Pregnancy Skincare: What to avoid, and what is safe.

Pregnancy brings a new level of care and caution when it comes to what you put on your skin. With so much advice floating around, it can be overwhelming to know which ingredients are safe and which ones should be avoided.

At PURE MAMA, we want to make sure you feel confident about your skincare choices.

10 INGREDIENTS TO AVOID WHEN CHOOSING PREGNANCY-SAFE SKINCARE:

1. Retinoids (Vitamin A derivatives): Retinoids are powerful anti-aging ingredients, but they can cause birth defects if absorbed in high concentrations, so they should be avoided during pregnancy.
   
   

2. Salicylic Acid (Beta Hydroxy Acid): While great for acne, excessive use of salicylic acid has been linked to complications during pregnancy, making it safer to avoid.
   
   

3. Phthalates: These chemicals are often used in fragrances and can disrupt hormones, so it's best to stay clear of them during pregnancy.
   
   

4. Hydroquinone: This skin-lightening agent can be absorbed by the body, and it’s not recommended for use during pregnancy due to its potential risks.
   
   

5. Essential Oils (in high concentrations): Some essential oils, like rosemary, sage, and jasmine, can stimulate uterine contractions and should be used with caution during pregnancy.
   
   

6. Benzoyl Peroxide: A common acne treatment, benzoyl peroxide can be absorbed into the bloodstream and irritate sensitive pregnancy skin.
   
   

7. Toluene: Often found in nail products, toluene has been linked to birth defects and should be avoided during pregnancy.
   
   

8. Synthetic Fragrance: Synthetic fragrances can irritate sensitive skin, and many contain harmful chemicals that you should avoid while pregnant.
   
   

9. Formaldehyde: A common irritant and potential carcinogen, formaldehyde is often found in nail products and should be avoided entirely during pregnancy.
   
   
10. Synthetic Dyes (Artificial Colorants): Synthetic dyes, often listed as FD&C or D&C followed by a number, are commonly used to add colour to skincare and cosmetic products. These artificial colorants can sometimes cause irritation or allergic reactions, especially on sensitive pregnancy skin.

10 INGREDIENT MISCONCEPTIONS: SAFE INGREDIENTS YOU MAY HAVE HEARD TO AVOID.

While some ingredients are rightly flagged for safety concerns during pregnancy, many ingredients are misunderstood or mistakenly avoided. Just because an ingredient sounds like it should be on the "no-go" list doesn't mean it’s inherently unsafe.

1. Vanillin: Often mistaken as a harmful fragrance, vanillin is a natural compound derived from vanilla, included at safe levels in PURE MAMA products to add a subtle, soothing scent. It’s non-toxic and gentle.
   
   

2. Cetearyl Wheat Straw Glycosides: This plant-derived emulsifier is often misunderstood as gluten-containing. However, during processing, the wheat protein is removed, making it perfectly safe for people with gluten sensitivities and during pregnancy.
   
   

3. Sweet Almond Oil: Though almond oil is a nut derivative, it's deeply nourishing and safe for pregnancy, unless there's a known nut allergy. It’s a great source of vitamins A and E for the skin.
   
   

4. Coconut Oil: Although it can trigger reactions for people with coconut allergies, coconut oil is an incredibly safe, nourishing, and deeply moisturising ingredient for pregnancy, ideal for hydrating dry, sensitive skin.
   
   

5. Vitamin E: Sometimes thought to be too potent, vitamin E is actually a powerful antioxidant that supports skin healing and protection. It’s safe to use in pregnancy and excellent for soothing dry, stretched skin.
   
   

6. Rosemary Leaf Extract: Often confused with rosemary essential oil, rosemary leaf extract in low concentrations is safe during pregnancy. It’s included in our Belly Oil for its antioxidant properties, supporting skin stability without any hormonal effects or risks.
   
   

7. Linalool: Found naturally in several plants like lavender, in the small amounts we use, it’s safe and non-irritating.
   
   

8. Citrus Limon Peel Oil (Lemon Peel Oil): Known for its antioxidant properties, lemon peel oil is safe for pregnancy in controlled, low concentrations and does not pose a risk when formulated properly.
   
   

9. Limonene: A naturally occurring compound in citrus oils, limonene is used in small amounts in our formulations and is considered safe for topical use during pregnancy.
   
   

10. Lactic Acid: Lactic acid is a gentle exfoliant that is often misunderstood as harsh, but it’s a safe, mild option for removing dead skin cells during pregnancy, providing smooth, glowing skin without irritation.

Choosing the right skincare during pregnancy doesn’t have to be confusing. At PURE MAMA, we carefully select every ingredient to ensure it’s not only safe but also effective for your changing skin. While some ingredients may sound like they should be avoided, we’ve carefully formulated with purpose and safety in mind. If you have any concerns, we’re always here to provide clarity and help you feel confident in your choices.