10 Skincare Ingredients To Avoid During Pregnancy

In the middle of eating right, getting your rest and feeling nauseous and pukish, skincare ingredients would not be the first thing that comes to mind during pregnancy. But, there are indeed certain ingredients that pregnant women should avoid using. This is because skincare ingredients seep into skin, proving to be hazardous to the baby’s health and wellbeing. It’s time to turn to the ingredient label of your skincare products and double-check if they contain any of these.

1. Retinol, Retin – A

This skin-transforming ingredient tops the list of ingredients that pregnant women should avoid. Vitamin A derivatives can lead to dangerous birth defects and negatively affect the development of the baby.

2. Benzoyl Peroxide & Salicylic Acid

Acne is pretty common during pregnancy. Although quite annoying, you must be very mindful to not use these acne-fighting ingredients. You might find them in cleansers, topical spot treatments and exfoliators. But if the situation is getting out of control, it is wise to use only one of these ingredients and that too very sparingly and infrequently. Using them regularly or in higher quantities will increase their absorption and cause issues.

3. Tretinoin, Accutane

Both of these ingredients are prescription medication for acne, acne masks and reversing signs of ageing. Being quite potent vitamin A derivatives, this duo is infamous for causing birth defects and pregnancy complications.

4. Hydroquinone

A common skin brightening and whitening ingredient, it’s best to steer clear of it during pregnancy. Even though this ingredient has not been linked to any specific adverse effect, it has a very high absorption rate which is troubling dermatologists and skin experts. Even though melasma is pretty common in pregnant women, other spot-reducing ingredients like glycolic acid can be used in place of hydroquinone.

5. Parabens

Parabens have been a no-no in a lot of skincare, cosmetic and hair products. They can disrupt hormones and are easily absorbed into skin. Which is why it is linked to a host of pregnancy-related issues like miscarriage, low birth weight, impaired fetal growth and obesity.

6. Essential Oils

These are natural so there shouldn’t be a problem, right? Sadly, no. With so many skincare ingredients being thrown under the bus, you might be tempted to try essential oil-infused natural skincare products or use these oils for aromatherapy. But be careful. Because not all essential oils are good for you. Jasmine and clary sage can trigger contractions whereas sage and rosemary can cause bleeding. Even though these oils are diluted in skincare products, the risk is not worth taking.

7. Chemical Sunscreens

You might know this one already, but to put it out there, chemical sunscreens can cause hormone disruptions and interfere with your baby’s nervous system development. Because sunscreen is essential and inevitable to protect your skin, use a physical sunscreen whenever you have to step out.

8. Aluminum Chloride

This ingredient is infamous for stirring up a storm already and has been a topic of debate as it causes itching, skin and eye irritation and tingling. It is commonly found in deodorants and antiperspirants.

9. Alpha Arbutin

Otherwise an amazing spot-reducing ingredient, alpha arbutin is a derivative of hydroquinone, which we now know is not safe to use during pregnancy.

10. Formaldehyde

It is not a skincare ingredient per se, but is commonly found in nail polishes and some hair products. It has been linked to cause fertility problems and miscarriages. So, if you're stepping out to get your nails done or buying a new shampoo, be careful to watch out for this ingredient.

Skincare ingredients that you can use during pregnancy

While the list of not-to-use ingredients is quite long, there are a few that a pregnant woman can safely use.

Vitamin C - being rich in antioxidants, you can use this ingredient in place of hydroquinone.
Hyaluronic Acid – a humectant, it is naturally found in our bodies as well and is a great hydrating ingredient.
Lactic Acid – great for acne and exfoliation, you can use lactic acid under 5% concentration when you’re expecting.
Azelaic Acid – a very gentle ingredient, you can use it without a worry to treat acne and acne scars.
Bakuchiol – an excellent plant-based alternative to retinol, you can safely use bakuchiol-infused skincare products

Save this article or bookmark it, but be careful of these skincare ingredients if you are pregnant or share it with someone who is expecting. Safe preggers!

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