Skincare Ingredients I would Never Use While Pregnant (or Ever)

1. Parfum/Fragrance - (may be also seen as “natural fragrance” or “aroma”), usually contains a group of chemicals called phthalates, which are known hormone disruptors and are also linked to cancer

   
   

2. Parabens - (may be seen as “propylparaben,” “methylparaben,” “butylparaben,” or “ethylparaben”), a group of chemicals linked to cancer

   
   

3. PEGs - (may be see as “polyethylene glycol,” or as “PEG” with other chemicals or numbers after it), a group of chemicals that are made by the process of ethoxylation and are often contaminated with the carcinogens ethylene oxide and 1,4 dioxane

   
   

4. PPGs - (may be seen as “polypropylene glycol” or as “PPG” with other chemicals or numbers after it), a group of chemicals that are made by the process of ethoxylation and are often contaminated with the carcinogens ethylene oxide and 1,4 dioxane

   
   

5. Phenoxyenthanol - a chemical that is made by the process of ethoxylation and is often contaminated with the carcinogens ethylene oxide and 1,4 dioxane

   
   

6. Retinol - I would not use retinol when I am not pregnant because of the UV sensitivity and subsequent sun damage and skin cancer risk. But I most definitely would not use it while pregnant or breastfeeding because of the link with topical retinoids to birth defects. And you have to be careful because some companies market their product as "clean" but it still contains retinol. A natural alternative is bakuchiol, which gives the anti-aging benefits without the toxicity! (sidenote: Crunchi's advanced daylight and advanced nightlight moisturizers both contain this and work wonders!)

   
   

7. Castor Oil - Castor oil can cause uterine contractions and even though it is only small amounts that are used in some skincare, out of an abundance of caution, I just avoid it altogether during pregnancy.

   
   

My Skincare Routine when I am Pregnant:

1. Crunchi I AM The Balm Cleanser, Crunchi Goldenlight Multi-Peptide Serum, and Crunchi I AM Luminous Facial Oil - It's common due to hormones for your skin barrier to be damaged, so keeping your skin well hydrated and using mild, moisturizing products is best. I would occasionally use Crunchi I AM Polished (maybe once or twice a week) but only if my skin barrier was really excellent, so not during any breakouts or other irritation.

   
   
   

   

   

   
   
   

2. Earthley Belly Butter + Primally Pure Blue Tansy Body Oil - these are my favorite belly moisturizers to prevents dryness and excessive stretch marks in the belly area (stretch marks are largely genetic so they can't really be prevented but it can only help to have a well-moisturized pregnant belly!)

   
   
   

   
   
   
   
   

   If you want more tips for a toxin free and holistic-minded pregnancy, check out The OrganiMama's Guide to Pregnancy below! (currently $10 off!!)

   

   This 66-page digital guide covers:

   • Nutrition and health tips for trying to conceive

   • How to choose a provider and birth location

   • Nutrition and meal planning for pregnancy

   • Exercise tips for each trimester

   • My thoughts on and experiences with ultrasounds, glucose testing, GBS, Rhogam, vaccines, and more

   • Toxin free maternity clothing recommendations

   • Preparing for labor and birth (unmedicated and medicated)

   • Homebirth tips and equipment

   • Hospital birth tips and packing list

   • A birth plan template

   • How to prepare for successful breastfeeding

   • A Q&A section answering questions submitted by others