The best skincare products for pregnancy and postpartum

The Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks was awarded Gold for Best New Mum/ Maternity Skincare Product at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.

Palmer's Massage Lotion helps improve skin elasticity and helps improve the appearance of stretch marks. Pure Cocoa Butter and Shea Butter, Natural Oils, Collagen, Elastin, Lutein keep skin moisturised and supple for 48 hours, allowing skin to stretch more comfortably. Widely recommended for stretch marks during and after pregnancy or weight fluctuation. This non-greasy lotion is ideal for all over body use, in place of your regular moisturiser. 

Our mum tester said: "The product is easy to apply and goes a long way. It’s light to apply and leaves your skin feeling soft. If you like creams to be odourless, you will like this product. I personally liked the coco butter smell of previous products by palmers. The bottle is easy to extract product from and doesn’t get clogged up like some creams."

Read our full Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks review.

The Lansinoh HPA Lanolin Nipple Cream was awarded Silver for Best New Mum/ Maternity Skincare Product at the Mother&Baby Awards 2023 and 2024 and Bronze in the Best Pregnancy/Maternity Product in 2023.

Lansinoh HPA Lanolin helps soothe and protect sore, cracked nipples. 100 per cent natural & hypoallergenic with no perfume, taste, or additives, it is also the only Lanolin product to have received the British Allergy Foundation Seal of Approval.

Review: "Lansinoh nipple cream literally saved my breastfeeding journey especially when my nipples have become a little sore or chapped and in need of some moisture, the flip-top lid is perfect for juggling whilst holding on to baby and being able to feed with the cream in situ is perfect especially in the early days when they have no patience to wait more than five seconds to latch."

Read our full Lansinoh HPA Lanolin Nipple Cream review.

The Mummy’s Organics Stretch Mark Serum was awarded Bronze for Best New Mum/ Maternity Skincare Product at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.

Help prevent the appearance of stretch marks with the Mummy's Organics Stretch Mark Serum, it has a luxurious blend of the finest quality organic ingredients and essential oils. This rich serum hydrates, moisturises and nourishes the skin. This oil contains apricot oil and rosehip, which reduce the visibility and severity of stretch marks, while lavender promotes healing.

Our mum tester said: "This is a lovely product. It smells delightful. It is very easy to use and it rubs in and absorbs really quickly. It's glass bottle means you can recycle it and there was no plastic packaging sent which is great. It is certified as safe in pregnancy and made by midwives. It spreads easily so you don't need to use much of it."

Read our full Mummy’s Organics Stretch Mark Serum review.

100% natural ingredients | 100% vegan-friendly and cruelty free | Can be sprayed directly to perineal area or on a clean maternity pad | Awards: Won Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2023 in the Best New Mum/ Maternity Skincare Products category

The Rock Me Momma perineal bits mist is ideal for use during pregnancy or post partum recovery. The mist helps offer a cooling pain relief for any swollen or sort bits after giving birth, it also helps further with post natal recovered by supporting symptoms like haemorrhoids.

Review: "My experience with the Rock Me Momma perineal bits mist was positive – I enjoyed using the mist especially in the hot weather to cool the area down when hot and overheated. The recommendation on the leaflet to keep the mist in the fridge is also very handy and cooled the area even quicker. I look forward to carry on using the mist!"

150ml | Recyclable packaging | Awards: Won Bronze in the Mother&Baby awards 2023 for Best New Mum/ Maternity Skincare Products.

A serum which soothes and hydrates tight, dry and itchy skin, for use during pregnancy and beyondThis rich massage serum offers instant relief for tight, dry or irritated skin anywhere on your body and even helps to reduce the appearance of stretch marks and scars. Midwife developed and mum approved, this award winning serum can also help to ease constipation in pregnancy, when massaged into your bump.Contains essential oils with proven benefits, like grapefruit, geranium, calendula and lavender to soothe and soften your skin, while vitamin E encourages elasticity and beeswax locks in moisture.

Review: I’m in love with the product, the scent, the texture and the ease of being able to rub it in too. It gives you such a massive relief when your skin gets itchy and needs a bit of moisture in it. You only need to use a few pumps and it spreads over such a large area. The product is unbelievably silky soft.

Organic Nipple Balm's plant-based remedy has been crafted to care for tender nipples and dry skin. The unique blend of organic ingredients is safe for mum, bump and baby and suitable for breastfeeding, with no smell, taste or colour. Made with seven natural ingredients to help moisturise and soothe skin, the silky-smooth formula is easy to apply and gentle on sensitive skin.

Pros: Made using organic ingredients
Cons: Some parents found it too thin

Review: "I‘ve just applied some and what a relief during pregnancy! It feels light and not too heavy or oily. Even when you apply you only need a tiny bit as it immediately melts. Has no odour which is great. My nips feel nourished and less itchy now! The fact I will still be able to use it when breastfeeding and pumping is an added bonus. Moms, I can only suggest you buy this product!"

The Lansinoh Organic Nipple Balm was awarded Gold for Best New Mum/Maternity Skincare Product in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards. Check out our full review here.

This highly concentrated rich moisturising cream will help replenish the skin and hydrate dry areas. The non-greasy formula helps protect against dryness by sealing in natural moisture and it contains three types of moisturisers to help soothe and replenish dry skin for up to 24 hours.

Pros: Design to help manage eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis
Cons: Some customers have had issues with a pump mechanism

Review: "I use this cream everyday as I have some nasty emergency surgery scars and stretch marks from pregnancy. I find mixing it with oil (or using it alone) feels so lovely on my skin. It helps with itching and sensitivity leaving my skin feeling lovely. Also great price for a huge bottle!"

The QV Cream was awarded Bronze for Best New Mum/Maternity Skincare Product in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards. Check out our full review here.

Formulated by founder, Jan, a qualified midwife and aromatherapist, all Motherlylove products are blended for safe use during pregnancy. Tums and Boobs massage oil reduces itching on your bump, reduces anxiety, reduces nausea and reduces stretch marks.

Pros: Free from synthetic fragrances and colours
Cons: Some people might not like the citrus fragance

Review: "This massage oil is amazing, I used it daily whilst pregnant and found it very luxurious and relaxing to use. I was lucky enough not to have a single stretch mark during or after pregnancy and I have no doubt a large part of that was down to this oil! I know genetics play a part but I have stretch marks in other areas pre pregnancy so pretty sure I would have aquiured more had I not used bumps and boobs! My little boy was 2 months early so I found myself with nearly a full bottle after his birth which I did use for a while as my bump shrunk back. But I would also recommend this oil in another very different way.... I had run out of my usual face cleansing oil, researched online ingredients wise to make sure everything was suitable for facial use and went for it! Since my skin has been the best it's been for months and I can't quite believe it, since having my baby my usual products don't seem to be cutting it, but now my skin is super soft, my pores have shrunk, it's no longer dehydrated and literally glows! I know this is not what it was developed for but wow, it's perhaps something you should think of because it's amazing as a facial cleanser!"

The Motherlylove Stretch Mark and Massage Oil was shortlisted for Best New Mum/Maternity Skincare Product in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards. Check out our full review here.

ESPA's Hydrating Cleansing Milk is a one of the recommended skincare products to use during pregnancy, along with all their products in their pregnancy range. ESPA products are made from all-natural ingredients. You will see amazing results from this cleansing milk as it nourishes and smoothens your pregnant skin. Put a small amount over your face and neck and wash off with warm water.

Pros: Lovely smell
Cons: At a higher price point compared to some skincare product

Review: "I went and had some treatments at my local spa. And was all of these products were used on my face. I recommended the nourishing package. And oh MY! My skin is glowing. I've recently giving birth and I honestly think I don't look so tired because of these products. They smell amazing and they really have hydrated my skin! It's expensive but you've only got one face right?"

If you use Weleda's Skin Food, you're in safe hands. This recommended cream to use during pregnancy is what you need if you're suffering from dry, cracked skin. Weleda's Skin Food will turn your skin around. Made with organic sunflower seed oil and extracts of wild pansy and rosemary extract, your skin will feel brand new - moisturised and smooth.

Pros: Nourishing for the whole body
Cons: Some customers found the formulation to be greasy

Review: "I am very sensitive to scent and this product smells amazing. It has very refreshing and subtle scent. I started using this product when I was pregnant and looking for a safe and easy care for my face. I just love how easy it is and how effective it is. Even for those first few months where I barely slept, I was able to stick to the skin care."

La Roche Posay's intense moisturiser rehydrates, soothes, and softens your skin with La Roche-Posay Thermal Springwater. Containing no fragrances or parabens, this solution will make your skin feel more smooth than ever.

Pros: Suitable for very sensitive skin
Cons: Small tube for the price

Review: "At the moment I have really dry skin from my pregnancy and this moisturiser is just what I need to help keep it looking moisturised. None of my other moisturisers were able to stop my skin from becoming dry and flaky within hours but this stuff works. I'm also using it on my bump to try and prevent stretch marks (I know they will come if they are coming but trying everything to stop them) and I can really feel how moisturised my stomach is even hours after applying."

Suitable for vegans, and during pregnancy, the Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil is rich in Omegas, with Rosehip Fruit and Seed oil, this will help regenerate your skin without irritation. Known as a 'best-selling skin saviour' it will improve your dull, tired skin and leave it feeling clear and silky smooth.

Pros: Vegan-friendly
Cons: Some people didn't love the smell

Review: "I use this oil at the end of my routine, and I find it has made a special place on my bathroom counter. As a final step, it marries together my few other products. Because it's a dry oil, I'm not smearing more and more thick creams on my skin, the rosehip oil sinks in and leaves a comfortable glow on top of everything that makes me feel I've done something right. Over time I've noticed more even texture and tone. When I started my new routine I incorporated a lot of products too soon so I cant say if the oil helped reduce my acne and texture/scarring, but realistically I'd bet that the rosehip oil is on duty for bumps and redness. I feel luxe when applying, my skin is plump, and the light aura of fragrance feels very grounding. This rosehip oil makes my night routine complete. I like to use ~single ingredients at a time so there's no interaction on my skin I'm unaware of, and knowing the sources of this oil has me grabbing for it just to add rosehip berries on my face. It's fun."

Mama Mio's Tummy Rub Butter is clinically proven to protect against and prevent stretch marks. It can be found in Mama Mio's No Nasties section. Made with shea butter, organic oils including avocado, sacha inchi and rosehip, and Vitamin E, this moisturiser will leave your skin feeling amazingly strong and protected.

Pros: Dermatologist-tested
Cons: Some people felt it was on the pricey side for the amount of product you get

Review: "Used this product during my first pregnancy and currently using it in my second. Smells nice, the product is thick and feels luxurious when applying. So far no stretch marks!"

Treat your bump with this targeted treatment bump mask to care for your skin. Cooling aloe vera hydrates the dry skin whilst rosehip works to help reduce stretch marks.

Pros: Leaves your bump hydrated
Cons: Some parents-to-be found it too cold to use on their bump

Review: "Was so great to use this through my pregnancy journey! Highly recommended."

The My Little Coco Baby Mama Hydrating Bump Sheet Mask was shortlisted for Best New Mum/Maternity Skincare Product in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards. Check out our full review here.

This soothing product is fantastic during pregnancy as well as for your baby. This all-purpose balm is made from organic sunflower and avocado oils, luxurious cocoa seed butter, candelilla waxes, and skin-caring calendula extract, which helps to calm any red chafing or dryness. Use it on chapped lips or dry skin around the nose and mouth - it can also add extra nourishment to your cuticles. This product beautifully on babies too.

Pros: Nourishing ingredients from bump to baby
Cons: Travel size

Review: "This balm is such a great staple in my handbag. I don't have a baby, but I use it throughout the day as a lip balm and to soothe my cuticles, as I have a bad habit of picking them! It's a great consistency, rich but quick-to-absorb, and leaves my skin feeling moisturised and healthy. Need to get more so I have one for every bag."

We’re not exaggerating when we say that this oil is one of the most hyped pregnancy products to ever exist. The formulation drastically improves skin elasticity and texture and was practically designed for pregnant mamas whose bodies are changing by the minute. Not only will it improve the appearance of existing stretch marks, but this oil will also prevent any new marks from developing as you continue to grow. The bio-oil will also help with acne scars and leave you with healthier and smoother skin all over.

Pros: Helps retain moisture and is easily absorbed into the skin
Cons: Takes time to dry

Review: "I had bought 3 bottle during my twins pregnancy. I was putting it on my belly every day, sometime two times a day, and I have 0 stretch marks and you can imagine the size of my twins pregnancy belly.
The only stretch marks I have are where I never put the oil.. AMAZING PRODUCT. Be careful, it spend some time to dry properly, you can mark you bed sheet or sofa cover "

Another superstar brand for clean skincare, The Ordinary’s simple and clinically proven formulas make them ideal for pregnancy. While the usual go-to product for acne combat – retinoids – are unsafe during pregnancy, azelaic acid is the perfect substitute. Used locally on any problem areas, azelaic acid will drastically improve acne and rosacea, and will also work by stopping the production of pigment in the skin. If that wasn’t enough, the Ordinary’s formula is also intensely brightening as well as affordable if you’re on a budget.

Pros: Brightens and improves skin texture
Cons: May not be suitable for very sensitive skin

Review: "I absolutely love this product, made my skin baby smooth from the very first application! It has a really lovely silky texture that makes my skin super soft and buttery- I’m in love! I have problem skin and use it every morning with absolutely no adverse reactions or flare ups. Definitely recommend!"

Chances are you'll be quite sore after childbirth because of stretching, bruising, and swelling, even if you don't have a tear or episiotomy. This midwife developed and mum approved Spritz for Bits contains natural essential oils which work together to help soothe discomfort after childbirth, including lavender for soothing pain relief, tea tree oil for its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, and Vitamin E for encouraging skin health and elasticity. 

Pros: Aids with post-birth recovery
Cons: Some parents were expecting more of a soothing sensation after use

Review: "I can not recommend this product enough. For my last couple of weeks of pregnancy I was in agony with hemorrhoids and tried everything to ease my pain. I was dreading having a natural birth and then becoming even worse. I tried the spray the first time I went to the toilet after giving birth. I had grazed but not torn. I felt very swollen and saw and was dreading the spray stinging but it was instant relief. I felt like it sorted my problem with my hemorrhoids too. I’ve just purchased my 2nd bottle as we all use it in the house now. I even use it on my daughter who’s 4yrs old. It’s so easy to use rather than using a cream. I’ve just had my 3rd child and this is the one thing I’d recommend the most from this pregnancy."

The My Expert Midwife Spritz for Bits was shortlisted for Best New Mum/Maternity Skincare Product in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards. Check out our full review here.

This lightweight gel is just what you need if your skin veers on the drier side. Containing hyaluronic acid - a natural hydrator - this formula will absorb instantly into your skin, becoming your pregnancy skincare saviour. The lack of scent also makes this a great choice for sensitive skin, or those of us who are more sensitive to certain smells during pregnancy. Unlike other gel moisturisers, this one won’t leave your face feeling greasy, and the cool feel of the gel will also refresh your skin and leave it wanting more.

Pros: Lightweight texture
Cons: Some customers expected longer lasting mositure

Review: "I have been using it for 2 weeks and I can tell there is a slight difference to my skin- more radiant and no more oily skin on my nose so that's a great advantage, also I think my face seems softer. It has a pleasant smell, it's not too strong even though I'm pregnant and have a very sensitive sense of smell, does not bother me one bit. It's very light, watery kind of texture, giving nice cool touch to my face which I love. I apply this cream as recommended, after deep cleansing, once in the morning after shower and just before bed time. I can tell already there is no occasional spots popping up since I use this product. I definitely recommend it, if it does its job as it does now will stick to it for a long time."

Drunk Elephant is just one of those brands that screams clean and natural. This super-serum will combat uneven skin tone caused by hyperpigmentation which we usually see an increase of during pregnancy. Packed with a load of antioxidants and nutrients essential for your skin, the serum will also help with brightening and diminishing signs of ageing. It’ll only take a few uses for your skin to start glowing and looking radiant – you can thank us later.

Pros: Firms and brightens the appearance of skin
Cons: At the higher end of the price scale

Review: "I really enjoy this product. The serum makes an immediate difference (but always remember to use sunscreen when using Vitamin C!) and I feel confident the ingredients are high quality. Definite repurchase."