The ultimate guide to pregnancy-safe & post-partum skincare ingredients

Pregnancy is a magical (and sometimes overwhelming) chapter. Between doctor’s appointments, body changes, and planning for bub, one question often sneaks in: “What skincare can I actually use?”

What can add to the overwhelm is that not all products labelled as “natural” or “clean” are automatically safe for pregnancy. And not every active ingredient is off-limits either. If you’ve felt confused standing in the beauty aisle (or Googling at 2 a.m.) - I hope you found this blog post and find it useful for your next shopping haul :-)

This guide breaks down the safe vs. avoid lists for pregnancy skincare, based on Australian guidelines, so you can glow with confidence. But firs:

"Why does pregnancy-safe skincare matter?"

Your body goes through a lot of hormonal shifts and allocating nutrients and minerals to support baby. Even if you never had any skin concerns before, pregnancy can trigger:

• Dryness and dehydration
• Breakouts and sensitivity
• Pigmentation
• Fine lines appearing faster due to skin stress

Your body and skin are already working overtime. Adding harsh or unsafe actives can disrupt not only your skins health, but also your peace of mind. The Siren Edit has a couple of blog posts that go deeper into this topic here.

"What about post-partum? Surely, I won't need products labeled as pregnancy-safe"

It’s easy to think that once bub arrives, you can go straight back to your pre-pregnancy skincare. But your skin may still be riding the hormonal rollercoaster well into the postpartum months.

So, while you may no longer need to avoid certain ingredients for bub’s sake, your skin still benefits from the same gentle-yet-effective formulations used during pregnancy. Products labelled pregnancy-safe are usually perfect for sensitive or reactive skin.

Safe ingredients that will support your skin during pregnancy & beyond the bump

Here are the ingredients considered safe and effective while pregnant that will tackle common skin concerns during this phase:

• Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid & Kakadu Plum)
  Brightens, evens skin tone, and offers antioxidant protection. Kakadu Plum, an Australian native, contains the highest natural vitamin C content in the world.
• Bakuchiol
  A natural retinol alternative. Boosts collagen, smooths lines, and brightens without the risks of retinol.
• Peptides (natural and equally effective alternative: Ginseng extract)
  Strengthen skin, support elasticity, and improve resilience.
• Snow Mushroom Extract
  Hydration powerhouse. Holds up to 500x its weight in water and plumps skin naturally.
• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
  Calms redness, supports barrier repair, reduces pigmentation.
• Hyaluronic Acid
  Deep hydration that’s safe and gentle.
• Zinc Oxide (Mineral SPF)
  Safe for daily UV protection and reduces inflammation.
• Natural oils & Shea Butter
  Nourishing fatty acids and vitamins to lock in long-lasting hydration.

Ingredients that can be better avoided...

• Retinoids (Retinol, Retin-A, Tretinoin, Adapalene)
  Linked to developmental risks during pregnancy. Always avoid.
• Hydroquinone
  A strong skin-lightening agent, not recommended due to high absorption.
• High-dose Salicylic Acid
  Small amounts in cleansers are okay, but avoid leave-on products with high concentrations.
• Benzoyl Peroxide
  Limited safety data, best to avoid unless doctor-approved.
• Certain Essential Oils
  E.g., rosemary, sage, or jasmine oils may stimulate contractions. Always check before use.

Quick shopping guide:

When shopping for skincare during pregnancy, start by checking labels carefully and avoiding ingredients like retinoids and hydroquinone. Opt for mineral-based SPF such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for safe sun protection, and look for multitasking products that hydrate, brighten, and protect in one step to keep your routine simple. If you’re ever unsure, patch test first, as skin can be more reactive during this time. Finally, choose brands that are transparent about their ingredients so you can feel confident in what you’re using.

Want to stay in the loop? Join the #SIRENSKINCLUB for early access, exclusive offers, and skincare tips tailored to your pregnancy and postpartum journey.