Active cosmetic ingredients that are dangerous for pregnant women

Pregnancy requires mothers to be more careful in choosing skincare products. This article discusses cosmetic active ingredients that can be harmful to pregnant women and fetuses. Learn about the risks posed by these active ingredients and how to choose safe cosmetics. Make sure you and the fetus stay healthy with accurate information about cosmetic ingredients to avoid during pregnancy.

Annisa Nurrobani

2/14/20254 min read

Pregnancy is a critical period that requires extra attention, especially regarding the health of the pregnant mother and the developing fetus. One of the things that need to be considered is the impact of using skincare or skin treatments with active ingredients that can endanger pregnancy. Some chemicals in cosmetics can cause serious effects, ranging from developmental disorders in the fetus to premature birth. Therefore, it is important for pregnant women to have knowledge of which active ingredients should not be used to maintain their own health and that of their fetus.

1.Retinoid

Retinol is one of the skincare treatments with active ingredients that should be avoided by pregnant women because it can interfere with fetal development through active substances that are absorbed into the deepest skin tissues and into the bloodstream, which will eventually cross the placenta and affect the pregnant woman herself as well as her baby's health, including premature contractions, syndromes, mental function disorders, and even miscarriage. This retinoid is usually found in anti-aging creams, serums, and acne treatments.

Alternatives that can be used include Bakuchiol, Vitamin C, and Hyaluronic Acid.

  1. Bakuchiol is often used as an alternative to retinol because it has the same benefits and is gentler than other ingredients, but bakuchiol is not a derivative of retinol due to its different chemical structure, making it safe for pregnant women.

  2. Vit C: both have functions to protect the skin, brighten, and improve texture, but they require different pH levels to work optimally on the skin. Vit C requires a lower pH level than retinol. And Vitamin C is indeed one of the nutrients that need to be consumed during pregnancy.

  3. Hyaluronic Acid, one of the active ingredients that can replace retinol and is safe for pregnant women because it is natural and derived from vitamin B3, which not only maintains skin health but also helps and optimizes fetal brain development, prevents miscarriage, and alleviates nausea and headaches.

2.Hydroquinone

Although the benefits of hydroquinone seem tempting, pregnant women should avoid this active ingredient in skincare or other beauty products because hydroquinone is a teratogenic substance with a high absorption rate of about 35-45% into the systemic circulation and is likely to pose a risk of disrupting the fetus, such as causing defects. This dangerous active ingredient is usually found in whitening creams and dark spot correctors.

Alternatives that can be used: Niacinamide, Vit C.

  1. Niacinamide: an active ingredient that contains vitamin B3 similar to hyaluronic acid, and formulated without harmful substances, this niacinamide can gently repair and hydrate the skin and can be claimed safe for the safety of mothers and babies.

  2. Vit C: good for pregnant women because it has benefits for body health, especially for pregnant women, so besides brightening, it also helps with iron absorption and maintaining body immunity.

3. Salicylic Acid

Products containing high levels of salicylic acid have a very negative impact and are dangerous to the fetus because they can increase the risk of intracranial bleeding and cause birth defects, premature birth, and low birth weight. Usually, this active ingredient is found in acne treatments, exfoliating cleaners, and chemical peels.

Alternative: Lactic acid, azelaic acid.

  1. Lactic Acid: safe for pregnant women because its dosage is milder compared to other types of AHA, as long as the correct usage method is known. Lactic acid is usually made from milk, vegetables, fruits, and other plants related to health and is one of the gentlest AHA for the skin.

  2. Azelaic acid: skincare containing azelaic acid is considered safe because the chemical compounds from this active ingredient are not fully absorbed into the body's system.

4. Phthalates (DBP, DEHP, DEP)

The danger of phthalates, when we use them and they are processed into the body, is that they will definitely pass through the placenta, and these active ingredients can also mix with breast milk. Therefore, it is highly discouraged for pregnant women to use them, as they can have severe and even permanent effects on the health of the fetus, baby, and children, including low IQ. Usually, these substances are found in nail polish, hairspray, hair gel, and lotion.

  • Alternative: skincare or body care products that are free from phthalates, use hair gel and other products with a light texture and natural ingredients that do not contain fragrances. You can also use skincare products that contain panthenol or hyaluronic acid (HA).

Cosmetics used during pregnancy must be carefully examined, considering that some active ingredients in beauty products can pose risks to the health of pregnant women and the fetus. Active ingredients such as retinoids, hydroquinon, salicylic acid, phthalates, and others are known to cause disruptions in fetal development and even trigger congenital disorders. Therefore, it is very important to choose safe products by checking the labels and avoiding harmful chemicals. It is recommended to consult with medical professionals to ensure the safety of cosmetic products for pregnancy conditions.