Botanical Body Oils for Pregnancy and Postpartum

The transition into motherhood is one of the most profound changes a body can undergo. Skin stretches, hormones fluctuate, and emotions deepen. During this time, many women turn to botanical body oils—not just to support the skin, but to nurture a sense of ritual and grounding.

At Zurma, we prioritise safety and efficacy. Each oil and essential oil selected here is chosen for its gentle action, low allergenic potential, and alignment with the needs of pregnant and postpartum bodies.

1. Nurture Belly Oil – for Stretching Skin
During the second and third trimester, the skin expands rapidly. This recipe helps maintain skin elasticity and provides deep hydration without leaving a greasy finish.

Base oils:

25ml Sweet Almond Oil (emollient and rich in vitamin E)

12.5ml Rosehip Oil (supports skin regeneration)

12.5ml Apricot Kernel Oil (lightweight and easily absorbed)

Essential oils (1% dilution in 50ml):

3 drops Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) – calming and skin-soothing

2 drops Mandarin (Citrus reticulata) – cheerful and safe for pregnancy

2 drops Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) – grounding and restorative

Massage into belly, hips, and breasts daily. Always avoid essential oils in the first trimester unless working under practitioner guidance.

For those who prefer a ready-made, professionally formulated option, our Zurma Pregnancy Oil is crafted with this same philosophy—gentle plant oils selected for elasticity, comfort, and peace of mind. It’s designed to soften and support skin through all stages of pregnancy, with a subtle scent that won’t overwhelm.

2. Calm Connection Oil – for Postpartum Bonding
Touch becomes sacred in the weeks after birth. This gentle blend supports skin-to-skin connection and helps calm emotional overwhelm.

Base oils:

30ml Jojoba Oil (closest to skin’s natural sebum)

20ml Calendula Flower Oil Infusion (soothes inflammation and irritation)

Essential oils (0.5–1% dilution):

2 drops Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) – emotionally calming

2 drops Neroli (Citrus aurantium flower) – uplifting, supports nervous system recovery

1 drop Australian Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) – grounding and nurturing

Apply to chest, neck, or shoulders before nursing or rest.

3. Restore Oil – for Skin Recovery Post-Birth
The postpartum body needs support to repair. This oil is rich in skin-healing nutrients and gentle anti-inflammatory compounds.

Base oils:

15ml Tamanu Oil (stimulates tissue repair)

15ml Rosehip Oil (helps reduce scarring and pigmentation)

10ml Meadowfoam Seed Oil (adds oxidative stability and moisture retention)

10ml Fractionated Coconut Oil (light and non-greasy carrier)

Essential oils (1% dilution):

3 drops Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) – hormonal balance and cell regeneration

2 drops Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum) – reduces bruising and supports healing

2 drops Lavender – anti-inflammatory and comforting

Use after bathing to support skin healing on the belly, thighs, or perineum (externally only).

All recipes above are designed for a 50ml bottle and use safe concentrations for topical use during pregnancy and postpartum. For those especially sensitive, you can reduce the essential oil content by half or omit them entirely—letting the healing qualities of the carrier oils speak for themselves.

Always patch test first. Avoid application to the nipples if breastfeeding, unless oils are entirely unscented.

General Safety Guidelines

Avoid essential oils entirely in the first trimester, unless prescribed by a trained professional.

Always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil (such as jojoba, camellia, or sweet almond). A safe dilution for pregnancy is 0.5–1% (3–6 drops of essential oil in 30ml of carrier oil).

Do not ingest essential oils or apply them directly to the skin undiluted.

Choose pure, unadulterated oils—avoid synthetic blends or perfumed oils.

Essential Oils Generally Considered Safe (from second trimester, with caution)

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) – Calming for nerves and skin

Mandarin (Citrus reticulata) – Gentle, uplifting, and helps with fluid retention

Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) – Anti-inflammatory and soothing for anxiety

Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) – Grounding and supports breath and mood regulation

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) – Helpful for nausea in very low doses

Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) – Mild digestive and respiratory support

Even safe oils must be used with restraint—always test for sensitivity and avoid prolonged or daily use without professional advice.

Essential Oils to Avoid During Pregnancy

Clary Sage, Jasmine, and Rose – Can stimulate uterine contractions; best reserved for labour

Cinnamon, Oregano, Thyme, Wintergreen, Camphor – Strongly irritating and potentially toxic

Peppermint – May reduce milk supply and be overly stimulating

Basil, Fennel, and Sage – Hormone-active oils, best avoided unless advised otherwise

All essential oils in the first trimester unless cleared by a qualified professional