Just as you're avoiding certain off-limits foods and beverages during pregnancy, you should also skip beauty products that could be unsafe. While there are still plenty of products that can help you look (and feel) your best, you’ll need to read ingredient lists a little more closely these days.
Why? Some skin care ingredients are known to be unsafe during pregnancy, while more research is needed to determine if certain others might pose possible risks to your baby.
Here’s a look at the skin care ingredients you should avoid, ingredients to talk about with your doctor and pregnancy-friendly alternatives. The good news? While it’s true that some beauty products are definitely off-limits when you’re pregnant, the majority are perfectly fine to continue using.
Why do you need to avoid certain skin care ingredients during pregnancy?
You’re likely paying close attention to what you put in your body these days — but what you put on your body is important, too. The ingredients in some beauty, skin and personal care products can get absorbed into the bloodstream, and some of these ingredients are thought to be harmful to a developing baby.
While ingredients with known or suspected risks should be avoided during pregnancy, there are other skin care ingredients that have been linked to possible risks, but more research is needed to determine whether or not they are harmful. Some moms-to-be prefer to avoid products that contain these ingredients, while others might decide to use them after consulting their practitioner, particularly if they have a severe skin problem or other medical condition that could benefit from using the product.
When in doubt, it’s always a good idea to ask your practitioner about any skin care products you’re unsure about.
Skin care ingredients to avoid during pregnancy
These ingredients are thought to pose risks to babies in the womb, so put them at the top of your do-not-use list.
Hydroquinone
This skin-lightening agent can show up in products used to fight dark spots or hyperpigmentation. The research on using hydroquinone during pregnancy is very limited, but because the ingredient is absorbed through the skin at very high rates, many experts recommend avoiding it.
Isotretinoin, retinol and other retinoids
Both oral and topical retinoids including isotretinoin, tretinoin, adapalene and tazarotene, which are used to tackle acne, are known to cause serious birth defects, so they’re completely off-limits until you deliver and wean. To be on the safe side, steer clear of over-the-counter retinol serums and other anti-aging products containing retinol as well.
Salicylic acid (in high doses)
Avoid using oral medications or peels containing high doses of salicylic acid (a form of beta-hydroxy acid, or BHA) — high doses of this anti-inflammatory agent could be dangerous for your baby.
That said, salicylic acid also shows up in a wide range of over-the-counter skin care products, including cleansers, body washes, serums, lotions and acne spot treatments. OTC products with salicylic acid generally contain low doses that are considered safe for pregnant women, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). But it’s always a good idea to run a product by your doctor just to be sure.
Skin care ingredients that might not be safe during pregnancy
These ingredients have been linked to possible risks, but more research is needed to determine whether or not they are definitely harmful. Deciding whether to use products containing the ingredients below is a personal choice that’s best made with your doctor.
Benzoyl peroxide
This ingredient is commonly found in many OTC acne-fighters. There's some debate about benzoyl peroxide during pregnancy, but many experts, including the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and ACOG, say it's likely safe to use in limited amounts.
Botox and fillers
This wrinkle-eradicator is also considered a category C ingredient, which means we don’t yet know enough about its safety during pregnancy. Botox is sometimes prescribed for medical conditions such as incontinence, overactive bladder and chronic migraines — in which case you and your doctor may determine that its benefits may outweigh possible risks — but many experts recommend avoiding Botox and other fillers for cosmetic use during pregnancy to play it safe.
What do I need to know about parabens and phthalates during pregnancy?
Parabens are commonly used preservatives that prevent mold and bacteria growth in moisturizers, shampoos, soaps, deodorants and makeup, while phthalates are a group of chemicals that appear in many personal care products, particularly those that contain fragrance.
There is some debate about frequent use of parabens and phthalates during pregnancy. Some animal studies have linked endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) like parabens and phthalates during pregnancy to possible risks such as reproductive issues. However, the FDA says that studies have not definitively proven that parabens and phthalates are harmful, and more research is needed.
If you prefer to avoid parabens during pregnancy, look for paraben-free formulas (some of the most commonly used parabens you may see in products are methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben and ethylparaben). Phthalates can be a little trickier to spot on an ingredient list, since manufacturers don’t have to report individual fragrance ingredients to the FDA; if you’d prefer to avoid them, look for fragrance-free formulas.
Safer skin care alternatives during pregnancy
Even if some of your favorite products are off limits for now, your skin doesn’t have to suffer. There are pregnancy-friendly options that’ll get the job done while also being safe for your baby.
Anti-aging skin care ingredients
Slough away dead, dull skin cells with an exfoliating scrub containing physical exfoliants like salt or sugar, or gentle chemical exfoliants like lactic or glycolic acid. Products that contain vitamin C, an antioxidant that promotes the production of the skin-plumping protein collagen and can brighten hyperpigmentation, are also considered safe.
Want to treat yourself to a spa day? While most facials are perfectly safe during pregnancy, you’ll want to avoid peels with retinoids or high doses of salicylic acid anywhere on your body. Other types of peels and microdermabrasion can be especially irritating to pregnant skin. And any treatment involving an electrical microcurrent or laser is off-limits for now. If you’re unsure what’s safe and what’s not (or likely to cause a skin freakout), bring it up with your practitioner and again with your aesthetician before your procedure.
Acne-fighting skin care ingredients
It’s fine to use topical over-the-counter acne fighters containing azelaic acid or glycolic acid, according to ACOG. For severe acne, your practitioner may recommend topical erythromycin or clindamycin with benzoyl peroxide, or oral erythromycin or cephalexin.
Moisturizing skin care ingredients
Dry skin getting you down these days? You can help your skin stay hydrated by sticking with a mild, soap-free cleanser. To lock in moisture, look to gentle lotions and creams that get their hydrating power from hyaluronic acid or coconut oil.
Sunscreen ingredients
Sunscreens work in two ways to protect your skin from the sun: Some formulas contain chemical ingredients (like oxybenzone, ensulizole, octisalate, homosalate, octocrylene, octinoxate and avobenzone), which absorb UV rays and convert them into energy; other formulas rely on physical ingredients (like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide), which physically deflect rays before they hit your skin. Physical blockers are hypoallergenic and are not absorbed into skin, while chemical sunscreens are in small quantities, so some moms-to-be prefer to use physical sunscreens while they are expecting. However, both are considered safe to use during pregnancy.
Most importantly, choose broad-spectrum sunscreens, which offer protection against UVA and UVB rays, and make sure they have sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.
There are some foods you should not eat when you're pregnant because they might make you ill or harm your baby. Make sure you know the important facts about which foods you should avoid or take extra care with when you're pregnant. The best foods to eat are freshly cooked or freshly prepared food.
Don't eat mould-ripened soft cheese, such as brie, camembert and chevre (a type of goat's cheese) and others with a similar rind. You should also avoid soft blue-veined cheeses such as Danish blue or gorgonzola. These are made with mould and they can contain listeria, a type of bacteria that can harm your unborn baby.
Although infection with listeria (listeriosis) is rare, it is important to take special precautions in pregnancy because even a mild form of the illness in a pregnant woman can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth or severe illness in a newborn baby.
You can eat hard cheeses such as cheddar, parmesan and stilton, even if they're made with unpasteurised milk. Hard cheeses don't contain as much water as soft cheeses so bacteria are less likely to grow in them. Many other types of cheese are okay to eat, but make sure they're made from pasteurised milk. They include cottage cheese, mozzarella, cream cheese, paneer, haloumi, goat's cheese and processed cheeses such as cheese spreads.
Pâté
Avoid all types of pâté, including vegetable pâtés, as they can contain listeria.
Raw or partially cooked eggs
Make sure that eggs are thoroughly cooked until the whites and yolks are solid. This prevents the risk of salmonella food poisoning. Don’t eat foods that contain raw and undercooked eggs, such as homemade mayonnaise. If you wish to have dishes that contain raw or partially cooked eggs, consider using pasteurised liquid egg. Don’t use cracked or dirty eggs.
Raw or undercooked meat
Cook all meat and poultry thoroughly so it is steaming hot and there is no trace of pink or blood. Take particular care with poultry, pork, sausages and minced meat, including burgers.
Don't eat rare meat. Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a parasite that can be found in meat, soil, cat faeces and untreated water. If you are pregnant the infection can damage your baby, but it's important to remember that toxoplasmosis in pregnancy is very rare.
If you feel you may have been at risk, discuss it with your doctor, midwife or obstetrician. If you are infected while you're pregnant, treatment for toxoplasmosis is available.
Wash all surfaces and utensils thoroughly after preparing raw meat. It's also important to remember to wash and dry your hands after touching or handling raw meat. This will help to avoid the spread of harmful bugs such as salmonella, campylobacter and E. coli that can cause food poisoning.
Liver products
Don't eat liver or liver products such as liver pâté or liver sausage, as they may contain a lot of vitamin A. Too much vitamin A can harm your baby.
Supplements containing vitamin A
Don't take high-dose multivitamin supplements, fish liver oil supplements or any supplements containing vitamin A.
Some types of fish
Fish contains protein and essential omega-3 fatty acids, so it is recommended in pregnancy.
However, some types of fish have higher levels of mercury, which can affect the baby’s developing nervous system. It’s important to limit your intake of fish with higher levels of mercury. Shark (flake), broadbill, marlin and swordfish should be eaten no more than once a fortnight and don’t eat any other fish during that fortnight. Orange roughy and catfish should be eaten no more than once a week, and no other fish should be eaten during that week.
For more information about mercury in fish, visit Food Standards Australia.
Raw shellfish
Eat cooked rather than raw shellfish as it can contain harmful bacteria and viruses that can cause food poisoning and have a higher risk of listeria contamination.
Pre-packaged salads
Pre-prepared or pre-packaged fruit or vegetable salads, including those from buffets and salad bars have a higher risk of listeria contamination.
Certain fruit and vegetables
Don’t eat rockmelon, due to a risk of listeria, or bean sprouts, due to salmonella.
Sushi
Don’t eat chilled seafood such as raw oysters, sashimi and sushi, smoked ready-to-eat seafood and cooked ready-to-eat prawns, which have a higher risk of listeria contamination.
The safest way to enjoy sushi is to choose the fully cooked or vegetarian varieties, such as those that include:
- cooked seafood, for example fully cooked eel (unagi) or shrimp (ebi)
- vegetables, for example cucumber (kappa) maki
- avocado — for example California roll
- fully cooked egg
Cold cured meats
Cold cured meats include salami, parma ham, chorizo and pepperoni. In Australia, pregnant women are advised to avoid eating cold cured meats or smoked fish as there is a small risk of these foods harbouring listeria, or the toxoplasma parasite that causes toxoplasmosis. These include:
- cold meats from delicatessen counters and sandwich bars, and packaged, sliced ready-to-eat meats
- cold cooked ready-to-eat chicken (whole, portions, or diced)
Unpasteurised milk
If you have milk, drink only pasteurised or UHT (ultra-heat treated) milk (also called long-life milk). If only raw (unpasteurised) milk is available, boil it first. Don’t drink unpasteurised goat’s or sheep’s milk or eat food that is made out of them, such as soft goat’s cheese.
Don't eat soft-serve ice-creams while you're pregnant as they have a higher risk of listeria contamination.
Alcohol
There is no safe level of alcohol that you can have during your pregnancy. Whether you are planning a pregnancy, already pregnant or breastfeeding, not drinking is the safest option as alcohol can harm your unborn baby.
Caffeine
High levels of caffeine can increase the risk of miscarriage, low birth weight and experiencing a difficult birth. Caffeine is naturally found in lots of foods, such as coffee, tea and chocolate, and is added to some soft drinks and energy drinks. Some cold and flu remedies also contain caffeine. Talk to your midwife, doctor or pharmacist before taking these remedies.
You don’t need to cut out caffeine completely, but don’t have more than 200mg a day. The approximate amounts of caffeine found in food and drinks are:
- 1 cup of instant coffee: 60mg
- 1 shot of espresso coffee: 100mg
- 1 cup of plunger coffee: 80mg
- 1 cup of tea: 30mg
- 375ml can of cola: 49mg
- 250ml can of energy drink: 80mg
- 100g bar of milk chocolate: 20mg
Don’t worry if you occasionally have more than 200mg, the risks are quite small. To cut down on caffeine, try decaffeinated tea and coffee, fruit juice or mineral water instead of regular tea, coffee and cola.
Energy drinks
Energy drinks are not recommended during pregnancy as they may contain high levels of caffeine, and other ingredients not recommended for pregnant women.
Foods with soil on them
Wash fruit, vegetables and salads to remove all traces of soil and visible dirt. Learn more about safe food preparation.
Peanuts and allergies
If you would like to eat peanuts or food containing peanuts (such as peanut butter) during pregnancy, you can choose to do so as part of a healthy balanced diet, unless you are allergic to them or your health professional advises you not to. Exclusion of any particular foods (including foods considered to be highly allergenic) from the maternal diet during pregnancy or breastfeeding is not recommended, as this has not been shown to prevent allergies in your baby.
Check out our handy guide to food and drink during pregnancy (infographic) that you can print off to stick on the fridge or keep in your bag.
Last reviewed: August 2020