New Mommy Beauty: Skin Care While Pregnant

Pregnant and Pregnancy skincare
Pregnant and Pregnancy skincare
A few days ago I shared with you what skin care ingredients to avoid while pregnant or breastfeeding. The unavoidable truth is that the list of things to not use because of actual evidence of badness (or any lack of evidence that something is safe) is rather long, and makes picking out skin care somewhat tough while pregnant. So, really what most people want is a list of safe skin care products for pregnancy and nursing.

Add in wanting to continue fighting aging (because let's face it, most of us are over 30 while pregnant rather than in our early 20s)... and.... our options have dramatically shrunk.

First, a quick little review of what I think should be included in everyone's skin care routine and any modifications for pregnancy.

1. Gentle Cleansing: Pick a cleanser that removes all of your makeup (especially in the eye area, it's amazing how much eye liner and mascara can be left behind and look horrible), rinses off easily and leaves your skin non-irritated with no redness or after wash tightness.

2. Exfoliation: Usually done either physically (with a scrub or wash cloth or even a BuffPuf) or chemically. In my usual life I prefer chemical since it is more predictable and my skin can tolerate it well. However since the hydroxy acids are a no-go during pregnancy I've opted for physical exfoliation. This means a few times a week I'll use a scrub (I prefer to do this in the shower for easy rinsing, my current favorite is Your Best Face's Prep) and in between I simply make sure I scrub my face a little bit more with my washcloth.

3. Moisturization: The mythical glowy complexion of pregnancy can be achieved (I think I had it for a few weeks somewhere around week 24), and one of the keys is moisture! Keeping your skin nice and plump helps with minimizing any signs of aging as well, even if the effects are temporary. My favorite ingredient in a moisturizer is Hyaluronic Acid (aka- Sodium Hyaluronate) since as a humectant it attracts and keeps moisture in the skin rather than sealing it in (and looking greasy) like an emollient. I love emollients on my body though. Just not on my t-zone.

4. Sun Protection: This is always important. At a bare minimum I think everyone needs a SPF 15 with broad spectrum UVA and UVB coverage, SPF 30 is even better if you can get it. I do not think that you should be looking to your makeup for SPF (chances are you're not going to use the huge amount of foundation or powder to obtain that rating, if your product has SPF in it just consider this a little added bonus). I think you need to have your sunscreen in your daily moisturizer or a separate sunscreen product. Note that during pregnancy with your hormones run amok you are at risk of developing the dreaded "mask of pregnancy", Melasma. I'll be featuring a full post about this (along with the recs of a few dermatologists on how to deal with it) in a few weeks, but your main defense against it is sunscreen. So slather up!


So, I'm sure if you read my blog regularly you recognize my anti-aging checklist. It lists the ingredient categories that I like to include in every anti-aging routine (not necessarily in 1 product). My ideal is to have the routine above, to have peptides and anti-oxidants +/- hydroxy acids in a moisturizer, sunscreen in my day time moisturizer, and then to add in retinoids as a concentrated product that I can then use as my skin tolerates (my skin is usually a bit sensitive to retinoids, I usually end up at every other night). Obviously this can't happen with all of the ingredients to avoid.

So, by the time we take into account what to avoid, the anti-aging checklist turns into the image on the bottom. We're still allowed peptides and anti-oxidants, but retinoids are all a big no-no and the hydroxy acids are typically avoided, especially if you're erring on the conservative side like me. Yes, it sucks to not be able to use a retinoid, but it's only for 9 months so not a big deal. It's the hydroxy acid avoidance that is actually much more annoying. Do you know how hard it is to avoid hydroxy acids?? They like to pop up everywhere. Throw in avoiding all of the other ingredients (especially those skin whiteners) and suddenly there aren't a lot of options.

So, what have I found that works with this? Some of these were old stand-bys that I like to keep on hand to use in between product testings, and some of them were actually things that I tested. The first products in each category are the ones I actually used while pregnant, then I listed a few that I've used in the past and after checking ingredient lists I found they would have worked too.

Cleanser
Olay Foaming Face Wash: Honestly, this one contains citric acid, an AHA, but I missed it on the ingredient list. It's basically the last ingredient (leading me to believe it is there to balance the pH) and therefore in super low amounts. Plus, you wash this off immediately. I used this in my third trimester, I'm trying not to feel guilty.
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser
Also Works:
Cetaphil Cleanser
Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash
Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser

Nightly/Treatment Moisturizer
StriVectin SD
Elizabeth Intervene Stress Recovery Night Cream (This product has been reformulated, my box didn't have a retinoid listed but it does contain this ingredient now. Check your box, but this is no longer safe!)
Your Best Face Control
Also Works:
Neutrogena Light Night Cream

Eye Cream
Olay Regenerist Anti-Aging Eye Roller
Elizabeth Arden Intervene Eye Cream
Your Best Face Refresh Eye Cream
Also Works:
Neutrogena Ageless Restoratives Anti-Oxidant Eye Cream: I haven't used this one before but I really wanted another eye cream to recommend and this one fits the bill

Day Moisturizer with SPF
Olay Regenerist UV Defense Regenerating Lotion SPF 50
Aveeno Ageless Vitality, SPF 30
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer SPF 15
Also Works:
Neutrogena Oil Free Moisture SPF 15


What to do with Blemishes?
So... What are your favorite topical ingredients to treat blemishes? Because it sure seems like all of mine (Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic acid) were both on that list of no-no ingredients. Just try finding an acne treatment that doesn't contain either of those or a hydroxy acid. Pretty much impossible. A reader asked me about Witch Hazel the other day, and that is safe in pregnancy, so that is an option if it doesn't try you out like crazy (like it does me, so I avoid it like the plague).

So.... those hormone induced bumps... you pretty much need to wait them out. To help things along I did do some warm compresses, I did have a facial and let my esthetician do some extractions, and I tried to keep my pores as cleaned out as I could. So, exfoliation, I used my Clarisonic every day and did some masking. Especially during the month that blemishes were a problem for me, I was using a clay containing mask to help suck up all the nastiness about 2-3 times a week (I love the Borghese Fango Mask or the Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask, which might be the best $3 you'll ever spend).



Check out all of my pregnancy skin care posts!
8 Pregnancy Friendly Skincare Lines over on Babble
Skin care ingredients that should be avoided during pregnancy
Skin care routine adjustments for pregnancy
My criteria for pregnancy safe skincare
Giant List of Pregnancy Safe Skin Care Products


Pregnant and Pregnancy skincare



Some of the items mentioned in this post were sent to me for consideration, some I bought. Some were sent to me and I bought again them later.

175 comments

  1. Fabulous post Christine!!! I am taking notes on all your recommendations for the future!!! Love the graphics too!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Love your site! Easy to read & fun!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks both of you! :D

    I've just edited and added a few more products to the list above, hopefully this post helps someone out!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Very, very useful and interesting post. Taking note of your recommendations for the future :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Christine,
    I just found your blog and it's great!!! I was wondering if you can help me out. Do you know if it's safe to use La Mer Eye Cream when Pregnant or La Prarie eye cream?? Those are the 2 I have been using and now that I am pregnant I'm so unsure????
    If you are aware of any great eye creams I would love to hear about them.
    Thanks you

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi Anon!
    It's hard to say because I can't find ingredient lists on-line for the La Mer, so I really don't know about that one. Given the ingredients in the La Mer face cream, it's likely ok. Which La Prarie eye cream are you using? I checked their site and they have about 7 (and no ingredient info on their site), but I can try to hunt down whichever one you're using.
    Congrats on your pregnancy!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thank you so much!!! the one from la prarie is Cellular Radiance Eye Cream. I have been using that one for a while and I absolutely love it. The one from la mer is the eye balm intense. If I can get you a list of ingredients for both these products can you help to tell me if they are ok?? I have no idea how to read the ingredients or what to look out for.
    Thank you so much

    ReplyDelete
  8. I can definitely look at them for you! I can't find the ingredients anywhere on line. It's probably easiest if you email them to me, cemikese at yahoo.com is my email address. If it's on the packaging, you don't need to type them all out, take a pic (use the macro feature on your camera to focus that closely) and just send the images! :D

    ReplyDelete
  9. hi Christine, i just found your blog and loved it! How about Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs), Gluconolactone and Lactobionic Acid? I've been using neostrata hydrating eye complex but now im not so sure if its safe. Im 6 weeks pregnant, should i continue using it? thanks a lot!

    ReplyDelete
  10. AnaLuiza- Congrats! I hope you're feeling well! Similar to the alpha and beta hydroxy acids, there isn't any info on polyhydroxy acids and their safety during pregnancy. In my super conservative approach to pregnancy skin care, I didn't use them during my pregnancy last year. I'd recommend talking to your OB about it, however there isn't an ACOG statement about topical products so every doc will approach this differently. I come at it from my background as a pediatrician, so particularly in the first 20 weeks or so I was super conservative. I loosened up a bit in the 3rd trimester after organs were formed and things were maturing and growing instead.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thanks a lot Christine, I won't use it anymore. Im using Neutrogena oil free moisturizer for sensitive skin and Clinique dramatically different moisturizing gel on my face, are these safe? which eye cream do you recommend? Thanks a lot for your help! oh, and i'm feeling great, no nausea so far! Ana Luiza

    ReplyDelete
  12. I could only find the Clinique ingredients listed on a blog, but they appeared complete there. Looking at the list there and on the Neutrogena website they both look safe. I used mostly the YBF eye cream listed above while pregnant, but it's expensive and I really just pulled it out of a drawer. I'm lucky with the insane amount of products that just show up on my doorstep.

    In terms of another eye cream that works other than the ones listed above, I've just looked around a few websites and found:
    - No Neutrogena products work. Ignore all of their eye creams.
    - The Olay eye roller is a nice basic eye cream, though the roller bit is a bit unnecessary.
    - Here's another Olay: Definitity Illuminating Eye, which has anti-oxidants and peptides, great for anti-aging, but avoids no-no ingredients.
    -The Aveeno website only has 1 eye cream on it, and I have a sample for an upcoming release in my office. Neither work.

    I hope that helps!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thank you so much for this info! Did you say Hyaluronic acid is safe or no? Thank you!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hi Christine,
    I've been using Avalon Organics Vitamin C Vivality Facial Serum for the last week, and then realized it may not be safe. Thats how I found your blog. Can you check on this one for me?

    ReplyDelete
  15. Based on the ingredients over at Avalon Organics it looks fine! Congrats!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Is it safe to apply hyaluronic acid to your skin when pregnant?
    I'm hearing conflicting answers.
    Some say it's fine because it's naturally in your skin and others say not to because too much may be harmful.

    ReplyDelete
  17. It is safe! Hyaluronic Acid is naturally found in the skin, in rather large amounts. It's actually a rather large molecule, and in fact when applied topically it can NOT penetrate the epidermis. Instead, it sits on the skin surface and pulls in moisture, keeping your skin hydrated. It is a great ingredient for the winter and completely safe.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Are the cerave hydrating cleanser and AM and PM moisturizers safe?

    ReplyDelete
  19. I just looked at the ingredient lists of all 3 and they're all safe!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hi Christine!
    Love your blog and the information you provide. I am breastfeeding my 3 mont old daughter and confused on what skincare to use. I am 39 and looking 45!! I am going to purchase some of the products you suggested , but confused about the strivectin sd you mentioned above. Is that one safe? It's ingredients have the ones you say to stay away from. Thanks in advance for your reply!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I just double checked the ingredients and you should be fine with StriVectin SD for pregnancy and breast feeding.

    Yeah for breast feeding! I'm just now transitioning my 12 month old off. I'm sad to stop!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Thank you! This is all so helpful!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Love your blog! Is the clinique clinical spot corrector safe while breastfeeding?

    ReplyDelete
  24. I can't find a list of the ingredients on the clinique website, but I imagine that it isn't safe while pregnant, as is the case with most hyperpigmentation products. There's very little that you need to avoid while breast feeding, but Hydroquinone (which is commonly found in products like this) is one of them. You'll need to check the box to double check. I hope that helps some!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Hi i am 14 weeks pregnant and am having those nasty chin outbreaks, just wanting to know if the Ella Bache Lait Exotique- Balancing cleansing milk is safe and there Intensive balancing lotion. The Cleansing milk has Triethanolamine in it which i had read elsewhere isn't safe, but you haven't mentioned that so i just thought i would ask, thanks muchly

    ReplyDelete
  26. Congrats!
    I can't find that ingredient on any no-no while pregnant lists, though I found it on a few organic skin care sites and they said to avoid it. But, they also listed pretty much any ingredient not found in any of their products, and they didn't list references or reasons why to avoid it. So, I'm taking that info with a grain of salt.
    I then did a few pubmed.gov searches (open to anyone, it's a search of the medical literature) and really only found info linking it to changes in the kidneys and livers of rats when they were exposed to pretty high levels. No cancers were found. I couldn't find anything specifically linking it (or not linking it) to any problems in pregnancy of humans or any animals. No info.
    I'd say if you're worried about the ingredient at all (since you're asking about it), I'd just avoid it for peace of mind. I had those horrible chin breakouts too, clay masks (Queen Helene!) helped me some. Really, it was like my hormones shifted one day and suddenly they weren't an issue any more.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Thanks so much for your above response i didn't expect anything back so quick!Next question about their intensive balancing lotion which is like a toner and you just dab it on,on the back it lists botanical extracts up the top of witch hazel, aloe vera, rosemary and chamomile, but then it lists down the bottom a whole heap of other extracts like things i'd never heard of: yarrow, balm mint, coltsfoot,sage,horsetail, etc etc so what do you think, or is there another toner which will calm my chin down, thanks so much again it is much appreciated, this baby took a long time to come along, hence the paranoid second time mum :)

    ReplyDelete
  28. Hi Christine, I love your blog and wish I would have found it months ago! I am nursing and wanted to start using anti-aging products again. Are the following two products safe to use - Ole Henriksen Truth Serum and Neutrogena Dermatologics Total Hydration water gel? Thanks so much.

    ReplyDelete
  29. I was at the hospital today, so it took a bit longer to comment back! :D

    Anon #1 above- I think all of those are pretty much fine, though I'd avoid a lot of willow bark, which is essentially aspirin. Unfortunately, blemishes in pregnancy are just hard to treat.

    Anon #2- It looks like Truth Serum is fine and I can't find an "official" ingredient list for the Neutrogena on the QVC site. I did find a list of ingredients in a Q&A, but I'm not sure if it is accurate (parts of it are duplicated). If that list looks correct compared to your product at home, it looks ok to use as well!

    Congrats!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Thanks for your reply I have used the toner with willow bark extract only once a day on my chin and a tiny amount!For a week now, Obviously I won't any more should this be ok if I stop now? Can I use witch hazel instead surely I wouldn't be the first person unknowingly to use something that isn't right now I am panicking...

    ReplyDelete
  31. You're definitely not the first! And there isn't a lot in a toner, i'm sure that very little of it actually gets absorbed. Don't really worry about it now, just switch over to Witch Hazel when you can get to the store.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Hi Christine, this list is very useful thank you. I came across your blog while getting increasingly frustrated at finding lists of ingredients that should be avoided but no actual product recommendations. I'm 5 months pregnant and have been using Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream, and Guinot Longue Vie Yeux eye lifting cream which contains Retinyl Acetate so I'll be switching to the Elizabeth Arden Intervene range.

    ReplyDelete
  33. This post is really interesting and will be very helpful.

    I am wondering why not use the citric acid. It is present in so much things we eat that it is impossible to avoid in food so why is it dangerous in a cream?

    Thank you

    ReplyDelete
  34. Collette- I'm glad it helped! Congrats!


    Anon- It hasn't been found to be dangerous, but as a hydroxy acid it hasn't really been studied and therefore just gets lumped in with all of the others to avoid as it just hasn't been proven to be safe. It appears on pretty much every list I was able to find, including several in medical text books. I include it since even my OB included it on their list of items to avoid.

    I personally avoided it because it was on those lists. Honestly, I did it just to see if it could be done at first, and then later I felt guilty if I used it because it was on the list even though I knew that it was silly since yes, it is in food. Does that make sense? So, really I think it's probably fine, as Lactic Acid is (your body actually makes Lactic Acid).

    ReplyDelete
  35. Hi Christine, I just wanted to check Retinyl linoleate is listed on the box in the ingredients for Elizabeth Arden Intervene Stress Recovery Night Cream, should this be avoided?
    Thanks
    Collette

    ReplyDelete
  36. Yes! Avoid it. It looks like it has been reformulated, it wasn't in mine (which was from a few years ago). Thanks for the heads up!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Hi Christine. Just found out I'm pregnant and have been using the Dermatologica Dynamic Skin Recovery with SPF 30. Is this safe to continue to use? I use the CeraVe facial moisturizer pm at night and looks from an earlier post that is safe to use. Thanks for the help.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Congrats! The Dermalogica is safe, I just checked the ingredient list on their site.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Hi Christine! I'm almost seven months pregnant and Was wondering if it's safe to use the anti-age regimen by Rodan and Fields? I just bought a kit, but want to make sure it's safe to use before I do.

    Thanks for your help!
    Robin

    ReplyDelete
  40. Hi Robin!
    Congrats!
    It looks like the mask and triple defense treatment spf 30 are both ok. The overnight cream has a retinoid and there is a little hydroxy acid in the toner, so I'd avoid those for now.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Great post Christine- I often have clients struggling with breakouts while pregnant or nursing & am limited in what I can have them use. I steer them towards papaya enzymes such as Jan Marini's SkinZyme, as well as lactic acid which can be found in Kate Somerville's Clinic To Go Pads. Our Dermatologist says both are fine for those pregnant or nursing. Hope that adds a few other options!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Hi Christine, great bog!!! Is Kiehl's Ultra Facial Mosturizer safe to use I'm 4 months pregnant? thanks so much!!!

    ReplyDelete
  43. It is! That's the one I mostly used while pregnant, it's my all time fave go-to moisturizer.

    ReplyDelete
  44. You say Glycolic acid isn't safe then say Hyaluronic Acid is. Hyaluronic Acid hasn't been proven to be safe.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Hyaluronic Acid isn't really an acid, it's a form of Sodium Hyaluronate, which your body makes naturally, as it is found in large amounts in the extra cellular matrix around cells, particularly in the dermis. It is a VERY large compound that is pretty much impossible to absorb into the skin at all, and it can't cross over into the blood stream and then to the baby. So yes, it is safe, because it is already found in much higher amounts in your body than you could ever absorb.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Hi, I am 30 weeks pregnant I was wondering if you know if Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre is safe in pregnancy? I'm really confused!

    ReplyDelete
  47. Hi Christine, I'm so thankful i found your blog...i just have few questions, i am currently breastfeeding and my face needs to be cleaned at the same time but i am not applying anything on it coz i'm not sure if it's ok for my baby,,,but is clinique clarifying lotion #3 safe while breastfeeding? it contains:

    alcohol denat.,salicylic acid,hamamelis virginiana(witch hazel),butylene glycol,glycerin,trhalose,sodium hyaluronate,citric acid,sodium hydroxide,disodium edta,bht,phenoxyethanol,benzophenone-4,ext. violet 2 (cl 60730,red 6 (cl 15850), orange 4(cl15510)

    how about aveeno positively radiant toner,is it safe too? it contains:
    butylene glycol,PEG-4,PEG-16 soy sterol,polysorbate 20,sodium chloride,methylparaben,laneth-16,steareth-16,ceteth-16,benzalkorium chloride,panthenol,glycereth-26, sodium pca,parfum.

    sometimes i think of stopping to breastfeed him so that i could apply anything on my face but i feel guilty,,,i hope you can help me,,thanks a lot!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Now that you're breastfeeding instead of pregnant, things are a bit different. The easiest way to think of it is that you no longer have a tiny person developing major organs inside of you, exposed to most of what you do to your body. The placenta doesn't let everything through, but it is basically a giant sieve and a lot of stuff does get through. Breast feeding is different, that milk is basically secreted into milk ducts, which means things need to have a specific transporter or be somehow able to get around the whole process. So, major difference!

    You can check out my post on skin care ingredients in pregnancy and breastfeeding, but basically there isn't much other than hydroquinone that you need to worry about for breastfeeding. (Still avoid oral Retin A, but it is ok topical while breastfeeding) So, both of those products are fine! You can have good skin and breastfeed!

    ReplyDelete
  49. thank you so much for your help Christine....i am now confident to use any of these toners while nursing...more power and God bless!

    ReplyDelete
  50. hi christine,
    i d like to ask u favor to check whether all given below cosmetics are safe to be used during pregnent as i m haveing a plan to become pregnant,
    1. missha korean make up base SPF15 PA+; ingredients: cyclopentasiloxane, hydroxyapatite, cetyl, Ethylhexanoate, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl, methoxycinnamate, titanium, Dioxide, Zinc oxide, Silica, , polymethylsilsesquioxane, pvp,, Hectrorite, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Aluminum Hydroxide, sodium propylparaben, chromium oxide Green,

    2 Advantan cream; ingredients: Methylprednisolone aceponate, benzyl alcohol 10mg.
    3. Hyaluronic acid , whitening cream from taiwan
    if d be great if u could reply the above questions to my email address,

    ReplyDelete
  51. also is La mer moisturizing cream safe to be used? it desnt tell ingredient on the bottle or the leaflet in box

    ReplyDelete
  52. Hi Christine! Agree with the comments above that this has been a super helpful posting (as a first time mom-to-be who is nervous about everything) ;-) A previous post asked about Rodan and Fields anti-age line, which is also what I was using until I found out I was pregnant. One item in the regimen I didn't see addressed is their Multi-function Eye Cream. I think it only has peptides in it, not retinol, but wanted to see if you could check it and let me know your thoughts? I already miss using it? Ingredient lists are here: https://www.rodanandfields.com/images/Archives/Ingredient_List_07.08.11.pdf
    Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  53. @Nicky- Unfortunately, I don't have your email address, so I'll address it here. :D The ingredients you list for #1 are ok, the Advantan Cream I'd discuss with a doctor as the Methylprednisolone is a steroid that we use by prescription only here in the US and I don't think that's safe unless very needed. Topical steroids can be absorbed systemically, though in small amounts. I'd chat with a doctor. #3 you don't list the ingredients for, but pretty much any whitening cream will have ingredients that are no-nos. Hyaluronic Acid itself isn't an acid, but rather is a very large molecule (which skin can't absorb) and is already found in large amounts in the skin. It's fine. La Mer doesn't really release their ingredients, though I have a post listing the most commonly reported ingredient list. I found that list all over the internet, but I really don't know if it is true or not. There's a small amount of Citric Acid in La Mer in that list, really there to adjust the pH. I avoided that small amount while in my first 2 trimesters, then didn't go out of my way to avoid it after that. It's really more up to you.

    @HCMCHI- I'm glad that this post has been helpful! I haven't really used much of the Rodan and Fields line other than ProActive (which really cleared up my skin super fast right before my wedding in 2003), though just recently I said I'd review some products for them. I'm so glad I did, look at the huge number of peptides in that eye cream! OMG!!! And yes, it looks safe to me. Definitely use it, I'm excited to try it out now!

    ReplyDelete
  54. Hi Christine,

    First I would like to thank you for creating such a fabulous (& very much needed!) blog. I am especially grateful since my OB-GYN recently told me to "google" self tanners since she didn't know if they were safe (& I found conflicting reports on DHA - if it actually penetrates the skin or not). I purchased the most natural self tanner I could find: Caribbean Solutions Beach Colours Self Tanner.

    The ingredients are: organic aloe leaf, natural derivative DHA, organic shea butter, organic squaline oil, cucumber, mandarin oil, natural vitamin E from corn, essential oil.

    Also, my eyelashes have recently started to fall out & I would love to use the eyelash conditioner/grower Revitalash again (I stopped when I found out I was pregnant just to be safe). Here are the ingredients: Water, Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Dechloro Dihydroxy Difluro Ethylcloprostenolamide, Biotin, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Swertia japonica Extract, Biotinyl Tripeptide-1, Octapeptide-2, Calendula Officianalis Flower Extract, Triticum Vulgare Protein, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Glycerin, Cellulose Gum, Butylene Glycol, Phosphoric Acid, Disodium Phosphate, Pentylene Glycol.

    Thank you so much for all of your help!

    ReplyDelete
  55. Congrats on your pregnancy!
    I have a second post on skincare ingredients to avoid when pregnant. I address DHA there, and I can tell you there really isn't a consensus. I've seen it on lists of things that are ok, on lists of things that aren't ok... I can't find info on it in a pubmed search. I do recall reading info somewhere about DHA being found in the liver of users. I can't find that again though. (Was it real? Was it an obscure reference? Did I dream it? I don't know.)

    Personally, I would avoid any self tanners while pregnant. I recall having some very strange dry patches that would come and go... and that doesn't exactly translate into an even tan. I'd go with a bronzer instead if you need something for color. NARS has a liquid one, there are some spray versions from Sally Hansen and MAC.... I've just embraced the pale.

    In regards to Revitalash- the company says to check with your doctor. I used Revitalash myself while pregnant, I looked all of the ingredients up and didn't really find any issues.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Hi Christine, that's an awesome blog! Thanks so much. Do you know if Latisse is on the list of unsafe products to use while pregnant? I'm in my 9th week and since I knew I was pregnant have been using it once a week instead of daily. Thanks so much for the reply

    ReplyDelete
  57. The Latisse I would stop using since the active ingredient is a prostaglandin analogue. It can do not great things to blood vessels in babies (we purposefully give it to close them sometimes shortly after birth), and while I don't know the effects in a fetus I think it'd be better to stop. I'm not sure it will help your lashes much only once a week anyways. Consider checking out Revitalash instead, I think it's safe, it's much cheaper and I had good results from it!

    ReplyDelete
  58. Hi Christine - thanks for all of the useful info - I love your blog! My go-to sunscreen, Ti-Silc, recently discontinued their old formula. They are now making a sunscreen called Neova DNA Damage Control that also corrects sun damage. Just wanted to make sure the ingredients are safe:
    Active Ingredients: Octinoxate 3%, Titanium Dioxide 3%, Zinc Oxide 9%
    Other Ingredients: Aluina, Cytylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Iodopropynyl BUtylcarbamate, Iron Oxides, Laureyl PEG-9 Polymethylsioxyethyl Dimethicone, Lecithin, Methicone, Micrococcus Lysate, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Phenoxyethanol, Plankton Extract, Purified Water, Silica, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Triethoxycaprylysilane.

    Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  59. If you aren't avoiding hydroxy acids, then that list is fine. If you are, there's Citric Acid pretty near te top, so I'd pick a different product.

    ReplyDelete
  60. Hi Christine - thank you for all of the useful info and ur blog is great!!
    i was wondering whether TALC and BHT are safe ingredients?

    ReplyDelete
  61. Both are considered safe for pregnancy. BHT is actually used as a food preservative, which is a more direct way of delivering it in to your body.

    ReplyDelete
  62. I have Keratosis Pilaris so I get red bumps on the back of my arms. I was wondering if Topix Urix 40 Urea Cream is okay to treat it (& if not, do you have any suggestions?). Thanks!!!

    ReplyDelete
  63. It should be fine looking at the ingredients. Urea is found in the body already, so it isn't like you can avoid it, and the rest of the ingredient list looked ok to me.

    ReplyDelete
  64. Hi christina. So it is very safe to use neutrogena oil free moisturiser on pregnant and lactating mums?

    ReplyDelete
  65. It should be fine! I checked all of the Neutrogena Oil Free facial moisturizers (I didn't realize there were so many!) and all of the ones I saw were fine.

    ReplyDelete
  66. Thank you for all of the great info! What do you think about the safety of CeraVe foaming cleanser? Here is the link to the ingredients. http://cerave.com/our-products/foaming-facial-cleanser/

    Also, do you think sunscreens like oxybenzone and octinoxate are okay during pregnancy? And what are your thoughts about parabens? I have heard mixed opinions about all of these, but noticed they are in many of the products you suggested.

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  67. Just found your blog today and I am SO happy I did! Fantastic information. I'm following you in other social media platforms too! Thanks! janna

    p.s. I have hear that the Burt's Bees Radiance line is great for expecting moms. Do you have any info/opinion on this?

    ReplyDelete
  68. Anon-
    The CeraVe cleanser has Citric Acid toward the end of the ingredient list, so it depends on whether you are completely avoiding hydroxy acids or not. I think that both of those sunscreens and parabens are fine during pregnancy and at any time pretty much.

    I address some of that in the comments above, but octinoxate has no evidence against it, Oxybenzone in RATS (with very different immune systems from us), when they have very high amounts of oxybenzone they have a bit of growth of their uterus. So they said that was an estrogenic effect. That doesn't mean it will do the same thing to a human, especially at much lower doses.

    As well, parabens were found in breast cancer tissue. But that's all we know, it was there. It was never proven (esp in many subsequent studies) to have a conclusive link to cancer, and for all we know it is found in much higher concentrations in your left big toe. Obviously I'm playing devil's advocate, but we really don't know anything. It's much easier to avoid parabens now than it used to be, so if you're concerned I say to avoid them. But, when listening to the advice of others (including me), just consider what their alternative agenda is. I guess mine is that I don't mind parabens for myself, but I also want consumers to know what studies really found. The EWG is a lobbyist group, and they very frequently overstate or completely misstate what studies find, so they make a lot of people much too worried/freaked out.

    Anyways, way more info than I meant to say, but there you go! :D In general, my advice is to avoid any ingredients that make you nervous.


    Janna-
    I tried out the Radiance line a bit during my pregnancy, but found that it was much too hydrating for my oilier skin. I broke out like crazy! Looking at the ingredient list of the products, the Exfoliating Body Wash, Facial Cleanser and Day Lotion with SPF 15 all have small amounts of citric acid at the very end of the ingredient list (so probably just there to adjust the product pH), so it just is up to you as to whether you're avoiding all hydroxy acids or not.

    ReplyDelete
  69. Christine! You are a fabulous resource. You are so educated about these things, and I know that all of these women appreciate your responses.

    You have given so much great info about face products, but I am wondering if women should be concerned about ingredients in other products such as shampoo. I have heard that sodium laureth or sodium lauryl sulfate can have dangers as well as dmdm hydantoin (bc it gives off small amounts of formaldehyde). These are in many products, though. Should pregnant women be concerned about either of those?

    ReplyDelete
  70. Christine, I found your blog today while looking for a nice quality sunscreen. Thank you for creating such a wonderful resource! If you have a minute, I'd love to get your opinion on the safety of my current routine. I am nursing a healthy five month old baby girl. I wash with Fresh's Soy Cleanser, follow with Clinique Clarifying Lotion 3 and Algenist's Anti-Aging Moisturizer. I also use Kiehl's Avocado Eye Cream. Is this combo safe? I'm lacking a sunscreen as I've been relying on my Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer. Can you recommend a lightweight facial moisturizer for every day? I was looking at Kiehl's or Algenist's new sunscreen. Thank you! -Jessica

    ReplyDelete
  71. Hi Christine,

    Thanks for all your useful posts. I am on my first trimester and really worried about the beauty products I use as below

    Heliabrine lifting ampoules
    Ingredients : hydrolyzed wheat protein, sorbitol,ppg 1peg 9, lauryl glycol ether, alcohol,panthenol 1, 2-hexanidol,caprylyl glycol,parfum,sweet almond seed extract, sodium chloride, acmella oleracea extract, phenoxyethanol,propylene glycol,lactic acid, estate,ethyl hexyglycerin.

    Avon anew rejuvenating facial flash - no ingredients label.

    Guerlain lingerie design peau foundation.


    Please assist me as I really cannot distinguished if this is safe for me and I am a working mom and always need to keep up on my physical attributes.

    Thank you so much
    Anna
    Anna.lee21@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  72. Anon #1- Since you rinse off shampoo so quickly I wouldn't worry about it. The issue with sulfates is that it strips hair and skin of natural oils, which can cause drying and irritation. If you have those problems I'd avoid sulfates, but it shouldn't be an issue with pregnancy per se.

    Anon #2- While nursing you don't need to avoid anything that is topical, though some say you shouldn't take oral retinoids (aka- accutane). So, if what you're using is working I'd stick with that! It's always a struggle to find a great lightweight SPF for every day. My go-to is the Kiehl's Ultra Facial SPF 15, though I would prefer SPF 30 and complete broad spectrum coverage. This one doesn't have either. But, it is super, super lightweight and my skin kinda loves it, and I don't skip it because of the SPF. I try to go for something with a higher SPF on days I know I'll be outside more, and there's an Olay Regenerist with SPF 55 or something insane that is also really lightweight. I haven't tried that Algenist, but I know they sent products out to bloggers (I got a mask to review), someone else may have reviewed it?

    Anna-
    The Lifting Ampules have Lactic Acid in them, and in general all hydroxy acids are on the no-no list. BUT! Your body makes lactic acid. Kinda hard to avoid that. So, those are probably ok. The Avon Anew has Retinol in it and so shouldn't be used during pregnancy. If the ingredients I found for the foundation on Amazon are correct then it is fine!

    Congrats everyone!

    ReplyDelete
  73. Hi Christine,

    I have been using the Neutrogena Naturals line, and just realized now (3 weeks later) that it contains willowbark... akkk! How worried should I be?

    Secondly, I really need something to help "exfoliate" my face, so I'm curious if you can recommend this product or not: StriVectin-SD Instant Retexturizing Scrub

    Here is the list of ingredients:

    Water (Aqua/Eau), Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Polyethylene Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-2 Cocamide, Jojoba Esters, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Stearic Acid, Cetyl Alcohol, Coconut Acid, Butylene Glycol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Sucrose Cocoate, Triethanolamine, Polyquaternium-39, Myristyl Nicotinate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Tocopherol, Disodium EDTA, Acrylates/ C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Hexamethylindanopyran, Tetramethyl Acetyloctahydronaphthalenes, Menthone, Homolinalyl Acetate, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Peel Oil, Dodecahydro-Tetramethylnaphthofuran, Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Oil, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891).

    ReplyDelete
  74. Hi Christine,

    Can you tell me if the Nivea Visage Pure & Natural toner would be safe during early pregnancy? I'm looking for a toner and would love to know your recommendations.

    Here are the ingredients:

    Aqua, Alcohol denat., Glycerin, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Panthenol, Polyquaternium-10, Sodium Chloride, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Trisodium EDTA, Methylisothiazolinone, Linalool, Limonene, Citronellol, Benzyl Alcohol, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Parfum

    ReplyDelete
  75. Thank you Christine for your very informative site!!

    I have been using REN ClearCalm 3 Replenishing Night Serum to help combat blemishes during my early pregnancy and I am wondering if you can tell me if this product is in fact safe to use? It is sold at Sephora.

    Any further info on REN would be much appreciated as I am trying to find a line that works and is as natural/safe as I can be.

    Thank you kindly!

    ReplyDelete
  76. Anon#1- I wouldn't worry too much about the willowbark that you've already used, surprisingly enough it wasn't on the list of things to avoid and I'm not sure that it is able to be absorbed though the skin very far anyways. I do really like that StriVectin Scrub and it should be fine to use, though most of it will be rinsed off.

    Anon #2- The toner looks fine to me! Let me know if you like it, I haven't tried it before. :D

    Anon #3- That Ren Night Serum is ok for pregnancy. I actually don't know anything about Ren, this is actually the first I've heard of them! I'll try to research them a bit and write a post.

    Congrats you three!

    ReplyDelete
  77. Re: REN

    Thanks Christine! I had asked the lady at Sephora if she could recommend a natural product (that didn't contain any retinoids or hydroxy acids) that would help fight acne. I did not tell her I was pregnant thought. However, I have found directly from the REN website their first FAQ states the following:

    "None of our products contain ingredients at levels which should cause concern during pregnancy or while trying to get pregnant. However, certain products contain ingredients such as essential oils that some women choose to avoid entirely during pregnancy..."

    So, if you do have any further info for pregnant women on this line of skin care I would sincerely appreciate it! Btw, this one blog post is by FAR the most resourceful piece of info on the entire web. And I've done a LOT of research...

    thanks so much!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  78. Hi Christine your research is really impressive!. I just switched to Chantecaille products recently as it has many paraben free products. Any advice on safety of their pure rosewater and flower harmonizing cream?

    Lastly, do you avoid using makeups? I find it a bit hard to resist. Im now 28w pregnant. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  79. Anon #1- I'm not really sure what essential oils they could be talking about?? I haven't found any info about avoiding any of those. I'm glad this post helped you!

    Anon #2- This is just all the stuff I found when researching this myself at the beginning of my pregnancy a few years ago. :D I figured if a beauty blogger is going to write about it, it should be me, the pediatrician!

    Looking at the Chantecaille products, the Rosewater is fine but the Flower Harmonizing Cream has Retinyl Palmitate, so I'd stop it until after delivery.

    I didn't avoid makeup up at all, though I did look at my foundation ingredients the same way I look at my skin care ingredients.

    ReplyDelete
  80. Christine your blog is so useful for expectant moms, thank you!

    Just wondering if you know Amala Advanced Firming Complex, Rejuvenating Toner & Purifying Gel Moisturizer are safe for pregnancy use?

    Since someone mentioned Chantecaille, Ive been using their Future Skin foundation and Ultra Sun Protection SPF 50 PA++ too.

    ReplyDelete
  81. Hi Christine,

    Please can you tell me if the Ultraceuticals range of products is ok to use when you are pregnant.

    www.ultraceuticlas.com

    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  82. I'm just got myself the Strivectin cream, I'm 2 months pregnant but I also have existing stretch marks and I want to use it my arms. I dont really think it would cause any harm but please give me an opinion.

    ReplyDelete
  83. Hello!

    Have you ever had any experience with Belli Eye Brightening Cream or Novena Organic Cucumber Cranberry Eye Gel? I've come across both as being safe to use during pregnancy, but not sure about their effectiveness.

    The Belli product has far more reviews than the Novena one, but the Belli one does contain a few ingredients that may be questionable in terms of safety.

    Thanks so much for your informative and fun-to-read blog!

    ReplyDelete
  84. Hi Christine!!

    Thank God I found you :) What a fantastic and informative site you have!

    I've been loving L'Oreal Youth Code Illuminosity serum and the Day Cream as well. Not sure about using it now.. Please help!!!

    Are the following ingredients safe to use? I just found out I'm pregnant!

    Bytylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Niacinamide, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Alcohol Denat, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Hydroxyethylpiperzine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Peg-100 Stearate, Stearic acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Clyceryl stearate, Triethanolamine, Sodium Cetrate, Palmitic Acid, Adenosine, Disodium edta, Laureth-7, Xantham gum, oxothiazolidinecarboxylic acid, castanea, sativa/chestnut seed extract, ethylhexyl hydroxystearate, polycryamide, cetyl alcohol, tocopheryl acetate, phenoxyethanol, Limonene, Bismuth Oxychloride.

    Thank you so much!!

    ReplyDelete
  85. I'm so behind in responses! Here's what i could find out:

    Amala Advanced Firming Complex- This has willow bark extract which is recommended to avoid in pregnancy.
    Rejuvenating Toner- Willow bark
    Purifying Gel Moisturizer- More willow bark

    Chantecaille Future Skin foundation- I can't find ingredients online
    Ultra Sun Protection SPF 50 PA++ - again, no ingredients available.

    Ultraceuticals
    This is a pretty big line, so it's hard to comment on everything. I just looked at what they list as their top 5 sellers:
    Even Skintone Serum- not safe (salicylates and hydroxy acids)
    Ultra A Smoothing Complex- Not safe (retinoid)
    Ultra C Firming Serum - Looks ok
    Ultra Rich Moisturiser Cream- Looks ok
    Protective Daily Moisturiser SPF 30+- Lactic acid is listed as an ingredient, which is the one exception to the hydroxy acid no-no rule. So, I think it is ok.

    Strivectin
    The regular strivectin cream is fine to use, the eye cream isn't due to hydroxy acids.

    Belli Eye Brightening Cream Looks fine to me

    Novena Organic Cucumber Cranberry Eye Gel Safe!

    L'Oreal Youth Code- The listed ingredients are fine to use!

    ReplyDelete
  86. Hi!! I was wondering if this was safe?-Quercetin: an Ultra-Powerful antioxidant derived from the oak tree it helps to minimize the signs of aging and keep skin looking younger.
    -Myrtle extract helps to improve skin elasticity.
    -Mourera Fluviatilis Extract: Provides moisture-binding properties which helps maintain the skin's water levels.
    -Rhodiola Rosea Extract: Helps prevent the appearance of dark circles and eye puffiness.

    Aqua/Water/Eau, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Triheptanoin, Sucrose Stearate, Glycerin, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Betaine, Acacia Decurrens/Jojoba/Sunflower Seed Wax/Polyglyceryl-3 esters, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Hydrogenated C12-18 Triglycerides, Sucrose Distearate, Dicaprylyl Ether, Distarch Phosphate, Sucrose, Adansonia Digitata (Baobab) Pulp Extract, Alanine, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Arginine, Benzyl Alcohol, Diazolidinyl Urea, Ehtylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Oleate, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Hydrolyzed Myrtus Communis Leaf Extract, Lonicera Caprifolium ( Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Mourera Fluviatilis Extract, Parfum (Fragrance), PCA, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Seed Extract, Quercetin Caprylate, Quercus Robur Bark Extract, Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Salicylic Acid, Serine, Sodium Dihydrogen Phosphate, Sodium Gluceptate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sunflower Seed Oil Sorbitol Esters, Threonine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Xanthan Gum.

    ReplyDelete
  87. Hi Christine

    Having previously suffered a miscarriage, I wanted to be extra cautious this time. I have found out today I am pregnant again. Are Estée Lauder Products safe to use during pregnancy?

    I use the facial wash & exfoliator for normal to combination skin & I use Timw zone.

    Thank you so much for your help
    Sarah Age 38

    ReplyDelete
  88. Anon #1- The list you provided has Salicylic Acid in it, which is something that needs to be avoided.

    Sarah- Congrats on your pregnancy! I can definitely understand wanting to be extra cautious. Unfortunately, Estee Lauder doesn't release their ingredients list very easily, so I can't get it online. You can ask them to email you the list for the exact products that you use or get it from your product packaging.

    ReplyDelete
  89. Hi Christine!

    I'm extremely happy to have found your site! I would to love to hear your opinion regarding a few ingredients. I have been using a moisturizer called Bio-lipid repair fluid and recently I started researching the product and I'm concerned about some of the "potential" harmful ingredients. The following are a few that stand out the most: PEG-8, ascorbyl palmitate, disodium EDTA, methylisothiazolinone, and mugwort.

    I'm anxious to know if I should discontinue using the product as my husband and I will soon be trying to conceive. I feel there is so much conflicting information on the internet and I don't know how much of it is scare tactics or the truth. Also, I looked into some of the USDA organic products and even some of those have ingredients to stay away from during pregnancy. I feel as though nothing is safe to use nowadays. I would sincerely appreciate your honest medical opinion!

    Here is the entire ingredient list below...

    Water (base), jojoba (simmondsia chinensis) oil (emollient), shea butter (butyrospermum parkii) (emollient), glycerin (hydrating), tridecyl stearate (emollient), neopentyl glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate (emollient), tridecyl trimellitate (emollient), dimethicone (slip agent), cetearyl methicone (protective silicone), linoleic acid (moisturizing lipid), soybean (glycine soja) sterols (moisturizing lipid), hydrolyzed algin (hydrating), chlorella vulgaris extract (hydrating), sea water (hydrating), algae (laminaria digitata) extract (soothing), mugwort (artemisia vulgaris) extract (soothing), soy phospholipids (moisturizing lipid), pentylene glycol (humectant), sea whip (pseudopterogorgia elizabethae) extract (soothing), allantoin (soothing), polysorbate 80 (mild emulsifier), laureth-4 (mild emulsifier), polyacrylate 13 (thickening agent), polyisobutene (emollient), polysorbate 20 (mild emulsifier), PEG-8 (mild emulsifier), tocopherol (freshness preservative), ascorbyl palmitate (freshness preservative), ascorbic acid (freshness preservative), citric acid (antimicrobial preservative), stearyl glycyrrhetinate (soothing), yeast beta-glucan (biological response modifier), acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer (emulsion stabilizer), farnesol (odor masker), linalool (odor masker), ethylhexylglycerin (skin conditioner), disodium EDTA (mineral chealator), potassium sorbate (antimicrobial preservative), methylisothiazolinone (antimicrobial preservative).

    ReplyDelete
  90. Hi Christine,

    Thanks so much for your help and advice. I was wondering if the No 7 Protect & Perfect Protection et Perfection Intense Beauty Serum is safe during pregnancy

    ReplyDelete
  91. Hi, Christine!

    I'd like to know if these products are safe:

    - Neutrogena Ultra Sheer liquid daily sunblock spf 70 (active ingredientes: avobenzone 3%, homosalate 10%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 7,5%, oxybenzone 5%)
    - neutrogena oil free moisture spf 15 (octinoxate 7.5%, octisalate 5%, oxybenzone 3%)
    - neutrogena ageless restoratives anti- oxidant moisture night (water, glycerin, shea butter (butyrospermum parkii) extract, soybean (glycine soja) seed extract, dimethicone, phenyl trimethicone, cetearyl glucoside, tocopherol, dipotassium glycyrrhizate, polymethyl methacrylate, titanicamente dioxide, feverfew (chrysanthemum parthenium) extract, caprylyl glycol, mica, silica, anhydroxylitol, xylitol, xylitylglucoside, 1, 2 hexanediol, arachidyl glucoside, steareth-2, ethylene acrylic acid copolymer, aluminium starch octenylsuccinate, acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, acrylamide/ammonium acrylate copolymer, polysobutene, polysorbate 20, triethanolamine, methylisothiazolinone, methylparaben, propylparaben, fragrance)
    - cetaphil skin cleanser for All skin types
    And one more last question, which sunblock/protector do you suggest If those from neutrogena Arent safe / good for pregnancy?

    Thanks so much!!

    ReplyDelete
  92. Thank you Christine on the L'Oreal ingredient listing...you're a gem xxx

    ReplyDelete
  93. Hi Christine! I am so happy that I found your blog. I just would like to ask if Mary Kay Timewise microdermabrasion safe for pregnancy? I'm 6weeks pregnant right now. And also I am using this concealing cream which has the following ingredients:

    Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Stearic Acid, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Glyceryl Monostearate, Titanium Dioxide (and) Alumina (and) Dimethicone/Methicone Copolymer, Cl77891, Glycerin, Mica, Isohexadecane, Phenyltrimethicone Niacinamide, Triethanolamine, Cl 77491, Polypropylene, Butylene Glycol (and) Water (and) Melia Azardica Leaf Extract, Fragrance, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Bisabolol, Phenoxyethanol (and) Ethylhexylglycerin, Cl 77492.

    thanks in advance!

    ReplyDelete
  94. Ashley- You should avoid Mugwort while trying to conceive, apparently it can cause miscarriage (something I'd never heard). Best to pick a new product. Good luck!

    Anon #1- The Boots No 7 Protect & Perfect Protection has a retinoid in it, so you should avoid it.

    Anon #2-
    The Ultra Sheer 70 has a retinoid (which surprised me), so don't use that one. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch SPF 85 is fine, so that might be a good alternative. The Oil Free Moisturizer SPF 15 is also fine. The ingredients you list for Ageless Restoratives is fine and the Cetaphil cleanser is also safe. Hope that helps!

    Shayne- Those ingredients for the concealing cream look fine. I couldn't find "official" ingredients for the Mary Kay, but my friend Nicki at Future Derm has this post: http://www.futurederm.com/2012/05/30/do-mary-kays-best-selling-products-work/
    She co-wrote it with a friend about the Mary Kay skin care items, and that friend is a MK rep. I think they just typed out the ingredient list directly from the box. I definitely trust Nicki, so even though they aren't on the MK site I do think that these are the right ingredients and they look find to me!

    ReplyDelete
  95. Hi Christine... Well done on your blog!! It's a wealth of knowledge.

    Can you tell me if aveeno is safe for first trimester??

    Thanks heaps.

    ReplyDelete
  96. It depends on the Aveeno product. Some of them are and some aren't. Which ones are you using?

    ReplyDelete
  97. Hi Christine,

    I'm currently looking for a facial cleanser and facial moisturizer that is safe for first trimester. Looking at the aveeno Positively radiant Cleanser and positively radiant Daily moisturizer.

    At the moment I've ditched my moisturizer and using jurilque herbal recovery gel but it doesn't moisturize me enough. My skin is dry and flaky.

    Thanks heaps.

    ReplyDelete
  98. Hi Marble,
    I thought I'd just peek at all of the Positively radiant products. Since Aveeno doesn't have their ingredients online, I used the lists that are Drugstore.com

    Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer, SPF 15- very small amount of citric acid (it's the very last ingredient on the list), likely there only to help the product's pH. If you're being super strict about hydroxy acids you can avoid this one, but I think it's probably fine. You'd get way more from drinking a glass of orange juice.

    Aveeno Active Naturals Positively Radiant Eye Illuminator- Same as the SPF 15 product


    Aveeno Active Naturals Positively Radiant Tinted Moisturize- this one also has Citric Acid, but it is near the top of the ingredient list. Again, up to you if you're avoiding Citric Acid or not, but I'd probably hold off on this one.

    Aveeno Positively Radiant Cleanser- Looks good!

    Aveeno Positively Radiant Skin Brightening Daily Scrub - Also fine

    Aveeno Active Naturals Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer, SPF 30- I can't find a full ingredient list, only the sunscreen ingredients.

    Aveeno Positively Radiant Cleansing Pads- These are fine

    Hope that helps!

    ReplyDelete
  99. Hi Christine,

    Thanks for the info. I'll try to get hold of the full ingredient list for the daily moisturizer and post it up.

    Also.. I know we are moving out of tangent.. My lips are so dry and chapped, is the Lucas paw paw ointment safe to use on my lips? If not what can I use that is safe. Just cautious cos i have higher of licking my lips and swallowing the stuff.

    Thanks heaps.. Your so full of knowledge!!

    ReplyDelete
  100. Hi Marble!
    It looks like that ointment is fine. :D

    ReplyDelete
  101. Hi Christine,

    thank you!!

    What about Vaseline lip therapy with rose and almond oil

    ingredients:
    Petrolatum, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Aroma.

    I know that there are certain essential oils to avoid but i have no idea which ones.

    Thank you soooo much!

    ReplyDelete
  102. Hi Christine,

    Is the clarins gentle former cleanser safe for first trimester??

    Water, Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Myristic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Dimethicone, Lauric Acid, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Tipa-Laureth Sulfate, Glyceryl Behenate, Glycol Distearate, Ozokerite, Parfum (Fragrance), Propylene Glycol, Tetrasodium Edta, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Polymnia Sonchifolia Root Juice, Maltodextrin, Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton) Seed Extract, Gypsophila Paniculata Root Extract, Lactobacillus, Potassium Sorbate, Methylchloroisothaizolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Bht, Benzyl Salicylate, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Limonene, Linalool, Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide)

    ReplyDelete
  103. I'm pregnant and I needed something to help me with my skin stretching and causing itching. I use a bit of the Dr. Max Power Stretch Mark Treatment all over my body but I put a bit extra on my stomach. You do need to let it set in before getting dressed!

    Overall it works great and is a good price considering how much it would cost to buy all of the ingredients and do the right process to get them to blend together.

    ReplyDelete
  104. hi! thanks for helpful information! im currently using the Aloe Vera Gel
    Ingredients: aloe barbadensis Leaf Jiuce(92.8%), Betaine(Natural), Acylate C10-30 Alkyl Acylates Crosspolymer, EDTA, sodium Hydroxide, Phenosythanol, Ethyhexylglycerin.
    And the moiturizer im currently using is Aveeno Positively radiant daily skin-brightening moiturizer with SPF15
    Could you please tell me whether or not these products are safe! Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  105. Hi Christine! I am 31 weeks pregnant and my acne is out of control. I am wondering if the Clinique facial products are safe? Specifically, the facial soap bar, the dramatically different moisturizing lotion, the clarifying lotion 2, and the take the day off makeup remover. These are all from Clinique

    ReplyDelete
  106. hi christine

    i love your blog. thanks a lot. i am 10 weeks pregnant and have been using a facial foam that contains dmdm hydantoin. i am planning to look for another facial wash since i searched for its safety (that's why i came across your site) and i've found out that it causes fetal hydantoin syndrome. It is teratogenic as phenytoin (taken orally) but is it safe as a facial foam since it's only topical? im kinda worried since i have been using it when i was already pregnant? thanks so much.

    ReplyDelete
  107. Hi Christine, your site is fantastic and so helpful for expectant moms. Thank you for your time!

    Wondering about the Skin79 BB cream (Hot Pink Super Plus Beblesh Balm)? Is is safe?

    Link: http://www.skin79northamerica.com/catalogue/detail/28-bb-cream/flypage/86-hot-pink-super-plus-beblesh-balm-40g?sef=hcfp

    ReplyDelete
  108. Hi Christine, thank you so much for your kind help. I'm looking for a product with Hyaluronic Acid. What do you think of these ingredients in the "REN Max Moisture Concentrate":

    Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Glycerin, Alcohol, Cetearyl Olivate, Ximenia Americana Seed Oil, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Germ Oil, Phospholipids, Sorbitan Olivate, Vaccinium Vitis-Idaea (Lingonberry) Seed Oil, Betaine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Penoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Parfum (Fragrance) Tocopherol, Xanthan Gum, Lactic Acid, Linalool, Limonene, Farnesol

    ReplyDelete
  109. Hi Christine, I dropped in yesterday to ask about the REN Max Moisture Concentrate. Sorry to bother you again, but I am also curious about the toner?

    It is the REN Clarifying Toning Lotion (http://www.renskincare.com/p/3393/Clarifying+Toning+Lotion)

    REN states on their website: "None of our products contain ingredients at levels which should cause concern during pregnancy..."

    BUT in this toner, salicilin is listed under the bioextracts (should I be concerned?) "Salicilin from Willow Bark gently exfoliates, purifies congested skin, reduces pore size, and is antibacterial"

    FYI the list of ingredients are:

    Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Water, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Water, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Leaf Extract, Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract, Sodium Lactate, Lactic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract, Passiflora Quadrangularis Fruit Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract, Alcohol Denat., Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Bisulfite.

    ReplyDelete
  110. Oh wow, I let some of these comments sit in my comment inbox and I didn't notice how long some of them had been there! Definitely feel free to email me (cemikese at yahoo.com) if you need me to answer sooner!

    Marble- The vaseline is fine, but the Clarins has Benzyl Salicylate, which you should avoid.

    Matty - The ingredients in that product look safe though I have no clue how to go about making your own at home.

    Anon- Your Aloe looks fine, that Aveeno has Citric Acid as the very last ingredient. I was very strict about it and didn't use it in anything until my last trimester, but really you would get a lot more in a glass of OJ. It's up to you :D

    Anon #2- Unfortunately I can't find the Clinique ingredients anywhere to tell you. :(

    Shiela- I've never heard of that syndrome in relation to a topical product, and even when looking at the EWG's site (which is highly overreactive) they only discuss irritation. I'd stop using it just for peace of mind, but I think you were probably fine! A lot less will be absorbed through your skin than if you were taking much larger doses orally.

    Anon #3- When looking for the Arbutin in the active ingredients list it looks like it is similar enough to Hydroquinone that you should consider the product as off limits.

    Anon #4- The first comment with the moisturizing concentrate has Lactic Acid, which while technically a hydroxy acid is made in your body anyways so you could use that product. If the Clarifying Toner has the Willow Bark extract I'd avoid that one.

    Whew! Sorry for the late responses everyone. I've been spending a LOT of time at work recently. Don't forget, EMAIL ME if you need to know more quickly!

    ReplyDelete
  111. Hi Christine! I am so happy that I found your blog and saw the useful information. Would you please tell me if maybelline instant age rewind eraser foundation can be used for pregancy women? look forward to your reply. Thanks a lot!

    ReplyDelete
  112. It looks like the foundation and concealer are both fine, if the ingredients list that I found on Walgreens.com is correct. I've been using that concealer recently and have really liked it, let me know how you like the foundation, I might need to pick it up! I was impressed that the foundation has hyaluronic acid (nice for hydration) and there are peptides and such in both!

    ReplyDelete
  113. Hi Christine! Can you please tell me if products that contain benzoic acid and benzyl salicylate are on the "no-no" list while pregnant?

    i.e. found in The Body Shop Seaweed Clarifying Night Treatment. Thanks so much!

    ReplyDelete
  114. I'd avoid both of those. Benzoic Acid has no data to support either way, but many recommend avoiding it. Benzyl Salicylate is a relative of aspirin and should be avoided.

    ReplyDelete
  115. Hi,Christine!

    I really learned a lot while reading those posts and comments. However, I would like to ask if my Clinique Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser and Clinique Superdefense SPF-25 (age defense moisturizer) are safe to use during pregnancy? I am on my 5-month pregnancy and very careful on what I'm using.

    I've read in this site that u can't find the ingredients of Clinique. Here are the ingredients listed on my product for your reference:

    CLINIQUE RINSE-OFF FOAMING CLEANSER (MOUSSE HYDRO-DEMAQUILLANTE)
    Potassiom Myristate; Glycerin;Potassium Behenate; Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate; Potassium Sterate; Peg-3 Distearate; Cholesteryl Hydroxystearate; Butylene Glycol; Sodium Hyaluronate; Trisodium Edta; Disodium Edta; Phenoxyethanol; Ext. Violet2; Red 4.

    I know this will take much of your time to read, but I am really concerned of what I'm using. Please help me to decide whether to use these products or not.

    Thank you so much and more power.

    Sharon

    ReplyDelete
  116. Hi there. I am on the hunt STILL for a fairly cheap oil free moisturizer that is pregnancy safe. I did take the advice and get the purpose facewash. Love it. However, the neutrogena oil free moisture with spf 15 or no spf at all have several parabens in them...i thought that those were ingredients to avoid during pregnancy. Is that not the case? Not sure. I'm so confused. Have you heard if Olay complete

    ReplyDelete
  117. Anon-
    Parabens aren't currently on the list of ingredients to avoid. The data on any problems with them in adults is controversial in the lay press, but so many physician groups have come out after reviewing the literature and said that there is no concern for adults, that they've always been considered safe in pregnancy. Having said that, if they make you nervous I'd avoid them.

    Your Olay Complete question got cut off (strange?? What is up with that Blogger??), but I checked their SPF lotions. There are some that have parabens, but these 2 are safe and paraben free. I haven't tried them, but I am a fan of Olay and I've found that their products are great:
    http://www.olay.com/skin-care-products/complete/spf-facial-moisturizer?pid=075609011023
    http://www.olay.com/skin-care-products/complete/gentle-face-moisturizer?pid=075609000980

    Hope that helps!

    ReplyDelete
  118. Sharon-
    It looks like your product is fine! I don't see any ingredients to be concerned about there.
    Congrats!

    ReplyDelete
  119. Hi, Christine once again!

    I am Sharon again. I read your comment regarding my concern. Thank you so much for immediate response. I really appreciate especially your time in answering all of our concerns.

    By the way, I forgot to indicate the contents of my AGE DEFENSE MOISTURIZE SPF-25.

    here it goes:
    Oxybenzone; dimethicone; ethylhexyl salicylate; benzophenone-3; butylene glycol; butyloctyl salicylate; isononyl isononnanoate; butyl methoxydibezoylmethane; polyester-8; silica; glycerin; octocrylene; polysilicone-11; triticum vulgare (wheat bran) extract; algae extract; laminaria saccharina extract; olea europaea(olive) fruit extract; coffee robusta seed extract; echinacea pallida (coneflower) extract; rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary)extract; sea whip extract; astrocaryum murumuru seed butter; adenosine phosphate; trehalose; disodium nadh; padina pavonica (thallus) extract; creatinine; sodium rna; caffeine; nordihydroguaiaretic acid; sodium dna; phytosphingosine; linoleic acid; cholesterol; microsoccus lysate; ascorbyl tocopheryl maleate; sodium hyaluronate; aminopropyl ascorbyl phosphate; tocopheryl maleate; sodium hyaluronate; aminopropyl ascorbyl phosphate; tocopheryl acetate; trisiloxane; sucrose; laurdimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed soy protein; lecithin; hexylene glycol; ethylhexyl stearate; ethylhexyl palmitate; decarboxy carnosine HCL; propylene glycol dicaprate; chamomilla recutita (matricaria); zeolite; caprylyl glycol; polyethylene; xanthan gum; laureth-23; polysorbate 20; ammonium acryloyldimethyl taurate/VP copolymer; acrylic acid/VP crosspolymer; arginine ferulate; tromethamine; disodium edta; phenoxyethano.

    Sorry for these many contents...and for taking much of your time to read. I just wanna ask if these contents are safe to use during my pregnancy.

    I am so glad to find this site because you really help so many people regarding their concerns. May God bless you and give your enough strength to accomodate all our queries.

    Thank you so much! I am really worried with what I look because I stopped everything I use since I started my pregnancy.

    More power, Christine!

    ReplyDelete
  120. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  121. Sharon- That one looks fine to me! :D

    Ms. Mooy- On the Aloe Life site they say there's Vitamin A added and another site says that it is Retinyl Palmitate. I'd avoid that. It's a small amount so I wouldn't stress too much about what you've used so far, but I'd stop using it.

    ReplyDelete
  122. Hi Christine!

    So happy to have found you and your site :)

    Could you please tell me if this eye cream is safe to use in early stages of pregnancy?

    Olay Pro-X Eye Restoration Complex

    water, cyclopentasiloxane, glycerin,niacinamide, dimethicone, polymethylsilsesquioxane, isohexadecane, polyethylene, caffeine, isopropyl isostearate, behenyl alcohol, dimethicone crosspolymer, tocopheryl acetate,panthenol, palmitoyl dipeptide-7, palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, dimethiconol, stearyl alcohol, sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, peg-100 stearate, cetearyl alcohol, cetearyl glucoside, cetyl alcohol, sucrose polycottonseedate, titanium dioxide, polysorbate 80, propylparaben, stearic acid, peg-4 dilaurate, peg-4 laurate, decyl glucoside, lactic acid, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, peg-4, citric acid, methylparaben, ethylparaben, ammonium polyacrylate, disodium edta.

    Thank you so much.

    Kali

    ReplyDelete
  123. Hi Christine,

    I really learned a lot while reading your posts. I know that Salicylic acid should be avoided during pregnancy. As I am using Kiehl Ultra Facial Toner and just read the ingredient contains Ethylhexyl Salicylate. I would like to ask if this Kiehl toner is safe to use during pregnancy?

    Thank you.

    Regards,
    Mac

    ReplyDelete
  124. Kali- That one looks fine to me :D

    Mac- The Ethylhexyl Salicylate is a salt of the Salicylic Acid, you're right, you should avoid it.

    ReplyDelete
  125. Thank you Christine.. bless you!

    Kali x

    ReplyDelete
  126. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! just discovered your blog, and more importantly, this article. I've been struggling with what to do with pregnancy skincare for a week and this guide is exactly what I needed. I'll be shopping today!

    ReplyDelete
  127. This is an amazing resource! Quick question-- I know that you love Kiehls Ultra Facial Moisturizer--what about the Oil Free version? Or the Gel? I am 13 weeks pregnant, and dealing with both acne (and am using Belli's line, and like it a lot), but now my skin is feeling fry as well. Ugh! Would love your insight!

    ReplyDelete
  128. Hi Christine,
    Could you please tell me if Licorice Root Extract is fine for pregnant women?

    And also, on Paula Begoun's site, it says that BHA's are okay for pregnant women to use topically, as long as they are 2% or less. What's your thoughts on this?

    Thank you so much!!

    ReplyDelete
  129. Anon- There aren't any studies out there about safety for BHA's in pregnant women at all, let alone with certain % products. Paula likely made that recommendation based upon amount of absorption and other information that isn't actually published, but rather is based on physiology.

    I would avoid licorice root based upon this article which details the historical use of licorice root to induce abortion:
    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/232204

    ReplyDelete
  130. Hi Christine,
    I am 8 weeks pregnant and have been using a Lancome product called Visionaire. Do u know if this is safe to use during pregnancy?

    ReplyDelete
  131. Lancome hasn't released much info on their special ingredient in that product, but I really don't think it's been tested in pregnancy. I'd probably switch to something else for now.

    ReplyDelete
  132. Hi I'm breastfeeding and wanted to know if loreal wrinkle de- crease Collegen re-plumper day cream was ok to use? Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  133. Anything topical is thought to be fine while breast feeding, you only need to be careful of anything you'd take by mouth (and your doc would let you know if something was an issue) Yeah for breast feeding!

    ReplyDelete
  134. Hello Christine,

    Wonderful blog - I wish that I had found you during my first pregnancy! I am using several products by Kate Somerville and hoped that you might be able to confirm whether they are safe to use: Clinic to Go Resurfacing Pads, Goat Milk Cream, Cyto Cell Dark Circle Corrective Eye Cream, Cyto Cell Dermal Energizing Treatment and the Quench and Correct Plumping Lip Gloss and Treatment. That's a lot of products! :) Thank you for any advice you might be able to provide!

    ReplyDelete

  135. Hi Christine,

    Do you know if Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream, Laneige Water Bank Essence and Bio Essence Deep Nourishing Toner with ATP safe to use for pregnancy?

    Below is the ingredient for Bio Essence Deep Nourishing Toner with ATP:
    Ingredients: Deionized water, lentinus eeodes extract, butylene glycol, oat (avena sativa) extract, laminaria digitata extract, lecithin, sorbitol, xanthan gum, glycerin, ginseng (panax ginseng) extract, lycium barbarum fruit extract, angelica archangelica root extract, thanakha (limonia acidissima) extract, stephania tetranda root extract, glycine, didecyldimonium chloride, dodecylbenzyltrimonium chloride, polysorbate 20, bioflavanoids, acrylamide/ammonium acrylate copolymer, adenosine triphosphate, sodium

    Thanks :)

    ReplyDelete
  136. Hi Chistine, im breastfeeding and wanted to know if my exfoliant which contains glycolic acid ( was told its ok) ao contains ammonium hydroxide which I'm not sure of. Is this safe ingredient?

    ReplyDelete
  137. Hi, Christine, I have been using the Estée Lauder time zone wrinkle cream, and one of the ingredients is octinoxate what do you think? I am 5 weeks pregnant..did it harm my baby? I am terrified, and praying that it is ok.

    ReplyDelete
  138. Omg your site is wonderful! Appreciate the time you take to answer questions! I am breastfeeding and would like to know if the Alpha Hydrox enhanced lotion 10% aha glycolic is safe. The ingredients are: Water, Glycolic Acid, Ammonium Hydroxide, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG 100 Stearate, Propylene Glycol, PEG 40 Stearate, Sorbitan Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Laurate, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Petrolatum, Dimethicone, Myristyl Myristate, Stearic Acid, Magnesium Aluminium Silicate, Cellulose Gum, Sorbic Acid (A Preservative), BHT, Imidazolidinyl Urea

    ReplyDelete
  139. Thanks for all of the wonderful comments! I put a lot of time and effort into my site, I'm so happy that people find it useful!

    Anon #1- I'm jealous of your Kate Somerville! The Clinic to go has hydroxy acids in it that haven't been proven safe, usually it's recommended to go for physical exfoliation instead of chemical when pregnant if that helps. :D The Goat Milk Cream has Willow Bark in it, which you might want to avoid due to the Salicylic derivatives in it. The other products are all safe!

    Anon #2- I can't find ingredients online for the first 2 products, but the one you listed ingredients for is fine

    Anon #3- It's fine! You actually don't need to worry about topical products while breast feeding. Just enjoy the baby!

    Anon #4- I don't know of any data that octinoxate (a sunscreen) wouldn't be safe. However, many of the time zone products contain retinoids and those should be avoided. If it makes you at all uncomfortable, it would be best to just switch to a different product. A cream isn't worth losing your precious pregnancy sleep over!

    Anon #5- Thanks so much for your nice comments! You don't need to worry really while breast feeding, but the Glycolic Acid wouldn't be on the safe list of pregnancy. Fine for you now, but for those that are pregnant it isn't.

    ReplyDelete
  140. Hi Christine,

    Wow! Amazing site! It's so overwhelming determining how to use safe products during pregnancy. I am grateful to have stumbled on your site! I saw that you just commented on several Kate Somerville products. I use the Oil Free Moisturizer - are the ingredients safe to use? Also, I am using Living Proof haircare but am unfamiliar with a lot of the ingredients. Do you think the "Full" shampoo and conditioner are safe to use?

    Last but not least, I was interested in trying the Armani Maestro makeup that is primarily oil based but wasn't sure about the ingredients. Thanks for your help!! It's so appreciated!

    ReplyDelete
  141. Hi Christine, please can you give me advice on the following:

    Aveeno skin relief moisturising lotion. Ingredients: aqua, glycerine, distearyldimonium chloride, petrolatum, isopropyl myristate, cetyl alcohol, dimethicone, avena sativa kernel flower, avena sativa kernel oil, avena sativa kernel extract, butyrospermum parkii, stearyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, steareth-20, isopropyl alcohol, sodium chloride, potassium sorbate, benzyl alcohol.

    Also, do you know anything about Nuxe eye and lip global anti aging cream, and Dermalogica daily exfoliant. I'm afraid I don't have the list of ingredients for these.

    Thanks very much,

    Jodi

    ReplyDelete
  142. Hii Christine I luv your blog and finds this post especially useful as I have been looking for more informations on skincare ingredients to avoid during pregnancy :) I recently purchased Nip+FabDark Circle Fix Eye Cream and hope you can advise if its ingredients (Aqua, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin,Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Polyacrylamide, Glyceryl Stearate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, PEG-100 Stearate, Polysilicone-11, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Benzyl Alcohol, Laureth-7, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA, Dehydroacetic Acid,Sodium Hydroxide, Palmaria Palmata Extract, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract) are safe for pregnant women. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  143. Dear Christine,

    Fantastic site! Your blog is wonderful. I'd like to know whether Clinique Repairwear Intensive Night Cream is safe for use during pregnancy. Here is the ingredient list:

    water purified (aqua purificiata), pentaerythirtyl tetraisostearate, butylene glycol, cyclomethicone, isocetyl stearate, glycerin, simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil, glycerly stearate, dimethicone, hydrogenated lecithin, cetearyl alochol, glycine soja protein (soybean), camellia sinensis leaf water (white tea), aspalathus linearis extract (red tea), camellia sinensis (yellow tea) leaf water, polygonum, polygonum cuspidatum root extract, triticum vulgare (wheat) germ, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) extract, saccharomyces lysate extract, betula alba (birch) bark extract, centella asiatica extract (hydrocotyl), yeast extract

    Many thanks in advance for your help!

    Elizabeth

    ReplyDelete
  144. This is AMAZING. thanks so much for all your hard work to help us figure out what is safe for us for and for the little ones on the way! I was looking into the Yes to Blueberries line to try to find a mostly natural, paraben free line with anti-aging benefits. It looks ok to me, but I was wondering if you though these looked ok? Thanks so much!

    - Eye Firming Treatment: Vaccinium Cyanococcus (Blueberry) Juice, Water, Glycerin, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Cetyl Alcohol, Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Sucrose Stearate, Spilanthes Acmella (Paracress) Flower Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Betula Alba (White Birch) Bark Extract, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, Beeswax, Xanthan Gum, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Phenethyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba (Guar) Gum.

    - Age Refresh Intensive Skin Repair Serum: Vaccinium Cyanococcus JuiceBlueberry , Water , Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis) ExtractCertified Organic Ingredient , Glycerin , Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel OilOat , Alcohol , Xanthan Gum , Onopordum Acanthium ExtractCotton Thistle Flower/Leaf/Stem , Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract (Apple) , Ribes Nigrum (Black Currant) Seed OilBlackcurrant , Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed OilJojoba, Certified Organic Ingredient , Oryza Sativa Bran ExtractRice, Certified Organic Ingredient , LecithinCertified Organic Ingredient , Phenethyl Alcohol , Glyceryl Caprylate , Fragrance

    ReplyDelete
  145. Is Kiehl's Oil Free Moisturizer safe during pregnancy? What body moisturizer do you recommend? Thank you!!

    ReplyDelete
  146. Hi, Christine, great blog! I am trying to establish if Lactic Acid is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Also, is it safe to you skin care products with ingredients or essential oil full of vitamin A (natural source)? Thank you, Anna.

    ReplyDelete
  147. Anon #1- The Kate Sommerville is fine. I used up all of my Kiehl's, and I can't find ingredients for it or the Armani, so I'm not sure. I think the Kiehl's is fine, because I'm pretty sure started using it while I was pregnant. Hair care isn't something you need to worry about. Hope that helps!

    Joken Jo- The Aveeno is fine, but I can't find ingredients for the other products either.

    Janice- Your Nip+Fab list looks fine to me!

    Elizabeth- I think that Clinique is fine!

    Anon #2- Both of the Yes to Blueberries products look ok to me.

    Sarah- I'm not sure about the Kiehl's Oil Free because I used all of mine up and the ingredients aren't on their website. :D But, I'm pretty sure that I started using it while I was pregnant, which means it was fine. I'm a big fan of Cetaphil Cream. My legs are dry anyways, but I was SUPER dry while pregnant, it's the only one I use!

    Anna- Lactic acid is fine at both times since it's something your body makes anyways, so you can't avoid it. :D It's recommended to avoid any extra Vitamin A regardless of the source. (Which makes you wonder why they put it in your prenatals...but you need a certain amount and they want you to avoid more and different forms) Vitamin A is the big one to be careful of since it's been linked to birth defects.

    ReplyDelete
  148. Hi Christine, thanks for all your efforts in spreading this awareness :) Would you have any suggestions for right anti aging cream which are safe during pregnancy and breast feeding ? - Swati

    ReplyDelete
  149. Hi Christine,
    I love your blog! I had a miscarriage in June, and now I'm a bit over cautious about what products I'm using to prepare for the next pregnancy.

    I'm looking to buy a moisturizer for the coming winter, and can see you've been recommending 'Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturiser'. I found on their website that the product is formulated for all skin types, with Squalane, Vitamins A and Vitamin E (http://www.kiehls.co.uk/skin-care/by-category/moisturizers/ultra-facial-moisturizer.aspx). And for the SPF 15 one, 'Retinyl Palmitate' is one of the key ingredients (http://www.kiehls.co.uk/skin-care/by-category/moisturizers/ultra-facial-moisturizer-spf-15.aspx) As you suggested we should try to avoid Vitamin A, does that mean the amount of Vitamin A in the moistueriser should be ok.

    Do you think if the Kiehl's 'Ultra Facial Cream' is safe to use as well.(http://www.kiehls.co.uk/skin-care/by-category/moisturizers/ultra-facial-cream.aspx)

    Thanks millions!
    Kerry

    ReplyDelete
  150. Swati- My recs are in the post above. You only need to worry about pregnancy!

    Kerry-
    I'm sorry to hear about your miscarriage. I can see why you're being so cautious!
    I think there must be a difference in formulas between the US and UK. I pulled out my bottles of the SPF and non-SPF versions and neither have a Vitamin A derivative (including Retinyl Palmitate) listed as ingredients. You need to avoid this ingredient completely, so I would NOT recommend the UK version. I wouldn't feel comfortable recommending the Ultra Facial Cream from Kiehl's UK since I can't see a full ingredient list.

    ReplyDelete
  151. Hi Christine,

    Many thanks for the quick response. Very much appreciated.

    Please could you help to see if below can be used during pregnancy.

    Many thanks in advance!
    Kerry

    NUXE
    Aqua/Water, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Octyldodecanol, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Coconut Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Arachidyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Benzyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Capryloyl Glycine, Parfum/Fragrance, Safflower Oil/Palm Oil Aminopropanediol Esters, Tocopherol, Behenyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, Xylitol, Sodium Hydroxide, Xanthan Gum, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Arachidyl Glucoside, Allantoin, Butylene Glycol, Ci 77891/Titanium Dioxide, Acrylates/ C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Tetrasodium Edta, Dehydroacetic Acid, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Sclerotium Gum, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Flower Extract, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Flower Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Lupinus Albus Seed Extract, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract, Pisum Sativum (Pea) Extract, Disodium Edta, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Fruit Extract, Robinia Pseudacacia Flower Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract, Linalool [N2505/A].Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Fruit Extract, Robinia Pseudacacia Flower Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract, Linalool [N2505/A].

    REN - Hydra Calm Global Day Cream
    Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Flower Extract, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Cetearyl Ethyhexanoate, Myristyl Myristate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Cetearyl Glucoside, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Triheptanoin, Oryzanol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil, Ribes Nigrum (Black Currant) Seed Oil, Bisabolol, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract, Cassia Alata Leaf Extract, Pueraria Lobata (Kudzu) Symbiozome Extract, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Cinnamomum Camphora Linalloliferum (Ho Wood) Leaf Oil, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Flower Oil, Limonene, Citronellol, Geraniol, Linalool, Tocopherol.

    REN - Balancing fluid
    Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Water, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Glycerin, Lauryl Laurate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Tapioca Starch, Cetearyl Glucoside, Oryzanol, Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract, Amorphophallus Konjac Root Powder, Crataegus Oxyacantha Stem Extract, Carbomer, Phenoxyethanol, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil, Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract, Cassia Alata Leaf Extract, Pueraria Lobata (Kudzu) Symbiozome Extract, Bisabolol, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Callitris Intratropica Wood Oil, Limonene, Linalool, Glucose, Tocopherol.

    ReplyDelete
  152. Hi Christine,Thank you so much for the information u provided..

    Could you please tell me that these products are safe to use?
    Clinique youth surge night
    Clinique repairwear eye cream
    And i use this facemask from the face shop containing

    Water, polyglutamic acid/methyl propanediol,sodium hyaluronate,algae extract, betaine, peg 32, glycerin, peg/ppg-17 copolymer, biosaccharide gum, butylene glicol, sd alcohol 40, peg 40 hydrogenated castor oil,hydrogenTed letichin,sesame seed extract,citrus paradisi fruit extract

    Im also using white detox makeup base from biotherm for my sunscreen is that safe? Thanks in advance

    Catherine

    ReplyDelete
  153. Hi Christine,

    I'm so happy to have found your blog. This is such great help for soon to be mommy's like me.:)

    I'd like to ask if these products are safe, please.:)

    Thank you in advance.:)

    1. Guerlain Orchidee Imperiale Exceptional Complete Care Eye and Lip Cream

    Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolyer, Butylene Glycol, Porpylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Squalene, Carpylic/Capric Triglyceride, Steareth-21, Linum Usitatissimum (linseed) Seed Exctract, Orchid Exctract, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Sodium Polyacrylate, Steareth-2, Glyceryl Hydroxystearate, Methylparaben, Alcohol, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Chlorphenesin, Dimethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Protein, Althaea Officinalis Root Extract, Propylene Carbonate, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Fruit Extract, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Acrylates/C10-30Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tetrasodium EDTA, Tromethamine, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylene Glycol, Propylparaben, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Protein, Isobutylparaben, Carbomer, Sodium Hyalluronate, Phenoxythanol, Sanguisorba Officinalis Root Extract, Xanthan Gum, Polysorbate 20, Smithsonite Extract, Acetyl Tetrapeptides-5, Eriobotrya Japonica Leaf Extract, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-3.

    2. Shiseido Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen AA SPF50+/PA+++

    Water, Cyclomethicone, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Alcohol, Dimethicone, Polybutylene Glycol/ppg-9/1 Copolymer, Ethylhexyl Ethylhexanoate, Octocrylene, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Lauryl Peg-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Methyl Gluceth-10, C9-15 Fluoroalcohol Phosphate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Thymus Serpillum Extract, Potentilla Erecta Root Extract, Triethanolamine, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Acrylates/dimethicone Copolymer, Silica, Hexyltrimethoxysilane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Isostearic Acid, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Trisodium Edta, Butylene Glycol, Bht, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance, Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide

    3. Creme De La Mer

    Seaweed (Algae) Extract, Mineral oil Glycerin, Isohexadecane, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Extract, Microcrystalline Wax, Lanolin Alcohol, Sesame Seed Oil, Eucalyptus Oil, Magnesium Sulfate, Sesame Seed, Medicago sativa (alfalfa) seed powder, Helianthus Annuus (sunflower) Seedcake, Prunus amygdulus dulcis (sweet almond) seed meal, Sodium Gluconate, Potassium Gluconate, Copper Gluconate, Calcium Gluconate, Magnesium Gluconate, Zinc Gluconate, Paraffin, Tocopheryl succinate, Niacin, Beta-carotene, Decyl oleate, Aluminium distearate, Octyldodecanol, Citric acid, Cyanocobalamin, Magnesium stearate, Panthenol, Limonene, Geraniol, Linalool, Hydroxycitronellal, Citronellol, Benzyl salicylate, Citral, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Alcohol Denat., Fragrance (Parfum).

    4. Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Daily Cleanser
    Ingredients: Aqua/Water, Kaolin, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, Coco-Betaine, Acrylates Copolymer, Sodium Chloride, CI 77891/Titanium Dioxide, Solum Diatomeae/Diatomaceous Earth, Phenoxyethanol, PEG-14M, Glycol Distearate, Sodium Benzoate, Aloe Barbadensis/Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Salicylic Acid, Avena Sativa Flour/Oat Kernel Flour, Tocopherol, Sodium Hydroxide, Allantoin.

    6. Shiseido - Sun Protection Liquid Foundation SPF 42 PA+++

    Titanium Dioxide, Cyclomethicone, Water, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Talc, Dipropylene glycol, Dimethicone, Copolyol,Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Zinc Myristate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, Thiotaurine, Octyl Methoxycinnamate, Isostearic Acid, Aluminum distearate, Aluminum hydroxide, Calcium Stearate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Glycerin, Polysilicone-2, Sodium Citrate,, Palmitic Acid, Tocopherol, Distearyldimonium chloride, Trisodium EDTA, Isopropyl, Alcohol, BHT, Methylparaben, Fragrance, Iron Oxides

    Thank you so much!:)

    ReplyDelete
  154. Christine,

    I'll also add the ff products.:) Thanks again.:)


    Purity facial wash

    water (aqua), sodium lauroamphoacetate, sodium trideceth sulfate, limnanthes alba (meadowfoam) seed oil, coco-glucoside, cocos nucifera (coconut) alcohol, peg-120 methyl glucose dioleate, aniba rosaeodora (rosewood) wood oil, geranium maculatum oil, guaiac (guaiacum officinale) extract, cymbopogon martini oil, rosa damascena extract, amyris balsamifera bark oil, santalum album (sandalwood) oil, salvia officinalis (sage) oil, cinnamomum cassia leaf oil, anthemis nobilis flower oil, daucus carota sativa (carrot) seed oil, piper nigrum (pepper) seed extract, polysorbate 20, glycerin, carbomer, triethanolamine, methylparaben, propylparaben, citric acid, imidazolidinyl urea, yellow 5 (ci 19140)


    am/pm Ultra Soothing Sunscreen SPF50

    Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide (11.7%), Purified Water, Zinc Oxide, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Chamomilla Recutita, Butyrospermum Parkii, Jojoba Oil, Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract, Cordyceps Sinensis Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cyclomethicone, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Methicone, Neopentyl glycol dicaprate,


    Naturals Fresh Cleansing + Makeup Remover

    Water, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum, Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum, Coco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Glycol Distearate, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Caprylyl Glycol, Acrylates Copolymer, Potassium Sorbate, Benzyl Alcohol, Fragrance

    Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  155. Hi Christine,

    THanks for this useful post. I am assuming that Olay Regenerist wrinkle relaxing cream is also safe during pregnancy as I don't see any retinod. Can you help me? :) Super Thanks!

    full ingredients
    water, cyclopentasiloxane, glycerin, polyethylene, niacinamide, propylene glycol, aluminum starch octenylsuccinate, dimethicone, panthenol, polymethylsilsesquioxane, polyacrylamide, tocopneryl acetate, c13-14 isoparaffin, dmdm hydantoin, allantoin, carnosine, laureth-4, laureth-7, citric acid, fragrance, disodium edta, yeast extract, titanium dioxide, peg-100 stearate, butylene glycol, benzyl alcohol, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, camellia sinensis leaf extract, palmitoyl pentapeptide-4

    ReplyDelete
  156. Hi Christine,

    How are you!
    I love your blog so much. I am pregant for my second baby and will be due on next spring.


    I'm looking to buy a eye care and moisturizer for the coming winter, Can you check for me whether my skincare is safe or not:

    Origin product line:

    1. Origin Plantscription™ Anti-aging eye cream
    http://www.origins.com/products/3855/Skincare/Daily-Essentials/Eye-Care/index.tmpl
    2. origin No Puffery™Cooling mask for puffy eyes
    3. Origin High-Potency Night-A-Mins™
    Mineral-enriched renewal cream

    Thanks,

    kelly

    ReplyDelete
  157. Hi Christine, This is amazing, so helpful! Is Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer-illuminating- safe to use? Here are the ingredients (according to their website)

    (Bare Radiance, Natural Radiance, Warm Radiance): Octinoxate 7.50%, Avorbenzone 2.00%. Ingredients: Water, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Xylitylglucoside, PEG-40 Castor Oil, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Hexyl Laurate, Anhydroxylitol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Ascorbate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Hydrogenated Olive Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), XYlitol, Copper Gluconate, Allantoin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Polysorbate 60, Phenoxyethanol, Butylene Glycol, Tribehenin, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Carbomer, Aminomethyl Propanol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate. (+/-): Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Mica, Tin Oxide.

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  158. @Carla Sia- It looks like the Creme de La Mer has a Salicylate in it, as well as Citric Acid. Citric acid is usually there to balance the pH, and you get quite a bit more just by drinking OJ, the Salicylate is one we generally say to avoid as well, but that risk is more theoretical. It's also in the Kiehl's Rare Earth Cleanser.

    @Ria- Again, Citric Acid toward the end, but you probably get way more from a sip of OJ... I'd probably be fine using it. :D

    @Kelly- Unfortunately I can't find the Origins ingredients anywhere... :(

    @Anon- Looks ok to me!

    ReplyDelete
  159. Dear Christine,

    Happy belated Thanksgiving!

    I've actually bought the Ren Hydra Calm Global Day Cream. But haven't started using yet. Please could you help to see if all the ingredients look ok to use.

    Thanks millions!
    Kerry

    REN - Hydra Calm Global Day Cream
    Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Flower Extract, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Cetearyl Ethyhexanoate, Myristyl Myristate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Cetearyl Glucoside, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Triheptanoin, Oryzanol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil, Ribes Nigrum (Black Currant) Seed Oil, Bisabolol, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract, Cassia Alata Leaf Extract, Pueraria Lobata (Kudzu) Symbiozome Extract, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Cinnamomum Camphora Linalloliferum (Ho Wood) Leaf Oil, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Flower Oil, Limonene, Citronellol, Geraniol, Linalool, Tocopherol.

    ReplyDelete
  160. No one has addressed sulfur-based products yet. I know Mario Badescu and Sephora have a few but I can't find any information on it. My dermatologist was not at all helpful. I guess no one wants to be the one to recommend anything. She wasn't sure about sulfur or glycolic and had to look them up. Even then she wasn't sure. How do doctors not know and where do we find answers? The Internet?

    ReplyDelete
  161. Hello,

    Is Ren Micro Polish Cleanser safe to use while nursing:

    Amber: Exfoliates and polishes skin surface.
    -Papaya Enzyme: Removes dead skin cells.
    -Glycolic and Lactic Acid: Decongests skin to leave it smooth and even toned.

    Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sorbitol, Disiodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate, Sodium Chloride, Amber Powder, Phenoxyethanol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Maltodextrin, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Parfum (Fragrance), Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Flower Oil, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil, Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Peel Oil, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Lactic Acid, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Passiflora Quadrangularis Fruit Extract, Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract, Alcohol Denat., Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Beta-Carotene, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Bisulfite, Limonene, Linalool, Citral.

    ReplyDelete
  162. Hello Christine,
    I have check the ingredient of the ORIGINS GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream:


    Ingredient
    Water
    Myrtus Communis Leaf Water

    Chamomile
    Methyl trimethicone

    Butylene Glycol

    PEG-100 Stearate

    Dimethicone
    Cetyl Ricinoleate
    Silica
    Olive
    Glycerin
    Behenyl Alcohol

    Cucumis Sativus
    Ginseng
    Chestnut
    Green Tea
    Cordyceps Sinensis Extract

    Apple
    Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract

    Pantethine
    Panthenol
    Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
    Shea Butter
    Caffeine

    Coleus barbatus
    Yeast Extract
    Folic Acid
    Hydrogenated lecithin

    Jojoba Wax PEG-120 Esters

    Biotin
    Tribehenin

    Myristyl alcohol

    Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
    Trehalose

    Sodium Hyaluronate
    Ascorbyl tocopheryl maleate

    Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone
    Sodium Sulfite
    Sodium Metabisulfite
    Steareth-20
    Dipeptide-2
    Carbomer
    Sorbic Acid
    Chlorphenesin

    Ethylhexylglycerin
    Tromethamine
    Phenoxyethanol
    CI 77891
    Mica
    Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499)

    ReplyDelete
  163. Hello Christine,

    Again, could you check :

    ORIGINS High Potency Night-A-Mins Mineral-enriched moisture cream
    Ingredient
    Rose Flower Water

    Anthemis Nobilis
    Citrus aurantium amara
    Dimethicone
    Squalane
    Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
    Polysorbate 40

    Cetyl Alcohol

    Butylene Glycol

    Myristyl alcohol

    PEG-100 Stearate

    Citrus aurantium dulcis
    Valeriana officinalis

    Cinnamomum cassia

    Ferula galbaniflua

    Vanilla Planifolia
    Citral
    Linalool

    Citronellol

    Limonene
    Centella asiatica

    Triticum Vulgare
    Chlorella vulgaris
    Hordeum vulgare

    Avena sativa
    Retinyl Palmitate
    Tocopheryl Linoleate

    Biotin
    Folic Acid
    Cholesterol
    Pantethine
    Linoleic Acid

    Sodium Hyaluronate
    Linolenic acid
    Sodium mannose phosphate

    Hexylene Glycol
    Caprylyl Glycol

    Cetearyl Alcohol

    Glyceryl Stearate
    Ceteareth-20
    Tromethamine
    Carbomer
    Disodium EDTA

    Potassium Sorbate

    Sodium Benzoate
    yeast extractfaexextrait de levure
    magnesium ascorbyl phosphate [] panthenol
    phenoxyethanol


    ReplyDelete
  164. Is aveeno active naturals positively radiant brightening cleanser safe?

    ReplyDelete
  165. My doctor told me that Glycolic Acid (aka AHA) is safe. Is this true?
    I really hope so....My skin is very acne prone, and my Glycolic acid facewash is the only product I've found that will keep the pimpled at bay.

    ReplyDelete
  166. @Kerry the REN - Hydra Calm Global Day Cream looks fine :D

    Anon- The reason your doctor didn't know is because there really isn't an answer, no one has truly done the correct studies to declare sulfur or glycolic acid products "safe". I've been asked about both quite a bit lately, so I'll amend my post above to reflect my answer.

    Anon-
    While nursing you don't need to worry about any of the topical products, only oral. So, the Ren Micro Polish Cleanser is fine!

    Kelly- the eye cream is fine, but the night cream has a retinoid so it isn't.

    Anon- The Aveeno cleanser is fine!

    Anon- I'm updating above with my opinion on the glycolic acid

    ReplyDelete
  167. Hello Christine,

    Thank you very much for your reply. Can I brother you again? Can you check whether Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum is safe?

    I have posted the ingredients as follows:

    1 ozWater, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin*, Squalane*, Tocopheryl Acetate*, Ceteareth-20*, Palmitoyl Grapevine Shoot Extract*, Glyceryl Stearate Se*, Parfum (Fragrance), Caprylyl Glycol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Potassium Sorbate, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Phytate*. *Plant origin.

    ReplyDelete
  168. I wish I had found this blog much earlier in my (first) pregnancy!

    ReplyDelete
  169. Hi Christine,

    Many thanks for helping checking out. Much appreciated!

    Wish you and your family a very Happy New Year!

    Kerry

    ReplyDelete
  170. Hi,
    I really enjoyed reading through your blog, thanks for all the useful tips you mentioned, and about the design, I love it!
    My little boy is 3yrs now, but I thought it would be useful for sometime in the future :)

    ReplyDelete
  171. Hi Christine,
    Love your blog! I'm still in my first trimester and have been using the Timeless 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum
    Here are the Ingredients:
    Water, Ethoxydiglycol, L-Ascorbic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Alpha Tocopherol, Polysorbate 80, Panthenol, Ferulic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Benzylalcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Fragrance.

    I also have the La Mer The concentrate
    Ingredients
    CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, SEAWEED (ALGAE) EXTRACT, GLYCERIN

    What do you think? Are they safe? Thanks so much for taking the time to answer all of these questions!

    Sandy

    ReplyDelete
  172. I think both of those are safe from what I can tell!

    ReplyDelete
Never miss a post
Name: 
Your email address:*
Please enter all required fields
Correct invalid entries
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...