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
verdict: avoid
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
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
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
try: Eminence Sun Defense Mineral SPF Powder