Pregnancy + Post Pregnancy Skin Care

by Oresta Korbutiak
September 28, 2021
3 min read

Pregnancy causes women to become cautious about not only what they are putting in their body but also what they are putting on their body. When you are shopping for skin care products, you want to ensure that the ingredients in your skin care products are safe for not only you, but also your baby.

Pregnancy and post pregnancy can also introduce new skin concerns including hormonal acne and pigmentation ("the mask of pregnancy" across your cheeks)

We've created a list of ingredients to avoid but we encourage you to also speak with your midwife or doctor:

1. Aluminum Chloride: the ingredient in antiperspirants that prevents sweating. It's a controversial ingredient whether you're pregnant or not. Some research suggests that it’s potentially cancer-causing and may pass to breastmilk.

verdict: avoid

try: Violets are Blue Magnesium Deodorant

2. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) + beta hydroxy acids (BHAs): acids that exfoliate the skin and brighten pigmentation.

verdict: avoid

try: Josh Rosebrook Daily Acid Toner

3. Azelaic Acid: reduce redness and pigmentation.

verdict: safe

4. Bakuchiol: considered the natural alternative to retinol.

verdict: safe

5. Benzoyl Peroxide: helps heal pimples

verdict: avoid

try: Eminence Clear Skin Targeted Treatment

6. Dihydroxyacetone (DHA): found in self-tanners and professional spray tans

verdict: avoid

7. Essential Oils:

Essential oils of Benzoin, Bergamot, Black pepper, Chamomile German, Chamomile Roman, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Geranium, Ginger, Grapefruit, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Mandarin, Marjoram Sweet, Neroli, Pepperming, Petitgrain, Rose Otto, Sandalwood, Sweet Orange, Tea Tree and Ylang Ylang are considered safe.

Essential oils of Aniseed, Arnica, Basil, Birch, Camphor, Cedarwood, Cinnamon, Clary sage, Clove, Coriander, Fennel, Horseradish, Hyssop, Juniper, Nutmeg, Pine, Rosemary, Thyme and Wintergreen should be avoided.

verdict: best to check with your doctor

try: Laurel Unburden Serum

8. Formaldehyde: found in nail polish

verdict: avoid

9. Grapeseed Oil: found in oil serums and moisturizers

verdict: safe

try: Blissoma Restore Facial Oil

10. Hyaluronic Acid: retains moisture in the skin, plumps and hydrates the skin

verdict: safe

try: Josh Rosebrook Hydration Boost Concentrate

11. Hydroquinone: ingredient found in skin-lightening products,

verdict: avoid

try: Eminence Bright Skin Booster Serum

12. Lactic Acid: an acid found in alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) ithat exfoliates the skin.

verdict: safe

try: Eminence Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant

13. Niacinamide: a form of Vitamin B3 that helps heal acne, reduce redness and inflammation.

verdict: safe

try: Blissoma Smooth A+ Correcting Serum

14. Oxybenzone: chemical sunscreen filter

verdict: avoid, choose mineral sunscreen instead

try: Coola Cucumber Matte Sunscreen

15. Parabens and Phthalates: found in cosmetics, shampoos and skin care to stabilize formulations.

verdict: avoid

try: Rahua Classic Shampoo

16. Retinoids: a Vitamin A derivative (retinoic acid, tretinoin, palmitate and retinaldehyde)

verdict: avoid

try: Eminence Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer

17. Salicylic acid: a BHA (beta hydroxy acid) found in acne products

pregnancy and breastfeeding in concentrations more than 2 percent (sometimes found in wart-removal products or salon facials) because there could be a risk for baby.

verdict: safe in doses under 2%

try: Eminence Clear Skin Booster Serum

18. Titanium Dioxide: active mineral sunscreen ingredient

verdict: safe

try: Coola Rosiliance SPF30 BB Cream

19. Thioglycolic acid; found in hair removal creams (mercaptoacetate/ mercaptan).

verdict: avoid

20. Vitamin C: addresses dark spots and pigmentation, offers a retinoid-like effect and boosts collagen production.

verdict: safe

try: Eminence Citrus & Kale C+E Masque

21. Zinc Oxide: active mineral sunscreen ingredient

verdict: safe