Skincare Ingredients to Avoid While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a beautiful and natural process that not only nourishes your baby but also requires special attention to your own health and well-being. As a breastfeeding mother, you’re likely careful about what you consume, but have you considered how your skincare products might affect you and your baby?
During breastfeeding, your body undergoes significant changes, including increased blood flow and hormonal fluctuations. These shifts can influence how your body absorbs substances, including skincare products.
Certain chemical ingredients found in skincare products have the potential to be absorbed into your bloodstream and eventually reach the developing fetus or breast milk. According to senior scientist Jennifer Sass “We don’t really know all of what’s in these products, but the fact that they are engineered to be absorbed into the skin on purpose makes us concerned”.Therefore, it’s essential to exercise caution when selecting skincare products during this critical time.
Understanding which skincare ingredients to avoid while breastfeeding is essential for making informed choices. While some ingredients are safe to use during breastfeeding, others may pose risks to you and your baby. Given that the FDA only regulates color additives in personal care items, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with common skincare ingredients and their potential effects. This knowledge enables you to take control of your skincare routine, ensuring that you make informed decisions to protect your skin and overall well-being.
Choosing skincare products with care is vital during breastfeeding to reduce any potential risks to your baby. Opting for products that are free from harmful ingredients can help ensure the safety of both you and your little one.
Common Skincare Ingredients to Avoid
Let’s discuss some of the skincare ingredients to avoid while breastfeeding, as identified by research and medical professionals. To begin, let’s focus on the primary ones to steer clear of.
Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone, often used to treat hyperpigmentation or melasma, should be avoided during pregnancy due to its potential impact on fetal development. Research indicates that the skin absorbs approximately 35–45% of hydroquinone from these products.
When discussing skincare ingredients to avoid while breastfeeding, it’s important to note the limited research on the effects of topical hydroquinone. While hydroquinone is not explicitly discouraged during breastfeeding, some experts question the rationale behind prolonged usage in nursing mothers. They advise preventing direct contact between the treated areas of the mother’s skin and the infant’s skin, as well as preventing the infant from ingesting any product transferred from the mother’s skin.
What skin products should you not use while breastfeeding?
Certain skincare ingredients should be avoided while breastfeeding. For instance, hydroquinone is frequently present in skin-lightening creams, dark spot correctors, and brightening serums. Meanwhile, retinoids are frequently used in creams to treat acne and aid in anti-aging efforts.
Retinoids
When considering skincare ingredients to avoid while breastfeeding, it’s important to address the risks associated with retinol. While retinol is a potent ingredient with known risks such as increased sun sensitivity, concerns arise regarding its potential effects on your baby during breastfeeding.
The extent to which retinol passes through breast milk when applied topically remains uncertain. However, due to its association with birth defects in infants when used during pregnancy, it’s wise to refrain from using retinol while breastfeeding to minimize any potential risk to your child.
Dr. Mraz-Robinson emphasizes this caution, noting, “While there’s no conclusive evidence either way, the lack of definitive proof regarding its safety prompts us to advise against its use in this patient demographic. The potential risks simply outweigh any potential benefits.”
Since there’s uncertainty regarding its safety for your baby, it’s advisable to err on the side of caution and refrain from using retinol during breastfeeding. The potential risks simply do not justify the potential benefits.
Parabens
Parabens are commonly used as antimicrobial agents in cosmetics to prevent bacterial and fungal growth. Despite their effectiveness, parabens possess estrogen-mimicking properties and have been detected in tumors. Additionally, they have the potential to damage DNA in sperm. On product labels, you can readily identify the most prevalent parabens utilized in cosmetics. These widely employed preservatives, which have been detected in breast milk, can disrupt hormonal balance. Therefore, if you prefer to err on the side of caution, it’s advisable to include these ingredients on the list of substances to avoid while breastfeeding.
While there is generally less concern about certain ingredients during breastfeeding, our app currently focuses solely on pregnancy due to the limited research available on skincare ingredients to avoid while breastfeeding. However, if you are on the err side of caution, you can still use the app while breastfeeding, but it’s advisable to consult with your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.
Notable ingredients to avoid include butylparaben, ethylparaben, isobutyl paraben, and methylparaben. To determine if the ingredient list of your beauty product contains any of these or the ones mentioned above you can use our pregnancy-safe ingredient checker, available on both IOS and Android platforms. We prioritize our research and recommendations for pregnant individuals, recognizing that this is a critical time for organ development.
The general consensus of the medical community is that there is less risk associated with certain ingredients during breastfeeding. Due to the lack of research on skincare ingredients that should be avoided while breastfeeding we decided not (yet!) to extend our app to breastfeeding in its recommendation. You’re welcome to utilize our app while breastfeeding, but please exercise caution and consult your medical provider if you have any questions or concerns regarding the information provided.
Furthermore, we’re convinced your Google searches might look something like this:
Is AHA and BHA safe while breastfeeding?
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), including glycolic acid (an AHA) and salicylic acid (a topical BHA), are generally considered safe for use while breastfeeding when low concentrations in skincare products are applied topically. Let’s explore this further:
Salicylic Acid (BHA)
Salicylic acid, commonly found in skincare products, is renowned for its acne-fighting and skin-exfoliating properties. However, it’s advisable to avoid using products containing high concentrations of salicylic acid while breastfeeding due to potential risks.
According to experts such as Carly MD (OBGYN) and Matthew MD (dermatologist), caution is warranted for pregnant or nursing individuals concerning high-dose salicylic acid. Research suggests that products with elevated concentrations of salicylic acid, like peels or oral medications, may pose harm during pregnancy. Nonetheless, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists deems lower-dose topical products containing 2% or less salicylic acid safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Thankfully, there are numerous safe alternatives to salicylic acid for managing acne and promoting skin health while breastfeeding. Opt for products formulated with ingredients like glycolic acid or azelaic acid, which are safe for use during breastfeeding and effectively address skincare concerns.
Additionally, maintaining a consistent skincare routine, staying hydrated, and practicing good hygiene can help prevent and manage acne without the need for potentially harmful ingredients.
Glycolic Acid (AHA)
Glycolic acid, along with similar compounds like azelaic acid, is a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that is frequently included in skincare formulations due to its exfoliating and skin-renewing effects.
Glycolic acid offers numerous benefits, including reducing fine lines, enhancing skin radiance, and addressing hyperpigmentation. Its mechanism involves gentle exfoliation, promoting skin cell renewal, and boosting collagen synthesis, leading to a smoother, more youthful complexion.
Despite these benefits, there are currently no studies available on the use of glycolic acid during breastfeeding. However, it is unlikely to be appreciably absorbed or present in breast milk. While caution is advised regarding excessive high-concentration use of glycolic acid during pregnancy, the small concentrations typically found in over-the-counter beauty products are likely safe and do not typically fall under the category of skincare ingredients to avoid while breastfeeding.
When seeking safe alternatives during breastfeeding, consider products containing lactic acid or azelaic acid. These are milder forms of AHAs that are less likely to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Azelaic acid emerges as a promising option, particularly to treat acne. Azelaic acid functions by reducing inflammation, unclogging pores, and inhibiting the growth of acne-causing bacteria, making it effective in managing breakouts without posing risks to the developing fetus.
Safe Skincare Ingredients During Breastfeeding
In addition to the main skincare ingredients to avoid during breastfeeding, as mentioned above, there are numerous ingredients that are both safe and effective.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in the skin, known for its ability to retain moisture and maintain a plump, hydrated appearance. It’s a popular ingredient in skincare products due to its ability to hydrate and plump the skin, making it appear smoother, softer, and more youthful.
Can you use hyaluronic acid while breastfeeding?
Hyaluronic acid is well-tolerated by most skin types and is suitable for use during breastfeeding. It provides intense hydration without clogging pores or causing irritation, making it an excellent choice for maintaining healthy, radiant skin during this period.
Hyaluronic acid is considered safe for use during breastfeeding because it does not penetrate the skin deeply and is unlikely to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Therefore, it poses minimal risks to you and your baby.
There are many skincare products available that contain hyaluronic acid and are safe for use during breastfeeding. Consider moisturizers, serums, and masks formulated with hyaluronic acid to help hydrate and nourish your skin without the worrying of potential risks to your baby’s health.
Safe ingredients for treating melasma
Melasma is a skin condition characterized by the appearance of dark spots. As an alternative to hydroquinone, azelaic acid is a safe option. This naturally occurring ingredient effectively reduces melanin production, making it beneficial for managing conditions like melasma.
Additionally, Vitamin C can be beneficial due to its ability to inhibit melanin production and promote skin brightening.
Can I use vitamin C serum while breastfeeding?
Yes, Vitamin C is unanimously considered safe for use in topical beauty products by the medical community during both pregnancy and breastfeeding. Hence we did not include this as a potential skincare ingredient to avoid during breastfeeding. For further details on the numerous benefits and proper usage of this ingredient, you can refer to our previous article on the best vitamin C serum for pregnancy
Niacinamide
If you’re passionate about skincare, you’ve likely heard of niacinamide, also called vitamin B3. This water-soluble vitamin offers numerous benefits for the skin. Niacinamide, known for its ability to soothe inflammation and redness, is particularly suitable for sensitive skin. It also brightens the complexion and protects against free radicals with its antioxidants. Safe for all ages, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, niacinamide is often recommended by dermatologists for gentle and effective skin improvement.
Making Safe Choices
In conclusion, as a breastfeeding mother, it’s essential to be mindful of the skincare products you use to ensure the safety of both you and your baby. Certain skincare ingredients can potentially pose risks during breastfeeding, such as hydroquinone and retinoids. While there is limited research on the effects of topical skincare ingredients during breastfeeding, it’s important to err on the side of caution.
To ensure safety, it’s best to avoid skincare ingredients known to be harmful during breastfeeding, such as hydroquinone and retinoids. Instead, opt for safer alternatives like glycolic acid or azelaic acid to address specific skincare concerns such as acne and melasma. Additionally, ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are safe and effective for maintaining healthy skin during breastfeeding.
By familiarizing yourself with common skincare ingredients to avoid while breastfeeding and opting for safer alternatives, you can ensure the well-being of both you and your baby while maintaining your skincare routine. Always consult with your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about skincare products during breastfeeding.
Sources:
Chemicals to Avoid When You’re Pregnant or Breastfeeding | Natural Resources Defense Council
Hydroquinone | National Library of Medicine
Safety of skin care products during pregnancy | The College of Family Physicians of Canada
Can I Use Retinol While Breastfeeding? | Very Well Family
Skin care dos and don’ts when pregnant or breastfeeding | Nebraska Medicine
Acne therapy in pregnancy | Europe PMC
Skin Conditions During Pregnancy | ACOG
Glycolic Acid (Drugs and Lactation Database) | LactMed NIH
