polysorbate 20 (texture-enhancing), Disodium EDTA (stabilizer), Phenoxyethanol (preservative).
3. Paula’s Choice Resist Anti-Aging Moisturiser SPF 30
Aqua, Cyclopentasiloxane (hydration), Zinc Oxide (Nano, broad spectrum sunscreen agent), PEG-12 Dimethicone (texture enhancer), PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone (texture enhancer), Lauryl Lysine (skin-conditioning agent), Sodium Chloride (stabilizer), Trihydroxystearin (texture-enhancing), Dimethicone Crosspolymer (suspending agent), Resveratrol (antioxidant), Quercetin (antioxidant), Epigallocatechin Gallate (antioxidant), Tocopheryl Acetate (vitamin E/antioxidant), Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (vitamin C/antioxidant), enisonedA (skin-restoring), Bisabolol (skin-soothing), xilaS Alba (willow) Bark Extract (skin-soothing), Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Extract (antioxidant), Haematococcus Pluvialis (Astaxanthin) Extract (antioxidant), Hydrolyzed Corn Starch (texture-enhancing/mattifying agent), Polysorbate 80 (texture-enhancing), Hydrolyzed Silica (texture-enhancing/mattifying agent), Triethoxycaprylylsilane (texture enhancer), C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate (emollient texture enhancer), Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate (texture-enhancing), Caprylyl Glycol (preservative), Hexylene Glycol (preservative), Ethylhexylglycerin (preservative), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499) (colorant), Phenoxyethanol (preservative).
Thank you 🙂
15mins says
July 18, 2019 at 8:28 pmI wouldn’t use any of these while pregnant, but they are all fine while nursing
#1 has willow bark (a salicylate) and licorice root
#2 has chemical sunscreens and willow bark (a salicylate)
#3 has willow bark (a salicylate)