The Best Pregnancy-Safe Makeup of 2024
Pregnancy isn’t always accompanied by the sought-after “pregnancy glow”.Instead,, hormonal changes can lead to concerns such as acne, stretch marks, and dark spots. While it may be tempting to conceal these issues with your usual makeup, it’s essential to weigh the potential effects of these products on both your own health and that of your baby.
Our skin absorbs a significant portion of what we apply to it, especially with cream-based cosmetics, raising concerns about potential risks during pregnancy. Opting for pregnancy-safe makeup offers a solution, minimizing exposure to potentially harmful chemicals and allowing you to enhance your natural beauty confidently.
Many mainstream makeup and beauty products contain ingredients that may be risky during pregnancy, such as phthalates, retinoids (like retinol), and high levels of salicylic acid. These substances have been linked to various adverse effects, including developmental abnormalities, hormonal disruptions, and skin irritation.
The extent to which makeup products are absorbed into the bloodstream can vary depending on factors such as formulation, application method, and specific ingredients. For instance, blush or eyeshadow, applied to smaller skin areas, and powder-based formulations generally have lower absorption rates.
On the other hand, products like foundation, which cover larger areas of the skin or come into direct contact with mucous membranes, warrant closer attention for pregnancy safety. Liquid or cream foundations, particularly those with higher oil content, may have a greater potential for absorption than powder foundations.
Similarly, lipstick is applied directly to the highly vascularized lips, facilitating absorption into the bloodstream. There’s also a minimal risk of accidentally ingesting small amounts of lipstick while eating or drinking.
Many conventional lipsticks contain synthetic fragrances, which can mask phthalates, yet companies aren’t required to list them due to trade secrets. This lack of transparency highlights the need to thoroughly research and choose makeup products wisely during pregnancy.
During pregnancy, it’s essential to scrutinize product labels for common harmful ingredients, especially in items like foundation and lipstick, which have higher absorption rates. Before regular use, patch-test new products and discuss any safety concerns about makeup during pregnancy with your healthcare provider.
Makeup Safe Pregnancy: Why it Matters
Many conventional makeup products contain harmful ingredients that can pose risks during pregnancy. The most commonly found ingredient is:
- Fragrance / Phthalates: Fragrance listed as an ingredient often hides phthalates. Despite potential health concerns, the FDA doesn’t mandate companies to disclose this ingredient due to trade secrets. According to research by EWG nearly three-quarters of the beauty products they tested that listed fragrance on their label contained phthalates. Phthalates are known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals, which means they can interfere with hormone functions which are especially critical during the period from conception to birth. According to ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists), these chemicals are associated with neurodevelopmental issues and male reproductive issues. As a result, ACOG suggests opting for fragrance-free products, as phthalates are often hidden in their formulation.
Less commonly found in makeup, yet concerning ingredients include retinoids such as retinol, known for their association with birth defects. Another ingredient, salicylic acid, is often advised by doctors to be limited to concentrations no higher than 2% in products.
Can you get your makeup done while pregnant?
Absolutely! Getting your makeup done while pregnant poses a very limited risk. If you’re being extra cautious, you can request pregnancy-safe makeup from the artist. However, occasional exposure to makeup with ingredients like phthalates is unlikely to cause harm, as research indicates these chemicals accumulate in your body over time. For instance, applying a product containing phthalates occasionally is far less impactful than using a body lotion every day all over your body.
Using makeup containing harmful ingredients during pregnancy can potentially expose the developing baby to toxins and increase the risk of adverse outcomes. These risks include developmental abnormalities, hormonal disruptions, and skin irritation in both the mother and the baby. By choosing pregnancy-safe makeup, expectant mothers can minimize these risks and prioritize the health and well-being of themselves and their babies.
Safe Foundation for Pregnancy
Several foundations contain ingredients potentially harmful during pregnancy, like phthalates and chemical sunscreens. Our recent blog post explores pregnancy-safe foundation options, helping you choose what’s best for you during this transformative period.
What face products are safe during pregnancy?
Fortunately, there are pregnancy-safe skincare alternatives for every type of product you might need. Here are some common skincare concerns experienced during pregnancy, along with safe skincare solutions:
- Acne: Azelaic acid, safely cleanses pores and reduces inflammation. Niacinamide has anti-inflammatory properties and can help regulate sebum production to potentially reduce acne.
- Darkened Skin (Melasma): Vitamin C can brighten darkened skin as its known for its brightening properties.
- Dry skin: Consider using a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid and/or ceramides to hydrate your skin. While shea butter is commonly suggested for addressing stretch marks, its effectiveness in preventing them is not backed by scientific evidence, as the likelihood of developing stretch marks is largely influenced by genetics.
When applying foundation during pregnancy, it’s essential to prioritize safety without sacrificing performance. Start by cleansing with a gentle cleanser and opt for a hydrating moisturizer to create a smooth base. Some makeup artists suggest avoiding foundations altogether if you experience hormonal acne during pregnancy, as heavy foundations tend to clog your pores. Instead, you could simply use a concealer on certain problem areas to even out your skin tone.
If you do feel the need to apply a foundation, you may use a brush or sponge to apply your chosen product evenly, focusing on areas where you need coverage. Blend well to avoid harsh lines and set with a light dusting of translucent powder to lock in your look. With the right techniques and pregnancy-safe products, you can achieve a flawless complexion while ensuring your baby’s safety.
15 Minute Beauty: Quick and Safe Makeup Routine for Pregnancy
Here’s a simple yet effective pregnancy-safe makeup routine you can follow in under 15 minutes:
- Start by targeting dark under-eye circles with a concealer that’s one shade lighter than your skin tone to brighten the area.
- Cover any blemishes or dark spots using a concealer for a flawless complexion.
- Apply a light, breathable foundation, ensuring it’s free from potentially harmful ingredients by using our pregnancy-safe ingredient checker.
- If you didn’t apply SPF before your makeup, skip step 3, and consider using a pregnancy-safe tinted mineral-based foundation instead for light coverage and sun protection.
- Add a touch of blush to the apples of your cheeks to achieve a healthy, radiant glow.
- Define your brows using a (tinted) brow gel for a polished look.
- Curl your lashes and apply mascara to open up your eyes.
- Finish off with a nourishing lip balm to keep your lips hydrated throughout the day.
In our previous blog on pregnancy-safe foundation, we provided several recommendations. Now, let’s shift our focus to the next makeup item to consider during pregnancy: lip products.
- Sunbum Mineral Sunscreen Lip Balm: Lip balm with SPF 30.
- Neutrogena Moisturesmooth Color Lipstick: Moisturizing in 16 colors.
- Sky Organics Tinted Lip Balm: Sheer shimmery lips with organic ingredients like beeswax.
- Burts Bees Lip Shine: All natural sheer shining lip color in 5 colors.
To simplify your makeup routine during pregnancy, opt for multi-tasking products that offer several benefits at once. Consider tinted moisturizers with SPF for sun protection and hydration, or try a cream blush that can also be used as a lip tint. By using versatile products, you’ll save time and ensure you’re using safe and effective makeup options during pregnancy. With these time-saving tips, you can maintain a radiant and confident look throughout your pregnancy journey.
Tips for Effortless and Safe Eye Makeup during Pregnancy
Based on consultations with dermatologists, we didn’t find substantial evidence supporting the need to check eye products for pregnancy safety. Eye shadows are typically powder-based and applied to small areas, resulting in minimal absorption into the bloodstream. Similarly, mascara usually doesn’t come into direct contact with your skin. Of course, if you have doubts about the product you are using it is best to check with your healthcare professional.
One eye product that warrants attention is lash serums. Certain lash serums contain prostaglandin analogs like bimatoprost or isopropyl cloprostenate, which are known to enhance lash growth but may pose risks during pregnancy. According to Dr. Hilal-Campo prostaglandin analogues can cause uterine contractions during pregnancy.
It’s important to highlight that the FDA does not approve over-the-counter cosmetics containing these compounds. However, the prescription version Latisse, which contains similar prostaglandin analogs, is advised against during pregnancy due to risks observed in animal studies. However, there is a lack of well-controlled human studies available on this matter.
For a pregnancy-safe lash growth serum option, consider this serum-infused lash tint by Honest Beauty, which uses castor oil and jojoba esters instead of prostaglandin analogs.
Creating a safe and effortless eye makeup look during pregnancy is simple with the right products and techniques. Start by applying a neutral eyeshadow shade to your lids as a base, then add definition with a matte brown or taupe shade in the crease. Line your eyes with a pencil or gel eyeliner for added intensity, and finish with a coat of mascara to define your lashes.
What makeup brands are safe during pregnancy?
Fortunately, there are many safe alternatives available for pregnant women. Look for foundations that are mineral-based, fragrance-free, or specifically formulated for sensitive skin. Brands like Honest Beauty and Juice Beauty offer a range of pregnancy-safe makeup options, including foundations that provide coverage without compromising safety. These products are free from harmful chemicals and gentle enough for use during pregnancy. From tinted moisturizers to creamy concealers, these brands have everything you need to create a quick and safe makeup look during pregnancy.
Curating Your Pregnancy Safe Makeup Kit
Curating a pregnancy-safe makeup kit is essential for ensuring you have everything you need to look and feel your best throughout your pregnancy journey. Start by selecting a foundation or tinted moisturizer that ensures safety without compromising coverage. Add a creamy concealer, blush, and bronzer for added dimension and warmth, and don’t forget mascara and lip balm to complete your look.
What is the safest mascara pregnancy?
Mascara, primarily applied to the eyelashes, typically has minimal absorption due to limited contact with the skin. Hence we did not find mascara a top-priority product to individually check for pregnant safety.
When choosing products for your pregnancy-safe makeup kit, opt for brands that are known for their safe and effective formulas. Brands like:
- Honest Beauty: Naturally formulated products without phthalates and synthetic fragrances. With more than a dozen skin tones and shades available to find the perfect pregnancy-safe make-up match. This brand covers three full pregnancy-safe makeup routines for mamas to be on their website to make things easier.
- Juice Beauty: Clean beauty brand that uses plant-based ingredients.
These brands offer a range of makeup options that are free from harmful chemicals and gentle enough for use during pregnancy. From foundations to lipsticks, these brands have everything you need to create a comprehensive yet safe makeup kit during pregnancy. With their trusted formulas, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that you’re prioritizing safety without sacrificing performance.
You can also easily use our pregnancy-safe ingredient checker, available on both IOS and Android platforms, to review the ingredient list of each individual makeup product. It’s essential to note that being vegan or non-toxic does not guarantee pregnancy safety.
For instance, salicylic acid is found naturally in the bark of the willow tree, but it can also be artificially manufactured.
In conclusion, prioritizing safe skincare ingredients during pregnancy involves making informed choices about the makeup products we use. While the coveted “pregnancy glow” isn’t guaranteed for everyone, facing skin challenges like hormonal acne, stretch marks, and dark spots is prevalent. Although it may be tempting to cover these issues with makeup, it’s essential to do so wisely, especially during this critical time.
Our skin absorbs much of what we apply to it, particularly cream-based products, potentially impacting both mother and baby. Opting for pregnancy-safe makeup minimizes exposure to harmful chemicals, ensuring peace of mind while enhancing natural beauty.
Many conventional makeup products contain ingredients linked to adverse effects during pregnancy, such as phthalates and retinoids (including retinol). These substances can lead to developmental abnormalities, hormonal disruptions, and skin irritation.
While absorption rates vary, products like foundation, covering larger areas or mucous membranes, warrant closer scrutiny for pregnancy safety. Synthetic fragrances in lipsticks can mask phthalates, highlighting the need for transparency in product labeling.
Consulting with healthcare providers and patch-testing new products can provide further assurance. Choosing pregnancy-safe options prioritizes both maternal and fetal health, reducing potential risks and ensuring a safe and beautiful pregnancy journey.
Sources:
Not Too Pretty | Environmental Working Group
Endocrine Disruptors | National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Safety of skin care products during pregnancy | The College of Family Physicians of Canada
Is salicylic acid safe to use during pregnancy? | Medical News Today
What to Know About Prostaglandins, the Controversial Ingredient in Eyelash Serums | New Beauty
