Best Pregnancy Safe Toner (Updated 2026 Guide)
Updated March 25, 2026
The Answer
Most toners require caution during pregnancy. Of 78 products analyzed, only 3 received an A grade. Look for simple formulas with witch hazel or rosewater, and avoid toners containing phenoxyethanol, fragrance, salicylic acid above 2%, and parabens.
Ingredient choice matters significantly when selecting a toner during pregnancy. Many popular toners contain phenoxyethanol (found in 51 of 78 products), which has FDA warnings related to central nervous system effects. Fragrances, present in many formulas, may contain phthalates linked to preterm birth and neurodevelopmental effects. Choosing a simple, fragrance free formula with minimal preservatives reduces unnecessary exposure during pregnancy.
Pregnancy Safe is 100% independent and research driven. No companies pay to promote or sponsor products.
✓ What's Safe
- • Witch hazel based formulas - a gentle, naturally derived astringent
- • Rosewater or aloe vera as primary ingredients
- • Fragrance free or unscented formulas
- • Short ingredient lists with recognizable components
- • Glycerin and hyaluronic acid for hydration (both pregnancy safe)
✗ What to Avoid
- • Phenoxyethanol - has FDA warnings for central nervous system effects
- • Fragrance/Parfum - may contain phthalates linked to preterm birth
- • Salicylic acid above 2% - high concentrations can cause aspirin like effects
- • Methylparaben and propylparaben - associated with preterm birth and endocrine disruption
- • Sodium benzoate - may form benzene when combined with vitamin C
- • Retinol or retinoids - associated with birth defects (not common in toners but check labels)
Most Common Ingredients in Toner Products
We analyzed 78 toner products. Here are the most common ingredients, ranked by how often they appear:
Ingredients to Watch Out For in Toner
These are the most common flagged ingredients across 78 toner products we analyzed.
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 common preservative with FDA warnings related to central nervous system effects. Found in 51 of 78 toners analyzed, making it difficult to avoid but worth seeking alternatives.
Found in 51 of 78 products (65%)
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 preservative that has shown birth defects in animal studies at high doses. May form benzene when combined with vitamin C, which some toners contain.
Found in 25 of 78 products (32%)
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,' this catch all term can hide phthalates linked to preterm birth and neurodevelopmental effects in children.
Found in 17 of 78 products (22%)
salicylic acid
CAUTION
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid for acne treatment. Is safe at 2% or less but high concentrations can cause aspirin like effects in late pregnancy. Safe at concentrations of 2% or less in topical products, but higher concentrations or oral forms can cause aspirin like effects in late pregnancy.
Found in 17 of 78 products (22%)
benzoic acid
CAUTION
Benzoic acid 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. Similar concerns to sodium benzoate - has shown birth defects in animal studies at high doses and may form benzene with vitamin C.
Found in 9 of 78 products (12%)
methylparaben
CAUTION
Methylparaben is a synthetic preservative with estrogenic activity. Is associated with preterm birth and altered thyroid hormones in some studies. A synthetic preservative with estrogenic activity, associated with preterm birth and altered thyroid hormones in some studies.
Found in 8 of 78 products (10%)
fructose
CAUTION
Fructose is a simple sugar found naturally in fruits and added to many processed foods and beverages as high fructose corn syrup. May program offspring for metabolic dysfunction when consumed in excess during pregnancy, with animal studies showing effects on insulin resistance, blood pressure, and neurodevelopment.
Found in 7 of 78 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. Another term for fragrance - may contain undisclosed phthalates linked to preterm birth and developmental effects.
Found in 6 of 78 products (8%)
How Do Toner Products Stack Up?
We graded 78 toner products for pregnancy safety. 3 received an A grade.
Best Pregnancy Safe Toner
We found 3 pregnancy safe options. Here are some top picks.
| Grade | Product | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| A | Rosewater Toner | Heritage Store |
| A | Glycolic Acid (Aha) Toner | My In.Gredients |
| A | Dickinson'S Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner 16 Fl Oz | Dickinson'S |
Toner to Avoid During Pregnancy
These popular products received low grades due to flagged ingredients.
| Grade | Product | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| D+ | Thayers Hydrating Milky Toner 8.5 Oz | Thayers |
| D+ | Neutrogena Alcohol Free Toner | Neutrogena |
| D | Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Stress Control Triple Action Toner - 8 Fl Oz | Neutrogena |
| D | St. Ives Mint & Tea Tree Deep Cleanse 3-In-1 Daily Astringent Toner - 8.5 Fl Oz | St. Ives |
| D | E.L.F. Keep Your Balance Toner 59333 - 5 Fl Oz | E.L.F. |
Your Questions Answered
Is toner safe during pregnancy?
Toner can be safe during pregnancy if you choose the right formula. The key is avoiding certain ingredients like high concentration salicylic acid, retinoids, and synthetic fragrances. Simple toners with witch hazel, rosewater, or aloe vera are generally considered safe. Of 78 toners we analyzed, only 3 received an A grade for pregnancy safety, so ingredient checking is essential.
What ingredients should I avoid in toner during pregnancy?
The main ingredients to avoid in toners during pregnancy include phenoxyethanol (a preservative with FDA warnings), fragrance or parfum (may contain phthalates), salicylic acid above 2% concentration, parabens like methylparaben and propylparaben, and sodium benzoate. These ingredients appear frequently in popular toners - phenoxyethanol alone was found in 51 of 78 products we analyzed.
Is glycolic acid toner safe during pregnancy?
Glycolic acid in toners is generally considered safe during pregnancy when used in low concentrations typical of over the counter products. Unlike salicylic acid, glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that doesn't carry the same systemic absorption concerns. However, pregnancy can make skin more sensitive, so start with lower concentrations and use less frequently. Always patch test first and consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
Can I use witch hazel toner while pregnant?
Yes, witch hazel toner is generally considered safe during pregnancy and is one of the better options available. Pure witch hazel is a natural astringent that helps with oil control and pore appearance without the concerning ingredients found in many other toners. Look for alcohol free witch hazel formulas with minimal added ingredients. Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Toner is one example that received an A grade in our analysis.
Which facial toner ingredients are risky during pregnancy?
The riskiest toner ingredients during pregnancy include phenoxyethanol (linked to central nervous system effects), synthetic fragrances containing phthalates (associated with preterm birth and developmental effects), high concentration salicylic acid (can have aspirin like effects), and parabens (associated with endocrine disruption). Benzoic acid and sodium benzoate are also flagged as they may form benzene when combined with vitamin C in formulas.
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.
References
- https://www.babymamabrand.com/blogs/good to know/phenoxyethanol safety guide for moms and kids
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3556838/
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jmwh.13428
- https://blissoma.com/phenoxyethanol dangers phenoxyethanol safe what is phenoxyethanol in skincare
- https://motherfigure.com/safe skincare/phenoxyethanol/
- https://millionmarker.com/pages/pregnancy fertility chemical phenoxyethanol
- https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/83-112/default.html
- https://www.mustelausa.com/blogs/mustela mag/is phenoxyethanol safe for you and your newborn
- https://health.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2021-08/sccs_o_195_0.pdf
- https://nayaglow.com/blogs/news/avoid phenoxyethanol clean skincare
- https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/1206103
- https://www.zalinaswissorganic.com/blogs/clean beauty selfcare/the truth about phenoxyethanol a-hidden hazard in skincare
- https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health news/fda warns mothers about nipple cream flna1c9463497
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6985251/
- http://sfda.gov.sa/en/warnings/1156
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12598991/
- https://www.lorealdermatologicalbeauty.com/-/media/project/loreal/brand sites/acdpro/master/dmi/skinalliance/articles/phenoxyethanol/phenoxyethanol_execsummary.pdf?rev=a531ca2bc4b44982b6db701c83284d55
- https://terrellhogan.com/fda warns consumers against using mommys bliss nipple cream/
- https://series.publisso.de/sites/default/files/documents/series/mak/dam/Vol2019/Iss1/Alt006/mb12299kske6319_w.pdf
- https://vetmed.agriculturejournals.cz/pdfs/vet/2012/05/05.pdf
