Pregnancy safe beauty products 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.
Here you’ll find pregnancy safe products from ZO Obagi as of 4/16/2022. If it is not safe, I’ll tell you why. All of the products meet my pregnancy safe criteria. Note I will link to every product directly to avoid confusion. You’ll know exactly which product I mean.
Don’t See Your Product? Read This Before You Ask About It…
Please read the Pregnancy Beauty Guide intro first, where you will learn which products you actually need to worry about (spoiler alert, you don’t need to worry about all makeup or hair products). I will not review products that fall into the “don’t worry about it” categories. If you want to ask about a specific product, I require that you follow these guidelines for asking about pregnancy/nursing safety. You can also learn more about how to use these pregnancy safety lists. I will delete questions that don’t follow the guidelines or are rude.
Pregnancy and Nursing Safe Products from ZO Obagi
• 10% VITAMIN C SELF-ACTIVATING
• CELLULITE CONTROL
• COMPLEXION CLEARING MASQUE
• GENTLE CLEANSER
• HYDRATING CLEANSER
Not Safe for Pregnancy, Ok for Nursing
• ACNE CONTROL: Benzoyl Peroxide
• CALMING TONER: Glycolic Acid, Salicylate
• COMPLEXION RENEWAL PADS: Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid
• CORRECT + CONCEAL: Salicylic Acid, ? Stem Cells
• DAILY SHEER BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 50: Retinoid, Chemical Sunscreens, Salicylate
• ENZYMATIC PEEL: Glycolic Acid
• EXFOLIATING CLEANSER: Salicylic Acid
• FIRMING SERUM ACCELERATED: Stem Cells
• GROWTH FACTOR EYE SERUM: Licorice Root, Stem Cells
• GROWTH FACTOR SERUM: ? Stem Cells
• OIL CONTROL PADS ACNE TREATMENT: Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Mandelic Acid
• ROZATROL: Stem Cells
• ROZATROL® SERUM ACCELERATED: Stem Cells
Not Safe for Pregnancy or Nursing
• BODY EMULSION: Retinoid
• BROAD-SPECTRUM SUNSCREEN SPF 50: Retinoid
• BRIGHTALIVE: Retinoid, Bidens Pilosa, Licorice Root, Glycolic Acid
• DAILY POWER DEFENSE: Retinoid, Stem Cells
• DUAL ACTION SCRUB: Retinoid, Stem Cells, Salicylic Acid
• EXFOLIATING POLISH: Retinoid, Licorice Root
• EXFOLIATION ACCELERATOR: Retinoid, Glycolic Acid
• EYE BRIGHTENING CRÈME: Retinoid, Kojic Acid Derivative, Stem Cells
• FIRMING SERUM: Retinoid, Stem Cells
• HYDRATING CRÈME: Retinoid, Licorice Root
• ILLUMINATING AOX SERUM: Retinoid, Stem Cells
• INSTANT PORE REFINER: Retinoid, Stem Cells, Salicylic Acid Derivative
• INTENSE EYE CRÈME: Retinoid
• RADICAL NIGHT REPAIR: Retinoid, Stem Cells
• RECOVERY CRÈME: Retinoids
• RENEWAL CRÈME: Retinoid
• RETINOL SKIN BRIGHTENER .25%: Retinoid, Bakuchiol
• RETINOL SKIN BRIGHTENER .5%: Retinoid, Bakuchiol
• RETINOL SKIN BRIGHTENER 1%: Retinoid, Bakuchiol
• SMART TONE BROAD-SPECTRUM SPF 50: Retinoid, Chemical Sunscreens, Salicylate
• SUNSCREEN + PRIMER SPF 30: Retinoid, Licorice Root
• WRINKLE + TEXTURE REPAIR: Retinoid, ? Stem Cells
I’m a doctor, a mommy and a bit of a beauty addict. If you let me, I can take 2 hours to get ready in the morning. Really. I'm on a quest for faster beauty that works!
I’ve been waiting for this review! Thank you!
Wondered if you could confirm your view on the ZO BrightAlive product. I see it is listed on your no list, but on their website it states it is non-retinol and I can’t see liquorice root as an ingredient. Please could you confirm if you think this is unsafe during pregnancy. It so confusing as there are is so much conflicting information and I’m wanting to find something for my pigmentation. Thank you so much.
I just reviewed this product on their brand page recently. You can’t rely on information in key ingredients or descriptions unfortunately. I have put the retinoid (retinyl palmitate) and licorice root (which they call out in both the scientific and regular names) in bold for you to see.
Aqua/Water/Eau, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Caprylyl Methicone, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Butylene Glycol, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, PEG-12 Dimethicone/PPG-20 Crosspolymer, Acrylamide/Ammonium Acrylate Copolymer, Cetyl Alcohol, Polyisobutene, Acetyl Glucosamine, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Dimethylmethoxy Chromanyl Palmitate, Disodium EDTA, Hexylresorcinol, Acetyl Tyrosine, Alcohol, Polysorbate 20, Diglucosyl Gallic Acid, Polysorbate 80, Nonapeptide-1, Proline, Tocopheryl Acetate, Adenosine Triphosphate, Lecithin, Ubiquinone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Carbomer, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Maltodextrin, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Papain, Dextran, Stachys Officinalis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Algin, Beta-Glucan, Fragrance (Parfum), Ascorbic Acid, Retinyl Palmitate, Citric Acid, Soy Isoflavones, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Oligopeptide-68, Sodium Oleate, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol.
Thank you so much for this comment. I was thinking this is safe, but now i understand!
Thanks helped a lot!
Is zo exfoliating polish safe for pregnant women. I’ve read other places it is and on here that it isn’t. Thank you
No, it isn’t safe for pregnancy.
I want to ask if Hydrating creme ZO is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. I have not find it on the list of safe and non safe products
I have already reviewed all products in this brand that I have access to their ingredient list, please refer to the post about how to request a product review. I need a full ingredient list to review your product, more info here: why I need an ingredient list to comment on product safety and in the post under the heading, How to Request a Product Review.
Can you elaborate on why stem cells are bad? I use the rozatrol because I have red skin and choose not to wear makeup often.
The discussions on all of the ingredients are found in this post, which is also linked above: skincare ingredients to avoid during pregnancy
Hi!
Zo recently came out with a Growth Factor Eye Serum and I was hoping you could review it.
Ingredients:
Aqua/Water/Eau, Dimethicone, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Bellis Perennis (Daisy) Flower Extract, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Lupinus Albus Seed Oil, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, PEG-35 Castor Oil, Hieracium Pilosella Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Cordyceps Militaris Mycelium Extract, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis (Licorice) Root Extract, Angelica Polymorpha Sinesis Root Extract, Buddleja Davidii Meristem Cell Culture, Lactobacillus/Panax Ginseng Root Ferment Filtrate, Sodium Chloride, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Lactobacillus Ferment, Phospholipids, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Tocopheryl Phosphate, Hydrolyzed Sericin, Cera Alba/Beeswax/Cire d’abeille, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Panthenyl Triacetate, Acetyl Tyrosine, Ethyl Linoleate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Proline, Citric Acid, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Oleyl Alcohol, Trisodium Citrate Dihydrate, Silica, Silica Silylate, Beta-Glucan, Tocopherol, Disodium Acetyl Glucosamine Phosphate, Adenosine Triphosphate, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, PEG-12 Glyceryl Laurate, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, PVP, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate.
Thank you for what you do! Your reviews of these products are extremely helpful!
Take care,
Jessica Johnson
This has licorice root, and possible stem cells (Buddleja Davidii Meristem Cell Culture). Ok for nursing but not pregnancy.
Hi if I cannot use the zo daily defense while pregnant what can I use instead?
Which benefits are you looking to still have?
Can you let us know about the ZO Complexion Clearing Masque? Thank you so much for doing this!
I have already reviewed all products in this brand that I have access to their ingredient list, please refer to the post about how to request a product review. I need a full ingredient list to review your product, more info here: why I need an ingredient list to comment on product safety
Hi, this is the ingredients complexion clearing masque.
KEY INGREDIENTS
Sulfur: Treats and prevents acne; reduces sebum and calms irritation
Glycerin: Replenishes hydration to restore skin barrier function
Kaolin and bentonite: Absorb surface oils and removes debris to help keep pores clear
Aqua/Water/Eau, Talc, Sulfur, Kaolin, Glycerin, Bentonite, Propylene Glycol, Ethylene Brassylate, Caprylyl Glycol, Silica, Tetrasodium EDTA, Benzyl Alcohol, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Ultramarines (CI 77007).
Please review 🙂 thank you
Safe for pregnancy and nursing
Before reading your post, I have been using the ZO products which are not suitable for pregnancy. I’m at 6 weeks pregnant so how bad is the effect on the fetus? Thanks
Discussion here: You’ve been using a product with a “bad” ingredient
Hi I was wondering about ZO hydrating creme if it was safe or not during pregnancy or breastfeeding
I have already reviewed all products in this brand that I have access to their ingredient list, please refer to the post about how to request a product review. I need a full ingredient list to review your product, more info here: why I need an ingredient list to comment on product safety
Brightalive is safe for pregnancy and BF.
“
Size: 50 ML / 1.7 Fl. Oz.
A technologically advanced skin brightener clinically proven to increase luminosity, visibly improve skin clarity and fade the appearance of dark spots for a brighter, more even complexion. Non-hydroquinone and non-retinol”
It is retinol free.
These are the full ingredients per Obagi:
Aqua/Water/Eau, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Caprylyl Methicone, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Acrylamide/Ammonium Acrylate Copolymer, Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate, Cetyl Alcohol, PEG-12 Dimethicone/PPG-20 Crosspolymer, Tranexamic Acid, Acetyl Glucosamine, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Diglucosyl Gallic Acid, Beta-Glucan, Papain, Lactic Acid/Glycolic Acid Copolymer, Palmitoyl sh-Octapeptide-24 Amide, Palmitoyl sh-Tripeptide-5 Norisoleucyl sh-Nonapeptide-1, Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil, Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton) Seed Oil, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil, Bidens Pilosa Extract, Tocopherol, Sodium Bisulfite, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbic Acid, Retinyl Palmitate, XanthanGum, Polyisobutene, PolymethylMethacrylate, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 20, Disodium EDTA, 1,2-Hexanediol, Carbomer, Algin, Sodium Hydroxide, Fragrance/Parfum, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Pentylene Glycol.
There is a retinoid, it is the Retinyl Palmitate. It just isn’t retinol. It still needs to be avoided.
I would like to know please as I am breastfeeding and have been using already the ZO Obagi oil control pads I’ve read they are not suitable is this true?
I’ve listed them as ok for nursing but not pregnancy. I have no idea where you read it or what information they were using for that, but I think they’re ok.
Hello, could you please review Hydrating Creme from ZO Obagi, here’s the full ingredient list, thank you!
Aqua/Water/Eau, Glycerin, Petrolatum, Distearyldimonium Chloride, Isopropyl Palmitate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cetyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Colloidal Oatmeal, Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate, Ascorbic Acid, Beta-Glucan, Tetrapeptide-21, Myristoyl Pentapeptide-11, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Maltodextrin, Benzalkonium Chloride, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Benzyl Alcohol.
This has a retinoid. Avoid in pregnancy and in nursing if you’re conservative.
Also there is licorice root to avoid in pregnancy.
I have a question about my hydrator, Zo Skin Health Hydrating Creme. These are the ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Glycerin, Petrolatum, Distearyldimonium Chloride, Isopropyl Palmitate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cetyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Colloidal Oatmeal, Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate, Ascorbic Acid, Beta-Glucan, Tetrapeptide-21, Myristoyl Pentapeptide-11, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Maltodextrin, Benzalkonium Chloride, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Benzyl Alcohol.
This has a retinoid. Avoid in pregnancy and in nursing if you’re conservative. It also has licorice root.
Question re: the Growth Factor – this is in the “not safe for pregnancy” category because of the growth factors. Other products (for example, Skin Medica TNS Advanced) has growth factors but is in the “ok for pregnancy” category. What is the difference here? I have read that Zo Obaji’s growth factor is plant based. Just trying to understand the differentiation. Thanks!
The issue is just peptides (which some copywriters will state are growth factors) vs other chemokines. However, I’m confused about why you’re saying I’m stating these products aren’t safe for pregnancy due to growth factors, when none of them in the list have been noted to have an issue with growth factors? I haven’t pointed that out as an issue in this list…
Is the ZO hydrating cream safe
As mentioned in the post, I need a full ingredient list to review your product as I’ve reviewed all of the ones I have access to. More info here: why I need an ingredient list to comment on product safety. Note, I do not follow links from readers, I need the actual list. Thanks!
Hydrating creme?
As mentioned in the post, I need a full ingredient list to review your product as I’ve reviewed all of the ones I have access to. More info here: why I need an ingredient list to comment on product safety. Note, I do not follow links from readers, I need the actual list. Thanks!
Hey Christine! Thanks so much for all of these amazing lists 🙂
I’m also curious about the Hydrating Cream as the skin clinic I go to says it’s safe, but I’d love a second opinion. I’ve copy and pasted the ingredient list below. Here’s the link where I got it from: https://zoskinhealth.ca/collections/hydration/products/hydrating-creme?variant=36851527057567#productExtra
Key Ingredients:
Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-11
ZOX12®
Colloidal Oatmeal
Full Ingredient List:
Aqua/Water/Eau, Glycerin, Petrolatum, Distearyldimonium Chloride, Isopropyl Palmitate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cetyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Colloidal Oatmeal, Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate, Ascorbic Acid, Beta-Glucan, Tetrapeptide-21, Myristoyl Pentapeptide-11, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Maltodextrin, Benzalkonium Chloride, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Benzyl Alcohol.
Thanks so much!
I would avoid this for pregnancy and nursing due to the retinoid. It also has licorice root to avoid in pregnancy.
Hello I was just wondering about the ZO Illuminating AOX serum
Aqua/Water/Eau, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Pentylene Glycol, Cetyl Alcohol, Mica, Glycerin, Safflower Oil/Palm Oil Aminopropanediol Esters, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Arabidopsis Thaliana Extract, Leontopodium Alpinum Meristem Cell Culture, Marrubium Vulgare Meristem Cell Culture, Galactoarabinan, Schizophyllan, Tocopheryl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate, Ascorbic Acid, Squalane, Caprylyl Glycol, Pullulan, Hexylene Glycol, Silica, Polyglutamic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Beta-Glucan, Micrococcus Lysate, Polysorbate 60, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Disodium EDTA, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Cetearyl Glucoside, Lecithin, Xanthan Gum, SclerotiumGum, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Maltodextrin, Tin Oxide,Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Fragrance/Parfum,Limonene,Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891),Iron Oxides (CI 77491).
Thank you
This has a retinoid. Avoid in pregnancy and nursing. It also has salicylates
Thank you!!
I had the same question.
My apologies for duplicating 🙏🏼❤️
Hello! Thank you for all the valuable information across SO MANY brands!
Your website- is my life saver!
Could you please advise if Illuminating AOX serum by Zo Skin is ok to use during pregnancy?
Here is the list of ingredients:
KEY INGREDIENTS
ZOX12®: Exclusive complex of vitamins A, C, and E delivers 12 hours of antioxidant protection as first line of defense against free radicals throughout the day
ZO-RRS2®: Exclusive plant stem cell complex that helps to neutralize aging free radicals while soothing visible redness
ZPOLY™: Exclusive, plant-derived polysaccharide complex that minimizes signs of premature aging while infusing extended hydration
Micrococcus lysate, arabidopsis thaliana extracts: Specialized enzymes that encourage optimum skin cell health
Micro minerals: Provide a subtly pearlescent “soft focus” finish
All ingredients:
Aqua/Water/Eau, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Pentylene Glycol, Cetyl Alcohol, Mica, Glycerin, Safflower Oil/Palm Oil Aminopropanediol Esters, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Arabidopsis Thaliana Extract, Leontopodium Alpinum Meristem Cell Culture, Marrubium Vulgare Meristem Cell Culture, Galactoarabinan, Schizophyllan, Tocopheryl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate, Ascorbic Acid, Squalane, Caprylyl Glycol, Pullulan, Hexylene Glycol, Silica, Polyglutamic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Beta-Glucan, Micrococcus Lysate, Polysorbate 60, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Disodium EDTA, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Cetearyl Glucoside, Lecithin, Xanthan Gum, SclerotiumGum, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Maltodextrin, Tin Oxide,Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Fragrance/Parfum,Limonene,Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891),Iron Oxides (CI 77491).
This is already in the list.
Hi can you confirm if zo skin brightening sheet mask is ok in nursing?
Ingredients water(aqua) glycerin, PEG/PPG-17/6 copolymer, panthenol, natto gum, hananelis virginiana water,
Cameloia sinensis leaf extract, xanthan gum, Phenoxyyethanol, PEG-60 hydronated castor oil, methylparaben, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Allantoin, Tocopheryl Acetate, PEG-14M, illicium verum fruit extract, erythritol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Hydroxyetgylcelluose, disodium EDTA, fragrance.
Thanks!!
Ok for nursing but not pregnancy due to licorice root
Hi there 😊
Will you please look at ZO Skin Health’s newest mineral sunscreen for me. I do not see it on the list or in the comments. It’s only been out for a couple months. I’ve stopped using it now that I’m finally pregnant & having a hard time figuring if it’s safe. THANK YOU SO MUCH. We all appreciate your time! 🤍
ZO SKIN HEALTH SHEER FLUID BROAD-SPECTRUM SUNSCREEN SPF 50
KEY INGREDIENTS
Non-Nano Zinc oxide (22%)
Melanin
ZOX¹²®
Bisabolol, ethyl ferulate, rosemary extract
FULL INGREDIENTS
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: Zinc Oxide 22.0%
INACTIVE INGREDIENTS: Dimethicone, Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Silica, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polysorbate 20, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Ethyl Ferulate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Bisabolol, Phenoxyethanol, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Chloride, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Sodium Citrate, Melanin, Pentylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ascorbic Acid, Retinyl Palmitate, Beta-Glucan, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Iron Oxides.
Avoid in pregnancy and nursing due to retinoid
Thank you for the extremely quick reply. SO glad I stopped using the product!
Hi! Can you review the ZO Balancing Cleansing Emulsion? Ingredients:
Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Aqua/Water/Eau, Sucrose Laurate, Sucrose Stearate, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Bisabolol, Phospholipids, Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Sucrose Palmitate, Polysorbate 20, 1,2-Hexanediol, Potassium Sorbate.
Thanks!
Safe for pregnancy and nursing