Is CeraVe Moisturizing Cream Safe During Pregnancy? (Updated 2026 Guide)
Updated July 13, 2026
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Cerave
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream receives a C+ for pregnancy based on its ingredient profile. It contains many familiar moisturizing ingredients, but phenoxyethanol raises a caution that may lead you to prefer a simpler alternative 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.
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What Ingredients Are in CeraVe Moisturizing Cream?
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream has 24 ingredients. We flagged 1 ingredient to use with caution.
phenoxyethanol
CAUTION
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative in cosmetics and personal care products. Phenoxyethanol warrants caution during pregnancy because this preservative has safety warnings associated with nursing products and central nervous system effects.
dipotassium phosphate
LIKELY SAFE
Dipotassium phosphate is mineral compounds used as food additives for preservation and texture in processed foods and beverages. Dipotassium phosphate is classified as likely safe, while concerns about mineral imbalance relate primarily to excessive dietary intake.
potassium phosphate
LIKELY SAFE
Potassium phosphate is mineral compounds used as food additives for preservation and texture in processed foods and beverages. Potassium phosphate is classified as likely safe, while concerns about mineral imbalance relate primarily to excessive dietary intake.
tocopherol
LIKELY SAFE
Tocopherol is a fat soluble antioxidant Vitamin commonly found in prenatal supplements and vegetable oils. Topical tocopherol is classified as likely safe, while reported pregnancy concerns involve excessive vitamin E intake during early pregnancy.
aqua
SAFE
Aqua is the scientific term for water, commonly used as a solvent and base ingredient in various cosmetic and skincare products. Aqua is water used as the formula’s base and presents no identified pregnancy concern in topical skincare.
behentrimonium methosulfate
SAFE
Behentrimonium methosulfate is a gentle conditioning agent derived from natural oils that helps detangle and soften hair. Behentrimonium methosulfate is a gentle conditioning ingredient with no identified pregnancy concern in this topical formula.
caprylic capric triglyceride
SAFE
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is a lightweight, skin conditioning oil derived from Coconut oil and glycerin that helps moisturize and improve the texture of the skin. Caprylic capric triglyceride is a skin conditioning Moisturizer with no identified pregnancy concern in topical use.
carbomer
SAFE
Carbomer is a synthetic, water soluble polymer used as a thickening, stabilizing, and emulsifying agent in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations. Carbomer is a thickener and stabilizer with no identified pregnancy concern in this topical formula.
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. Ceramide AP supports the skin barrier and has no identified pregnancy concern in topical use.
ceramide eop
SAFE
Ceramide EOP is a lipid molecule that helps restore and strengthen the skin's natural barrier, promoting hydration and protection. Ceramide EOP helps restore the skin barrier and has no identified pregnancy concern in topical use.
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. Ceramide NP supports hydration and barrier protection without an identified pregnancy concern in topical use.
ceteareth 20
SAFE
Ceteareth 20 is assessed as safe in this formula, with no specific pregnancy concern identified.
cetearyl alcohol
SAFE
Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol commonly used as an emollient, emulsifier, and thickening agent in skincare and cosmetic products. Cetearyl alcohol is a moisturizing fatty alcohol with no identified pregnancy concern in topical use.
cetyl alcohol
SAFE
Cetyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol commonly used as an emollient, thickener, and emulsifier in skincare and cosmetic products. Cetyl alcohol is an emollient and thickener with no identified pregnancy concern in topical use.
cholesterol
SAFE
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat like substance found in the blood and cells that is essential for hormone production and cell membrane integrity. Topical cholesterol supports skin barrier structure and has no identified pregnancy concern in this formula.
dimethicone
SAFE
Dimethicone is a silicone based polymer commonly used in skincare and cosmetic products to provide a smooth, silky feel and create a protective barrier on the skin. Dimethicone forms a moisture protective skin barrier and has no identified pregnancy concern in topical use.
disodium edta
SAFE
Disodium EDTA is a chelating agent commonly used in cosmetics and food products to bind metal ions and improve stability. Disodium EDTA stabilizes the formula and has no identified pregnancy concern in topical use.
ethylhexylglycerin
SAFE
Ethylhexylglycerin is a skin conditioning agent and preservative booster commonly used in cosmetics to enhance product stability and provide mild antimicrobial benefits. Ethylhexylglycerin conditions the skin and supports preservation without an identified pregnancy concern in this formula.
glycerin
SAFE
Glycerin is a colorless, odorless, and sweet tasting humectant commonly used in skincare products to attract and retain moisture in the skin. Glycerin attracts moisture to the skin and has no identified pregnancy concern in topical use.
petrolatum
SAFE
Petrolatum is a semi solid, occlusive substance derived from petroleum that is commonly used to moisturize and protect the skin. Petrolatum helps seal in moisture and has no identified pregnancy concern when used topically.
phytosphingosine
SAFE
Phytosphingosine is a naturally occurring sphingolipid that helps to strengthen the skin's barrier and provide antimicrobial benefits. Phytosphingosine supports the skin barrier and has no identified pregnancy concern in this topical formula.
sodium hyaluronate
SAFE
Sodium hyaluronate is a powerful hydrating agent that helps retain moisture in the skin, promoting plumpness and elasticity. Sodium hyaluronate hydrates the skin and has no identified pregnancy concern in topical use.
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. Sodium lauroyl lactylate is a gentle emulsifier with no identified pregnancy concern in this topical formula.
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. Xanthan gum thickens and stabilizes the cream without an identified pregnancy concern in topical use.
Answering Your Questions
How much CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is safe during pregnancy?
Apply a thin, even layer just enough to cover the dry area without leaving excessive residue. Start with a small amount and add more only if your skin still feels dry.
Can you use CeraVe Moisturizing Cream daily while pregnant?
Use as needed, commonly after cleansing or bathing and whenever skin feels dry. Reduce use or stop if irritation develops, and ask your healthcare professional if you have concerns about regular use during pregnancy.
Why did CeraVe Moisturizing Cream receive a C+?
The C+ comes from ingredient based scoring. Most of the formula consists of moisturizers, barrier supporting ingredients, and formulation aids, but phenoxyethanol is flagged for caution; dipotassium phosphate, potassium phosphate, and tocopherol are classified as likely safe rather than risk free.
Can I use CeraVe Moisturizing Cream while pregnant?
Its C+ grade means it is not among the most preferred options for pregnancy, even though many ingredients are considered compatible with topical use. If you want to minimize avoidable caution ingredients, choose a simpler Moisturizer without phenoxyethanol or discuss continued use with your healthcare professional.
Can I use CeraVe Moisturizing Cream while breastfeeding?
Use extra care because phenoxyethanol carries a caution associated with nursing products. Avoid applying it on or near the nipple where a baby could ingest it, and ask your healthcare professional before using it on the breast.
Does CeraVe Moisturizing Cream contain retinol?
Retinol does not appear in the reviewed ingredient list. The cream instead uses ingredients such as ceramides, glycerin, petrolatum, dimethicone, and sodium hyaluronate to support moisture and the skin barrier.
What are some pregnancy conscious alternatives?
Look for a fragrance free Moisturizer with a short ingredient list and familiar hydrators such as glycerin, ceramides, petrolatum, or hyaluronic acid. If you want to avoid the ingredient that most affected this grade, select a phenoxyethanol free formula and verify its current label before buying.
What do the ceramides in this cream do?
Ceramides AP, EOP, and NP help restore and strengthen the skin barrier, supporting hydration and protection. These ceramides are included among the ingredients assessed as safe in this formula.
What Are Pregnancy Safe Alternatives to CeraVe Moisturizing Cream?
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+ | Byoma Moisturizing Rich Cream | Byoma | moisturizer |
| A | 100% Organic Argan Oil Moisturizer | Trader Joe'S | moisturizer |
| A | De La Cruz 100% Pure Olive Oil Moisturizer For Hair & Skin | De La Cruz | moisturizer |
| A | Aveeno Skin Relief Overnight Intense Moisture Cream Fragrance-Free | Aveeno | moisturizer |
Are Other Cerave Products Safe During Pregnancy?
We looked at 16 other Cerave products. 0 are pregnancy safe (A or B grade), while 16 need a closer look.
| Grade | Product | Type |
|---|---|---|
| C | Cerave Daily Moisturizing Lotion | moisturizer |
| C | Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser | facial cleanser |
| 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 Moisturizing Cream Compare to Other Moisturizers?
We graded 195 Moisturizers for pregnancy safety. Here's how they stack up:
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream earns a C+ grade, placing it among the majority of Moisturizers. Only 3% 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.
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