Best Pregnancy Safe Body Wash (Updated 2026 Guide)
Updated April 13, 2026
The Answer
Most body washes are safe during pregnancy, but many popular brands contain ingredients worth avoiding. We found 5 A grade options out of 520 products reviewed. Look for fragrance free formulas and avoid products with synthetic fragrances, phenoxyethanol, and certain preservatives.
Choosing the right body wash during pregnancy matters because your skin absorbs ingredients that can enter your bloodstream. Many conventional body washes contain synthetic fragrances with phthalates linked to preterm birth and neurodevelopmental effects, as well as preservatives like phenoxyethanol that have FDA warnings for nursing products due to central nervous system effects.
Pregnancy Safe is 100% independent and research driven. No companies pay to promote or sponsor products.
✓ What's Safe
- • Fragrance free or unscented formulas to avoid hidden phthalates
- • Simple ingredient lists with recognizable components like glycerin, aloe, and plant oils
- • Gentle surfactants like cocamidopropyl betaine instead of harsh sulfates
- • Products labeled for sensitive skin, which typically avoid common irritants
- • Brands like SheaMoisture, Raw Sugar, or Dermasil that offer A grade options
✗ What to Avoid
- • Fragrance/Parfum - contains phthalates linked to preterm birth and neurodevelopmental effects
- • Phenoxyethanol - has FDA warnings due to central nervous system effects in infants
- • Sodium benzoate - may form benzene when combined with vitamin C and has shown birth defects in animal studies
- • Yellow 5 and Blue 1 - synthetic dyes with embryotoxic effects in animal studies
- • Benzyl salicylate - caused neural tube defects in animal studies
- • Hydrogenated soybean oil - associated with preeclampsia and may interfere with fetal brain development
Most Common Ingredients in Body Wash Products
We analyzed 520 body wash products. Here are the most common ingredients, ranked by how often they appear:
Ingredients to Watch Out For in Body Wash
These are the most common flagged ingredients across 520 body wash products we analyzed.
sodium benzoate
CAUTION
Sodium benzoate is a food preservative in beverages and processed foods. Has shown birth defects in animal studies at high doses and may form benzene when combined with vitamin C. A common preservative that has shown birth defects in animal studies at high doses. It may also form benzene, a known carcinogen, when combined with vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in products.
Found in 357 of 520 products (69%)
fragrance
CAUTION
Fragrance is a mixture of aromatic chemicals in scented products. Contains phthalates linked to preterm birth and neurodevelopmental effects in children. Listed as 'fragrance' or 'parfum' on labels, this term can hide dozens of undisclosed chemicals including phthalates. Studies link phthalate exposure during pregnancy to preterm birth and neurodevelopmental effects in children.
Found in 335 of 520 products (64%)
phenoxyethanol
CAUTION
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative in cosmetics and personal care products. Has FDA warnings for nursing products due to central nervous system effects. A preservative that prompted FDA warnings for nipple creams due to central nervous system effects in nursing infants. While topical absorption is limited, many pregnant women choose to avoid it as a precaution.
Found in 127 of 520 products (24%)
yellow 5
CAUTION
Yellow 5 is a synthetic yellow food coloring. Has shown embryotoxic effects in recent animal studies at high doses. A synthetic food dye (tartrazine) that has shown embryotoxic effects in recent animal studies at high doses. While primarily a food additive concern, it appears in some body care products.
Found in 87 of 520 products (17%)
blue 1
CAUTION
Blue 1 is a synthetic blue food coloring. Has limited human pregnancy data with possible neurobehavioral effects in animal studies. A synthetic dye with limited human pregnancy data. Animal studies suggest possible neurobehavioral effects, leading some experts to recommend avoiding it during pregnancy.
Found in 60 of 520 products (12%)
sodium salicylate
CAUTION
Sodium salicylate is the sodium salt form of salicylic acid. Causes reduced birth weight and bleeding risk when taken orally in the third trimester. The sodium salt form of salicylic acid. Oral salicylates in the third trimester are associated with reduced birth weight and bleeding risk. Topical exposure is much lower but worth noting.
Found in 49 of 520 products (9%)
parfum
CAUTION
Parfum is a mixture of aromatic chemicals in scented products. Contains phthalates linked to preterm birth and neurodevelopmental effects in children. The European term for fragrance, carrying the same concerns about hidden phthalates and other undisclosed chemicals linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Found in 45 of 520 products (9%)
fragrance parfum
CAUTION
Fragrance parfum is a mixture of aromatic chemicals in scented products. Contains phthalates linked to preterm birth and neurodevelopmental effects in children. A combined listing indicating synthetic fragrance, which may contain phthalates and other chemicals linked to preterm birth and developmental concerns in children.
Found in 33 of 520 products (6%)
How Do Body Wash Products Stack Up?
We graded 520 body wash products for pregnancy safety. 5 received an A grade.
Best Pregnancy Safe Body Wash
We found 5 pregnancy safe options. Here are some top picks.
| Grade | Product | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| A | Aloe Scented Body Wash, Mild & Gentle - Super C | Super C |
| A | Raw Sugar Sensitive Skin Green Tea + Cucumber + Aloe 25 Oz | Raw Sugar |
| A | Manuka Honey & Oatmeal Smooth & Exfoliating Body Wash | Sheamoisture |
| A | Sheamoisture Raw Shea Butter Hydrating Body Wash - 13 Fl Oz | Sheamoisture |
| A | Dermasil Labs /Moisturizing Body Wash | — |
Body Wash to Avoid During Pregnancy
These popular products received low grades due to flagged ingredients.
| Grade | Product | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| D+ | Dove Antibacterial Body Wash | Dove |
| D+ | St. Ives Oatmeal & Shea Butter Plant Based Natural Body Wash Soap - 22 Fl Oz | St. Ives |
| D- | Dove Refresh Body Wash Cucumber & Green Tea Nourishing 24Hr Renewing Micromoisture - 20 Fl Oz | Dove Beauty |
| D+ | Dove Beauty Antibacterial Body Wash Pump 24Hr Lotion Soft Skin - 30.6 Fl Oz | Dove Beauty |
| D+ | Cetaphil Acne Relief 2% Salicylic Acid Body Wash - 20 Fl Oz | Cetaphil |
Your Questions Answered
Is body wash safe during pregnancy?
Yes, body wash is generally safe during pregnancy, but ingredient selection matters. Many popular body washes contain synthetic fragrances, preservatives, and dyes that are best avoided during pregnancy. Look for fragrance free formulas with simple ingredient lists. Out of 520 body washes we analyzed, only 5 received an A grade for pregnancy safety, so checking ingredients before purchasing is worthwhile.
What ingredients should I avoid in body wash during pregnancy?
The main ingredients to avoid in body wash during pregnancy include synthetic fragrance (parfum), which often contains phthalates linked to preterm birth; phenoxyethanol, a preservative with FDA warnings for nursing products; sodium benzoate, which may form benzene; and synthetic dyes like Yellow 5 and Blue 1. Also watch for benzyl salicylate and other salicylate derivatives, which have shown concerning effects in animal studies.
Is Dove body wash safe during pregnancy?
Most Dove body washes receive C to D grades in our pregnancy safety analysis due to ingredients like synthetic fragrance and certain preservatives. While not the worst options available, Dove products typically contain fragrance and other ingredients that some pregnant women prefer to avoid. If you want to continue using Dove, their fragrance free sensitive skin options are generally better choices than their scented varieties.
Is Method body wash safe for pregnancy?
Method body washes generally receive C grades in our analysis, placing them in the middle range for pregnancy safety. While Method uses plant based ingredients and avoids some harsh chemicals, their products typically contain fragrance which can include phthalates. Method's Simply Nourish and Pure Peace varieties are among their more popular options but still contain fragrance. For the safest choice during pregnancy, consider fragrance free alternatives.
What are the best pregnancy safe body wash brands?
Based on our ingredient analysis, the safest body wash options during pregnancy include SheaMoisture (Raw Shea Butter and Manuka Honey varieties), Raw Sugar Sensitive Skin formula, Super C Aloe Scented Body Wash, and Dermasil Labs Moisturizing Body Wash. These products received A grades because they avoid synthetic fragrances, problematic preservatives, and other ingredients of concern during pregnancy.
How Do We Score Products for Pregnancy Safety?
We analyze each product's ingredients and category to flag known risks and provide cautionary notices for general category safety concerns.
A - Safe
Excellent choice! All ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy.
What to do: Use with confidence.
B - Likely Safe
Pretty much safe with very minimal risk. Some ingredients may have limited pregnancy studies, but no significant safety concerns have been identified.
What to do: Use with confidence.
C - Limit
Contains ingredients with some pregnancy considerations. Research shows these ingredients may have limited safety data, potential for minor hormonal effects, or require caution based on animal studies.
What to do: Use sparingly and consider safer alternatives when available.
D - Caution
Similar to C grade but contains multiple cautionary ingredients. The combination increases overall concern.
What to do: Try to avoid if that makes you feel better. If you've already used it, no need to panic.
F - Avoid
Contains ingredients with established risks during pregnancy. Research shows these can cause birth defects, developmental harm, or serious maternal complications.
What to do: Do not use during pregnancy. If you've already used it, don't worry - contact your OBGYN if concerned.
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References
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