What Beauty Products To Avoid During Pregnancy – When you’re pregnant (or breastfeeding), you can expect a lot to change about your routine. In addition to future sleepless nights and daycare expenses, you also need to be careful about what you put in your body—and we’re not just talking about avoiding sushi and cold foods. The products you use on your skin also have a chance of being absorbed into your bloodstream. And while many skin care ingredients are completely harmless, there are a few that pose potential risks to you and your baby. But that doesn’t mean your skin has to suffer. Fortunately, there are pregnancy-safe options for use during these 9 months (and beyond) that are just as effective. Read about what ingredients to avoid and what to use instead.
The most talked about product on the pregnancy-free list is retinol. While this anti-aging ingredient is a derivative of vitamin A, studies show that excessive consumption of this vitamin may affect fetal development and cause birth defects.
What Beauty Products To Avoid During Pregnancy
Because of retinol’s ability to slow the signs of skin aging and treat rough texture, it may be hard to give it up for more than 9 months. Fortunately, breastfeeding moms and moms-to-be have options. Green coffee, like retinol, energizes skin cells and increases cellular turnover, repairing fine lines and smoothing rough, dull skin texture. Get retinol-like results by using green coffee with our advanced night cream.
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Hydroquinone This skin lightening agent is popular in whitening creams, lightening serums, and products that target hyperpigmentation. However, it is associated with many potential health risks, including organ system toxicity and cancer. Not to mention, this ingredient can also have an adverse effect on darker skin tones, which is why it made our No List. We do not recommend hydroquinone
Instead, reach for one of the most powerful brightening ingredients: vitamin C. It’s naturally effective and 100% pregnancy-safe. If a lighter skin tone is on your agenda, some Found the Light powder is a great addition to your other pregnancy-safe products.
Chemical Sunscreen Sunscreen is always an essential part of any skin care routine, pregnant or not, but those who are expecting should be extra cautious. In addition to protecting skin from cancer, moms-to-be typically experience very sensitive skin during pregnancy and should use sunscreen to protect against discoloration, melasma, and more. However, studies show that chemicals (such as oxygen zone, found in 60 percent of non-mineral sunscreens) can enter the bloodstream and cause Hirschsprung’s disease.
Instead, opt for a mineral SPF. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are two FDA-approved ingredients that are equally effective at blocking UVA and UVB rays. A wide range of minerals are natural. You will find non-nano zinc oxide (
Skincare Routines For Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
The safest active SPF available for our bodies) in our Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen. Ask your doctor:
There are some common skin care ingredients that are considered largely safe for pregnancy by dermatologists, but because there are limited studies on their effectiveness, the ADA recommends using them only in small amounts. Consult your doctor before continuing to use:
Both are acids that exfoliate the skin, and both are generally accepted as safe (minus in-office chemical peels), but check with your doctor to be sure. This includes strong acid-based products (like our Instant Regeneration Mask) and salicylic acid. If you’re looking for a pregnancy-safe exfoliator, opt for Day Maker instead. Dealing with pimples? Our Clearing Mask and Dry Acne Treatment (made with sulfur and clay) are effective and safe alternatives to salicylic acid.
100% pregnancy safe (it’s also hydrating and toning and a good choice for all skin types).
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If you’ve ever struggled with acne, you’re probably familiar with this anti-acne ingredient found in many over-the-counter treatments. ADA a-okays benzoyl peroxide in limited amounts, but because it can be super drying, we don’t formulate it in any of our products. If you avoid it, consider niacinamide as a pregnancy-safe option. You will get the same results for pimples, without any dryness or sensitivity.
This color additive is an active ingredient found in many self-tanners. Your healthcare provider may ask you to wait until the first trimester before using dihydroxyacetone. I just wanted it to be as complete as possible, including what products I have
From my routine (including makeup and body care). The day I found out I was pregnant, I spent over 2 hours in my bathroom going through all of my products and throwing out the ones that weren’t recommended for pregnancy (because by the time I’m not pregnant or breastfeeding, those products are probably expired has been). I followed 15minutebeauty.com like the bible. They are more cautious about what is “safe” for pregnancy, meaning that substances that are still questionable are not recommended (because there haven’t been enough studies done on pregnant women using them). They err on the side of caution, which is what I chose.
I’d also like to disclaim that I’ve had horrible hormonal acne this pregnancy (that didn’t happen with Caldon!) and I still struggle with breakouts after implementing my new routine, though it hasn’t been as bad as mine. First three months. So I’m not at all saying, “Hey! This routine gave me perfectly clear skin!” – This is what I use and it helps me, because skin care with salicylic acid during pregnancy is out of the question.
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If you see something you’ve used and don’t realize it’s not recommended for pregnancy, don’t worry! It’s usually a very small amount of that substance, and now that you know you can ignore it. I remember when it came to Caldon, I had no idea that It Cosmetics CC+ cream wasn’t safe for pregnancy and I was using it until the middle of my second trimester. It’s a very small risk, but something you can control and take precautions if you want to be as safe as possible!
Bioderma Micellar Water // I use a reusable cotton ball to cleanse my face first thing in the morning.
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic // The best vitamin C serum available! Expensive, but a little goes a long way, and this
Effects. It helps to protect your skin from environmental pollutants and free radicals and also makes your skin glow. Note: I just ran out of this product, and am now switching to SkinCeuticals Phlorentin CF, which is basically the same product, but non-greasy and for acne-prone skin (which I struggle with during pregnancy) !
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Lancome Anti-Aging Serum // Another serum I add to my routine! A prebiotic and antiaging product that locks in hydration (a must in cold, dry weather). Meghan Markle confirmed!
TATCHA Dewy Cream // If you have normal to dry skin, you’ll love this stuff! It’s a rich cream that nourishes skin with rich hydration and antioxidant-rich Japanese purple rice for a healthy, fresh glow.
TULA Rose Glow + Get it Eye Balm // This balm hydrates and gives a beautiful glow under the eyes! One of my favorite skin care products, and
Dr. SkinFeed Rose Spray // I sprayed this on as a refreshing, hydrating mist. Great for sensitive skin like mine!
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*Update: Now that we’re into the warmer months, I found a pregnancy-friendly physical sunscreen from Colin Rothschild, linked here!
In case you ask me – as mentioned on 15minutebeauty.com, chemical sunscreen is one of those “sun” ingredients that has mixed reviews when used during pregnancy. I currently don’t use daily sunscreen this time of year, but once spring rolls around and I start spending more time outdoors, I will start using sunscreen again. I know how important it is to protect our skin from the sun, but I also take extra precautions when possible. (I will most likely refer to this list from The Bump).
Bioderma Micellar Water // I use this and a reusable cotton pad to remove my eye makeup.
Colleen Rothschild Cleansing Balm // I will use this to remove the rest of my makeup. Over time, this product will make your skin brighter and smoother!
Pregnancy Safe Skin Care: What Ingredients You Can Use
Obagi foam cleanser or TULA Purifying Cleanser and Pro brush. I keep the tola in the shower to wash my face.
Colleen Rothschild Matcha Toner // I use this toner after cleansing to reduce redness and prevent breakouts.
TATCHA Dewy Cream // If you have normal to dry skin, you’ll love this stuff! It’s a rich cream that nourishes skin with rich hydration and antioxidant-rich Japanese purple rice for a healthy, fresh glow.
Colleen Rothschild Eye Cream // Everyone needs an eye cream! This one is newer to me, but I love it. It addresses the most common enemies of eye aging: wrinkles, fine lines, under-eye circles, puffiness and loss of elasticity. (I used the SkinMedica Instant Eye Cream before I ran out – probably my favorite eye cream and also perfect for pregnancy).
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Summer Fridays Babymoon Belly Balm // I just bought it and it arrived this week! This is what I will become
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