What Beauty Product Ingredients to Avoid When Pregnant (Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Guide 2025)

🤰 Why Skincare Matters During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a beautiful yet complex journey, especially when it comes to skincare. Many women find themselves asking:

“Is this product safe for my baby?”

At Combined Salon Supplies (CSS), we believe that beauty and safety can go hand-in-hand. While we currently focus on professional salon-grade products, we also prioritise educating our customers — especially mums-to-be — so they can make confident, informed choices.

🚫 Ingredients Commonly Advised to Avoid During Pregnancy

1. Retinoids (Vitamin A Derivatives)

• Found in: Anti-aging serums, acne creams

• Why avoid: High doses linked to birth defects

• Alternative: Bakuchiol (plant-based alternative) – but always consult your doctor

2. Salicylic Acid (in high concentrations)

• Found in: Acne treatments, exfoliators

• Risk: Absorbed systemically in large amounts

• Use low-dose products with care and only under medical advice

3. Hydroquinone

• Found in: Skin-lightening products

• Concern: High absorption rate and limited safety data

• Better to avoid during pregnancy

4. Phthalates

• Found in: Fragrance-heavy products

• Why avoid: Potential endocrine disruptor

• Check for: “Phthalate-free” labels

5. Formaldehyde & Releasing Agents

• Found in: Nail products, some hair smoothing treatments

• Risk: Carcinogen; not considered safe for pregnancy

6. Parabens

• Common in: Creams, lotions

• Concern: Hormonal interference (still under research)

• Choose: “Paraben-free” formulas when available

7. Chemical Sunscreens (e.g., Oxybenzone)

• Found in: Traditional SPF products

• Safer option: Use mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide

🧼 Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Philosophy

The key takeaway? Keep it simple.
Many dermatologists recommend fragrance-free, gentle, and low-ingredient-count formulas during pregnancy. When in doubt:

• Ask your midwife or GP

• Patch test new products

• Use reliable sources — like CSS Salon Supplies — for ongoing skincare education

🧴 From Our Expertise to Your Inbox

Though csssalonsupplies.com doesn’t currently stock pregnancy-specific skincare, we are committed to educating our salon professionals and individual customers on the best practices in beauty and wellness.

We often get questions like:

“Is this product safe to use while breastfeeding?”
“What ingredients should I avoid during pregnancy?”

This article is just one way we aim to bridge that knowledge gap.

📌 Trusted Sources

• NHS Pregnancy Guide

• FDA – Cosmetics and Pregnancy

• Healthline – Pregnancy Safe Skincare

💡 Final Thought from CSS Salon Supplies

Whether you're a salon owner advising a client, or a mum-to-be shopping for yourself, knowing what’s inside your products is essential.

At CSS Salon Supplies, we’re here not just to supply—but to guide.
Stay connected with our blog for honest, professional advice on beauty, health, and skincare.

Knowledge is the most important ingredient in any beauty routine. 💬