Is Olay Safe During Pregnancy? #

Olay offers a mix of gentle cleansers and strong anti-aging lines. The safest options in pregnancy are the basic cleansers and hydrating serums, while retinol products are the clear avoid group. Here is a simple, data-backed guide using our MamaSkin database.

Quick verdict #

• Safe-leaning: gentle cleansers, light hydrators, and vitamin C serums.
• Use with caution: some SPF moisturisers and multi-active creams.
• Avoid: retinol and Retinol24 products.

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

• Olay Face Cleansing Melts Water-Activated Daily Facial Cleanser (score 99) - low risk cleanser.
• Olay Complete Lightweight Day Lotion Normal SPF15 (score 99) - light daily moisturiser.
• Olay Regenerist Hyaluronic + Peptide 24 Revitalizing Facial Cleanser (score 79) - gentle cleanse with peptides.
• Olay Balancing Cream Cleanser (score 79) - non-stripping cleanser.
• Olay Gentle Foaming Cleanser With Birch Water (score 79) - light foam, daily use.
• Olay Luminous Vitamin C Sensitive Serum (score 78) - brightening, low risk.
• Olay Gentle Exfoliating Toner (score 77) - mild toner, use sparingly.

Products to use with caution #

• Olay Total Effects 7 In One Moisturizer + Serum (score 47, medium risk).
• Olay Anti-Wrinkle Pro Vital Anti-Ageing Day Moisturiser SPF15 (score 47, medium risk).
• Olay Glowing Radiance Cream SPF 15 (score 47, medium risk).

Products to avoid in pregnancy #

• Olay Retinol24 + Peptide Hydrating Moisturizer SPF 30 (score 20, high risk).
• Olay Retinol 24 Night Face Cream (score 20, high risk).
• Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 + Peptide Night Facial Moisturizer (score 20, high risk).

Ingredient watchlist from our library #

• Retinol (high risk): avoid during pregnancy.
• Hydroquinone (medium risk): higher absorption, commonly avoided.
• Oxybenzone and avobenzone (medium risk): chemical filters, mineral filters are preferred by some.
• Salicylic acid (low risk): generally ok in low concentrations, avoid high strength leave-on peels.

Simple routines using Olay #

• AM: Face Cleansing Melts -> Luminous Vitamin C Sensitive Serum -> Complete Lightweight Day Lotion -> mineral SPF if needed.
• PM: Gentle Foaming Cleanser -> Balancing Cream Cleanser -> light moisturiser.
• Minimal routine: Regenerist Peptide Cleanser -> hydrating serum -> moisturiser.

FAQs #

• Is Olay Regenerist safe in pregnancy? The peptide cleanser is low risk; avoid retinol-labelled Regenerist products.
• Can I keep using Olay SPF moisturisers? Some are medium risk; switch to mineral SPF if you want the lowest absorption.
• Is vitamin C safe during pregnancy? Most low-dose vitamin C serums are considered low risk.

References #

• ACOG on skin changes in pregnancy: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/skin-conditions-during-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

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