Pregnancy changes your skin in ways that catch most people off guard. It stretches. It itches. It gets drier in some places, oilier in others. Sensitivity spikes. And suddenly, the products you have been reaching for without a second thought start to feel worth a closer look.

I started Eartha because I wanted to understand exactly what I was putting on my body. That curiosity only deepened as I learned more about how skin absorbs what we apply to it, and what that means when your body is doing something as significant as growing a person.

This is not a scare piece. It is a straightforward guide to navigating body oils during pregnancy, written for anyone who wants to make more considered choices without going down a rabbit hole of conflicting information.

Why your skin needs more attention during pregnancy

As the body changes shape, skin stretches significantly around the belly, hips, thighs, and chest. The skin barrier can become compromised during this time, making it more permeable and more reactive. Dryness, tightness, and itchiness are common, and for many people, existing sensitivities become more pronounced.

A good body oil, applied consistently, can support skin elasticity and help it stay comfortable through these changes. The key is choosing one that is genuinely safe, not just one that markets itself that way.

What to avoid

A few ingredient categories are worth steering clear of during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester when the body is most sensitive.

Synthetic fragrance. Listed simply as "fragrance" or "parfum" on an ingredient label, this single term can contain hundreds of undisclosed chemicals. Some are known endocrine disruptors. Because fragrance is legally protected as a trade secret, brands are not required to disclose what is inside it. During pregnancy, when hormone balance is particularly significant, this is one worth avoiding.

Retinoids and high-dose vitamin A derivatives. Commonly found in anti-ageing formulations. These are generally advised against during pregnancy by most healthcare providers.

Certain essential oils in high concentrations. Not all essential oils are equal during pregnancy. Clary sage, rosemary, and peppermint in high doses are often flagged. Well-formulated products use essential oils at safe, skin-appropriate levels, but it is worth checking with your doctor or midwife if you are unsure.

Mineral oil and petrolatum in cheap formulations. These are not necessarily harmful, but they sit on top of the skin rather than absorbing. During pregnancy, when skin needs real nourishment, they tend to underdeliver.

What to look for instead

The best body oils for pregnancy are simple, plant-based, and transparent about every ingredient they contain. Look for formulations built around carrier oils like jojoba, squalane, or sweet almond, which absorb well and work with the skin's natural barrier rather than against it.

Scent, if present, should come from essential oils used at appropriate concentrations, not from synthetic fragrance. And the ingredient list should be short enough that you can actually read it.

How to use a body oil during pregnancy

The most effective way to apply body oil is to warm skin straight out of the shower, while it is still slightly damp. The moisture helps the oil absorb more readily and spreads further. Focus on areas that tend to experience the most stretch: the belly, hips, chest, and thighs. A slow, circular massage also encourages circulation, which can help with the heaviness many people feel later in pregnancy.

Consistency matters more than quantity. A small amount applied daily will do more than a generous amount used occasionally.

A place to start

If you are looking for somewhere to start, the Eartha Body Oil is formulated with a small number of plant-based ingredients, no synthetic fragrance, and no fillers. It is light enough for Singapore's humidity and absorbs without residue. We also make a n unscented Hair Oil for anyone whose scalp and strands are feeling the shift too, which they often do during pregnancy.

As always, check with your midwife or doctor about any new products you are introducing during pregnancy. Every body is different, and the goal here is simply to make that conversation a little more informed.