Short answer: the basic lip balms and moisturizers from Nivea, Burt’s Bees and Mustela are generally considered fine to use while pregnant. None of their everyday lip balms contain retinoids, hydroquinone or other ingredients doctors usually tell pregnant women to avoid. The differences come down to fragrance, essential oils and, in some products, chemical sunscreen. Mustela’s maternity line is the most “pregnancy-focused” of the three, but it is not the only safe choice.
This guide compares the three brands by ingredient, explains what actually matters in pregnancy skincare, and shows how to check any label yourself. It is general information, not medical advice, so check with your doctor or midwife if you have a skin condition or a high-risk pregnancy.
Quick Comparison
| Nivea | Burt’s Bees | Mustela | |
| Made for pregnancy? | No, general use | No, general use | Yes, a dedicated Maternity line |
| Typical lip balm base | Waxes, plant oils, shea butter | Beeswax, coconut and sunflower oil | Not a lip balm brand; best known for stretch mark creams and oils |
| Fragrance or essential oils | Many products contain fragrance | Original balm contains peppermint oil | Maternity cream sold fragrance free |
| Chemical sunscreen | SPF lip versions use avobenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene | Most balms have no SPF | Not in the maternity creams |
| Parabens / phthalates | Check each label | Check each label | Maternity line states 0% parabens, phthalates, phenoxyethanol |
| Best for | Cheap, everyday moisture | Simple wax-based lip care | Stretch mark care and sensitive skin |
What Actually Matters in Pregnancy Skincare
Brand names matter less than ingredients. Doctors and dermatologists most often advise pregnant women to avoid these:
- Retinoids (retinol, tretinoin, adapalene). Mayo Clinic advises avoiding topical retinoids during pregnancy, even though only a small amount is absorbed.
- Hydroquinone, a skin-lightening ingredient that is absorbed into the skin at a relatively high rate.
- High-strength salicylic acid peels. Low-strength cleansers (under about 2%) are usually considered fine.
- Some chemical sunscreen filters such as oxybenzone. Many dermatologists suggest mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) instead while pregnant.
- Strong fragrance and essential oils, mainly because pregnancy can make skin more sensitive and more likely to react.
A plain lip balm made of wax, oils and butters contains none of the first three. That is why most simple lip balms are low risk in pregnancy.
Is Nivea Safe During Pregnancy?
Nivea’s regular lip balms and body moisturizers are basic emollients and are generally fine. Two things are worth checking on the label:
- SPF lip balms. Nivea Smoothness Lip Care SPF 15, for example, lists avobenzone 2.5%, octinoxate 6% and octocrylene 1.8% as its sunscreen ingredients. These are chemical filters. They are approved for use, but if you prefer to avoid chemical sunscreen while pregnant, pick a mineral SPF lip balm instead.
- Fragrance. Many Nivea products include fragrance. If your skin has become more sensitive, a fragrance-free option is gentler.
Is Burt’s Bees Safe During Pregnancy?
The classic Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm is made from beeswax, coconut oil, sunflower seed oil, peppermint oil, lanolin, vitamin E, rosemary leaf extract and soybean and canola oils. There is nothing in that list that pregnancy guidelines tell you to avoid.
The one thing to know is the peppermint oil. It gives the tingle, and some people find it drying or irritating on already chapped lips. If your lips sting, try an unscented Burt’s Bees balm or a plain ointment. If you have a lanolin or bee-product allergy, skip it.
Is Mustela Safe During Pregnancy?
Mustela is a baby and maternity brand. Its Maternity line, including the Stretch Marks Cream and Stretch Marks Oil, is made for use during pregnancy. Mustela states the line contains 0% parabens, phthalates and phenoxyethanol, that the cream is fragrance free, that the oil uses 100% naturally derived ingredients, and that the products are dermatologist and pediatrician tested.
Keep expectations realistic. No cream has been proven to fully prevent stretch marks, which depend a lot on genetics and how fast your skin stretches. Mustela is a good, gentle choice, but it is not “safer” than a plain fragrance-free moisturizer that avoids the ingredients listed above.
Which One Should You Choose?
- For dry or chapped lips: a simple wax-based balm from Burt’s Bees or Nivea is fine. If peppermint stings, choose an unscented version.
- For lips in the sun: use an SPF lip balm. Choose a mineral (zinc oxide) formula if you want to avoid chemical filters.
- For belly and stretch mark care: Mustela Maternity is built for this. Any fragrance-free moisturizer used daily also works.
- For sensitive skin: fragrance-free beats “natural.” Essential oils are natural but can still irritate.
Lip Treatments to Postpone Until After Pregnancy
Lip balm is fine, but cosmetic lip treatments are a different story. Most clinics will not do a lip flip, Botox or lip filler while you are pregnant or breastfeeding, because these products have not been studied in pregnancy. Read more in our guide to a lip flip during pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Nivea lip balm while pregnant?
Yes, regular Nivea lip balms are generally considered safe. If you want to avoid chemical sunscreen, skip the SPF versions or switch to a mineral SPF balm.
Is Burt’s Bees peppermint oil safe in pregnancy?
The small amount in a lip balm is generally not considered a concern. The more common problem is irritation, so stop using it if your lips burn or peel.
Is Mustela safer than other brands?
Mustela is designed for pregnancy and avoids parabens, phthalates and phenoxyethanol, which makes it a convenient choice. But any product that avoids retinoids, hydroquinone, strong acids and heavy fragrance is a reasonable option too.
This article is for general information only. See our medical disclaimer and ask your doctor or midwife about any product you are unsure of.
Sources: Mayo Clinic: Pregnancy acne treatment; The Bump: Skin-care ingredients to avoid during pregnancy; Mustela USA: Maternity skincare set; product ingredient labels (Nivea Smoothness Lip Care SPF 15, Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm).
