CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

Is It Safe to Use Body Scrub, Wash and Lotion During Pregnancy?

Is it safe to use body scrubs, washes and my regular lotions now that I'm pregnant?
save article
profile picture of Melissa Schweiger and Annette Rubin
Updated March 2, 2017
Hero Image

Your skin is extra-sensitive now that you’re pregnant, are we right? Body scrubs and exfoliants can actually cause micro-tears on your skin, which isn’t just irritating, it can also make it easier for chemicals to be absorbed into it. You’re better off using a loofah or soft washcloth to scrub away dead skin cells.

And there are ingredients in soaps and body washes to avoid: triclosan, parabens, fragrance and rosemary. Triclosan creates a carcinogen as a by-product. Parabens can affect hormone levels. Fragrance and rosemary could irritate your skin.

You should also try to stay away from lotion with aloe vera. In studies, it’s been linked to birth defects when taken orally. You’re not drinking the stuff, but remember, your skin does absorb what you put on it, so we think it’s not worth it.

save article
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

Best Pregnancy Subscription Boxes-hero
We Tested 5 Pregnancy Subscription Boxes, and This Is What We Found
By Emma O'Regan-Reidy
pregnant woman shopping for skin care products in drug store pharmacy
Skin-Care Ingredients to Avoid During Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
spray tan tool near pregnant belly
Can You Get a Spray Tan While Pregnant?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
US model Sofia Richie arrives for the 2023 Baby2Baby Gala in Los Angeles, California, on November 11, 2023
Sofia Richie Grainge Shares Her 10 Favorite Pregnancy Products
By Wyndi Kappes
Pregnant woman holding belly in pajamas and standing by a crib
18 Pregnancy Must-Haves You Can’t Do Without
By Emma O'Regan-Reidy
natural-beauty-products-during-pregnancy-HERO
The Best Pregnancy-Safe Makeup Products You Need, According to Moms
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
close up of woman putting on pink lipstick
10 Beauty and Makeup Tips for Moms-to-Be
By Celia Shatzman
ADVERTISEMENT
dry shampoo bottle on counter next to hair brush
Unilever Recalls Every Busy Parent’s Go-To Product—Dry Shampoo
By Wyndi Kappes
Is Perfume Safe to Use During Pregnancy?
Is Perfume Safe to Use During Pregnancy?
By The Bump Editors
makeup powder and beauty blenders on pink background
Makeup Ingredients to Avoid During Pregnancy
By Yelena Moroz Alpert
ADVERTISEMENT
5 slides
5 Pregnancy Skin Care Lines for Moms, by Moms
5 Pregnancy Skin Care Lines for Moms, by Moms
By Anisa Arsenault
hatch belly mask for pregnant women
Kate Hudson Is Loving This $12 Pregnancy Beauty Product
By Anisa Arsenault
hatch mama belly mask
Forget Face Masks: Belly Masks Are the Pregnancy Pampering Tools You Need
By Sarah Hooper
ADVERTISEMENT
Woman getting a facial with a blue mask
5 Prenatal Spa Treatments to Book Now
By Nina Carbone
7 Ways Shake Up Your Makeup for Pregnancy
7 Ways Shake Up Your Makeup for Pregnancy
By Hallie Goodman
Study Says You Can Put Those Stretch Mark Creams Away
Study Says You Can Put Those Stretch Mark Creams Away
By Nicole Gallucci
Make Over Your Beauty Routine
Make Over Your Beauty Routine
By Sarah Yang
ADVERTISEMENT
DIY Facials — Safe for Pregnancy and Even for Your Daughter
DIY Facials — Safe for Pregnancy and Even for Your Daughter
By Elena Donovan Mauer
Is Stretch Mark Cream Safe to Use During Pregnancy?
Is Stretch Mark Cream Safe to Use During Pregnancy?
By The Bump Editors
Top 10 Beauty Buys for New Moms
Top 10 Beauty Buys for New Moms
By The Bump Editors
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List