There are so many changes the body goes through when pregnant and so many things to consider, including your skincare products. It can be hard to decipher which ingredients are safe and which brands include or exclude components to avoid during pregnancy. In this post, we’ll help ease the uncertainty and help you figure out where to start.
Skin Changes During Pregnancy
Your skin, like the rest of your body, changes during pregnancy. Pregnancy hormones are to blame for these changes, manifesting differently in each person. Using the right products for your face and body can make a big difference during pregnancy.
Ingredients to Avoid
We’ve talked about why skincare is necessary during pregnancy, but now let’s discuss which ingredients are not pregnancy-safe.
Topical Retinoids
Products containing retinoids have become popular because of their benefits, such as reducing fine lines. But during pregnancy, it’s best to avoid topical products containing them (although over-the-counter products have lower amounts than prescription products).
You should be even more concerned about oral retinoids. According to a 2013 Canadian Medical Association Journal study, taking isotretinoin during pregnancy had a 20%-35% probability of having a baby with birth defects. Moreover, about 30%-60% of children exposed to isotretinoin prenatally may develop learning and behavioral difficulties, even when they don’t have physical defects.
Salicylic Acid
Applying products containing a high amount of salicylic acid, a type of beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) found in many acne-targeting face and body products, should be avoided. In standard doses, salicylic acid is deemed safe. Look for products that contain 2% or less of this ingredient.
Essential Oils
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate essential oils, meaning there are no strict standards for purity, potency, or safety. People often believe that essential oils are a natural and healthy choice, but because they are not regulated, it is unknown how they affect you and your baby during pregnancy.
- Aniseed
- Basil
- Birch
- Camphor
- Hyssop
- Mugwort
- Oak Mass
- Parsley
- Pennyroyal
- Rue
- Sage
- Tansy
- Tarragon
- Thuja
- Wintergreen
- Wormwood
Other ingredients to be cautious of include formaldehyde and hydroquinone. If you are unsure about a specific component or product, discuss it with your doctor first.
Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Products
We recommend the following products during pregnancy.
- Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser ($8.79, shop here)
- Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops ($35, shop here)
- Aveeno Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream ($12.79, shop here)
- Visha Skincare Mommy Brightener with Illuminotex ($65, shop here)
- Honest Organic Body Oil, Sensitive ($10.99, shop here)