When it comes to pregnancy and prenatal care, many of us think about nutrition and supplements. However, what you put on your skin also matters—the skincare industry is largely unregulated, so many of its products contain hormone and fertility disruptors. In this article, we’ll cover how chemicals in skincare and cosmetics can affect your pregnancy and miscarriage risk, and what you can do about it.

A survey by Bionsen estimated that an average woman is exposed to 515 chemicals before she leaves for work in the morning ¹ . Another study by the Environmental Working Group detected hundreds of these in newborns’ cord blood ².

Everyone responds to these endocrine-disrupting chemicals differently because we’re all different. Also, there is limited clinical evidence because it’s unethical to directly experiment with humans, especially pregnant women. When everyone is exposed to these chemicals, it’s almost impossible to tell what health looks like without the exposure. However, animal studies have unequivocally confirmed that these substances interfere with fertility, pregnancy, and the health of subsequent generations.

If you are trying to conceive (TTC) or on a fertility journey, it’s important to understand hormone disruptors and minimize your exposure to them. 

What are hormone and fertility disruptors?

Hormone and fertility disruptors, also called endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), are chemicals that can mimic or interfere with healthy hormone function, including ³:

• Hormone production
• Hormone transport to your cells
• Hormone signaling
• Hormone detoxification or breakdown

Any of these can result in abnormal hormone activities. Some of them also increase oxidative stress and damage DNA, which can contribute to infertility and miscarriage ⁴.

Currently, most clinical studies look at correlations between our exposure and infertility, or accidental exposures, rather than directly testing the effects of these chemicals on our health. Typically, high levels of these substances correlate with infertility in both genders and developmental problems in the fetus ⁵

Based on animal studies, endocrine disruptors can cause infertility and miscarriages. Some animal studies also found that endocrine disruptors may contribute to conditions linked to miscarriage such as endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, insulin resistance, and more. Given these studies in mammals, which have similar hormones and reproductive systems as humans, it’s likely that the endocrine disruptors can cause these problems in susceptible humans, too.

Some of these substances are found in nature, but most of the ones that may influence fertility and miscarriage are synthetic chemicals.

The EDCs may be present in ⁶:

• The environment, such as the water supply, air, or soil
• Food
• Personal care products, including skincare and beauty products
• Cleaning products for homes, offices, and kitchens
• Off-gasses from office supplies, furniture, paints, and cars
• Plastics
• Food storage materials
• Personal care products
• Children’s products

Examples of EDCs include organochlorines, carbamates, triazines, pesticides, heavy metals like mercury, lead, and arsenic, diethylstilbestrol, nonylphenol, parabens, triclosan, and polychlorinated biphenyls ⁷. Because these chemicals are everywhere in our environment, everyone is exposed to hundreds of them simultaneously. So, the effect of this combination is hard to predict as it can be additive, synergistic, or antagonistic ⁸.

How hormone disruptors affect fertility, pregnancy, and miscarriage risk

If you’re TTC and are anxious about EDCs, the good news is: once you’re aware of EDCs’ presence and negative health effects, you can take steps to avoid them and support your body to detoxify them. Over time, your hormones can recover from these EDCs.

Most of the endocrine-disrupting chemicals mimic or interfere with the actions of thyroid hormones, androgen, and estrogen.

1. EDCs interfere with fertility, conception, and pregnancy

Aside from affecting sex hormone productions, EDCs can also interfere with egg and sperm development.

By disrupting the hormone balance and tissue development, EDCs can contribute to ^{9 10 11}:

• Subfertility and infertility
• Irregular cycles
• Abnormal hormone production
• Anovulation (no ovulation)
• Early menopause

2. Immune dysfunction

During pregnancy, your immune system needs to adapt to accommodate the fetus, who is genetically different from you.

Exposure to EDCs such as bisphenol A (BPA) may modify your immune system and produce alterations in inflammatory markers. These changes may favor a state of inflammation in the maternal body, resulting in poor pregnancy outcomes, such as early miscarriage, fetal growth restriction, preeclampsia, and preterm labor ¹².

Fetal growth restriction

Epidemiologic studies demonstrate that prenatal exposure to toxins such as phthalates and BPA may restrict fetal growth, which can result in small babies for their gestational age.

Epigenetics refers to changes in genetic readouts that do not change your DNA sequence. Some of these epigenetic changes can be transmitted through generations ¹³.

Animal studies show that many EDCs change these epigenetic marks, influencing the health outcomes of the next generation.

Restricted fetal growth and smaller babies increase the risk of hypertension, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and heart disease later in life ¹⁴¹⁵.

Skincare ingredients to avoid if you’re trying to conceive and during pregnancy

Knowledge is power, and the more you know about what you put in and on your body can help greatly if you’re TTC. Some of the skincare ingredients that you may choose to avoid during pregnancy include:

1. Topical retinoids

You may experience a wide range of physiological changes during pregnancy, including increased androgen levels. The latter may result in the development or aggravation of acne.

One of the prevalent topical treatments for acne includes topical retinoids or tretinoin.

Though drug absorption is very low when used on the skin, topical tretinoin can cause congenital disabilities (retinoid embryopathy). Because there are safer acne medications on the market, it is better to avoid topical retinoids for acne during pregnancy ¹⁶¹⁷.

Look for on the label: retinoid, tretinoin, retin A

2. Skin-lightening agents

Hydroquinone is one of the topical skin-lightening agents that individuals may use during pregnancy to treat conditions, such as melasma and chloasma.

You can also use it cosmetically as a skin-lightening agent. According to estimates, the absorption of hydroquinone in the body is about 35 to 45 percent following topical use.

According to available data, the use of hydroquinone during pregnancy may not increase the risk of any adverse effects. But, due to substantial absorption in comparison to other products, it is better to avoid its use during pregnancy ¹⁸.

Other natural skin lightening such as kojic acid, niacinamide, glutathione, azelaic acid, and glycolic acid are safe for pregnancy, however.

Look for on the label: hydroquinone

3. Phthalates

Phthalates are a group of common EDCs present in many products of daily use, including personal care products, sunscreens, and polyvinyl chloride products ¹⁹. You’re most likely exposed to phthalates in cosmetics, fragrances or perfumes, plastics, and contaminated foods.

Phthalates can cause or are associated with:

• Embryo malformation (animal studies) ²⁰
• Low testosterone production (animal studies) ²¹
• Abnormal reproductive development in the fetus (animal and human studies) ²²
• Fertility and reproductive disorders ²³
• Hormone imbalances
• Interfering with testicular development and function, reducing testicle weight, impairing sperm formation, and may cause genital malformation (animal studies) ²⁴²⁵
• Sperm DNA mutation which can contribute to the following:
  • Miscarriage and postnatal death
  • Congenital disabilities
  • Fetal growth retardation
  • Delayed sexual development
  • Diminished semen quality in the male offspring ²⁶
• Anovulation and premature ovarian failure due to their anti-estrogenic activities. These can cause amenorrhea, low estrogens, and increased FSH/LH ²⁷.

Therefore, it is best to avoid phthalate exposure during TTC and pregnancy.

Look for on labels: Most phthalate ingredients end in “phthalates,” such as dibutyl phthalates, octyl phthalates, benzyl butyl phthalates, etc. However, they can also be present as part of proprietary ingredients in perfumes or fragrances, so it’s best to avoid products with perfumes or fragrances.

4. Bisphenol-A (BPA)

BPA is the most widely present chemical in the inside coating of the plastic packaging of cosmetics. Trace amounts of BPA may migrate into the cosmetic products.

Surprisingly, the amount of BPA present in the amniotic fluid of a pregnant woman is five times more than their serum. This is because BPA travels actively across the placenta ²⁸.

According to animal studies, BPA binds to estrogen receptors and may cause reproductive abnormalities, including infertility. It may also increase the risk of miscarriage ²⁹. Also, higher blood and urinary BPA may result in fertility problems in individuals undergoing IVF treatment ³⁰.

To avoid BPA, avoid touching cashier receipts and plastic wrap packaging. It’s also a good idea to avoid consuming food and beverages from plastics altogether.

5. Parabens

Parabens are artificial preservatives commonly used in cosmetic and skincare products. Their role is to inhibit the growth of harmful mold and bacteria. When reading labels, it’s simple to locate parabens, as they always end in -paraben, such as propylparaben and methylparaben.

You can find parabens in ³¹³²:

• Moisturizers
• Makeup products
• Skin and face cleansers
• Deodorants
• Sunscreens
• Toothpaste
• Haircare products such as conditioners and shampoos

According to a study, parabens in cord blood can reduce testosterone levels. This finding points to the likely risks that the lack of testosterone may pose to prenatal male development. Therefore, it is better to avoid skincare and cosmetic products containing parabens during pregnancy ³³.

They can also disrupt fertility by shortening the menstrual cycle, diminishing ovarian reserves, and affecting pregnancy outcomes ³⁴³⁵.

Parabens may also trigger epigenetic modifications and disturb the natural satiety regulation in the brain. The latter may increase weight in children of individuals whose skin absorbed parabens during pregnancy ³⁶³⁷. Exposure to parabens during pregnancy may result in disorders of the nervous system in the fetus ³⁸.

The paraben levels in a pregnant woman consistently increase during pregnancy—from the first trimester to the third trimester. However, this is not always a bad thing. Paraben levels may increase due to:

• Increased exposure to parabens as pregnancy progresses
• Reduced elimination of parabens as pregnancy progresses
• Reduced rate at which parabens travel to the fetus through the placenta as pregnancy progresses

Look for on labels: ingredients that end in “paraben,” such as methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben.

6. Chemical sunscreens

Many women continue to use sunscreens to protect their skin from the sun’s harmful rays or prevent or treat melasma during pregnancy. Active ingredients in chemical sunscreens can include oxybenzone, avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octinoxate.

According to a study by the FDA, the skin absorbs all the ingredients even after a single application. Moreover, once these chemicals get into the bloodstream, they can stay for a long time. The FDA requests additional studies to fill in the current information gaps for these chemicals present in sunscreens ³⁹.

Additionally, studies describe oxybenzone as an endocrine-disrupting chemical, and its use during pregnancy can disrupt hormones. Oxybenzone exposure during pregnancy can lead to permanent changes in milk-producing glands ⁴⁰.

Exposure to the chemical may also result in permanent damage to the fetus. It may also contribute to neurological diseases, such as schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s in adults ⁴¹.

Therefore, it is better to avoid using chemical sunscreens containing oxybenzone and other ingredients.

Look for on labels:  oxybenzone, avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octinoxate.

7. High-dose salicylic acid

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, salicylic acid is a very common ingredient of skin care products to treat acne. However, a study suggests that it is better to avoid products delivering high doses of salicylic acid during pregnancy, such as oral drugs containing salicylic acid and chemical peels ⁴².

Look for on labels: salicylic acid, salicylate, methylsalicylate

8. Formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers

Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, and you may not find it in your cosmetic and skincare products anymore. However, manufacturers now add ‘formaldehyde releasers’ into the cosmetic products. When combined with water, these chemicals will slowly form formaldehyde molecules, which act as a preservative. Chemicals that fall in this category are:

• DMDM hydantoin
• Diazolidinyl urea
• Imidazolidinyl urea
• Quaternium-15
• 5-Bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane
• 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (Bronopol)
• Hydroxymethylglycinate

Avoid any products with a label that says it contains any of the above chemicals during pregnancy ⁴³.

9. Synthetic fragrances

Synthetic fragrances tend to contain many toxic EDCs such as phthalates, nonoxynols, and octoxynols ⁴⁴. Manufacturers typically don’t disclose these specific components as they have proprietary formulations.

Earlier in this article, we discussed how phthalates can contribute to fertility and reproductive disorders in both genders.

Nonoxynols and octoxynols are alkylphenols, both of which are also known endocrine disruptors. In men, alkylphenols can cause reduced testicular size, testicular damage, poor functioning of the male reproductive system, and decreased production and quality of semen ⁴⁵.

In women, alkylphenols can cause impaired fertility, miscarriage, menstrual cycle irregularities, endometriosis, and infertility⁴⁶.

Look for on the labels: fragrances, perfume, parfum

10. Triclosan and chemical antibacterials

Triclosan is a chlorinated compound with antibacterial and antifungal properties. You may find it in hand soap, body care products, cleaning products, deodorant, toothpaste, and hand sanitizers. Since companies were unable to prove that triclosan was safe, the FDA banned it along with 18 other chemical antimicrobials on September 9, 2016 ⁴⁷.

In a study of 377 mother-child pairs, researchers measured urinary triclosan at 16-26 weeks of pregnancy. They found that higher urinary triclosan concentrations correlated with lower birth weight, smaller babies, smaller head circumference, and lower gestational age ⁴⁸.

Another study of 109 women seeking fertility treatments found that higher urinary triclosan levels correlated with lower ovarian reserve based on antral follicle count ⁴⁹. Another study found that it correlated with lower oocyte yield ⁵⁰.

Among men seeking fertility treatments, higher urinary triclosan also correlated with poorer semen quality and abnormal morphology ⁵¹.

Keep in mind, however, that these clinical studies observed correlations that may not mean causation. However, based on studies so far, it’s clear that triclosan is neither healthy nor necessary, especially for TTC and expecting couples.

Many people believe that antimicrobials keep them safe. However, the skin has a natural flora that is important for skin health and offers protection from some skin infections ⁵². In its decision banning triclosan, the FDA also claims that there are no data showing that soap with triclosan is better than soap alone ⁵³.

Chemical antibacterials can also contribute to bacterial imbalances throughout your body, including the gut ⁵⁴. They can also add to the widespread antibiotic resistance that renders many antibiotics ineffective in hospitals.

Look for on the labels: triclosan, antibacterial

11. Some essential oils and natural ingredients

Simply because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s safe for pregnancy. Many women are advised to avoid natural remedies simply because they have had no history or evidence of use in pregnant women. According to the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists, these essential oils may not be safe for pregnancy as they can case contractions or bleeding ⁵⁵:

• Aniseed
• Arnica
• Basil
• Birch (sweet)
• Bitter almond
• Boldo leaf
• Broom
• Buchu
• Calamus
• Camphor (brown or yellow)
• Carrot seed
• Cassia
• Cedarwood/thuja
• Chervil
• Cinnamon
• Clary sage
• Clove (bud, leaf or stem)
• Coriander
• Costus
• Deer Tongue
• Elecampane
• Fennel
• Horseradish
• Hyssop
• Jaborandi leaf
• Juniper berry
• Melilotus
• Mugwort
• Mustard
• Nutmeg
• Origanum
• Parsley (large doses)
• Pennyroyal
• Pine (dwarf)
• Rosemary
• Rue
• Sassafras
• Savin
• Savory (summer)
• Tansy
• Thyme red (large doses)
• Tonka
• Wintergreen
• Wormwood

Safe essential oils to use during pregnancy include:

• Benzoin
• Bergamot
• Black pepper
• Chamomile (German and Roman)
• Clary
• Cypres
• Eucalyptus
• Frankincense
• Geranium
• Ginger
• Grapefruit
• Juniper
• Lavender
• Lemon
• Mandarin
• Sweet marjoram
• Neroli
• Petitgrain
• Rose otto
• Sandalwood
• Sweet orange
• Tea tree
• Ylang ylang

You may want to avoid diffusing essential oils and any essential oil products during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. After the first trimester, be sure to properly dilute the essential oils with carrier oils. They can also interact with medications or any other medical treatments you may be receiving, even the ones on the safe list. When in doubt, consult your OB/GYN or midwife. Keep in mind that currently there are no studies demonstrating the safety of essential oils during pregnancy.

Pregnancy Safe Skincare for Fertility and Pregnancy

Pregnancy can result in a wide variety of hormonal and physiological changes, including an increase in androgen levels. These hormonal changes can contribute to pregnancy symptoms such as hemorrhoids, heartburn, constipation, and acne ⁵⁶⁵⁷.

Many pregnant women also develop melasma, chloasma, or unwanted hair growth ⁵⁸.

Generally, antibacterials, topical salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide are safe during pregnancy. You can also use zinc oxide and titanium dioxide present in sunscreens and dihydroxyacetone present in self-tanning agents to improve the skin’s appearance.

For unwanted hair removal, you can use:

• Salts of sodium and thioglycolic acid, potassium hydroxide, and calcium (present in hair removal creams)
• Hydrogen peroxide present in hair-bleaching creams ⁵⁹.

Sodium, potassium, and calcium hydroxide are also present in hair removal creams. However, their absorption into the body is minimal compared to their daily dietary intake. Therefore, the absorption of these chemicals does not increase their serum levels. So, you may use products with these chemicals during pregnancy ⁶⁰.

Hydrogen peroxide is present in topical hair bleaching creams in low concentrations. Therefore, it is doubtful that absorption of a significant amount of hydrogen peroxide occurs after application. Moreover, after absorption, the metabolism of hydrogen peroxide occurs rapidly. So, using hydrogen peroxide products during pregnancy in moderation is not a cause for concern ⁶¹.

Sunscreens

Until there is more information about the safety of chemical sunscreens, you may try mineral sunscreens. They contain titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which protect from the sun’s harmful rays by deflecting them. The FDA proposes the two ingredients, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide, as generally recognized as safe and effective ⁶².

How to know if a product contains harmful ingredients

You can look up your products for safety ratings on the Environmental Working Group (ewg.org). Also, madesafe.org curates a full list of safe products in all categories.

Safe, natural ingredients during pregnancy

 You may use certain natural ingredients safely during pregnancy. These include:

• Jojoba oil
• Avocado oil
• Grapeseed oil
• Coconut oil
• Shea butter
• Beeswax
• Almond oil
• Emu oil
• Grass-fed organic beef tallow

Jojoba oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, shea butter, and almond oil are all plant-based fats. They have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on topical application. Therefore, you may use them for eczema or dry skin during pregnancy.

Plant-based fats, upon topical application, moisturize the outermost skin layer. They do not penetrate the waterproof layer called the stratum corneum into the deeper skin layer. So, these fats are more useful and less risky than store-bought skincare products during pregnancy ⁶³.

You may also use grapeseed oil as it helps in making skin more elastic and softer ⁶⁴.

Pregnancy Safe Makeup & Skincare Brands to Explore

Since people are becoming increasingly aware of how toxic ingredients affect their health, there’s a growing number of safer cosmetics and skincare products. Many brands are also geared specifically towards TTC, pregnancy, and the postpartum period. However, you should always read the ingredient labels to ensure that they’re safe for you.

Mama Earth Organics

Melinda Olson, the founder, is a mother, herbalist, and nurse. She started the nontoxic product line specifically to support women going through pregnancy and postpartum. Some of the core beliefs of the brand include honoring the ingenuity of the body and that education empowers mothers ⁶⁵.

Earthley

Kate, the founder, had a baby with many health challenges and food allergies. Conventional medicine did not help her baby, and this was how Kate created her initial herbal remedy: a diaper rash cream. The company was born in the fall of 2016.Earthley’s commitment is to produce 100 percent natural and clean products. They don’t use any compromising chemicals or ingredients. You can recognize everything on their labels as using unprocessed and whole plant materials. That is what makes them suitable for prenatal ⁶⁶.

Annmarie

Founders Annmarie and Kevin Gianni interviewed healthcare manufacturers, experts, and healers during their journey across South and North America to track the best natural care products. In their search, they met Bunnie, an herbalist, and they began the company together.

All their products are hand-selected, infused in aloe juice and base oils, and made using additional ingredients and plant extracts. Their mission is clean, good, and effective skincare ⁶⁷.

Alitura

Andy Hnilo, the founder, model, and actor, met with a severe accident in March 2011. He decided to approach his problem and injuries from a nutritional perspective. That is how he created Alitura. All the products are nutrient-rich and natural. They are made from superfood ingredients. They contain stem cells, growth factors, and minerals and are good for prenatal skincare ⁶⁸.

BeautyCounter

Beautycounter is a cosmetic brand founded to change the skincare industry and improve regulations of skincare ingredients. They’re transparent about their ingredients, including fragrance ingredients, and use extensive safety screening and contaminant testing. Most importantly, they believe in doing things responsibly, including material sourcing, sustainable packaging, and minimizing environmental footprints.

Keep in mind, however, that since they’re not a company focused on TTC and pregnancy, some of their products are safe but not for pregnancy.

Weleda

Weleda is an international holistic, natural, and organic skincare brand you can find in many health food stores ⁶⁹. They also incorporate many healing natural remedies into their products.

They have a Mother & Baby Section that can be helpful for different stages of TTC, pregnancy, and postpartum. However, since some herbs and natural remedies may not be safe in pregnancy, you’ll want to check the ingredients for their products in other categories before using them.

Plant Oils and Topical Fats

In addition to safer skincare brands, you can also use natural fats such as coconut, avocado, olive, and jojoba oils for things like moisturizing and cleansing. These are generally safe during pregnancy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, always read skincare and cosmetics labels if you’re TTC or become pregnant. If in doubt, always revert to one of our recommended brands or products you know are safe, such as plant-based fats and other natural fats.