Is Neutrogena Safe During Pregnancy? #

Neutrogena is everywhere, from Hydro Boost to sunscreens. The good news is that many cleansers and mineral sunscreens are low risk. The caution list includes retinol treatments and several chemical sunscreen sprays or moisturisers.

Quick verdict #

• Safe-leaning: Hydro Boost cleansers, gentle makeup removers, mineral SPF sticks.
• Use with caution: chemical sunscreen formulas if you want the lowest absorption.
• Avoid: retinol products and high risk sunscreen sprays.

Safe Neutrogena picks (brand - name - safety score - notes) #

• Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gentle Cleansing Lotion (score 99) - light hydrating cleanser.
• Neutrogena Hydro Boost Cleanser Gelee Milk (score 99) - gentle cleanser for dry skin.
• Neutrogena Cleansing Balm (score 99) - makeup and SPF removal.
• Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover (score 99) - mild eye makeup remover.
• Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+ (score 99) - mineral stick for daily use.
• Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 (score 99) - mineral baby SPF option.
• Neutrogena Collagen Bank Face Moisturizer (score 99) - daily hydration.
• Neutrogena Deep Clean Purifying Micellar Cleansing Water (score 99) - simple micellar option.
• Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Acne Patches (score 100) - spot patches for breakouts.
• Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Kids Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+ (score 99) - mineral stick for body or face.

Products to use with caution #

• Chemical sunscreen lotions and sprays in the Ultra Sheer or Healthy Defense ranges, consider mineral if you want the lowest absorption.

Products to avoid in pregnancy #

• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen Spray SPF 45 (score 19, high risk).
• Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Face Moisturizer SPF 50 (score 19, high risk).
• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Water-Light Daily Face Sunscreen SPF 60 (score 19, high risk).
• Neutrogena Anti-Wrinkle Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer With Sunscreen (score 19, high risk).
• Neutrogena RAPID TONE REPAIR Dark Spot Corrector Serum (score 26, high risk).

Ingredient watchlist from our library #

• Retinol (high risk): avoid during pregnancy.
• Oxybenzone and avobenzone (medium risk): chemical filters with absorption data, mineral filters are preferred by some.
• Benzoyl peroxide (low risk): acceptable in limited use, avoid large area leave-on.

Simple Neutrogena routines #

• AM (dry skin): Hydro Boost Cleanser Gelee Milk -> Collagen Bank Face Moisturizer -> Sheer Zinc Mineral Sunscreen Stick.
• PM (dry skin): Cleansing Balm -> Hydro Boost Gentle Cleansing Lotion.
• Body care: Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen Stick for exposed areas.

FAQs #

• Is Hydro Boost safe? The cleansers are low risk and widely used.
• Can I use Neutrogena sunscreen? Yes, choose mineral formulas if you want the lowest absorption.
• Should I avoid sprays? Many sprays are high risk, use a mineral lotion or stick instead.

References #

• ACOG on skin changes in pregnancy: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/skin-conditions-during-pregnancy
• DermNet NZ on skin changes in pregnancy: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/skin-changes-in-pregnancy
• DermNet NZ on topical retinoids: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/topical-retinoids
• FDA on sunscreen basics: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/understanding-over-counter-medicines/sunscreen-how-help-protect-your-skin-sun

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