What Were Your Favorite "Pregnancy Safe" Toiletries?

Updated on June 10, 2014
A.G. asks from Aliso Viejo, CA
20 answers

Newly pregnant with #1 and horrified to see that the majority of the toiletries I use have one chemical or another in them that are listed as unsafe during pregnancy. I am interested in finding out if there are any products you swear by during pregnancy - especially if I can buy them at the drugstore or target!

Items I am specifically looking for - facial cleanser, toner/astringent, moisturizer, acne treatment, sunscreen, body wash, body lotion, stretch mark cream, nail polish, nail polish remover, toothpaste, deodorant....

Also, if there was something that isn't on my list that you think every new pregnant mama should know, please share!!

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So What Happened?

Wow. I've just got to say that I was shocked and saddened by the amount of mamas out there who found my question to be ridiculous. With all respect, I was not asking for your opinion of my decision to change out my toiletries, but rather, what toiletries you used if you changed them up. Thanks to those who provided an answer to my actual question. And for the rest of you- I know that you are protected by the anonymity that comes with a keyboard, but please consider how your responses were taken by a new mama just trying to be as healthy as possible for her little bundle.

Featured Answers

L.A.

answers from Austin on

Good grief.
As long as you are not ingesting it, just use common sense.

When was the last time you actually ate or drank any of these products?

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P.K.

answers from New York on

Who said these things were unsafe??? Holy cow! As far as I know, women have been using these things for years and years without a problem. Guess if you ate this stuff it could be an issue.

6 moms found this helpful

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K.D.

answers from Jacksonville on

All of my normal stuff. Gasp...I even COLORED my hair!!! Seriously, unless you're ingesting the stuff or immersing your entire body in it 24/7 for nine months, you'll be fine.

7 moms found this helpful

T.S.

answers from San Francisco on

Hmm, I had three healthy babies and my doctor never once cautioned against chemicals in toiletries. Is this a new internet fear fad?
I guess you could make your own (check pinterest) or go to a health food store, because honestly even the most "natural" products at the drug store aren't usually natural at all.

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R.K.

answers from Appleton on

Don't let the fear mongers get to you.

Just use what you have already been using.

6 moms found this helpful
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Z.B.

answers from Toledo on

What? I can honestly say I didn't change any of my toiletries. I used the same products as before pregnancy. Is there something on the packaging that says the product is unsafe during pregnancy? Just because the product contains a specific ingredient does not necessarily make it unsafe. The product could contain trace amounts that will not harm your unborn baby in any way. Also, unsafe for baby is not the same as unsafe for unborn baby or unsafe during pregnancy.

I have a feeling you are not going to need to buy all new products. I'd be willing to bet the products you've been using are perfectly safe during pregnancy.

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A.A.

answers from Tulsa on

I've had two healthy babies, and never once was cautioned by my OB or NP about toiletries. Talk to your doctor before spending a bunch on "pregnancy safe" toiletries. Where did you find this list that claims they are unsafe? Just because the internet (or the company trying to sell to you) claims something is unsafe, doesn't make it so. Make a list of your concerns and call your doctor to ask. There's a lot of scary information out there, take it with a grain of salt before panicking and throwing everything out. Baby center is a pretty good website, as is kellymom for breastfeeding. Try to stick to books or websites that are reputable. You want to be careful with medicines, especially in the first trimester, but toiletries? Use what you've always used. And don't waste your money on stretch mark cream, if you are going to get them, there's nothing to stop them (sorry to be the bearer of bad news). Congrats!

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F.B.

answers from New York on

I don't wear makeup. I don't use many products.

Here are some things though that might work for you-
for a scrub- mix sugar, honey and lemon juice. It will clean your skin and leave it shiny.

for soap I use ivory.

I used olive oil as lotion/ stretch cream/ cuticle cream. some prefer cocoa butter.

Best,
F. B.

4 moms found this helpful
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S.B.

answers from Kansas City on

I didn't change any of my toiletries when pregnant and still went for my mani/pedis (with doctor approval, as long as it was a well ventilated space) and had 2 healthy babies. Nothing I read or heard from my doctor indicated I needed to change those things.

4 moms found this helpful
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M.P.

answers from San Francisco on

I got a belly salve from our local Whole Foods market. It lasted my entire pregnancy. I loved rubbing it on my belly at night and talking to my belly/baby while doing so. Other than that, I used the same 'ol toiletries I used before.

After I had my first, I received a sample of Moisturel lotion that I love! I've been using it now for 16 years.

Congrats on your pregnancy!

3 moms found this helpful
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S.H.

answers from Des Moines on

I agree with how toxic all of the personal care products are. Yes, you won't have a baby with a defect because you use them, but I personally think you can change things that will make them more prone to illness/issues later.

For those of you who think ingesting something is better than lathering it all on your skin, don't realize that things on your skin go directly to your bloodstream. It is actually safer to ingest things. Think of the nicotine patch and several other drugs that are put on the skin. It does affect you, it does get into your system. And those patches are small...think about what you put on daily all over your body!

Check out ava anderson non-toxic or the honest company. These are two of my top choices for all the things you list above. Nail polish, I personally like piggy paint or hopscotch.

I think you are wise to think about these things, but don't get too overwhelmed. Change the things you can and you will be making a difference.

3 moms found this helpful
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J.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

I am disappointed that so many people felt your urge to change your toxic products was ridiculous as well. It is important! If you want to see how important take a look at the study the Environmental Working Group did across America testing new born umbilical cords for toxins, they found over 200 neurotoxins and carcinogens! A scary reality check for our choices in today's toxic world. The big corps don't care whether their products get you sick, the money bottom line is everything. With that in mind, you have the power to change your personal environment! I use baking soda and white vinegar for cleaning and many more non toxic alternatives. Everything is available to research online. Check out EWG site and even Dr Oz has good info.
Good Luck!
Jennifer

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C.N.

answers from Baton Rouge on

I used the same soaps, makeup, etc. when I was pregnant that I had been using before - had no issues from it.

3 moms found this helpful
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S.F.

answers from Rochester on

Poofy Organics, Earth Mama Angel Baby, Acure and Alaffia are all products that I recommend! They pretty much cover your whole list.

I think it's hilarious how people have scoffed at your question. Your skin absorbs toxins just as if you were putting them in your mouth. Good for you for making yourself aware of what you are putting on your body.

2 moms found this helpful
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C.U.

answers from Omaha on

Congratulations on your pregnancy but, OMG!!! It is pregnancy; people act like being pregnant is a disability. I didn't change one thing I did except I stopped drinking alcohol. I still had coffee and my occasional dt. coke. My physician said this was fine that I should not just stop if it was usual for me to drink coffee/pop. I don't understand why people think that the world is all of a sudden unsafe just because you are pregnant. I never changed the type of food I ate, the products I used, and like someone else did i too colored my hair. My son is perfectly healthy. Live your life, enjoy being pregnant and stop worrying about every little thing in the world. I worked in an OB/GYN clinic and the doctors I worked for got these types of questions all the time he never advised anyone to change their normal heating/bathing/hair coloring/nail polishing habits. He advised them to be health and eat healthy and not to use the “eating for 2” and over indulge because you are pregnant. If you worry about this your entire pregnancy you will miss all the great stuff about being pregnant.

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C.F.

answers from Los Angeles on

I am surprised by all the people who are telling you to keep using what you are using. You might as well drink 6 cups of coffee and smoke a pack a day! LOL There is a reason you change things when you are pregnant - for the health OF THE BABY!
PLEASE change all your products or as many as you can. This is a GOOD thing. It is not fear mongors LOL that are telling you to do this, it is your natural instinct!
Just go to Whole Foods or Lazy Acres or Sprouts and stock up!
Best of luck with your pregnancy! Orange County Mommies ROCK!
:)

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I.O.

answers from McAllen on

I didn't concern myself with those particular products. A major one for me was hair removal. I think that I used Nair, since I was surprised to learn that I just couldn't bend the same to shave my legs.

2 moms found this helpful

B.C.

answers from Norfolk on

Your skin changes when you're pregnant.
I was always oily and used certain products so I did the same when I was pregnant (15 yrs ago) and it caused my face to peel.
Soap and water - Dove is great - for face/body washing.
Lather it up for shaving.
Baking soda and peroxide for brushing teeth - I used an alcohol free mouthwash.
For stretch marks use coconut oil - it absorbs right into your skin.
I never bothered with nail polish or hair dye while I was pregnant.
I just used my regular deodorant.

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O.S.

answers from San Diego on

Congrats on your precious #1! It is so exciting!
My pregnancy completely changed my mind and range of products I consume. I stopped using perfumes and body care that contains parabens and other unhealthy stuff. I moved to natural and organic products. EWG we site is pretty useful to check the ratings of products we use. I do not use decorative cosmetics anymore (except for eyeliner). My favorite things for body care is almond oil (good for baby too!) and shea butter. Facial care - marula oil (very light and moisturazing) or argan oil. I get a lot of compliments how good my skin is looking : ) Facial toner (cleaner) now is Thayers Witch Hazel with aloe. And don't forget about housecleaning stuff too! All those natural and organic products I buy online at Iherb.com. They have all the products you can see in Whole Foods and other healthy stores but prices are much cheaper and delivery is free if you buy more than $20 of goods. Each product there has tons of reviews that is pretty helpful. Use the coupon SAZ096 to get $10 off on your first purchase of $40 and more. They have a huge selection of products (even some groceries), freebees and weekly deals.
Good luck to you! Enjoy your pregnancy (and quiet time :)))

Updated

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M.F.

answers from Phoenix on

I use Burt's Bees facial products, because of the naturally sourced salicylic acids and other ingredients. For toothpaste, I use Tom's to avoid saccharin. Newer OPI polishes are free from the big three baddies. Everything else, I just use what I normally use, as there have been no actual links to beauty products and birth defects.
-pregnant mom of three healthy, thriving children

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