10 Cosmetic Ingredients to Avoid During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey and a life-changing experience, but it also comes with many changes, especially regarding your skin and the products you use. For many women, pregnancy entails months of nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and dermatological issues such as acne, hyperpigmentation, dry skin, and stretch marks. While you may be tempted to continue your regular skincare routine, it’s crucial to be aware that some cosmetic ingredients can pose risks to your baby’s health.

This post will help you know the cosmetic ingredients to avoid during pregnancy, ensuring you and your baby stay safe and healthy.

How The Skin Changes During Pregnancy

According to research conducted by Dr. Rashmi Kumari, 90 percent of pregnant women experience some form of skin changes, including hormonal shifts. Some may have pre-existing skin conditions, while others develop skin issues during pregnancy that require special care and treatment. These skin conditions are attributed to changes in hormones, the immune system, metabolism, endocrine functions, and vascular conditions during pregnancy.

All these changes can lead to the progression or worsening of acne vulgaris, hyperpigmentation, stretch marks, dry skin, hair loss, or increased hair growth in various body parts. Therefore, treatment options with good safety profiles, especially products applied to the skin, should be carefully selected for pregnant women.

Women who already suffer from certain skin problems like eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea may notice a shift in their skin, which could be either better or worse during pregnancy.

Why You Should Avoid Certain Skincare Ingredients While Pregnant

Clinical trials and research on the safety profile of topical products in pregnancy are very limited due to ethical issues. What scientists currently understand is that some of these cosmetic ingredients can be absorbed into your bloodstream, potentially reaching the baby’s body. This poses potential risks, as anything entering your bloodstream should be avoided during pregnancy. While there may not be extensive research backing this claim, erring on the side of caution is crucial to ensuring the safety of both the mother and the baby.

Doctors assert that it’s impossible to determine precisely how much of these products get into your bloodstream. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to exercise caution before incorporating new products into your skincare routine while pregnant. What you apply to your skin during pregnancy is just as important as what you ingest orally.

10 Cosmetic Ingredients to Avoid During Pregnancy

A. For Hyperpigmentation

1. Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone is a potent skin-lightening agent used to treat hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and melasma. Due to its high absorption rate, there’s a potential risk of it entering the bloodstream and affecting the developing fetus. While no definitive studies link hydroquinone to birth defects, it’s safer to avoid it during pregnancy.

Human studies suggest low risk and no adverse effects, but it’s still best to avoid the use of hydroquinone during pregnancy due to the amount absorbed systemically.

Animal studies have shown no adverse effects on reproduction. However, the FDA categorizes hydroquinone as Category C, which means that unless the benefits outweigh the risks, its use should be avoided during pregnancy.

Other hyperpigmentation ingredients that should be avoided while pregnant include kojic acid and alpha-arbutin.

Alternative: Opt for natural alternatives like vitamin C, niacinamide or sunscreen to address pigmentation concerns.

2. Chemical Sunscreen (Oxybenzone and Avobenzone)

Speaking of sunscreens, chemical sunscreens containing Oxybenzone are commonly used to protect the skin from the harmful effects of UV light. However, Oxybenzone can be absorbed into the skin and may cause hormone disruption, potentially leading to long-term damage to both the mother and child.

This ingredient is also found in urine, with amounts varying from 0.4% to 2%. According to animal studies, there were no reports of any teratogenicity, but it’s best to avoid any ingredients that are absorbed through the skin.

Alternative: Mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are safer options during pregnancy. They sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays without being absorbed. These ingredients are preferred because they are not absorbed into the skin, providing a safe and effective way to protect against UV radiation during pregnancy.

B. For Acne Vulgaris

3. Retinoids

Retinoids, derived from Vitamin A, are commonly found in anti-aging products due to their ability to reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture. However, during pregnancy, they are big no-no. Studies have shown absorption rates of 2-6% after applying 2g of 0.05% tretinoin cream. Additionally, higher doses pose an increased risk of congenital malformations, making it crucial to avoid retinoids during pregnancy.

Retinoids, particularly prescription forms like isotretinoin (Accutane), are linked to severe birth defects. Even over-the-counter retinol and retinyl palmitate should be avoided. The majority of the retinoid family has been categorized as Category C by the FDA, indicating a lack of adequate well-controlled studies in humans. However, physicians generally recommend avoiding retinoids during pregnancy.

Here are other families of retinoids that should be avoided:

• Tretinoin
• Adapalene
• Tazarotene
• Retinol
• Isotretinoin
• Retinaldehyde
• Retinyl palmitate

Alternative: Instead of retinoids, opt for bakuchiol, a natural, plant-based ingredient that offers similar anti-aging or acne benefits without the associated risks.

4. Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is indeed considered the gold standard for treating both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne. However, it is not recommended for use during pregnancy due to the unknown risk to the developing baby, although there is some potential risk of absorption with benzoyl peroxide.

Studies have indicated that when 5% benzoyl peroxide is used orally, it metabolizes into benzoic acid. Subsequently, benzoic acid undergoes rapid excretion through the kidneys without causing any toxicity. Despite this, benzoyl peroxide is classified as Category C by the FDA.

While there is no evidence of its toxicity to either the mother or the child, it is generally recommended to avoid its use during pregnancy.

5. Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a popular ingredient in acne treatments due to its ability to exfoliate the skin and unclog pores. However, in high concentrations, it can be harmful during pregnancy. Oral salicylic acid has been linked to birth defects and complications, so it’s best to avoid high-dose or oral forms.

Hence, it is highly recommended to avoid salicylic acid during pregnancy, whether it’s found in face masks, washes, or shampoos. Since the concentration of salicylic acid in a product may not always be clear, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid its use altogether.

Alternative: Consider using azelaic acid, a milder alternative that helps with acne without the risks associated with salicylic acid.

C. For Hair Loss / Hair Dye / Hair Removal

6. Minoxidil

Minoxidil is recognized for promoting hair growth, but it is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Although animal studies did not show any effects on the developing baby, minoxidil is known to reduce conception rates and increase the incidence of fetal absorption in rabbits.

The FDA classifies minoxidil creams or drugs as Category C, indicating that its use should be avoided during pregnancy.

7. Toluene

Some pregnant women may choose to undergo cosmetic hair treatments, such as using hair dye. Hair dyes often contain toluene, a toxic chemical also found in nail products. Exposure to toluene may lead to symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, or cracked skin.

Several studies have linked toluene toxicity to potential risks for the developing baby. Therefore, this ingredient is not recommended for use during pregnancy and should be avoided.

8. Thioglycolic Acid

Hair removal lotions often contain thioglycolic acid. While there isn’t any definitive data suggesting that thioglycolic acid is unsafe during pregnancy, doctors typically advise pregnant women to minimize their exposure to such products. The lack of data may imply potential safety, but it’s best to prioritize safety for both the mother and the baby by avoiding these products during pregnancy.

D. Nail Polish

9. Formaldehyde And Phthalates

Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (FRPs) are found in some hair straightening treatments, nail polishes, and eyelash glue. These chemicals are known carcinogens and can also cause respiratory issues and skin irritation. Exposure to formaldehyde during pregnancy should be avoided at all costs.

Phthalates are chemicals used in many cosmetic products, including nail polishes, hair sprays, and fragrances, to increase flexibility and longevity. Unfortunately, they have been associated with reproductive and developmental issues in animal studies. To be safe, it’s best to avoid them during pregnancy.

Alternative: Choose phthalate-free products, which are becoming more widely available as consumers demand safer options. It is crucial to check for nail polishes labelled as “3-free formulas,” “5-free formulas,” and “7-free and up formulas.” These designations indicate that the nail polishes are free of formaldehyde and potentially harmful chemicals.

E. Miscellaneous

10. Essential Oils

While essential oils are natural, not all are safe during pregnancy. Oils like rosemary, clary sage, and juniper can stimulate contractions or affect blood pressure. While there isn’t an exhaustive list of essential oils that are unsafe during pregnancy, it is generally recommended to avoid using essential oils in your skincare routine while pregnant to minimize any potential risks.

Alternative: Stick to pregnancy-safe essential oils like lavender, chamomile, and ylang-ylang in diluted forms for relaxation and skincare or consult with a healthcare professional before using any essential oils during pregnancy.

11. Parabens

Parabens are widely used as preservatives in cosmetics, including lotions, shampoos, and makeup. They are known to disrupt hormone function, which can potentially harm fetal development. While the research is still ongoing, it’s wise to avoid parabens during pregnancy.

Alternative: Look for “paraben-free” labels on your skincare and beauty products, and opt for those that use natural preservatives like vitamin E.

Conclusion

Navigating skincare during pregnancy can be tricky, but with the right knowledge, you can make informed decisions that keep both you and your baby safe. Always read labels carefully, opt for pregnancy-safe alternatives, and when in doubt, consult with your healthcare provider. Your skin and your baby will thank you!

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