12 Best Pregnancy-safe Foundations That Your Skin Will Love

Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer
Updated on Feb 22, 2024
best pregnancy safe foundations
The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation process

What makes the best pregnancy-safe foundations, you ask? A vegan, cruelty-free, fragrance-free, and chemical-free formula is the one for the job! As a mother, while you are being careful of what kind of food ingredients enter your body, it is also equally important to keep a check on components that penetrate through the epidermis of the skin. The AM-PM skincare that you religiously followed in your pre-pregnancy era needs a diligent peruse of the ingredients on the label. Similarly, while you do not have to stop wearing makeup, you need to switch to pregnancy-safe makeup, especially the foundation, which creates the base and stays on the skin for a long period of time. 

The harsh chemicals like toxins and animal derivatives can cause potential hormonal imbalances, and birth defects, or pose adverse effects on the fetus. Our findings show that to keep the baby-mumma duo safe, a vegan, mineral foundation is the answer. To up the ante for your pregnancy glow and a naturally dewy face freshness, here is our curation of the top 12 pregnancy-friendly foundations. 

12 Best Pregnancy-Safe Foundations

Add to that pregnancy glow with PÜR's foundation. The easy applicator allows the foundation to glide easily over your skin without caking around any existing acne. Suitable for acne-prone skin, this formula offers flawless coverage with a sheen finish. All you need is to apply 1-2 pumps and gently dab it over your face. You can use a brush or your fingertips for complete coverage. The beauty of this product is that it easily doubles up as a foundation and a concealer that makes your makeup routine much simpler. 

Pros
  • Cruelty-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Easy to use
Cons
  • On the expensive side
  • Most Luxe Formula

    Dermablend Cover Crème Full Coverage Foundation

    Dermablend Cover Crème Full Coverage Foundation
  • Easily cover your dark circles and other skincare concerns with Dermablend's creme foundation. It easily hides dark circles, blemishes, and acne scars without making your skin look cakey. This product is also infused with mineral sunscreen SPF 30. Suitable for all skin types, the non-comedogenic formula makes it suitable for daily wear. It helps maintain your skin barrier to give you a smooth, natural finish. Apply a primer and gently massage the foundation into your skin. 

    Pros
    • Paraben-free
    • Allergy tested
    • Fragrance-free
    • Non-comedogenic
    • Comes with SPF 30
    Cons
    • Might look cakey if too much product is used
  • Catrice COSMETICS HD LIQUID COVERAGE FOUNDATION

    Catrice COSMETICS HD LIQUID COVERAGE FOUNDATION
  • This HD liquid foundation by Catrice has an ultra-lightweight formula with high coverage and a long-lasting natural finish. The mattifying effect gives a cloudy finish and can be effective for oily skin as well. The seamless application of the foundation glides over like an airbrush and acts as a second skin. For expecting mothers, this foundation is a safe and sound pick as it is cruelty-free, vegan, paraben-free, gluten-free, oil-free, and alcohol-free. For bonus features, the foundation evens out the complexion and lasts for up to 24 hours.

    Pros
    • Water and sweatproof
    • Cruelty-free
    • Suitable for all skin types
    • Easy drip applicator
    • Wide shade range
    Cons
    • Can be slightly drying
  • Best Active Ingredients

    bareMinerals BAREPRO Performance Wear Liquid Foundation

     bareMinerals BAREPRO Performance Wear Liquid Foundation
  • SPF protection meets liquid foundation — this vegan emulsion by bareMinerals has full coverage for up to 24 hours. The breathable formula effectively and instantly improves skin texture, smoothens any fine lines, and blurs the appearance of pores and skin imperfections. The active ingredients, papaya enzymes, bamboo stem extract, and a blend of mineral pigments and lipids, lend unique benefits to the skin. Hop on to the vegan wagon with this cruelty-free and paraben-free foundation, and keep your skin protected from harsh chemicals. 

    Pros
    • Suitable for all skin types
    • Wide shade range
    • Transfer-resistant
    • Crease-resistant
    • Natural-looking matte finish
    Cons
    • Can be drying
    • Difficult to use
  • Best Matte Finish

    Burt's Bees Mattifying Powder Foundation With Bamboo

    Burt's Bees Mattifying Powder Foundation With Bamboo
  • Next under our radar: this 100% natural foundation by Burt's Bees is enriched with nourishing ingredients like bamboo extract, honey, and mineral compounds. The mattifying foundation has a powder formula that blends effortlessly, absorbs excess oil, and evens the skin. The buildable powder gives a long-lasting natural finish. The product is available in six shades and is inclusive of a compact mirror and sponge. Being a treat for pregnant mothers’ skin, this foundation is without parabens, phthalates, SLS, petrolatum, talc, synthetic fragrances, or silicones. 

    Pros
    • Paraben-free
    • Oil-free
    • Suitable for oily and combination skin
    • Long-lasting results
    • Cruelty-free
    Cons
    • Can get dry
  • Best Nourishing Formula

    jane iredale Liquid Minerals A Foundation

     jane iredale Liquid Minerals A Foundation
  • Skincare-infused makeup? Sign us up! This serum-based mineral foundation by Jane iredale is all things good for the skin. The pigmented formula is light-reflecting, hydrating, and has anti-aging benefits. The presence of hyaluronic acid soothes and plumps the skin while working to minimize pores and blur the appearance of wrinkles and pesky creases. With a dewy and lustrous finish, the foundation offers a sheer to medium coverage. Super easy and safe to use for expecting mums, the natural-looking foundation is vegan and cruelty-free.

    Pros
    • Calms the skin
    • Soothing formula
    • Wide range of shades
    • Lightweight foundation
    • Anti-aging formula
    Cons
    • Pricey
    • Water based consistency
  • Almay Smart Shade Skintone Matching™ Makeup

    Almay Smart Shade Skintone Matching™ Makeup
  • Add to your stash: everyday makeup, but smarter and better! This intuitive foundation by Almay camouflages your skin tone. The liquid formula is infused with innovative tonemimic technology that works to transform the white liquid into the shade of your skin and create the ideal foundation for a seamless and naturally flushed look. It also combats the signs of aging, leaving you with radiant and flawless skin. This buildable foundation has a medium to light coverage, available in six, skin-tone-adjusting shades. Being dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, clean, and cruelty-free, this product makes the case for an ideal choice for pregnant women. 

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free
    • Gives an even skin tone
    • Hydrating formula
    • Travel-friendly
    Cons
    • Very sheer
    • Undertones might not match
  • Best Buildable Coverage

    BaeBlu Organic Aloe-Based LUX Liquid Foundation

    BaeBlu Organic Aloe-Based LUX Liquid Foundation
  • Your search for certified organic and natural makeup ends here. The anti-aging liquid foundation by BaeBlu has no artificial colors, preservatives, or fragrances. The vegan formula is cruelty-free and gluten-free, free from harmful chemicals and parabens. You will love how it feels on the skin — being lightweight, non-greasy, and with a smooth finish, the foundation is available in 16 shades. Suitable for all skin types, the ethically curated foundation has an advanced botanical formula and nourishing ingredients like aloe leaf juice that result in a healthy glow and youthful appearance

    Pros
    • Buildable coverage
    • Multiple shades
    • Clean makeup
    • Non-greasy formula
    • Nourishing
    Cons
    • Might not be suitable for sensitive skin
  • Best for Sensitive Skin

    ILIA - True Skin Serum Foundation

    ILIA - True Skin Serum Foundation
  • Aloe leaf, rosehip, jojoba seed oil, marula oils, plant-based squalane, matic, and active levels of Niacinamide are whipped up to create ILIA’s serum foundation. This powerful blend nourishes the skin and gives a flawless skin finish. A unique feature of the foundation is the melt-in formula that delivers a skin-like, natural complexion, and a buildable, medium coverage. After putting it to the test, we found out that it soothes skin irritation, and plump fine lines, and effortlessly blends with its silky-velvety texture. An enhanced and radiant version of your skin is achievable with just a few pumps. For expecting mothers, the good news is that this is a cruelty-free and fragrance-free product without toxic chemicals. 

    Pros
    • Suitable for sensitive skin
    • Sheer and lightweight
    • Buildable coverage
    • Dewy look
    Cons
    • Pricey
    • Not too long-lasting
  • Best Mineral Formula

    Illuminare Moisturizing Mineral Foundation

     Illuminare Moisturizing Mineral Foundation
  • For expecting mums who love stepping out, with a fresh and dewy look — this moisturizing mineral foundation by Illuminare is the answer! It is infused with broad-spectrum SPF 20. The multitasking formula acts as your foundation, concealer, and sunscreen. You can swiftly achieve a glowy finish, even complexion, and smooth skin with this medium coverage and oil-free formula. For this mineral-based foundation, a little goes a long way, while offering a breathable and buildable coverage. The skin-loving properties are attributed to its clean and vegan-friendly formula. 

    Pros
    • Perfect for normal to dry skin
    • Suitable for sensitive skin
    • Cruelty-free Dewy finish
    • Five shades
    • Gluten-free
    • Paraben-free
    Cons
    • Can feel heavy on the skin
  • Best Serum Foundation

    Juice Beauty PHYTO-PIGMENTS Flawless Serum Foundation

    Juice Beauty PHYTO-PIGMENTS Flawless Serum Foundation
  • Brimming with hydrating coconut alkanes, antioxidant-rich technology, concentrated plant-derived Phyto-Pigments, vitamins C & E, resveratrol-rich grapeseed, and fruit stem cells — this serum foundation by Juice Beauty is a must-try. The top features of this foundation include age-defying properties, smoother skin texture, buildable and full coverage, blurred wrinkles and fine lines, and seamless blending. Comfortable for all skin types, this skincare-infused makeup excludes silicones and is authentically organic, vegan, cruelty-free, and paraben free. 

    Pros
    • Plant pigment makeup
    • Organic ingredients
    • Anti-aging formula
    • Silicone-free
    • Lasts long
    Cons
    • Can feel dry
  • Best Tinted Oil

    Kosas Tinted Face Oil

    Kosas Tinted Face Oil
  • Like the infamous tinted lip oils, it’s time to hop on to tinted face oil by Kosas. The velvety skin tint is a healthy balance of mineral oil pigments and active botanicals, with 15  skin-nourishing ingredients. The formula soothes, nourishes, and protects the skin while being lightweight and pore-minimizing. Perfect for normal to dry to normal skin, the face oil offers a dewy and natural finish, which looks like a second skin. This tinted skincare can be an easy pick for expecting mothers, for everyday use. 

    Pros
    • Nourishing formula
    • Clinically tested
    • Skin plumping properties
    • Skin moisturizing properties
    • Velvety finish
    Cons
    • Might feel greasy
    • Unsatisfactory packaging

    What to Look for in Pregnancy-safe Foundations?

    Now that you have accessed our list of top recommendations, read on to know more about pregnancy-safe foundations and how can you find your perfect match, from our buying guide:

    Formulation: Along with choosing a vegan foundation or cruelty-free formulation, it is necessary to peruse the ingredient list from the labels to avoid any component that might be unsuitable for the skin. Opt for non-toxic foundations, without animal derivatives, preserving agents like parabens, phthalates, and hormone disruptors. Mineral foundations can be your best friends as they are free from chemicals, fragrances, parabens, and talc. 

    Skin Type: The skin during pregnancy may experience changes and your skincare or makeup must be adaptive. Some experience extremely sensitive, or dry skin, while others get prone to acne and oily skin. Those with oily skin should use a non-comedogenic foundation, and a moisturizing foundation should be picked by women with dry skin. 

    Climate: One must also take into consideration the surrounding climate when buying a pregnancy-safe foundation. If the weather is too hot or humid, opt for an oil-free formula. If the climate is cold and dry, go for a foundation infused with moisturizing ingredients.

    What Are the Benefits of Using Pregnancy-Safe Foundations?

    Our skincare regimen is a curated session to cleanse, treat, moisturize, and protect the skin. We most definitely turn all the ingredients in our favor to maintain our healthy skin. However, with pregnancy, like all other things in life, our skincare and makeup change too. As you add baby-care goodies onto your shelf, make sure to replace your existing ones with pregnancy-friendly products too.

    Certain active ingredients like retinoids, salicylic acid, phthalates, hydroquinone, parabens, and others are known to pose risks for childbirth defects and thus are considered unfit for pregnant women by dermatologists. Our skin tends to absorb, and a lot of unwanted compounds can enter the body, including your little one’s. 

    Going for pregnancy-safe options, which include vegan, clean, and preferably organic products helps combat the skin changes caused by hormonal imbalance during pregnancy. Many women experience sensitive skin, dry patches, acne, dark spots, etc which can be treated by pregnancy-friendly clean products. 

    Conclusion:

    While adapting to numerous changes that pregnancy brings to you, one small change that you will thank yourself for is replacing that heavy-coverage, full-glam foundation with a clean, lightweight, and natural looking one. You sure would love to keep the nasties away, and using a vegan, chemical-free, mineral foundation is the one to begin with. Not only does it avoid hormonal imbalances during pregnancy and childbirth defects, but it also helps your irritated skin remain calm, yet fresh and with an even skin tone. Our low-down on the best pregnancy-safe foundations is your cue to switch for good. 

    FAQ's

    Are all-natural or organic foundations safe for pregnancy?
    Even foundations that claim to be organic, with natural ingredients might have some ingredients lurking in them that are not good for you during pregnancy. It's recommended that expecting mothers be extra careful and check the ingredients list before buying a foundation.
    Are there any pregnancy-safe foundations that provide full coverage?
    Yes, some foundations are lightweight yet offer full coverage with a natural finish to plump skin, even out texture, and give a smooth complexion.
    Are there any foundations that help with pregnancy-related skin discoloration?
    Vegan and clean ingredients formulas are also infused with skincare ingredients like vitamins, oils, and antioxidants that work to fight discoloration while masking them with makeup.
    What ingredients should you avoid in makeup while pregnant?
    Preservative agents like parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, retinol, artificial fragrances, and benzoyl peroxide, are some of the common ingredients that should be avoided in makeup during pregnancy.
    Are mineral foundations safe for use during pregnancy?
    Yes, mineral foundations are an ideal choice for pregnant women.
    Can I use foundations during pregnancy if I have sensitive skin?
    Yes, hypoallergenic foundations, free from harmful chemicals can be used to cater to sensitive skincare needs.
    Can I use foundations with SPF during pregnancy?
    Yes, but it is recommended to avoid chemical sunscreens that contain Oxybenzone.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Sayantani believes in women enjoying their pregnancy with safety measures, while still maintaining their glow. After being a label sleuth, she handpicked the foundations that are pregnancy friendly and a must-have for expecting mothers. She tested the textures, stay, shade matching, and ingredients to curate a list that will cater to every need and expectation. 

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

     

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Sayantani Deb
    Makeup & Beauty Writer

    Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More