Expect More From Your Skincare
Simplified Skincare Solutions for the Real Bodybuilders
'Clean' isn't enough, so we set out to create something new, pregnancy friendly skincare built on safe, proven formulas that support you while you're living your life, and creating it.
Meet Crystal Osejo: The Founder Behind Hizo Skincare
Meet Crystal Osejo, founder of Hizo. Discover how her pregnancy skincare journey inspired a new approach to skincare for pregnancy and postpartum.
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Azelaic Acid: The Pregnancy Skincare Favorite
Discover why azelaic acid is a pregnancy skincare favorite, with dermatologist-backed benefits for hormonal acne, melasma, redness, and dark spots.
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The Fourth Trimester: What I Didn't Expect About Postpartum
Crystal shares 5 things she didn't expect about the fourth trimester, from breastfeeding and C-section recovery to body image, work, and marriage.
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14 Best Pregnancy & Postpartum Brands and Resources
Discover 14 pregnancy and postpartum brands and resources we love, from maternity fashion and nursing essentials to skincare, baby products, and wellness.
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Maternal Skincare vs. Clean Beauty: What’s the Difference?
Once I got pregnant, I realized there were certain skincare ingredients I could no longer use. I figured the easiest solution would be to head to Sephora and swap out my skincare routine for products that were safe for pregnancy. Instead, I was directed to the "clean beauty" section. The salesperson explained that these brands were "clean," so they would be a great option. At the time, I felt relieved. I assumed that "clean" meant pregnancy-safe. But when I got home, I started reading ingredient lists and researching what was actually considered safe during pregnancy. The deeper I looked, the more surprised I became. I learned something that completely changed the way I thought about skincare: Clean doesn't mean pregnancy-friendly. In fact, some products marketed as "clean" still contain ingredients that many healthcare providers recommend avoiding during pregnancy. Did you know retinol can be considered a clean beauty ingredient? Retinol is one of the most well-known skincare ingredients for improving wrinkles and acne, and many clean beauty brands include it in their formulations. Yet it's also one of the ingredients that pregnant women are commonly advised to avoid. That's when I realized the issue wasn't with clean beauty itself. The issue was that the word "clean" had become a shortcut, one that many of us naturally assume includes pregnancy safety. It doesn't. As I spoke with more moms, I realized I wasn't alone. So many of us were standing in store aisles, reading ingredient lists, and searching the internet trying to answer the same question: "Is this actually safe to use during pregnancy?" No one should have to become an ingredient expert just to buy a moisturizer. That experience is what led me to start Hizo. From day one, our mission wasn't simply to create another clean skincare brand. We set out to create skincare thoughtfully formulated with pregnancy in mind, prioritizing carefully selected ingredients without compromising on performance or luxury. At Hizo, every formula begins with one simple question: Would I feel confident recommending this to an expecting mother? Because mothers deserve more than marketing buzzwords. They deserve transparency, science backed formulations, and the confidence to care for their skin without second guessing every ingredient. Clean is a great place to start. But for us, it was never the finish line. Read How We Formulate for Pregnancy Safety. ~Crystal Osejo Founder
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Pregnancy Self-Care: 8 Ways to Support Your Body, Mind, and Skin
Pregnancy changes almost everything. Your body, your emotions, your routines, your priorities, and often, your relationship with yourself. In the middle of appointments, nursery planning, endless advice, and an ever growing to do list, self-care can quickly start to feel like another responsibility instead of a source of support. The good news? The most effective forms of pregnancy self care are often the simplest. We asked mothers in our community what genuinely helped them feel better during pregnancy. Their answers weren't expensive or complicated. They were small habits that helped them feel more rested, more supported, and more connected to themselves during a transformative season of life. Whether you're navigating first-trimester exhaustion, preparing for postpartum, or simply trying to feel more like yourself, these pregnancy self care tips can help. Pregnancy Self-Care at a Glance The most effective pregnancy self-care practices: Rest Hydrate Nourish your body Care for your skin Get out and get moving Protect your mental health Create supportive routines Ask for help Build community Set boundaries Make time for yourself 1. Respond to Fatigue Fatigue is one of the most common pregnancy symptoms, affecting 94% of women at some point, particularly during the first and third trimesters.During pregnancy, your body is: Building an entirely new organ (the placenta) Increasing blood volume by up to 50% Producing dramatically higher levels of hormones such as progesterone Supporting rapid fetal growth Increasing metabolic demands even at rest Yet many expecting moms continue to hold themselves to pre-pregnancy standards. Take the nap. Go to bed early. Cancel plans when your body needs recovery. Small investments to improve the quality of sleep can also make a meaningful difference: Pregnancy pillow Cooling sheets Blackout curtains Supportive mattress topper Prenatal massage from a qualified provider Rest is not a reward that must be earned. Growing a baby requires an extraordinary amount of energy, and recovery is part of the process. Perhaps the most important form of self-care is giving yourself permission to slow down without guilt. 2. Connect with Yourself One of the most unexpected challenges of pregnancy is how easy it can be to lose touch with parts of yourself that make up your identity. Make space for: Creative hobbies Friendships Learning Career ambitions Exercise (adaptive or new methods if needed) Personal goals The goal isn't to resist change. It's to remember that motherhood becomes part of who you are, not all of who you are. 3. Nourish Your Body Without Chasing Perfection Supporting your body isn't about perfection. It's about providing nourishment while extending yourself grace. Instead of focusing on "good" and "bad" foods, focus on consistency: Protein Hydration Fiber Fruits and vegetables Nutrient-dense meals 4. Stay Active Exercise during pregnancy doesn't need to be intense to be effective. Gentle movement can support: Mood Circulation Sleep quality Stress management Mobility Physical comfort Many moms find simple activities such as walking, prenatal yoga, stretching, and mobility work to be some of the most sustainable forms of exercise during pregnancy. 5. Develop a Pregnancy-Friendly Skincare Routine Pregnancy can bring unexpected changes to your skin. One week it may feel dry and sensitive, the next it may be oily, reactive, or prone to breakouts. While you can't control every change, having a simple skincare routine can create a small moment of consistency in a season that often feels anything but predictable. The best routine isn't necessarily the most complicated. Focus on a few products that support your skin's changing needs like: Gentle cleanser Hydrating moisturizer Targeted treatment for hormonal skin changes Retinol replacement Sunscreen For more guidance, explore our complete guide to pregnancy-safe skincare. Beyond the skin benefits, skincare can become a daily ritual of self-care—five quiet minutes in the morning or evening dedicated entirely to yourself. Sometimes feeling cared for starts with taking a moment to care for yourself. 6. Protect Your Mental Health Pregnancy advice is everywhere. Some of it is helpful. Some of it is overwhelming. You’re even getting some of it right now, but only you can decide what is right for you. Many women create boundaries around: Social media consumption Unsolicited advice Stressful conversations Comparison culture We always recommend consulting a professional source like your medical provider to help comb through the noise. 7. Build Community Pregnancy can feel surprisingly isolating, even when you're surrounded by people. Connecting with other mothers can help normalize: Anxiety Body changes Emotional ups and downs Postpartum experiences Questions you may not feel comfortable asking elsewhere Whether it's a friend, support group, prenatal class, or online community, connection often reminds us that we're not navigating this experience alone. 8. Ask for Help Early One of the hardest habits for many women to break is doing everything themselves. Pregnancy is an opportunity to practice receiving support. This might mean: Delegating responsibilities Accepting help from family and friends Planning support for postpartum Hiring support when possible Letting some tasks wait You do not have to prove how much you can carry. Final Thoughts The best pregnancy self-care practices aren't necessarily expensive, luxurious, or time-consuming. Often, they're surprisingly simple: More rest.More support.More boundaries.More nourishment.More grace. Pregnancy is one of life's biggest transitions. Caring for yourself through it isn't indulgent, it's essential.
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FAQ
Who is Hizo for?
Who is Hizo for?
Hizo is for anyone navigating the hormonal skin changes that may come with trying to conceive, pregnancy and postpartum. While Hizo is designed with maternity in mind, our formulations are effective for all skin types and life stages.
What makes Hizo different from other skincare brands?
What makes Hizo different from other skincare brands?
Hizo is specifically formulated for maternity and the (sometimes unexpected) skin changes that may occur. We also believe in doing less, better. Every ingredient in a Hizo formula is there for a reason. We don’t add ingredients for trends or marketing. Instead, we focus on minimal, intentional formulations designed for maximum efficacy and clarity.
When will Hizo products be available?
When will Hizo products be available?
We’re launching soon! Join our mailing list to be the first to know when products become available, along with early access and exclusive updates.
Is every Hizo product pregnancy-friendly?
Is every Hizo product pregnancy-friendly?
Yes. Every Hizo formula is clinically reviewed to ensure it is appropriate for use while trying to conceive, during pregnancy, while nursing, and beyond. We carefully select ingredients with safety in mind, so you can feel confident in what you’re using.
Do your products actually work?
Do your products actually work?
Absolutely. Safety is our foundation, but efficacy is non-negotiable. Each formula is designed to deliver real, visible results using ingredients that are both well-researched and purposefully chosen.
What does “clinically reviewed” mean?
What does “clinically reviewed” mean?
Our formulas are evaluated by board certified dermatologists and OBGYNs to ensure ingredient choices and formulations align with current safety standards for pregnancy and nursing. This process is designed to remove the guesswork for you.