Is e.l.f. Cosmetics Safe During Pregnancy? #

e.l.f. Cosmetics blends affordable makeup with a growing skincare range. In our database, many eye and face staples are in the low-risk band.

The main watchout is retinoid treatments and a handful of primers that score high risk. Scan each item in MamaSkin to double-check the exact formula you own.

Quick verdict #

• Safe-leaning: most makeup staples and gentle cleansers are low risk.
• Use with caution: some foundations and duos in the medium risk band.
• Avoid: retinoid serums and high-risk primers.

Safe e.l.f. Cosmetics picks (brand - name - safety score - notes) #

• e.l.f. cosmetics High Definition Powder (score 79) - makeup base or finish step.
• e.l.f. cosmetics Lock It Down Eyeshadow Primer (score 79) - makeup staple for eyes.
• e.l.f. cosmetics Plz Clarify Facial Oil (score 79) - nourishing oil step.
• e.l.f. cosmetics Smoky Kohl Eyeliner (score 79) - makeup staple for eyes.
• e.l.f. cosmetics Daily Brush Cleaner (score 78) - low risk in our database.
• e.l.f. cosmetics Bounce Back Jelly Cleanser (score 76) - gentle daily cleanse.
• e.l.f. cosmetics Bright Icon Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Serum (score 76) - targeted serum or essence step.
• e.l.f. cosmetics Bronzing Drops (score 76) - low risk in our database.

Products to use with caution #

• e.l.f. cosmetics Acne Fighting Foundation (score 58, medium risk).
• e.l.f. cosmetics Bite-Size Eyeshadows (score 58, medium risk).
• e.l.f. cosmetics Bite-Size Face Duo (score 58, medium risk).

Products to avoid in pregnancy #

• e.l.f. cosmetics Youth Boosting Advanced Night Retinoid Serum (score 20, high risk).
• e.l.f. cosmetics Beautifully Bare Luminous Matte Makeup Primer (score 26, high risk).
• e.l.f. cosmetics Hydrating Face Primer (score 26, high risk).

Ingredient watchlist from our library #

• Retinoids (high risk): avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Hydroquinone (medium risk): higher absorption; commonly avoided.
• Strong exfoliating acids (medium risk): limit leave-on AHAs/BHAs and skip peels.
• Chemical sunscreen filters (medium risk): choose mineral filters if you want the lowest absorption.

Simple e.l.f. Cosmetics routines #

• AM: Bounce Back Jelly Cleanser -> Bright Icon Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Serum -> moisturiser -> mineral SPF.
• PM: Remove makeup -> gentle cleanser -> Plz Clarify Facial Oil if you need extra comfort.
• If you wear makeup: remove it fully before bed and keep your base routine minimal.

FAQs #

• Is e.l.f. Cosmetics safe while pregnant? Most e.l.f. makeup staples are low risk. Avoid retinoid products and scan skincare items.
• Which e.l.f. products should I avoid? Skip Youth Boosting Advanced Night Retinoid Serum and any retinoid-labeled treatments.
• Is e.l.f. vitamin C serum safe during pregnancy? Bright Icon Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Serum is low risk in our database.

References #

• ACOG on skin changes in pregnancy: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/skin-conditions-during-pregnancy
• American Academy of Dermatology on pregnancy skin care: https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/pregnancy/skin-care/skin-care-pregnancy
• DermNet NZ on topical retinoids: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/topical-retinoids

Download MamaSkin (iOS and Android): App Store | Google Play