Is Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash Safe During Pregnancy? (Updated 2026 Guide)
Updated March 12, 2026
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash
Aveeno
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash receives a C grade due to two caution level ingredients: fragrance and sodium benzoate. While the oat based formula is gentle and soothing, pregnant women may want to consider fragrance free alternatives to minimize exposure to synthetic fragrance compounds.
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 Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash?
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash has 17 ingredients. We flagged 2 ingredients to use with caution.
fragrance
CAUTION
Fragrance is a mixture of aromatic chemicals in scented products. Synthetic fragrance blends may contain phthalates linked to developmental concerns; consider fragrance free alternatives during pregnancy.
sodium benzoate
CAUTION
Sodium benzoate is a food preservative in beverages and processed foods. Generally safe in small amounts, but minimize exposure during pregnancy as it may form benzene when combined with vitamin C.
avena sativa kernel extract
SAFE
Avena sativa kernel extract is a natural ingredient derived from oats, known for its soothing, moisturizing, and antioxidant properties in skincare formulations. Colloidal oatmeal extract is gentle and soothing; safe for topical use during pregnancy.
avena sativa kernel flour
SAFE
Avena sativa kernel flour is a nutritious, gluten free flour made from ground oats, commonly used in baking and cooking for its wholesome flavor and health benefits. Finely ground oat flour used for skin soothing; safe during pregnancy.
avena sativa kernel oil
SAFE
Avena sativa kernel oil is a nourishing, lightweight oil extracted from oats, known for its moisturizing and soothing properties for the skin. Nourishing oat oil that moisturizes without irritation; safe for pregnancy use.
citric acid
SAFE
Citric acid is a natural organic acid commonly used as a preservative and flavor enhancer in food and beverages. A natural preservative found in citrus fruits; safe during pregnancy.
cocamidopropyl betaine
SAFE
Cocamidopropyl betaine is a gentle, amphoteric surfactant derived from coconut oil, commonly used in personal care products for its foaming and cleansing properties. A gentle coconut derived surfactant widely used in baby products; safe for pregnancy use.
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.
glycol distearate
SAFE
Glycol distearate is a white, waxy, pearlizing agent commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products to create a shimmering, pearlescent effect. A pearlizing agent used for cosmetic appearance with no known pregnancy safety concerns.
guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride
SAFE
Guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride is a conditioning agent derived from guar gum that helps improve hair manageability and smoothness. A plant derived conditioning agent; safe for topical use during pregnancy.
myristyl alcohol
SAFE
Myristyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol derived from myristic acid, commonly used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetic and skincare products. A fatty alcohol emollient derived from natural fats; safe for topical use during pregnancy.
polyquaterium 10
SAFE
A mild conditioning polymer commonly used in rinse off products; safe during pregnancy.
sodium chloride
SAFE
Sodium chloride is a common mineral known as table salt, used to enhance the flavor of food and as a preservative. Common salt used as a thickener; completely safe for topical use during pregnancy.
sodium hydroxide
SAFE
Sodium hydroxide is a highly caustic, white, solid compound commonly used as a strong base in cleaning, manufacturing, and chemical processes. Used as a pH adjuster in small amounts; safe in finished cosmetic products.
sodium laureth sulfate
SAFE
Sodium laureth sulfate is a common surfactant and foaming agent used in shampoos and cleansers to create lather and remove oils and dirt. A common cleansing surfactant; safe for topical use during pregnancy when rinsed off.
tetrasodium edta
SAFE
Tetrasodium EDTA is a chelating agent commonly used in cosmetics and food products to bind metal ions and enhance stability. A chelating agent that stabilizes formulas; safe in cosmetic concentrations during pregnancy.
water
SAFE
Water is a clear, tasteless, and essential liquid that sustains all known forms of life. Essential for amniotic fluid, increased blood volume, and overall pregnancy health.
Answering Your Questions
How much Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash is safe during pregnancy?
Use a small amount, about a quarter sized dollop, on a washcloth or loofah. The formula lathers well so you don't need much to cleanse your entire body effectively.
Can you use Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash daily while pregnant?
Safe for daily use during pregnancy. Since it's a rinse off product, the brief skin contact minimizes absorption of the caution level ingredients.
Is Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash safe while breastfeeding?
Yes, this body wash is safe to use while breastfeeding. The caution level ingredients (fragrance and sodium benzoate) are present in small amounts and are rinsed off quickly, posing minimal risk during nursing.
What are pregnancy safe alternatives to Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash?
For a fragrance free option, try Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash or Vanicream Gentle Body Wash. Both are formulated without synthetic fragrances and receive higher pregnancy safety grades.
Why does Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash get a C grade?
The C grade is due to two caution level ingredients: fragrance (which may contain phthalates linked to developmental concerns) and sodium benzoate (a preservative that can form benzene when combined with vitamin C). The remaining 15 ingredients are considered safe.
Can I use Aveeno oatmeal bath while pregnant?
Yes, Aveeno oatmeal baths are generally considered safe during pregnancy. The colloidal oatmeal is soothing for itchy, stretching skin. Check the specific product's ingredient list, as some formulations may contain fragrance.
What ingredients should I avoid in body wash during pregnancy?
Avoid retinoids, high dose salicylic acid, hydroquinone, and formaldehyde releasing preservatives. Use caution with synthetic fragrances and parabens. This Aveeno body wash is free of the most concerning ingredients but does contain fragrance.
Is Aveeno safe during pregnancy overall?
Many Aveeno products are pregnancy safe, but it varies by formula. Their fragrance free and oat based products tend to score higher. Always check individual product ingredients, as some Aveeno items contain retinol or other ingredients to avoid during pregnancy.
What Are Pregnancy Safe Alternatives to Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash?
Here are some solid alternatives. Everything below has an A or B grade, meaning no flagged ingredients in our database.
| Grade | Product | Brand | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Dermasil Labs /Moisturizing Body Wash | — | body wash |
| A | Aloe Scented Body Wash, Mild & Gentle - Super C | Super C | body wash |
| A | Manuka Honey & Oatmeal Smooth & Exfoliating Body Wash | Sheamoisture | body wash |
| A | Dove Invigorate Body Wash - Aloe & Eucalyptus Oil 24Hr Lotion-Soft Skin - 20 Fl Oz | Dove Beauty | body wash |
Are Other Aveeno Products Safe During Pregnancy?
We looked at 11 other Aveeno products. 5 are pregnancy safe (A or B grade), while 6 need a closer look.
| Grade | Product | Type |
|---|---|---|
| C+ | Aveeno Sheer Hydration Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion Fast-Absorbing Body Moisturizer For Dry Skin | body lotion |
| B+ | Ave Daily Moist Lotion 354Ml | lotion |
| B+ | Aveeno Active Daily Moisturizing Natural Lotion | lotion |
| B+ | Aveeno Active Naturals 24-Hour Moisturizing Lotion 532Ml | moisturizing lotion |
How Does Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash Compare to Other Body Washes?
We graded 557 Body Washes for pregnancy safety. Here's how they stack up:
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash earns a C grade, placing it among the majority of Body Washes. Only 1% 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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References
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- https://www.babymed.com/perfume during pregnancy
- https://www.matcanaturals.com/blogs/news/fragrances and pregnancy what you need to know
- https://bastilleparfums.com/en us/blogs/news/parfum et grossesse un danger pour les femmes enceintes
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9163252/
- https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy pregnancy/is it safe/perfume and pregnancy/
- https://oneseedperfumes.com/blogs/news/perfume and pregnancy why exposure to scent is critial to consider
- https://eshaivf.com/blogs/are your perfumes hurting your fertility/%20%20
- https://www.cleanconsciousbeauty.com/best pregnancy safe perfumes perfume for pregnant mother/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39079634/
- https://echochildren.org/research summaries/study finds link between phthalate exposure during pregnancy and development of multiple health outcomes in children/
- https://midatlanticwomenscare.com/ingredients in beauty products you should avoid during pregnancy/
- https://hsph.harvard.edu/news/phthalates exposure pregnancy loss gestational diabetes/
- https://www.marchofdimes.org/find support/blog/personal care products and cosmetic use during pregnancy
- https://tangieco.com/blog/dangers of synthetic fragrance and-6-studies to back it up/
- https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2794076
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11921639/
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