Is CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser Safe During Pregnancy? (Updated 2026 Guide)
Updated March 12, 2026
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Cerave
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser receives a C+ grade for pregnancy safety. While most ingredients are safe, it contains phenoxyethanol (a preservative with FDA warnings for nursing products) and phosphate compounds that warrant caution during pregnancy.
You can use this, but maybe don't make it your everyday go to. Not the end of the world if you've used it. Consult your OBGYN or midwife if you have concerns.
Pregnancy Safe is 100% independent and research driven. No companies pay to promote or sponsor products.
What Ingredients Are in CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser?
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser has 23 ingredients. We flagged 1 ingredient to use with caution.
cholesterol phenoxyethanol
CAUTION
Cholesterol phenoxyethanol is a preservative in cosmetics and personal care products. Contains phenoxyethanol, a preservative with FDA warnings for nursing products; use with caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
dipotassium phosphate
LIKELY SAFE
Dipotassium phosphate is mineral compounds used as food additives for preservation and texture in processed foods and beverages. A buffering agent; safe in cosmetic concentrations when applied topically during pregnancy.
potassium phosphate
LIKELY SAFE
Potassium phosphate is mineral compounds used as food additives for preservation and texture in processed foods and beverages. A pH adjusting ingredient; safe for topical application during pregnancy.
tocopherol
LIKELY SAFE
Tocopherol is a fat soluble antioxidant vitamin commonly found in prenatal supplements and vegetable oils. Vitamin E is safe in skincare during pregnancy; only high oral doses raise concerns.
aqua water eau
SAFE
Aqua, water, or eau is a clear, tasteless, and odorless liquid essential for life and commonly used as a solvent in various applications. Purified water is completely safe during pregnancy and serves as the base for this gentle cleansing formula.
behentrimonium methosulfate
SAFE
Behentrimonium methosulfate is a gentle conditioning agent derived from natural oils that helps detangle and soften hair. A gentle conditioning agent derived from rapeseed oil; safe for topical use during pregnancy.
carbomer
SAFE
Carbomer is a synthetic, water soluble polymer used as a thickening, stabilizing, and emulsifying agent in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations. A synthetic thickener with no known pregnancy concerns when used topically.
ceramide ap
SAFE
Ceramide AP is a lipid molecule that helps strengthen and restore the skin's natural barrier, promoting hydration and overall skin health. A skin identical lipid that restores the moisture barrier; completely safe during pregnancy.
ceramide eop
SAFE
Ceramide EOP is a lipid molecule that helps restore and strengthen the skin's natural barrier, promoting hydration and protection. Helps strengthen skin's protective barrier; safe and beneficial for pregnancy skincare.
ceramide np
SAFE
Ceramide NP is a lipid molecule that helps strengthen and restore the skin's natural barrier, providing hydration and protection against environmental stressors. Supports skin hydration and barrier function; no pregnancy concerns with topical use.
cetearyl alcohol
SAFE
Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol commonly used as an emollient, emulsifier, and thickening agent in skincare and cosmetic products. A fatty alcohol that softens and conditions skin; completely safe during pregnancy.
cetyl alcohol
SAFE
Cetyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol commonly used as an emollient, thickener, and emulsifier in skincare and cosmetic products. A fatty alcohol emollient that is safe for use during pregnancy.
disodium edta
SAFE
Disodium EDTA is a chelating agent commonly used in cosmetics and food products to bind metal ions and improve stability. A stabilizing agent considered safe in cosmetic concentrations during pregnancy.
ethylhexylglycerin
SAFE
Ethylhexylglycerin is a skin conditioning agent and preservative booster commonly used in cosmetics to enhance product stability and provide mild antimicrobial benefits. A skin conditioning agent and preservative booster; considered safe during pregnancy.
glycerin
SAFE
Glycerin is a colorless, odorless, and sweet tasting humectant commonly used in skincare products to attract and retain moisture in the skin. A gentle humectant that is safe and commonly used during pregnancy.
glyceryl stearate
SAFE
Glyceryl stearate is a moisturizing and emulsifying agent derived from glycerin and stearic acid, commonly used in skincare products to help blend oil and water based ingredients. A plant derived emulsifier that helps blend ingredients; safe for pregnancy skincare.
peg 40 stearate
SAFE
An emulsifier used to stabilize formulas; considered safe in cosmetic concentrations during pregnancy.
phytosphingosine
SAFE
Phytosphingosine is a naturally occurring sphingolipid that helps to strengthen the skin's barrier and provide antimicrobial benefits. A naturally occurring lipid with antimicrobial properties; safe during pregnancy.
polysorbate 20
SAFE
Polysorbate 20 is a gentle, water soluble emulsifier commonly used in cosmetics and skincare products to blend oil and water based ingredients. A mild emulsifier used to blend ingredients; safe for topical application during pregnancy.
sodium hyaluronate
SAFE
Sodium hyaluronate is a powerful hydrating agent that helps retain moisture in the skin, promoting plumpness and elasticity. The salt form of hyaluronic acid for hydration; safe and commonly used during pregnancy.
sodium lauroyl lactylate
SAFE
Sodium lauroyl lactylate is a gentle, biodegradable surfactant and emulsifier derived from lactic acid and fatty acids, commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products. A gentle emulsifier derived from lactic acid; safe for pregnancy skincare.
stearyl alcohol
SAFE
Stearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol commonly used as an emollient, thickener, and stabilizer in skincare and cosmetic formulations. A fatty alcohol emollient that moisturizes skin; safe for use during pregnancy.
xanthan gum
SAFE
Xanthan gum is a natural thickening and stabilizing agent derived from fermented sugars, commonly used in gluten free baking and food processing. A natural thickener derived from fermented sugars; completely safe for topical use during pregnancy.
Answering Your Questions
How much CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser is safe during pregnancy?
Use a small, dime sized amount for each wash. This gentle formula is designed for normal to dry skin and doesn't require excessive product to cleanse effectively.
Can you use CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser daily while pregnant?
Safe for twice daily use as part of your morning and evening skincare routine. The hydrating formula won't strip your skin's natural moisture barrier.
Is CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser safe while breastfeeding?
Use with caution while breastfeeding. This cleanser contains phenoxyethanol, which has FDA warnings specifically for nursing products due to potential central nervous system effects. Consider switching to a phenoxyethanol free alternative during breastfeeding.
What are pregnancy safe alternatives to CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser?
Look for facial cleansers with an A or B grade that contain ceramides and hyaluronic acid but avoid phenoxyethanol. La Roche Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser and Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser are popular pregnancy safe alternatives.
Why does CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser get a C+ grade?
The C+ grade reflects the presence of phenoxyethanol (a preservative with FDA cautions for nursing) and phosphate compounds. While the ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and other hydrating ingredients are excellent and safe, these flagged ingredients prevent a higher rating.
Which CeraVe products are best for pregnancy?
CeraVe offers several pregnancy friendly options. Look for products without retinol, salicylic acid, or phenoxyethanol. The CeraVe Moisturizing Cream and PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion are often recommended, but always check individual product grades for the most current safety information.
What skincare ingredients should I avoid during pregnancy?
Avoid retinoids (retinol, tretinoin), high dose salicylic acid, hydroquinone, and certain chemical Sunscreen filters. Be cautious with phenoxyethanol, especially if breastfeeding. Embrace ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and gentle cleansing agents.
Are ceramides safe during pregnancy?
Yes, ceramides are completely safe during pregnancy. They're skin identical lipids that help restore and strengthen your skin's natural moisture barrier. CeraVe's signature ceramide complex (Ceramide AP, EOP, and NP) is beneficial for pregnancy skincare.
What is the best face moisturizer for pregnancy?
The best pregnancy moisturizers contain gentle, hydrating ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin without concerning preservatives or active ingredients. Look for fragrance free options with an A or B pregnancy safety grade.
What Are Pregnancy Safe Alternatives to CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser?
Here are some solid alternatives. Everything below has an A or B grade, meaning no flagged ingredients in our database.
| Grade | Product | Brand | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| B+ | La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser | La Roche-Posay | facial cleanser |
| A | Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser Foaming Formula | Neutrogena | facial cleanser |
| A | Neutrogena Hydro Boost Soothing Milk Facial Cleanser | Neutrogena | facial cleanser |
| A | Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Foaming Facial Cleanser, Hydrating Face Wash For Sensitive Skin - 16 Fl Oz | Neutrogena | facial cleanser |
Are Other Cerave Products Safe During Pregnancy?
We looked at 15 other Cerave products. 1 are pregnancy safe (A or B grade), while 14 need a closer look.
| Grade | Product | Type |
|---|---|---|
| C | Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser | facial cleanser |
| C | Cerave Daily Moisturizing Lotion | moisturizer |
| C- | Cerave Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser With Benzoyl Peroxide | facial cleanser |
| C- | Cerave Sa Face Wash Salicylic Acid Cleanser With Hyaluronic Acid And Niacinamide | face wash |
How Does CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser Compare to Other Facial Cleansers?
We graded 307 Facial Cleansers for pregnancy safety. Here's how they stack up:
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser earns a C+ grade, placing it among the majority of Facial Cleansers. Only 4% of products in this category get an A grade, so it pays to choose carefully.
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.
People Also Checked
References
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