You don't have to sacrifice your beauty routine during pregnancy – you just need to know which brands prioritize both safety and performance. After extensive research and testing, we've identified the top 10 makeup brands that expecting mothers can trust.
Each brand on this list has been evaluated based on ingredient safety, product performance, price point, and availability. We've also consulted with dermatologists and OB-GYNs to ensure our recommendations meet the highest safety standards.
Quick Selection Guide
- Best Overall: Beautycounter (#1)
- Best Budget: Burt's Bees (#5)
- Best Luxury: Ilia Beauty (#3)
- Best for Sensitive Skin: 100% Pure (#2)
- Best Color Range: Bite Beauty (#4)
Our Top 10 Pregnancy-Safe Makeup Brands
Beautycounter
$$$ • PremiumWhy we love it: Beautycounter leads the industry in ingredient transparency with their "Never List" of 1,800+ questionable ingredients they'll never use. Every product is rigorously tested for safety without compromising on performance.
✅ Pros
- Extensive safety testing
- Full ingredient transparency
- High-performance formulas
- Wide product range
Considerations
- Premium pricing
- Limited retail availability
- Primarily online/consultant sales
Must-Try Products:
100% Pure
$$ • Mid-RangeWhy we love it: True to their name, 100% Pure uses fruit pigments and natural ingredients exclusively. Perfect for those with sensitive skin or anyone wanting the cleanest possible formulations.
✅ Pros
- All-natural ingredients
- Fruit-pigmented colors
- No synthetic chemicals
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Considerations
- Limited shade range
- Shorter shelf life
- Natural scents may be strong
Must-Try Products:
Ilia Beauty
$$$ • PremiumWhy we love it: Ilia combines clean ingredients with luxurious textures and modern packaging. Their "skin that looks like skin" philosophy delivers natural-looking results with safe formulations.
✅ Pros
- Luxurious textures
- Modern, chic packaging
- Skin-loving ingredients
- Available at Sephora
Considerations
- Higher price point
- Limited color options in some lines
Must-Try Products:
Bite Beauty
$$ • Mid-RangeWhy we love it: Specializing in lip products, Bite Beauty uses food-grade ingredients you could literally eat. Their extensive color range ensures everyone finds their perfect shade.
✅ Pros
- Food-grade ingredients
- Amazing color selection
- Long-wearing formulas
- Refillable options
Considerations
- Primarily lip products
- Limited face makeup options
Must-Try Products:
Burt's Bees
$ • Budget-FriendlyWhy we love it: Affordable and widely available, Burt's Bees proves that pregnancy-safe makeup doesn't have to break the bank. Their 100% natural formulas are perfect for everyday wear.
✅ Pros
- Very affordable
- Widely available in drugstores
- 100% natural ingredients
- Gentle formulations
Considerations
- Basic shade range
- Less pigmented than premium brands
Must-Try Products:
Brands 6-10: Quick Overview
Rank | Brand | Price | Best For | Hero Product |
---|---|---|---|---|
#6 | RMS Beauty | $$$ | Minimal makeup lovers | Living Luminizer |
#7 | Juice Beauty | $$ | Anti-aging focus | Stem Cellular Foundation |
#8 | Vapour Beauty | $$ | Professional MUAs | Atmosphere Foundation |
#9 | W3ll People | $$ | Plant-powered beauty | Bio Tint Multi-Action Moisturizer |
#10 | Kosas | $$ | Makeup + skincare hybrids | Tinted Face Oil |
What Makes a Makeup Brand Pregnancy-Safe?
When evaluating makeup brands for pregnancy safety, we look for:
Ingredients They Avoid
- Retinoids: Vitamin A derivatives that can cause birth defects
- Salicylic Acid: High concentrations can be problematic
- Chemical Sunscreens: Oxybenzone and octinoxate
- Phthalates: Endocrine disruptors often in fragrances
- Parabens: Preservatives with hormone-disrupting potential
- Lead: Sometimes found in lipsticks
- Formaldehyde: And formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
Certifications to Look For
- EWG Verified
- Made Safe Certified
- Leaping Bunny (cruelty-free)
- USDA Organic (when applicable)
- Non-GMO Project Verified
Building Your Pregnancy-Safe Makeup Kit
Essential Products
- Tinted Moisturizer/Foundation: Choose mineral-based formulas
- Concealer: For those pregnancy skin changes
- Blush: Cream formulas are most natural-looking
- Mascara: Define eyes without harsh chemicals
- Lip Color: Hydrating formulas with safe ingredients
- Brow Gel: Frame your face naturally
Nice-to-Have Additions
- Highlighter for that pregnancy glow
- Eyeshadow in neutral tones
- Setting powder (mineral-based)
- Lip liner for definition
- Multi-use products for efficiency
Shopping Tips for Pregnancy-Safe Makeup
- Read ingredient lists carefully: Don't rely on "natural" or "organic" claims alone
- Start with essentials: Build your collection gradually
- Request samples: Many brands offer trial sizes
- Check return policies: Pregnancy can change skin sensitivity
- Use BabyGuard: Scan products for instant safety analysis
- Consider multi-use products: Save money and simplify your routine
Common Pregnancy Skin Changes & Makeup Solutions
Melasma (Pregnancy Mask)
Solution: Use mineral sunscreen daily and color-correcting concealer. Avoid heavy foundation that can emphasize patches.
Acne Breakouts
Solution: Non-comedogenic, mineral-based products. Spot conceal rather than full coverage.
Dry, Flaky Skin
Solution: Hydrating primers, cream products, and dewy finishes. Avoid powder-heavy looks.
Oily Skin
Solution: Oil-free formulas, setting powder, and blotting papers. Choose long-wear formulas.
The Bottom Line
Choosing pregnancy-safe makeup doesn't mean compromising on quality or giving up your beauty routine. These 10 brands prove that clean beauty can be just as effective, luxurious, and enjoyable as conventional makeup.
Remember, every pregnancy is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Start with a few key products from trusted brands, and build your collection based on your specific needs and preferences.
Most importantly, enjoy this special time! With the right pregnancy-safe makeup, you can feel confident and beautiful throughout your pregnancy journey.
Stay gorgeous and safe, mama! Use BabyGuard to verify any makeup products you're unsure about.