As a woman you may go through many hormonal changes during pregnancy. Due to this, you may experience more frequent breakouts.
This can be particularly difficult to deal with during pregnancy as your usual skincare products like your facial cleanser and moisturizer may have to be changed. This is because they may have ingredients that are not pregnancy-safe.
We know it's important to keep good hygiene and keeping your face clear of the oil and dirt accumulated from the day is essential.
In order to safeguard you and your baby, we list our choices of the best pregnancy-safe facial cleansers and easily available in Singapore.
What Should You Avoid In A Facial Cleanser During Pregnancy?
First, let's take a look at ingredients found in some skin care products that are not safe for pregnant mums:
- RETIN-A, RETINOL AND RETINYL PALMITATE can lead to dangerous birth defects.
- PHTHALATES exposure to this is found to lead to serious reproductive and hormone dysfunction in animals.
- HYDROQUINONE is used to lighten skin or skin pigmentation. This can be easily absorbed by the body, thus it should be avoided during pregnancy due to the lack of studies confirming its safety for pregnancy.
- SALICYLIC ACID is a common ingredient used to treat acne. However, it should be avoided in high doses during pregnancy as it can increase the risk for intracranial bleeding.
- FORMALDEHYDE may increase the risk of infertility and miscarriage.
- OXYBENZONE found in chemical sunscreens can disrupt hormones and cause permanent damage to mother and child.
However, remember that cosmetics with these ingredients are usually safe to use when you aren't pregnant, but can have adverse effects on your fetus if used while pregnant.
Best Pregnancy-Safe Facial Cleansers In Singapore
Working mum? Mama’s Choice Gentle Face Wash is perfect after a long day of work as it effectively removes dust, dirt, and make-up in one wash.
It rejuvenates the skin, leaving it soft and glowing without drying it out. Best of all, it is suitable for most skin types.
Mama’s Choice Gentle Face Wash is perfect for all mummies who are looking for a simple yet effective facial cleanser. Most importantly, it is safe for pregnancy, thus helping in dealing with changes to your skin.
What we love:
- Sulfate-free and paraben-free
- Hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested
- Natural ingredients
Struggling with sensitive skin? Vichy Purete Thermale One Step Facial Cleanser is a cleansing milk, toning lotion, and eye make-up remover all combined into one facial cleanser. It is lightweight and non-greasy.
Secondly, it is best suited and tested for sensitive skin as it is alcohol-free and ph-balanced. As a result, it is a super gentle and delicate face wash.
Thirdly, its main ingredient Captelae which is a shea plant extract that is a natural detoxifying agent used to remove impurities from the skin. Finally, Vichy is the #1 Anti-Aging Brand in European pharmacies.
What we love:
- Tested under dermatological and ophthalmological control for safety
- Allergy tested
Oily skin is a common occurrence amongst pregnant women due to the increase in production of hormones which can stimulate oil glands to produce more oil, resulting in oilier skin and more breakouts.
Cetaphil Pro Oil Removing Foam Wash is designed and clinically proven to remove excess oil whilst being gentle, non-drying, and non-irritating.
Its self-foaming produces a light, airy lather that rinses away easily while removing the make-up, impurities, and pore-clogging oils. Above all, it leaves your face feeling fresh and comfortable.
What we love:
- Oil free & Fragrance free
- Non-comedogenic
Dry skin is another common occurrence as a result of hormonal changes during pregnancy where the skin loses elasticity and moisture. Afraid to wash your skin because of skin over drying with certain facial products?
CeraVe Hydrating Face Wash is the hydrating solution to a face wash that does not strip away your skin’s natural moisture, instead it cleanses and ensures your skin stays hydrated for 24-hours.
Its three essential ceramides (which are lipids or fats that are found in layers of skin and they make up over 50% of skin’s composition) help clean, hydrate, and restore the protective skin barrier for healthy and nourished skin after use.
What we love:
- Fragrance-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Non-drying
Acne is perhaps the most commonly faced skin problem by most mothers during pregnancy due to the hormonal changes. However, most facial products targeting acne may contain ingredients harmful to both mother and baby.
Mederma AG Hydrating Facial Cleanser is a great alternative and effective acne solution.
Mederma AG Hydrating Facial Cleanser contains the safer glycolic acid which exfoliates and hydrates the skin after a long day of make-up and masks, which helps manage your pregnancy breakouts.
In addition, it may also be used as an excellent shaving cream for sensitive areas.
What we love:
- Hypoallergenic
- Free of added perfumes and fragrances
- Soap-free (resulting in minimum irritation)
- Non-comedogenic
Price Comparison
Let's take a closer look at the cost of each of these pregnancy-safe facial cleansers.
