What to Look for in Safe Beauty Products during Pregnancy

Wondering what to look for in safe beauty products during pregnancy? It makes sense that you’d be worried. Anything you put on your skin could theoretically be absorbed into your bloodstream, where it can then pass through into the placenta. So how do you know what to look for in safe beauty products during pregnancy? That’s where I come in!

Related: 8 Safe DIY Pregnancy Beauty Products

How to find safe beauty products during pregnancy

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First, the usual disclaimers: I’m not a doctor. I don’t even play one on TV. Your doctor’s advice should always take first priority over anything you read on the internet. If you have certain medical conditions or skin conditions, talk to your doctor to help you choose the right beauty regimen during your pregnancy. This article is not medical advice.

Related: Which Beauty Products Should You Avoid During Pregnancy?

Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way and my behind is amply covered (not that my behind needs ample coverage!), let’s talk about what to look for in safe beauty products during pregnancy.

• Safe for Pregnancy: Isn’t it nice when beauty products put it right on the label that their formulas were designed for pregnant women? Maybe you’re thinking “well, anyone can put anything on a label, that doesn’t make it true!” Actually, the FDA governs beauty products in the US, so if they put it on the label, it’s backed by evidence. If it’s not, they can get in HUGE trouble. My mom made lotions and soaps for years, she was incredibly careful to NEVER make any claims. Even saying that “it makes your skin soft” is considered a medical claim.
• “Free”: No, not as in free makeup! I wish! Free as in free of phthalates and other harmful chemicals. You’ll find this designation on nail polish in particular. Also look for lead-free lipstick. Did you know that the FDA doesn’t seem to think that lead in lipstick is a big deal because lipstick isn’t ingested? HELLO? It’s on the lips! I mean, I don’t sit there and eat it, but how many of us NEVER lick or bite our lips?
• EWG Skin Deep Database: What does the EWG Skin Deep Database say about it? This is the ONLY site that I completely trust for a full analysis on the safety of skin care products. They’re completely unbiased and totally dedicated to informing consumers about the safest beauty products. They are incredibly strict, so if they give a product a safe rating, chances are extremely high that it’s safe.
• Products made for babies. For things like makeup remover, lotions and even hair detangler, look to the baby section to find safe beauty products during pregnancy! Baby wipes are awesome at removing makeup and I dare you to find a better way to get knots out of your hair than the detanglers designed for itty-bitters. My all-time favorite? Badger Baby Balm. For babies, it’s used to sooth diaper rash and dry skin. It also soothes your dry patches, works as an amazing belly rub and more.
• Physical sun blockers- Sunscreen is important during pregnancy. Your skin is even more sensitive to the sun than ever before. Rather than going with sunscreens that use chemicals to block the sun, go with good, old-fashioned titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Skip the ones that contain oxybenzone, as there is very limited research that indicates it MAY cause low birth weight in girls.

Of course, you could just let your natural, beautiful pregnancy glow shine through and not worry about finding safe beauty products during pregnancy! Seriously, give it a try. Or at least cut back on the number of cosmetics you use. While, in my non-medical theoretical (don’t sue me if I’m wrong) opinion, the majority of cosmetics are probably unlikely to cause problems unless you’re slathering on pounds of them, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when you’re pregnant.

Do you know of any wonderful safe beauty products to use while pregnant? Tell us about them in the comments!