What shower gels are safe during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, your skin becomes a reflection of the incredible journey you're on. As hormones ebb and flow, you might notice your body's largest organ going through dramatic changes - from those badge-of-honor stretch marks to unexpected dry patches, and perhaps even a new level of sensitivity you've never experienced before.

When your skin is already doing its own dance of changes, the last thing you want is to introduce products that could cause more irritation - or worse, potentially affect your precious little one. While many shower products line the shelves with promises of luxury and comfort, not all of them are created equal when it comes to pregnancy safety.

Choosing pregnancy-safe shower gels

Let's face it - reading skincare labels can feel like decoding a foreign language, especially when you're pregnant and suddenly every ingredient matters more than ever. While many of our favorite shower products line store shelves, some hide unwanted chemicals behind those complex names.

During pregnancy, your body deserves nothing but the gentlest care, which is why choosing a trusted pregnancy-safe shower gel takes the guesswork (and stress!) out of your daily routine. Whether you're standing in the beauty aisle or shopping online, knowing which ingredients to embrace - and which to avoid - can make all the difference in keeping you and your little one safe.

Ingredients to avoid when pregnant

Let's break down the essentials you need to know before your next purchase.

1. Salicylic Acid: While salicylic acid is a go-to ingredient for fighting acne and exfoliating skin, it's one to skip during your pregnancy journey. Though beauty products typically contain lower concentrations, research suggests even small amounts could potentially impact your baby's development or cause complications. Note: If you spot this ingredient on labels, you might see it listed as "BHA" or "beta hydroxy acid."
   
   
2. Retinoids: While your everyday shower gel is usually retinoid-free, be extra cautious with specialty body washes – especially those promising anti-aging benefits, deep exfoliation, or skin renewal. These premium products often contain retinoids, which are powerful vitamin A derivatives that can be problematic during pregnancy. Even though retinoids applied to the skin may pose less risk than oral vitamin A supplements, healthcare providers generally recommend avoiding them entirely during pregnancy. The golden rule of pregnancy skincare? Keep it simple. Your daily shower should be a worry-free moment of self-care, so stick to gentle, basic cleansers that you know are safe for both you and your growing baby.
   
   
3. Sodium Lauryl Sulphate: Ever wondered what makes your shower gel create those satisfying bubbles? Meet SLS, one of the most common cleansing agents found in body washes and shower products. While it's excellent at creating that rich, foamy lather we often associate with feeling "clean," it comes with some concerns for expecting mothers.
   
   During pregnancy, when your skin is more sensitive and your body more vulnerable, SLS can be problematic. Research suggests this chemical compound may disrupt hormone balance (endocrine function) and potentially affect cellular development. It's also known to strip the skin's natural oils, which can be especially harsh when your pregnancy skin is already dealing with changes and sensitivity.
   
   
4. Parabens: These are preservatives that help prevent bacterial growth - but they come with a catch. These common chemicals (look for words ending in "-paraben" on labels) have raised concerns due to their ability to mimic estrogen in your body, potentially disrupting your natural hormone balance.
   During pregnancy, when your hormones are already doing an intricate dance to support your growing baby, it's best to avoid adding any unnecessary hormone-disrupting ingredients to the mix. While individual products might contain small amounts, daily use of multiple paraben-containing products can add up. Look for labels that explicitly state "paraben-free" and consider switching to products that use natural preservatives instead.
   
   
5. Fragrance/perfume: When you spot "fragrance" or "parfum" on a label, it's not just one ingredient - it's potentially dozens of undisclosed chemicals hiding behind a single word. During pregnancy, these mystery ingredients are best avoided as they can disrupt hormones and irritate sensitive skin. Opt instead for products that are fragrance-free or use natural scents from essential oils (pregnancy-safe ones, of course!).

>> Shop our pregnancy-safe Shower & Bath Gel

Can I use shower gel daily during pregnancy?

Absolutely! Daily showers are perfectly safe (and refreshing!) during pregnancy. The key is choosing a gentle, pregnancy-safe shower gel that works with your changing skin. Look for natural, nourishing formulas free from harsh chemicals - your skin will thank you, and you'll have peace of mind knowing you're making a safe choice for your little one.

Why is skin sensitive in pregnancy?

During pregnancy, your body becomes a master multitasker - growing your baby while adapting to countless changes. Your skin, your body's largest organ, becomes more sensitive as part of this incredible process.

Between the stretching to accommodate your growing bump and the surge of pregnancy hormones, your skin naturally becomes more reactive and delicate. This heightened sensitivity serves as a protective mechanism, helping to shield both you and your developing baby.

Why does skin become oily during pregnancy?

If you've noticed your skin looking shinier these days, you can thank your hormones - particularly estrogen and progesterone. During pregnancy, these hormones trigger your skin's oil glands to produce more sebum (that's the natural oil your skin makes).

Don't be tempted to over-wash or use harsh cleansers - this can actually make oil production worse. Instead, opt for gentle, pregnancy-safe cleansers that won't strip your skin's natural balance.

What is the difference between a shower gel and a body wash?

A shower gel is a thinner, more concentrated formula that creates lots of bubbles, while a body wash is creamier and more moisturising - think of it as the difference between a refreshing juice (gel) and a smoothie (wash)!

During pregnancy, the best choice often comes down to your skin type and how it's changing. Body washes tend to be gentler and more hydrating, which many pregnant women prefer as their skin becomes more sensitive.

Can I have baths while pregnant?

Good news - you can absolutely enjoy a relaxing bath during pregnancy! Despite what you might have heard, soaking in the tub isn't off-limits. In fact, it can be the perfect way to soothe those tired muscles and find some calm during your pregnancy journey.

The only rule? Keep it warm, not hot. Think relaxing soak rather than steamy spa - the water should be below 39°C (about the temperature of a warm day). Your baby is safely cushioned in the amniotic sac, so you don't need to worry about bath water reaching them.

Best pregnancy-safe body wash

Now that you know what to avoid, let's talk about what to look for in pregnancy-safe body washes.

We know we're biased, but there's a reason we created our Shower & Bath Gel with expecting mums in mind. We believe that a pregnancy-safe shower gel shouldn't just be about what's left out - it should be about the beautiful, natural ingredients we put in.

Our formula harnesses nature's finest: soothing aloe vera, calming frankincense, uplifting bergamot, refreshing lemon, and comforting vanilla. Each ingredient was carefully chosen not just for its gorgeous scent, but for its gentle, nurturing properties. And of course, it's completely paraben-free because your peace of mind matters.

Think of it as your daily moment of natural luxury - where clean, safe ingredients meet pure indulgence. Each shower becomes a mini-retreat, leaving your skin refreshed and your mind peacefully calm. Because we believe pregnancy skincare should feel like a treat, not a compromise.