Pregnancy is a delicate stage that makes it even more daunting to choose the right soap. Other than dealing with physical changes, pregnant women must take care of the life inside of them. Adapting to new routines, diets, and even products that are applied to their skin, including soaps, will become a challenge.
Severe acne, dark spots, and body odor often occur during pregnancy. Although soaps can help with hygiene care, not all of them are safe for pregnant women. To help you with your purchase, this article will provide a guide on which soap ingredients are safe for you and a list of the 10 best soaps for pregnant women that you can buy online.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The products and services listed are ranked independently by the editorial team based on the points mentioned in our thoroughly researched buying guide (as of 01-16-2023).
Table of Contents
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Pregnancy demands delicate self-care, and it's best to identify what type of soap you'll need whether it's a face soap, a body soap, or a hand soap. Each type of soap has a different pH level and cannot be a "one type fits all". For instance, using products that are not meant for the face can damage the skin barrier because they contain harsh ingredients.
Don't be carried away with fancy packaging or with lengthy ingredient names you can't even pronounce. When buying skincare products like soaps, go for ones that have natural and simpler ingredients. It's even better if they're made from organic sources.
Humectants are important soap ingredients that attract water from the atmosphere or from underneath the skin to keep it moisturized. As your belly grows, it's important that you keep the stretched skin hydrated to prevent stretch marks. There are several natural humectants in soaps such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, Aloe vera, and honey.
Stretch marks and dry skin are major concerns of pregnant women. Soaps that contain ingredients that have rejuvenating and soothing effects work wonders for the skin. Extracts from gotu kola, Aloe vera, calendula, oatmeal, and avocado, to name a few, have been proven to speed up skin healing.
Like humectants, emollients are a type of moisturizer that prevents sagging and drying. They are rich in fatty acids that help maintain skin elasticity. Plus, they retain the skin’s natural oils to keep it healthy and firm. Shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil, argan oil, and jojoba oil are some examples of emollients.
The use of Epsom salts in the bath has been around since ancient times. Magnesium sulfate, better known as Epsom salt, is good for relieving tired muscles and migraines. It is therapeutic and can even relieve fibromyalgia symptoms. Aside from loosening tight muscles, Epsom salt can also induce better sleep.
It's always important to check the ingredients of the products you purchase, especially if you're pregnant. Some soaps contain ingredients that may affect you and your baby. Read more to see which ingredients you may have to avoid, and which ones can be used as alternatives.
Melasma and wrinkles can occur during pregnancy, however, using soaps with retinoids or hydroquinone has been linked to birth defects in babies. Retinoids can cause
deformities. On the other hand, hydroquinone can cause respiratory problems. Thus, you may want to do extra readings on these ingredients to be sure.
Although it’s challenging to maintain great skin when your pregnancy hormones kick in, it’s better to opt for milder alternatives for treating hyperpigmentation and wrinkles. Try using vitamin C or hyaluronic acid in place of retinol to maintain smooth and hydrated skin. In treating melasma, use kojic acid or alpha arbutin instead.
Parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, and propyls are some preservatives added to soaps to give them a longer shelf life. The bad news is, they are not good for your baby as they can cause liver damage.
Opt for soaps that have natural preservatives such as citric acid, sodium chloride, apple cider, or grapeseed extract. They are also good sources of antioxidants that have additional benefits for your skin.
Heavy sweating and body odor are some of the challenges of pregnancy. However, using anti-odor soap that contains harmful ingredients such as aluminum chloride may put the baby's health at risk, as well as the mother's. This chemical has been associated with newborns having skeletal defects and retardation. Some research shows that it is also one of the causes of breast cancer in women.
While you need to deal with sweating and body odor, you can use soaps that use natural antiperspirant ingredients. Tawas (potassium alum) and baking soda are the best alternatives—they are as effective with no harmful side effects. Moreover, they can protect you from sweating longer, and they kill bacteria that cause body odor.
Essential oils smell wonderful—however, some can cause nausea and uterine contractions and can even affect the baby’s development. Cinnamon, rosemary, pine, thyme, and camphor are some of the oils that should be avoided. If you like scented soaps, you can opt for eucalyptus, bergamot, frankincense, chamomile, and lavender.
The bottom line is, pregnancy is a delicate stage and it is risky to blindly purchase a product online. It is good practice to always refer to products that are recommended by gynecologists and dermatologists, especially if you have sensitivities or allergies.
Purchasing online can be tricky sometimes, especially when there are a lot of counterfeit items out there. The safest way to check if they are a trusted brand is if they have legitimate reviews on the product page.
The next thing to consider is to purchase from accredited merchants to ensure quality products—these include the brand's flagship stores in LazMall or ShopeeMall or from other retailers like Watsons or Rustan's.
From ₱695
Looking for soaps to buy online that are specifically made for pregnant women can be a difficult task. But look no further, here is Palmer's Pregnancy Body Wash! And it's not just any soap because it's made with skin-soothing ingredients like collagen and elastin to minimize stretch marks.
Also, this product has a powerful combination of plant-based ingredients that will nourish your skin. It has argan oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, almond oil, gotu kola, and the soothing extracts of chamomile and lavender. It's free from parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. Be one of the happy women who use this product, as it's been tested by dermatologists and gynecologists.
From ₱420
There are times when pregnancy can be exhausting. But a warm shower can help you relax! In particular, using a magnesium-based soap can alleviate aching muscles. Most pregnancy and parenting blogs mention Dr. Teal's products, like this body wash with Epsom salt! This ingredient can soothe tired muscles, exfoliate dead skin cells, and reduce eczema flare-ups.
Plus, it's infused with eucalyptus and spearmint extracts that'll make you feel like you're in a spa! This product also provides moisturizing benefits as it contains olive oil and Aloe vera juice. It has earned high ratings across different E-commerce platforms—customers say that it's relaxing and smells amazing!
From ₱660
You've probably heard of the Cetaphil brand from friends and family who've been to the derma for their sensitive skin issues. Now that you're pregnant and in need of extra self-care, try Cetaphil's Ultra Gentle Body Wash. It's proven safe and recommended by dermatologists.
It contains Aloe vera and Vitamin B5 that provide nourishment and moisture to your skin. Also, these ingredients gently cleanse your skin of dirt and other impurities. And it has the skin soothing effects of aloe as well as wheat protein that help maintain skin elasticity. This is great for people with sensitive skin, as stated in the reviews!
From ₱69.75
Hygiene is integral to pregnancy. And one way to prevent the spread of germs is to wash your hands often. However, doing so can leave your skin feeling dry. You need a gentle hand soap that doesn't contain harsh chemicals, like Human Nature's Hand Soap.
It's enriched with energizing orange essential oil, plus, it contains glycerin and citric acid that moisturize and cleanse the skin. The best feature of this brand is that all the ingredients are plant-based, eco-friendly, and SLS, SLES, and triclosan-free. Human Nature truly cares about your health as well as the environment. Join the hundreds of satisfied customers and order a bottle now!
From ₱69
Your sweat glands are usually more active during pregnancy, which can lead to body odor. The problem is, your options are limited if you are pregnant. The best way to deal with it is by using Derm-Aid's Tawas Soap. Potassium alum or tawas is a potent natural deodorant that doesn't have any side effects.
When used regularly, tawas can also lighten your underarms! Aside from the aforementioned ingredient, the soap is infused with coconut oil to provide moisture to your skin. Check the favorable reviews from the consumers to believe— most people love it because it's truly effective!
From ₱379
Some women's scent preferences suddenly change once the pregnancy hormones kick in. Thus, it's preferable to purchase unscented soaps, like Dove's sensitive skin soap. The ingredients used are mild enough for sensitive skin and are considered safe for pregnancy by most physicians.
One of its main ingredients is lauric acid, which has antibacterial and antiviral properties. It also contains glycerin, which helps restore the moisture barrier of the skin. Plus, it has titanium dioxide that keeps you safe against harmful UV rays. Most users are satisfied with the product—one customer even mentioned that it could relieve itching!
From ₱87
The skin in your stomach stretches as your belly grows, and sometimes, it feels itchy that you can't help but scratch it. However, scratching can leave scars. To prevent this, try Be Organic's oatmeal soap! It's made from ground oatmeal, which moisturizes and soothes dry and itchy skin.
Oatmeal also has brightening, exfoliating, and anti-acne properties, so you get multiple skin benefits in one soap! Aside from coconut oil, it contains other saponified oils such as palm, olive, and castor oil—these ingredients are humectants that hydrate the skin and prevent irritation. People who have sensitive skin swear by this product, plus, they love its mild scent.
From ₱162.16
There are no better words to describe Kirk's Castile Soap than "old but gold." The company is still adopting the 8th-century Syrian soap-making method known today as Castile soap. Mind you, it's the most authentic soap you'll ever find on the grocery shelves these days. It's made from 100% natural ingredients that are undoubtedly safe for your pregnancy.
The soap is derived from coconut oils, giving it a smooth lather. Plus, it contains glycerin which balances your skin's moisture. The product is hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, vegan and non-GMO certified, and approved by the National Celiac Association. No wonder why previous customers always re-order it!
From ₱145
If you're looking for a hand soap for the whole family, Nature to Nurture's Hand Soap is a great choice! This homegrown brand is notable for its use of simple and natural ingredients. Most of their products are made from plant-based ingredients that are safe for pregnant moms as well as babies and toddlers.
It uses fatty acids from coconut oil, which have cleansing and antimicrobial properties. Coupled with the moisturizing effects of Aloe vera extract, it'll keep your skin supple and smooth. Plus, its fragrance-free formula is best for sensitive skin. Those who've tried it love that it's gentle on the skin and doesn't cause irritation.
From ₱87
It's hard to find a natural skin-lightening product when you're pregnant because most soaps contain ingredients that are unsafe. Fortunately, we found this papaya kojic soap from Be Organic, which is made from natural ingredients that whiten your skin. It contains azelaic acid, glycolic acid, kojic acid, and papaya extracts that have brightening and exfoliating effects.
Even better, these ingredients hydrate the skin and prevent acne! Moms-to-be can use this soap without any worries since it's free from sulfates, triclosan, synthetic fragrances and colorants, and other harmful chemicals. Customers have left great reviews for this product, saying that it's hiyang with their skin and that it smells good.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
Most experts agree that kojic soap is safe to use during pregnancy. However, you must check the product before purchasing it to ensure it doesn’t contain toxic ingredients. If you have sensitive skin, it’s better to consult a dermatologist before using kojic acid on your skin.
According to most physicians, Dove soap is considered safe for pregnant women since it has moisturizing ingredients and is gentle on the skin. However, not all women will find the soap's ingredients suitable for them. It would be best to consult your doctor before using any soap or cosmetics to prevent health issues.
Chemical preservatives, tretinoin, and hydroquinone are some of the ingredients in soaps that should be avoided when pregnant. Several medical reports associate these ingredients with birth defects in babies. You may also want to avoid synthetic fragrances and some essential oils, which can cause nausea and discomfort for pregnant women.
You may be anxious right now, or even moody, but you might want to start looking for some items to welcome your bundle of joy. From baby clothes and toys to bottles and soaps, there is actually many stuff that you need to buy starting now. Check out the links below to find the best essentials for your little one.
Author: Joean Montayre
Editor: Aprille Jarcia
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
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