Being pregnant is not easy. But even while growing another person inside you, it’s still important for you to look and feel good. Maintaining your skincare regimen is a good self-care step, but you want to ensure that the products you use contain ingredients that are safe for pregnancy. Join us as we share with you a curated list of pregnancy-safe skin toner products.
What is a toner and why use one?
A toner is good for you if you are acne-prone and have oily skin. In particular, toners are very helpful for unclogging pores. We use toner as a nourishing and replenishing step after cleansing.
Ingredients to avoid
When looking for a pregnancy-safe skin toner, what are the ingredients we should avoid? We break it down for you:
- Retinoids - High doses of retinoids have been associated with birth defects.
- High-dose salicylic acid - avoid facial peels and oral medication with this ingredient during pregnancy.
- Hydroquinone - It’s advisable to limit this as the body tends to absorb high amounts of hydroquinone.
- Phthalates - regardless of whether we are pregnant or not, phthalates should be avoided as it is an endocrine disruptor.
- Formaldehyde - This is carcinogenic. Avoid as it may increase the risk of miscarriage.
Best pregnancy-safe skin toner: top brands that are safe for you and the baby
We went ahead and searched for the best pregnancy-safe skin toner brands on the market today, so you’ll have one less thing to worry about!
[product-comparison-table title="Best Pregnancy-safe Skin Toner"]
Best Toner with Natural Extracts ($52.48)

Elemis Balancing Lavender Toner contains calming and refreshing extracts such as saponins, lavender, and Sweet Betty Flower. It’s perfect for not just combination skin, but also acne-prone skin.
This deeply soothing and hydrating toner will help restore your skin for a fresh and clear complexion. What’s more, it rebalances your skin’s pH level without the use of alcohol or harsh detergents.
Features We Love:
- Gentle ingredients.
- Helps remove all impurities.
- Softens and hydrates the skin.
Best Toner for Reducing Acne Scars - ($52.48)

This product is best for reducing acne scars due to its high dose of AHAs, anti-oxidants, and vitamins. With a lightweight texture, this heavenly-smelling toner helps hydrate, cleanse, and soothe the skin.
In addition, it does not contain any parabens or sulfates. Best of all, it’s suitable for all skin types.
Features We Love:
- Paraben-free and sulfate-free.
- Beautiful scent of rose and witch hazel.
- Suitable for all skin types.
Best Toner for Sensitive Skin - ($12.90)

This toner is oil-free, hypoallergenic and alcohol-free. Perfect for cleansing and refreshing without irritating sensitive skin. In addition, it’s non comedogenic so it won’t clog your pores.
With a very affordable price, this toner is perfect for affordable at-home self-care.
Features We Love:
- Reconditions skin and removes impurities.
- Affordable price.
- Non-comedogenic.
Best Toner for a Natural Glow - ($17.30)

This vegan and cruelty-free toner gently removes dead skin cells for a more radiant and brighter complexion. The winning combination not only brightens skin, it also reduces inflammation, soothes and hydrates skin. Free from parabens and phthalates, it’s definitely a must try.
Features We Love:
- Alpha Hydroxy Acid from fruit acids help brighten the skin.
- Aloe helps soothe skin.
- Witch hazel and castor oil soothe skin and prevent over-drying.
Best Toner for Hydration - ($16.90)

This hydrating toner has an exclusive formula made with 98% natural and distilled witch hazel, with the enhancing ingredient of invigorating rosewater. The result is ultra-clean and fresh skin with no tightness. The nice floral scent also helps you feel relaxed.
Features We Love:
- Enhanced with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E.
- Removes impurities, moisturizes skin, and refines pores.
- Dermatologist recommended witch hazel.
Tips for Applying Pregnancy-Safe Skin Toner
Applying facial toner the right way will be very helpful in maximising its effectiveness! Toner should be applied directly after cleansing and before moisturising the skin.
Here’s how:
- Before applying facial toner, use a cleansing milk to remove all makeup and dirt from the face.
- Choose the right toner for your skin:
- For dry skin, choose a more moisturising oil or cream based toner.
- For oily skin, choose a water-based or alcohol based toner.
We hope this article helps you choose a safe and effective skin toner that lasts throughout your pregnancy.
Editor's Note: Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication. However, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
To further help you with pregnancy-safe cosmetic products, check out: Pregnancy-safe Lipstick: Best Brands to Use When Expecting