LABEL CHECK
So you can make empowered, informed decisions about your health.
Select your product type + paste your ingredient list below to see if it's pregnancy-safe.
Get to know the
OUR EXPERTS
Dr. Banafsheh Bayati, MD, OB/GYN, FACOG Medical Co-Founder, Perelel
Dr. Bayati is a board-certified Obstetrician/Gynecologist and mom of three children.
Stephanie Lauri, RD, CLEC, Pre & Postnatal Dietician
Stephanie Lauri is a Registered Dietitian, Certified Lactation Educator, and a mom of two.
Mike Maynard, DABT, ERT, Toxicologist
Mike Maynard is a board-certified toxicologist with over 30 years of experience in global regulatory toxicology and safety.
Get to know the
OUR EXPERTS
Dr. Banafsheh Bayati, MD, OB/GYN, FACOG Medical Co-Founder, Perelel
Dr. Bayati is a board-certified Obstetrician/Gynecologist and mom of three children.
Stephanie Lauri, RD, CLEC, Pre & Postnatal Dietician
Stephanie Lauri is a Registered Dietitian, Certified Lactation Educator, and a mom of two.
Mike Maynard, DABT, ERT, Toxicologist
Mike Maynard is a board-certified toxicologist with over 30 years of experience in global regulatory toxicology and safety.
1. Parabens
Prolonged paraben exposure has been linked to many negative effects such as disruption of the microbiome; activation of estrogen hormones, which has been linked to the development of breast cancer tumors and tissues; and lower levels of thyroid function.*
2. Retinol + Retinoids
Both derivative of vitamin A, much of the concern around retinols and retinoids is related to the ingestible medication isotretinoin, also known as accutane, as it is known to cause birth defects involving the face, heart and brain. While the topical formats are absorbed into the bloodstream at much lower levels, the American Academy of Dermatology still recommends that you stop using these products during pregnancy.*
3. Titanium Dioxide
You may be familiar with this ingredient on your sunscreen label—but did you know it may be in your supplements, too? The FDA deems titanium dioxide to be safe, but the European Food Safety Authority has banned titanium dioxide for its potentially dangerous properties. Though limited research has been conducted, studies suggest that titanium dioxide may be carcinogenic when digested, especially when in nano-sized particles. In addition, titanium dioxide has been found in the placenta in low concentrations, indicating that it is capable of crossing placental membranes of pregnant women and may be transferred to the fetus. Some studies have also seen accumulation in the lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen, central nervous system, and heart.*
4. Oxybenzone
Studies have suggested that oxybenzone, an ingredient commonly used in chemical sunscreens, can be absorbed into the bloodstream of pregnant women—even at the recommended usage—and may be able to potentially reach the fetus and cause harmful cell changes during embryonic development. What’s more, another study has linked oxybenzone to a rare birth defect in a baby’s intestine called Hirschsprung's disease.* And because oxybenzone is a fat-soluble compound, it is stored in your body much longer, making it difficult for expecting women to really know what their exposure level is. That’s why we’d recommend ditching your oxybenzone sunscreen for a pregnancy-safe alternative instead.
5. Sodium Benzoate
Also used as a coolant in cars, sodium benzoate is a preservative that’s added to vitamins to help your body break them down after swallowing. Some experts have raised concerns about the carcinogenic properties of sodium benzoate, while other studies have linked its consumption to heightened rates of ADHD, allergic reactions, inflammation, and stress.* While some research suggests positive indications for the ingredient, still we wouldn't recommend ingesting it in your daily vitamin.
6. Hydroquinone
A skin-whitening agent used topically for conditions like chloasma and melasma, it is estimated that we absorb up to 35 to 45 percent of the chemical hydroquinone in topical use. While there is limited data available on the safety around hydroquinone during pregnancy, because the absorption is so high compared to other products, it’s recommended to minimize exposure with this one until there’s more information available.*
7. Salicylic Acid
A common ingredient in acne-fighting skincare, The American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOG) considers salicylic acid generally safe for use during pregnancy when used topically in a concentration of two percent or less. As for when it’s ingested, it’s recommended to avoid the ingredient during pregnancy based on the potential side effects of taking aspirin, which actually contains the ingredient.* Either route, many healthcare providers recommend skipping this ingredient since there are an abundance of pregnancy-safe ingredients you can use to combat pregnancy acne instead. We recommend talking to your provider to determine what's best for you.
8. Artificial Colors + Dyes
Used to give vitamins artificial colors to make them more appealing, artificial colors and dyes are typically made from petroleum and have generated a lot of controversies as they’ve been linked to the exacerbation of ADHD symptoms in children, brain tumors in animals, and it is suspected that several dyes may be tainted with carcinogens. Though no direct link has been established, we'd recommend avoiding overconsumption whenever possible.*
9. BHT + BHA
BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) are synthetic antioxidants used as preservatives in the food and cosmetic industries. Research suggests that they may induce allergic reactions in the skin, may be possible carcinogens, and could be endocrine system disruptors, too.*
10. Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and has been linked to an increased risk of experiencing fertility problems, miscarriage, and menstrual disorders.* While the highest levels of exposure are in building and home materials, this chemical is also commonly found in hair straightening products, too. We’d recommend avoiding this one whenever possible.
11. Aluminum Additives
Used as a filler in supplements, stabilizer in many processed foods, and as an additive in some cosmetics, exposure to aluminum additives can be widespread and the health effects are controversial. Some research suggests that exposure to aluminum in the womb and during development may correlate to some neurological effects such as changes in behavior, learning and motor response; a direct link has yet to be proven. Moreover, aluminum chloride, commonly used in antiperspirants, came under investigation as a possible carcinogen, but again the science is mixed here.* Either way, we’d recommend skipping frequent, long-term use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding to air on the safe side.
12. Bisphenol-A
Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a harmful chemical that can be passed on from plastic containers or packaging into supplements, food products, formula, and more. It is synthetic estrogen that can disrupt the endocrine system, even in small amounts. It has been linked to infertility, breast and reproductive cancers, obesity, diabetes and more. In children, it has been associated with reduced brain function, obesity and behavioral changes.* To stay clear of this chemical, look for products marked BPA-free or check for the recycling triangle symbol on the bottom packaging of your product. It will have a number from one to seven. Items with numbers three, six, and especially seven are most likely to contain BPA. Items with one, two, four, or five generally do not contain BPA.*
13. Dihydroxyacetone
Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is the active ingredient found in over-the-counter self-tanners, and the jury’s still out on whether they’re 100 percent safe to use during pregnancy. The concern is over whether the active ingredient, DHA, is able to penetrate the skin and there is simply not enough data available to analyze how the ingredient affects pregnancy. Though studies do not confirm that it is bad, either. DHA has been used in cosmetics since 1960 and no problems have been reported.* Still, many health care providers encourage women to wait until after the first trimester or skip completely.
14. Carrageenan
Carrageenan is an additive used to thicken, emulsify, and preserve supplements, foods, and drinks. There has been growing concern over the health risks posed by carrageenan, with some research linking the ingredient to inflammation, gastrointestinal ulcerations, and damages to the digestive system, though more research is needed. Still, the ingredient has been removed from the National Organic Standards Board, meaning foods containing carrageenan may no longer be labeled "USDA organic."*
15. Synthetic Nitrates
Used as a preservative in processed foods, added nitrates have been associated with an increased risk of cancer due to the process by which they are metabolized, though current research has not reached a consensus on whether or not nitrates are carcinogenic. Other studies have linked added nitrates in pregnancy to an increased risk of preterm birth, which is why we’d suggest limiting your overall intake when possible.*
