5 Toxic Beauty Ingredients You Should Never Use If You're Trying to Get Pregnant

By Annie Gabillet

Updated on 2/1/2018 at 1:16 PM

StockSnap | Plexels
Stocksnap | Plexels
Every editorial product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission.

Hormones aren't just here to make us crazy — they play an important role in making sure our body functions properly, especially when it comes to reproduction. Unfortunately, your favorite lipstick or perfume might just get in the way of that. Many personal care products contain ingredients known as "endocrine disruptors." These troublemakers can wreak havoc on the endocrine system that regulates our hormones.

"These endocrine disrupting chemicals can affect fertility or have long term impacts on the baby."

Research suggests that women of childbearing age (who are or plan to get pregnant) should take the most care to avoid exposure to endocrine disruptors. Along with newborns and children, the adverse effects are most serious for this population. So what's at risk?

Well first of all, you could be pregnant without knowing it, and these chemicals can interfere with normal hormone functions that are crucial to a healthy pregnancy and breastfeeding.

But they may also cause reproductive problems before you get pregnant. Studies have linked endocrine disruptors to endometriosis, disorders of the uterus, and disorders of the ovaries, such as premature ovarian failure (POF) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

"Some chemicals can affect our hormones at even low levels," Nneka Leiba, director for Healthy Living Science at the Environmental Working Group, told me. "These endocrine disrupting chemicals can affect fertility or have long term impacts on the baby."

Much of the research concedes that more needs to be done to determine the true risk of exposure to such chemicals in our personal care products. But considering the FDA has little proactive oversight of cosmetic ingredients, you may want to play it safe and avoid endocrine disrupting chemicals when it comes time to think about starting a family.

Groups like EWG or the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics maintain lists of potentially problematic ingredients. EWG puts out a Dirty Dozen endocrine disruptor list (which includes chemicals found in cleaning supplies or food), while the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has a searchable database of chemicals of concern.

Many of these chemicals — which specifically impact reproductive functions — are found in your favorite cosmetic and personal care products. If you're trying to conceive, we've identified endocrine disruptors that may be hiding in your makeup bag or vanity cabinet. You'll want to check the ingredient labels and then swap out any offenders with these safer options. It's the perfect excuse to try out some new makeup!

Phthalates
POPSUGAR Photography | Mark Popovich

Phthalates

Commonly found in: synthetic fragrance, nail polish, and hairspray.

Concern for women trying to conceive: One animal study showed that exposure to phthalates can alter sex hormones and increase the likelihood of losing a fetus. Another study of infertile couples found infertile women had an increase of exposure to certain types of phthalates. Phthalates have also been linked to male reproductive issues, so you may want to check your man's products for them as well.

Often phthalates hide under the innocent-sounding "fragrance/parfum" written on your ingredient list. Anything with undisclosed fragrance can mask a combination of hundreds of different ingredients. "If 'fragrance' is listed as an ingredient," Leiba explained, "then the company is keeping the chemicals used in the mixture secret."

Products without phthalates to try instead:

Parabens
POPSUGAR Photography | Benjamin Stone

Parabens

Commonly found in: body lotion, shampoo, face cleanser, body wash, foundation, and pomade.

Concern for women trying to conceive: Parabens mimic estrogen, Leiba told me, a hormone responsible for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system. Studies suggest that a mother's exposure to certain types of parabens during pregnancy can lead to anxiety and behavioral changes in offspring.

Products without parabens to try instead:

BHA and BHT
POPSUGAR Photography | Sheila Gim

BHA and BHT

Commonly found in: lipsticks, eye shaddow, moisturizers, diaper creams, blush, and face powder.

Concern for women trying to conceive: These chemicals are used as preservatives in cosmetics. Animal studies have shown that exposures to high doses may result in problems with both the male and female reproductive systems.

Products without BHA and BHT to try instead:

Octinoxate and Oxybenzone
POPSUGAR Photography | Sheila Gim

Octinoxate and Oxybenzone

Commonly found in: sunscreen, moisturizers, aftershave, lipstick, nail polish, skin creams, foundations, fragrance, hair products.

Concern for women trying to conceive: You're most likely to find this duo as active ingredients in your sunscreen. Octinoxate has been shown to change the weight and structure of both male and female reproductive organs in animal studies. While high exposure to oxybenzone-related chemicals have been shown to affect the ovaries of female fish and reduce egg production. It is also a concern for the male reproductive system.

Products without octinoxate and oxybenzone to try instead:

Triclosan

Triclosan

Commonly found in: antibacterial liquid soap, shaving cream, soap bars, and toothpaste.

Concern for women trying to conceive: One study suggests this endocrine disruptor could lead to implantation failure, meaning a fertilized egg would not attach to the uterus properly, preventing pregnancy. It is also worrisome for men, since it has been linked to decreased sperm quality.

Products without triclosan to try instead: