Safe Pregnancy Skincare: Top 5 Ingredients You Need to Avoid

January 01, 2019

Gone are the days when clean skincare was only desired by those with sensitive skin. Now skincare sans toxic ingredients is on everyone's radar, especially during pregnancy...and for a very good reason.

Due to fluctuating hormones and heightened sensitivity, you will most likely be charting unknown territory with skin issues that are unique to pregnancy. But instead of relying on a regular over the counter solution to soothe those skin woes, now is the time to be super selective in order to avoid ingredients that could be harmful to baby.

A pregnancy glow shouldn't be bad for you or baby.

To jumpstart your journey to safe pregnancy skincare, you'll definitely want to skip any products with these 5 ingredients.

1. Benzoyl Peroxide

This is one of the most commonly used ingredient in over the counter acne treatments. While concentration below 2.5 percent is generally considered safe during pregnancy, a higher concentration can be absorbed and metabolized into the skin and potentially into the bloodstream.

2. Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid appears in many products that help treat breakouts and inflammation. However, it is best to avoid it altogether. Compared to benzoyl peroxide, there is stronger evidence of its negative impact during pregnancy as it has been associated with birth defects. While the FDA allows topical over-the-counter use up to 2 percent concentrations; many dermatologists recommend avoiding it in any form as a precautionary measure.

3. Hydroquinone

During pregnancy, hyper-pigmentation can occur in women of all complexions and a hydroquinone treatment might be a tempting fix but also one to avoid. While there is limited research on its impact during pregnancy, studies report that it is absorbed into the skin with absorption rates as high as 45%!

4. Parabens

Parabens are a common preservative in cosmetics, and roughly 75%-90% of cosmetics contain them. However, they have been linked to breast cancer, reduced fertility and hormone disruption which is extremely scary during pregnancy, especially during crucial developmental milestones in the first trimester.

5. BPA

While BPA isn’t typically found directly in cosmetics, it is found in the containers and can leach into products (especially when the product is exposed to heat). Since BPA has been linked to reproductive disorders and cardiovascular issues it's worth choosing products in glass containers or ones that are BPA-free.