As scrutiny of pregnancy-safe skincare grows, so does the real, ongoing demand from informed consumers seeking products they can trust.

To address the long-standing market gap for skincare explicitly designed for the unique physiological and safety needs of pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, Little Étoile Mothers’ Care delivers a targeted, science-led range of maternal skincare.

Developed by healthcare company Max Biocare, drawing on over 25 years of expertise in maternal and infant health and an empathetic, detail-oriented approach, Little Étoile Mothers’ Care is backed by a proprietary system for precision formulation, rigorous safety screening, and a strict, evidence-based approach.

While many brands rely on ‘natural’ and ‘gentle’ claims, today’s consumers are looking for more: Evidence, transparency, and real-world trust. Retailers now have an opportunity to offer a science-led alternative that meets this expectation. 

“Maternal skincare requires products that are more than just natural or gentle – it requires precision,” says Dr George Thouas, head of research and Innovation. “Our goal is to deliver care that’s both safe, well-tolerated, and genuinely required for this life stage.” 

Made in Victoria and featuring ingredients sourced from Max Biocare’s own Gippsland Research Park, and manufactured at Max Biocare Laboratories’ GMP-licensed facility in Port Melbourne, the range reflects a vertically integrated approach to science-led wellness for mothers.

Addressing a clear gap

Natural doesn’t always mean safe. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are uniquely sensitive to certain chemicals, and what goes onto their skin can be absorbed or transferred to their baby. That’s why ingredient safety isn’t optional – it’s essential.  

With traditional clinical trials restricted in this group, Max Biocare developed its proprietary “inscreen” protocol: A multi-step safety process to assess every ingredient and finished formulation for reproductive risks, hormonal effects, absorption, and potential impurities. This is followed by dermatological testing and real-world trials with mothers to ensure that screened finished products are both suitably gentle and well tolerated. 

Backed by science and maternal health expertise, the range includes products to address key skin issues experienced by pregnant and breastfeeding women, across the face, body, breasts, and intimate zone.

Each product is designed to help mothers support skin health while helping them feel confident during one of life’s most demanding stages and beyond.

From research park to retail shelf

Little Étoile was born from Max Biocare’s commitment to family health. Named for the French word for “star,” the brand celebrates every child as a parent’s shining star. Initially focused on infant care, Little Étoile became a trusted name through premium formulas, organic baby foods, and gentle skincare for infants. 

Formulations incorporate botanicals, honey, and mineral-rich water sourced from Max Biocare’s Gippsland Research Parks, featuring unique active compounds that deliver distinct health benefits. The Parks also ensure consistent quality, sustainable methods and full traceability.

At Max Biocare Laboratories, the formulations are prototyped and produced using a pharma-inspired, stringent quality control system, followed by further voluntary testing for dermatological suitability on sensitive skin, antioxidant activity, contaminants, and multi-environment stability to ensure reliability in varied conditions. 

“We purposely go up an extra level in producing reliable and effective products, because mothers’ skin deserves next-level care,” says Thouas.

Pregnancy and early motherhood bring profound changes to skin: Dryness, hormonal breakouts, melasma, itchiness, and stretch marks. Childbirth can result in perineal trauma, requiring focused healing support, while postpartum fatigue and nutrient depletion further affect skin health.  

To address these specific issues, Little Étoile Mothers’ Care offers targeted solutions to address the specific skincare needs during this period, including: 

• Stretch Mark Cream: Helps support skin elasticity and soothe stretched skin. 
• Nipple Balm: Calms and protects sore, dry, or irritated nipples. 
• Perineal Spray: Eases post-birth discomfort and supports recovery. 
• Everyday Feminine Wash: A pH-balanced cleanser that gently hydrates and soothes sensitive skin. 
• Rejuvenating Body Oil Spray: A lightweight, nourishing oil infused with magnesium to help ease muscle tension and fatigue. 
• Comfort Body & Leg Lotion: A deeply hydrating lotion ideal for massaging areas affected by water retention or physical strain. 
• Face Serums: A targeted set including Hydra-Lock Serum for dryness, Calm & Shield Serum for redness-prone skin, and Radiant Clarity and Smooth Defence serums to help balance hormonal breakouts and uneven skin tone – supporting a radiant, healthy complexion through every stage of motherhood. 

Safety and modern consumers expectation 

Today’s parents are more informed than ever – seeking skincare with transparency, proven safety, and substance.

In addition to our proprietary “inscreen” process of ingredient vetting and additional layers of voluntary testing, the range excludes harsh chemicals, retinoids, high-dose hydroxy-acids, and other common irritants. We also substitute in evidence-backed alternatives such as bakuchiol, a gentler option to retinol.

“We apply the same pharmaceutical-grade diligence here as we do in our infant nutrition,” adds Thouas. “For mothers and retailers, that means trust and transparency – exactly what today’s consumers expect.” 

Now available in over 3000 retail outlets across Australia, Southeast Asia and beyond, Little Étoile offers retailers a dependable, differentiated solution in a fast-evolving category. 

Future plans 

Little Étoile Mothers’ Care represents a new approach to maternal skincare – grounded in science, empathy, and practical needs.

Covering both pregnancy and the postpartum period, the range supports women through physical discomfort and helps restore healthy, radiant skin. Backed by decades of health expertise, it now extends the brand’s trusted care from babies across to the mothers who nurture them. 

“We invite our partners to join us in supporting mums on this journey,” Thouas noted.

“Little Étoile Mothers’ Care is more than a product line – it’s a promise to care for mothers with the same devotion they show their babies. When mothers feel healthy, confident, and supported, everyone benefits – including the retailers who become part of their story.” 

With its evidence-based formulation, Australian innovation, and clear understanding of maternal needs, Little Étoile Mothers’ Care is poised to become a trusted name in maternal skincare locally and globally.