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Is makeup safe during pregnancy? What are the safest makeup brands for expectant mothers?
A child is forming and growing inside you until he/she is capable of independent existence. Every cell and organ of the baby forms inside you and what you do affects all these processes. Life changed for you the day that strip turned pink. As moms-to-be, you tend to question all what you have been doing till now.
Quite rightfully so.
Chemicals and artificial ingredients have invaded almost all products that you consume. From the food you eat to the hygiene products and cosmetics you use. It is time to revisit these and be sure that you are using the right products that are safe for your precious one.
How can what you apply on the skin affect your baby, you ask? Remember that more than half of what is on your skin can get absorbed into the blood circulation. Your liver may be able to tackle the toxins, but whatever escapes the liver can travel and affect any part of your body.
This may not be as harmful to you as it could be to your baby. The growing embryo and fetus are delicate and rapidly forming. Any exposure at this crucial time can affect the baby adversely1.
Makeup is a product that you use even without putting much thought to it. These days it is more of a necessity than a luxury product. Sometimes, some of you may not feel confident without your foundation or eye makeup or lipstick.
All these products are full of chemicals, and you may reluctantly wonder whether you need to give it up altogether for those nine months.
Thus, finding the right product, organic or natural, with acceptable chemicals is the solution to your dilemma.
Remember, just because some product says ‘organic’ or ‘natural’ on the label, does not automatically make it safe. You need to know the official recommendations on what is safe and what is unsafe for use during pregnancy.
Recommendations are based on evidence-based studies and peer reviewed by reliable sources. In the following paragraphs, you will learn some of the available options, their benefits and pitfalls.
Which are the Make-Up Chemicals that You Should Avoid During Pregnancy?
There are some ingredients that are a complete no-no during pregnancy. They are proven or are suspected to cause defects in the growing baby. It is best to avoid these products.
FDA regulations restrict or prohibit the use of the following ingredients in cosmetics: bithionol, mercury compounds, vinyl chloride, halogenated salicylanilides, zirconium complexes in aerosol cosmetics, chloroform, methylene chloride, chlorofluorocarbon propellants and hexachlorophene2.
Always look at the label of the product you are buying. The ingredients are listed in descending order of their concentrations. Implying that the ingredients higher up on the list are present in greater amounts than those that are lower down.
As a thumb rule, those products with fewer ingredients have fewer chances of interactions between ingredients. Sometimes, the effect of one ingredient is enhanced or made stronger when combined with another one. Just like a pinch of salt brings out the flavor of sugar, similarly two ingredients together may have more effect than a simple additive one.
Let’s list out those chemicals that are better avoided in pregnancy3.
Retinoids
A fancy name for the common Vitamin A, retinoids are important ingredients in skincare products as they bring glow and have healing effects. Small traces of this drug are absorbed via the skin, however, there are a few reported cases of defects in the baby after pregnant women used it. A condition called retinoid embryopathy may be associated with the use of this drug in pregnant women and recommendations suggest that pregnant women should not be encouraged to use topical retinoids during pregnancy.
Skin-lightening agents
The prominent chemical in this category is Hydroquinone. You might be tempted to use products that promise to lighten those dark spots called melasma that come up during pregnancy. These spots are due to increased pigmentation related to the high levels of pregnancy hormones.
Now, hydroquinone is a depigmenting agent present in skin-lightening products. A good 40% is absorbed from the skin into the bloodstream and can make its way into the fetal circulation through the placenta. This is a much higher percentage compared to most of the other chemicals, raising doubts on their use during pregnancy.
Parabens
Paraben is a common preservative in cosmetic products. Bacteria and molds can easily grow in your cosmetic products and paraben prevents this and maintains it for the specified shelf life.
Common parabens used by manufacturers are methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, or ethylparaben, names you can easily identify in the ingredient labels. Look for them in makeup, moisturizers, hair care products, shaving products, and some deodorants, among others.
Though some report that parabens interfere with the immune and other systems, there is no concrete evidence for this. Some women prefer to avoid it altogether.
Phthalates
Phthalates are compounds or chemicals widely present in many products. In cosmetics, it is the substance that gives the plastic-like quality to, say, your nail polish. The only phthalate that is used frequently today in cosmetics is diethyl phthalate (DEP). It is used as a solvent and fixative in fragrances.
While some articles suggest some respiratory issues with phthalates, there is no concrete evidence. Phthalates are also found in baby care products like baby powders, baby shampoos, baby lotions. But whether or not it affects them is not clear and it would do good to avoid it during pregnancy4.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a chemical used in hair smoothing products used in hair straightening. Such a product contains formaldehyde or formalin or methylene glycol is applied to the hair, followed by the straightener to iron the hair out.
When heated, formaldehyde gas is released, and if in large quantities it enters the lungs through breathing, eyes, and skin. It can cause coughing, wheezing, nausea, skin irritation, burning sensation in the eyes, and more. It is also classified as a carcinogen implying it can cause cancer in humans. So, it is advisable to avoid it during pregnancy.
Diazolidinyl urea is a antimicrobial preservative found in mascara and releases formaldehyde.
Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid, also listed as salicylate, sodium salicylate, and willow extract, has been evaluated by both the cosmetic industry and the FDA for safety. According to the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel, salicylic acid can only be used if the product has sun protection or has an advisory asking that it be used with sun protection.
Salicylic acid is an anti-inflammatory drug that reduces redness and hence it is used to treat acne, dandruff, and other conditions. The FDA is yet to determine the long-term side effects of this drug in cosmetics5.
Fragrances
Chemicals like citral, eugenol, octoxynol, geraniol, and coumarin are known to cause allergies and dermatitis. In pregnancy, several drugs are contraindicated and unavailable for use. It is better to avoid agents that are likely to need medications as a general rule during pregnancy.
Preservatives
Other agents like phenoxyethanol and benzyl benzoate are also best avoided as they may aggravate skin conditions. Look out for them in the ingredient list.
Artificial dyes
Toluene
Which are the Pregnancy-Safe Cosmetic Products?
Are you picturizing yourself looking at makeup labels, trying to recollect all the complicated chemical names carrying your baby bump?
Surely not a pleasant idea!
Don’t worry, we have done this for you.
From going through the ingredients to deciding on the best cosmetic brands and products for pregnancy, the following paragraphs will make your choice-making task easier.
Let’s address makeup products in various categories.
Foundation
Foundation and concealer are your best companions when hiding those dark pigmented spots that may appear or worsen during pregnancy. These are products most commonly used by you, gorgeous women to have that flawless skin while facing the world.
They are also products that cover a large area of your skin, second to sunscreen, of course. Hence, this article will cover these products in greater detail.
Also, what I am trying to say is, choose your foundation and concealer wisely, and half your work is done. Reach out for the BB CC creams, and you should do just fine.
IT Cosmetics CC Cream, Oil-Free Matte SPF 40
Ingredients – charcoal, colloidal clay, tea tree extract, and an advanced anti-aging serum featuring hydrolyzed collagen, peptides, niacin, hyaluronic acid, vitamins, and antioxidants.
An amazing CC+ Cream that is Oil-Free with a Matte formula is perfect for color-correcting. It gives a natural poreless matte appearance by covering the reddish inflamed areas of active acne and dark pigmentation from old scarring. There is no cracking or creasing through 12 hours.
The charcoal in the formula helps detoxify your skin as you go about your day. The tea tree extract is a natural antibacterial, and antifungal agent that helps rid the acne-causing organisms. Antioxidants and the components in the serum keep you glowing with a fresh look.
You can buy this product here
bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream SPF 30
bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream SPF 30 is one product that has such a wide range of features to suit several of your requirements. It is a 3-in-1 Multi-tasker in having moisturizer, skin tinting, and sun protection actions in a single product.
It is a clean, natural, vegan product free from parabens, phthalates, and other prohibited ingredients. The product, in addition to being a foundation, also protects the skin by moisturizing it, with its adequate broad-spectrum ultraviolet sun rays protection.
Ingredients – Hyaluronic acid is the primary ingredient that is proven to boost hydration. Maintaining skin hydration or moisture ensures that the skin does not dry out. Drying is the cause of lines, while aging is prevented significantly by this product.
Another ingredient is the olive-derived squalane that refills the skin with lost water. It ensures all-day hydration that feels light and refreshing.
The SPF 30 is mineral-based and free from harmful chemicals. It acts as a physical barrier and prevents ultraviolet rays from damaging your skin through free radicals.
The result of this is a healthy-looking glow without artificial oily shininess. The oil-free formula is tested by dermatologists and is non-acne producing, non-allergenic or hypoallergenic.
It does not increase the oil content or production of your skin, but keeps you naturally radiant, and makes you look fresh throughout the day.
The product also evens skin tone and covers blemishes effectively. It provides light and sheer buildable coverage without creases or cracking. The product is vegan and gluten-free and fragrance-free in addition to being free from harmful or questionable chemicals.
The tinted moisturizer can build from sheer to medium coverage and is available in 20 flexible shades to accommodate a wide range of skin tones. It is easy to use and carry and completely hassle-free for the busy woman in you.
You can find thi product here.
Supergoop! CC Screen SPF 50
This is a super clean product that is oil-free and provides complete skincare. It is 100% mineral-based that gives natural, buildable coverage. It performs the functions of makeup, skincare, and sun protection, all at one go, and so, it is a must-have for many of you.
The color-corrector cream is available in 15 shades to match a large number of skin tones adequately. It is non-nano and free from harmful chemicals. The SPF 50 is mineral-based that provides broad-spectrum ultraviolet ray coverage which is more than the prescribed amount.
Implying it protects your skin from aging and developing lines while nourishing and hydrating it.
Most women love the lightweight, breathable formula that instantly evens skin tone. It is great at covering imperfections. It reflects light and delivers luminosity, giving your skin a natural radiance.
One product, many gains – enjoy the benefits of a tinted moisturizer, concealer, foundation, & sunscreen in one daily-wear cream!
Ingredients – Clean, skin-nourishing ingredients are abundant in this product. Irish moss extract is an antioxidant naturally available in nature. It protects against aging and skin damage caused by free radicals.
In addition, the natural ingredient of apple extract helps provide instant luminosity and glow. The SPF50 is due to mineral zinc oxide, which is safe during pregnancy and lactation.
It gives a natural look without grease and crease. Thus, it is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic or non-acne causing.
You can find this product here.
Physicians Formula Super CC Color-Correction + Care CC Cream SPF 30
Another product worth mentioning in this genre of multifaceted creams is the Physicians Formula Super CC Color-Correction + Care CC Cream SPF 30. Foundation, concealer, moisturizer, skin protection, and sun protection are the features of this wonderful product.
Endowed with micro color-correcting pigments and high-tech anti-aging ingredients, this CC Cream is a one-stop solution for many conditions.
The foundation is hypoallergenic, made from natural and organic ingredients, and suits a range of skin types. Possibly the first-ever multi-tasking makeup plus skincare hybrids color-correct plus care in one simple step, this product is ultra-blendable and lightweight cream.
It is great at correcting blemishes and smoothes skin texture by evening out the skin tone.
Users and experts claim that it visibly corrects age-related blotches and spots, under-eye dark circles, imperfections, blemishes, dull skin, uneven skin tone. In addition to these, this product is excellent at reducing redness, dark shadows, fine lines, wrinkles, signs of tiredness, and fatigue.
The innovative anti-aging formula gives you a youthful-looking complexion, without imperfections, with little effort. Yellow corrects blue imperfections and warms skin tone. Green tones down redness, while Pink brightens and illuminates.
Aside from the fact that the Physicians Formula was started by leading allergist Dr. Frank Crandall for his wife who suffered from lupus, these products are cruelty-free featuring a gentle formula that helps reduce inflammation and other blemishes.
A storehouse for all your makeup requirements, many women swear by the Physicians Formula brand for flawless and natural beauty and skincare. This is especially true for those with sensitive skin and eyes, as this brand has a wide range of products for you.
You can find this product here.
Maybelline Dream Fresh Skin Hydrating BB cream SPF 30
Maybelline has come up with this lovely product that provides hydration for the bright and flawless skin effect all day. Dream Fresh BB cream 8-in-1 skin perfector is the one-step wonder for a good skin day, every day!
The product claims to provide eight skin benefits in one simple step, blurs imperfections and blemishes, brightens skin giving it a natural radiance, evens skin tones, smoothes, hydrates, enhances, protects with SPF 30. Being completely oil-free gives your skin the youthful innocence you love so much.
This BB cream is non-comedogenic and comes in five different shades. Many women love this product, especially during the winter season when the skin becomes flushed and red. This cream is perfect for daily use as it blends well with the skin and does not make it look orange or pale. It also gives light coverage, and the result is a dewy finish.
What Maybelline Dream Fresh Skin Hydrating BB cream SPF 30 does, is provide multiple effects in one product. It is perfect for those busy bod ladies or those women who want hassle-free makeup and skincare schedules. Ladies, look no further this product is another option for you to choose from.
Another advantage is that the BB Cream adjusts to skin tone, covers pores, and prevents inflammation. The skin protection effect is added to the makeup benefits. Maybelline has sheer, medium, and full coverage foundation in liquid, stick, and cushion foundation formulas. You can combine it with a range of concealers, face primers, contour, highlighter, and pressed powders to help you create an artistic and perfect picture to your liking.
You can find this product here.
Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation SPF 15
If you are looking for a lightweight, medium coverage foundation with some sun protection, then this is the product for you. Free from parabens, phthalates, mineral oils, SLS, and other sulfates. Making this foundation safe for use during pregnancy. It is also gluten-free and hypoallergenic.
It keeps you looking fresh all day with its long-lasting formula.
Being water-based, women find that it is comfortable to use and does not get sticky or crease or crack. A product for all you women, it comes in 42 amazing shades.
Most women love the lightweight product with its water-based composition creating a clean texture on your skin. The oil-free composition suits most skin types and blends to the skin changes during pregnancy.
The moisturized and hydrated look is natural with an inherent glow. The oil-free formula is enhanced with light-reflective optic ingredients to give skin natural luminosity. The broad-spectrum ultraviolet ray protection is offered by SPF15.
Ingredients – Glycerin is the highlight in the ingredient list. It is a wonderful moisturizer that keeps the skin moisture trapped inside and maintains a supple nature. It ensures that the natural state of your skin is maintained and there are no harmful effects of using the foundation.
It also quickly helps plump, moisturize, and boost skin’s glow. In other words, the moisture-binding property of glycerin ensures refreshing hydration that keeps you looking and feeling great all day long.
In addition, ingredients like Marine SugarCane Algae Extract are natural and control the oil production in the skin. Natural Mineral Powders are another miracle ingredient that helps control excess oil and shine. In the absence of artificial oily appearance, the skin reflects a natural, subtle glow.
Titanium Dioxide provides the Sunscreen effect. It is a mineral or physical barrier unlike its chemical counterparts and can be used safely in pregnancy and lactation.
In addition, Vitamin E and other fatty acids provide the enriching and antioxidant effect to heal damaged skin and prevent any further damage.
You can check out this product here.
Concealer
Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer
Ingredients – Free of sulfates SLS and SLES, parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, and contains less than one percent of synthetic fragrances. This product is also vegan and cruelty-free.
This product provides full coverage, is a waterproof, weightless concealer that stays good for almost 16 hours. Excellent to cover up dark pigmented spots, this concealer has microparticle powders in a liquid preparation that caters to all skin types.
Users describe it as an anti-crease that covers pores and fine lines well. The tinted formula evens out the skin tone and covers dark circles too, giving a natural and smooth finish. Women have also conveyed in surveys that their under-eye region looked brighter and there was a smoothing effect too, that made the under-eyes look brighter for a large part of the day.
Mothers with anxiety, sleeplessness, babies who keep them awake at night love this product. Available in multiple shades, this product is loved by many lovely mothers-to-be and mothers.
You can find this product here.
True Skin Serum Concealer by ILIA Beauty
Goodbye dark circles, pigmented spots, and blemishes, the new True Skin Serum Concealer by ILIA beauty is here! Winner of the Best Clean Concealer, Glamour Magazine award in 2020, this product could be the answer to many of you lovely women with the bump.
Ingredients – Free from all harmful chemicals on the no-no list, this product is enriched with aloe leaf juice to moisturize naturally. It also contains Vitamin C that helps the skin look firm, bright, and even-toned.
In addition, Mastic, and Albizia Julibrissin Bark Extract promote brighter, smoother, and more even skin while helping to protect against environmental stressors.
Many users describe this product as a medium-coverage concealer that helps heal skin problems. It is lightweight and gives an even tone, smooth skin appearance.
Manufacturers describe how the serum formula makes a creamy, smooth, stretchy layer that is creaseless.
Available in 20 shades, you can choose one that fits your requirements perfectly.
You can buy this product here.
Setting Spray
Flower Beauty Seal The Deal Long-Lasting Setting Spray
Give in to the Matte Finish for all-day face makeup with this amazing product. It is excellent at keeping a perfect look for your makeup for the whole day. No wonder the manufacturers say, ‘Set it and Forget it!’
The Flower Beauty Seal the Deal Long-Lasting Setting Spray creates a sweat-proof and rub-resistant barrier, so you have the same look all day long. Even at the end of a long day, you look like you’ve just applied your makeup.
Ingredients – Castor Oil gives you a water-resistant shine. Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Water, Lens Esculenta (Lentil) Fruit Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, are amazing natural plant extracts and fluids that nourish, refresh, and give the natural shine and glow.
A perfect product for that flawlessly fresh matter finishes, just a few spritzes help create an invisible layer that locks in the freshness of the makeup and matte look on your face. It is to be applied after putting on your makeup and acts as the final seal setting spray.
Additionally, the spray and nozzle are designed to make it easy and comfortable to use and finish the application in one go and helps to control the mist. After you are done with your makeup, spraying just two or three times maximum in an X or T fashion is good enough for the whole day.
One tip is to use a face primer before putting on your makeup for better effect. The face primer will be covered in the next section, so keep reading!
A brand endorsed by Drew Barrymore, the Flower skincare and cosmetics range has been cruelty-free and known for its quality.
You can find this product here.
Beautyblender Re-Dew Set & Refresh Spray
Another product for all you busy mom-to-be and moms who need to keep that ‘just wore my makeup’ look throughout the day. Add to it your sleepless nights and lack of time, and you do not want your makeup to run or give way during the day.
This can be quite embarrassing if you do not have the time or facility to touch up your makeup every time you have that drink or meal.
A perfecting and setting mist, this product gives you shine, freshness, and keeps it that way throughout the day. Though you may not have the time to redo the entire makeup, you can redo your protective layer midday by spraying your face with another coat. The boost of hydration will refresh you for the rest of the day.
Ingredients – Hydrolyzed silk is an ingredient that conditions and soothes your skin. Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid moisturizes, while Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate helps balance skin.
The product is available in two phases. The first one is antioxidant-rich supercharged water. It contains white birch extract and hyaluronic acid that does the initial job of hydrating the skin, locking in the moisture, and protecting the skin against long-term damage.
The second phase is a milky oil base. It contains the hydrolyzed silk extract which acts as a cocoon for your skin, keeping it safe and protected as long as you are wearing it. Additionally, it is also rich in Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate or probiotics in simple terms, that soothe your skin. Remember to shake the bottle well before this phase of the application.
The product is cruelty-free and gluten-free.
You can find this product here.
Lipstick
Tarte Sea Color Splash Lipstick
Another amazing product available in a wide range of colors to suit your skin tone, Tarte Sea Color Splash Lipstick is a long-wearing, pigment-rich lipstick.
Ingredients – Rainforest of the Sea™ Complex is a proprietary blend of algae and marine flower extracts that is available only in this brand of lipsticks. The amazing complex reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while smoothing and softening skin. Antioxidant action makes your lips look firmer, fuller, and smoother.
It also contains shea butter, which gives it a creamy finish, while moisturizing your lips. It retains this for long periods and does not bleed. Shea butter protects the elasticity of the lips tissue and keeps it supple and restores damaged tissue. So, it helps keep the lips fuller and prevents degeneration.
Another amazing ingredient that adds to the antioxidant action and enriches the lip tissue is olive oil. It also has healing properties and helps restore lips.
The product is free of chemicals we previously addressed that it could harm your baby.
You can find this product here.
Wild With Desire Lipstick from RMS Beauty
It comes in bold and rich pigments to accentuate your luscious lips. The satin finish is long-lasting and comfortable to wear. The high-impact application gives generous layering without bleeding.
Rich in antioxidants, it heals and protects as it grooms.
Ingredients – Organic Cocoa Seed Butter is rich in Vitamin E, the vitamin essential for glow and health. Rich in essential fats, the butter melts and heals the dry and broken skin of your lips.
Additionally, Castor Seed Oil is another ingredient rich in fatty acids that nourish and heal while retaining hydration and soothing torn skin.
The third ingredient is Candelilla Wax is high in vitamins and antioxidants that act as a waterproof layer and prevent the escape of moisture from your lips. Thus it ensures that your lips are well hydrated and healthy.
You can find this product here
Blush
Mineral Fusion Bronzer
This lovely blush is skin-loving and hypoallergenic. It is mild, vegetarian, gluten-free, talc-free, fragrance-free, dye-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, and cruelty-free.
Ingredients – Rich in antioxidants, the blush protects your skin from the action of free radicals. Pomegranate, red tea, and white tea protect it while making you look lovely with nice rosy cheeks. Aloe vera moisturizes, smoothens, and gives you an even and long-lasting look.
The final look is shimmery and sun-kissed bronze that you can apply not only on your cheeks but anywhere on your face that you would like to highlight. The product is suitable for all skin tones with nourishing botanicals and age-defying antioxidants.
Women often use both the Apricot Bronzer and Pale Pink Blush together to highlight some areas of the face while giving the pink rosy finish to the cheeks.
You can find this product here.
Velvet Melon High Intensity Blush And Highlighter Duo from Kosas Cosmetics
Another duo of blush and highlighter, the Velvet Melon High-Intensity product from Kosas Cosmetics is a super-blender on your skin. The colors are juicy and accentuate your cheeks. The blush is creamy and skin-conditioning and is known to make your cheeks pop.
Ingredients – Rich in moisturizers and skin nourishers, this product enriches the skin to restore original glow and quality. Apricot Kernel Seed Oil is rich in vitamins that do a great job at this. In addition, the Rosehip Seed Oil adds glow to your skin and brightens and clarifies it.
The beneficial effects of Jojoba Seed Oil are all well-known. It soothes the skin and balances out skin. The product is vegan, gluten-free, mineral oil-free, talc-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, and cruelty-free.
The duo works well to give a dewy finish where the highlighter picks up the undertone of the blush. Users describe the creamy finish due to the active biological ingredients and an easy-to-use swiping action.
Available in pink, bronze, and peach options, it is the one product to meet all your needs.
You can find this product here.
Nail Polish
Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish
Winner of the allure 2018 Best of Beauty Award Winner, this product is great for shiny and healthy nails.
Ingredients – This vegan product is paraben-free, sulfate-free, and cruelty-free. Also, it is free of toluene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, camphor, dbp, diethylhexyl adipate, xylene, ethyl tosylamide, parabens, and methyl ethyl ketone. A unique patented formula with ten ingredients gives the advantages of a gel mani without causing the adverse effects that some experience. It also helps prevent nail chips.
The formula ensures a glossy finish. Its innovative contour brush features 320 bristles for a salon-like even coat. The rounded brush tip fits perfectly into the contour of the nails to avoid coloring the adjacent skin and giving a smoother finish.
The amazing range of 30+ colors ensures that you have one to go with every outfit and every mood.
You can find this product here
NCLA Beauty Nail Polish
A brand that is well-known for its quality products, NCLA Beauty nail lacquers are a favorite among moms-to-be and young moms. Nail polish can enter food while you eat with your hands or while cooking. So, you never compromise on this product. It may adorn your nails, which are dead skin, and absorption is negligible. Given the fact that it can contaminate the food in multiple ways, you must look for safer brands.
NCLA Beauty nail polish is vegan, cruelty-free, wherein animal products are replaced with plant derivatives. For example, plant products like mastic acid are being used as a substitute for animal derivatives like oleic acid, guanine, and carmine. Mastic acid hydrates the nails and protects them from chipping.
To add to this, the brush of the applicator is also free from animal products. The icing on the cake is the choice of almost 200 shades to choose from, one to suit everyday needs.
You can find this product here.
Eye Liner, Eye Shadow, Mascara
Liquid Eyeliner by Zuzu Luxe
An easy-to-use product with a fine calligraphy tip, easy flow liquid formula helps to deliver that perfect line with one clean sweep. The product is gluten-free and has a long-lasting water-resistant effect.
Ingredients – Free from the chemicals on the no-no list. It is rich in aloe leaf juice and other ingredients that render it pigment-rich. Manufacturers recommend shaking the bottle before use.
You can find this product here.
Mommy Makeup Waterproof Stay Put Gel Eyeliner
A prototype in the genre of long-wear eyeliner, this product is gel-based that can last for 24 hours! One of the best products that are tear-proof, smudge-proof, and waterproof, the newer product is paraben-free, making it safe for you during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Ingredients – It contains mica, iron oxides, and carmine along with other ingredients. Semi-permanent micro-pigments help give the dark shade that lasts for so long.
Available in deep brown and black, the product does wonders in accentuating your eyes and adding to their expressivity. Additionally, the gel base is worthwhile and prevents drying and cracking that helps it look just the same even after several hours.
Motherhood is a busy time, and this product helps you with the ‘well-lined and well-defined eye’ look. The best results are obtained with the pointed eyeliner brush that is available separately but worth investing in.
Keeping the applicator brush clean and closing the lid helps increase the life of this product.
You can find this product here.
Ecco Bella Soft Eyeliner Pencils
Ecco Bella eyeliner pencils allow smooth and even application that artistically highlights your eyes with bright and vibrant colors. A sophisticated product that ensures that your beautiful eyes feature flawless points when needed.
Ingredients – The FlowerColor Soft Eyeliner Pencils are cruelty-free, completely organic, with all-natural ingredients. These natural eyeliner pencils are gluten-free & vegan.
They are rich in palm and palm kernel glycerides to help draw a smooth, flawless line. The action is so effortless that you don’t need to pull or tug. The natural eyeliners are made from vegetable waxes that are naturally preserved. They are free from synthetic petroleum oils.
The natural ingredients include organic oils, vitamin E, green tea extract, and mica. The first three ingredients nourish, moisturize, and protect it from being washed away easily with water, or tears, or by rubbing.
You can buy this product here.
Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Origin Eye Shadow Palette Trio Dusty Woods
A well-applied eye shadow is an essential part of your eye makeup. The value of eye makeup has increased with the mask covering a large section of your lower face, isn’t it ladies?
Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Origin Eye Shadow Palette Trio Dusty Woods is 100% natural as the name suggests. The formula blends easily and lasts longer. It is crease-resistant, does not fade or smudge easily, and is perfect for daylong wear.
The product derives its lush and vibrant colors from plant extracts and is free from animal products. It is also cruelty-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, petroleum-free, silicon-free, fragrance-free, and SLS-free. In addition, as it is talc-free, you can wear it even if you have sensitive eyes or wear contact lenses. It is tested by dermatologists and ophthalmologists as claimed by the manufacturers.
Ingredients – Made with Bamboo, Honey, and Vitamin E, this mineral eye makeup nourishes the skin and enhances your natural glow. It is also mild in the delicate under-eye region. Additionally, it contains essential fatty acids like linoleic acid, linolenic acid, which have antioxidant and anti-aging properties.
The product is one for everyday use. It is subtle and lightly pigmented with a mild shimmer. It is available in four color palettes, each inspired by nature. The Dusky Woods trio features bronze, dark brown, and light nude hues, all with just the right amount of beautiful pigment. You can apply one shade or use all three to contour and define your eyes artistically.
The eye shadow palette has an easy to blend, long-lasting rich mineral color. It is crease-resistant, fade-resistant, and smudge-resistant. Dusky Woods palette features three beautiful shades such as bronze, dark brown, and light nude hues.
In addition, the eye shadow trio is available as Shimmering Nudes, Blooming Desert, and Countryside Lavender palettes in addition to the Dusky Woods. Inspired by the colors of nature, there is one palette that is just right for your skin tone.
You can find this product here
Aura Multi Stick by Vapour Beauty
For those of you who prefer a single no-hassle product, look no further. This one product can serve multiple purposes, and it looks great.
This cheek-lips-eyes multi stick is easy to use at all these places, and it leaves a creamy glow. Contrary to what you may think, it is lightweight compared to its powder-based counterparts. Having a cream base makes it blend with your skin. This is one product that you could carry with you and dab on the go to give yourself a fresh look in a moment. The colors are refreshing and suit several skin tones.
Ingredients – Organic Sunflower oil hydrates and nourishes on the go. Frankincense, Tulsi, and Lotus heal, calm and soothe damaged skin.
The product is silicone-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free. It is 100% plant-derived, organic, and mineral-derived. This product is prepared with consciousness for sustainability and also gives back as it earns.
You can find this product here.
Luv & Company Mascara
Luv & Company is a cosmetic brand that features a fascinating line of nontoxic products that you have been looking for. An excellent brand that is inclusive in its approach. It has a lovely range of products for those dark or melanin-rich skin. With products and colors to suit the rich tones of pigmented skin, these products are what you have been looking for.
It has natural and organic ingredients with rich pigments to match the skin tone requirements. With ingredients like vegetable oils, wax, shea butter, cocoa butter, herbs, and mica, it is safe to use during pregnancy and lactation. The products are cruelty-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, and free from other prohibited chemicals.
Ingredients – Chamomile Hydrosol, Coffea Arabica (Coffee Powder), Oryza Sativa (Rice) Powder, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Extract, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Flower Extract, Hydrastis Canadensis Root Extract, Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract, Thymus Vulgaris Extract, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract are all certified organic products that enrich, hydrate, moisturize as they groom.
In addition, it contains mica for the shimmer. Vitamin E or Tocopherol Acetate, Lecithin provides antioxidants that prevent damage from free oxygen radicals. Titanium Dioxide is mineral-based, while Iron Oxides provide rich pigment.
The mascara protects as it gives volume to your eyelashes. A fast-drying product that does not smudge or clump or smear. The applicator is easy to use and applicable in one single stroke or multiple small strokes. After drying, you may apply another layer to improve your look.
It has been voted one of the 12 best natural and organic mascaras by Mind Body Green!
You can buy this product here.
Brands That Manufacture Pregnancy-Safe Cosmetics
In addition to the products mentioned above, some brands are committed to making safe, organic, products that you can rely upon during pregnancy and breastfeeding. They share common features like manufacturing vegan products, being cruelty-free, ethically-sourced mica, palm-oil-free, eco-friendly containers, non-nano particles, and free from harmful chemicals.
100% Pure
100% Pure is a well-known brand that manufactures the entire range of cosmetic products – mascara, foundation, lipstick, eyeshadow, concealer, primer, BB cream, tints, and blush, you name it, and they have it. They even have a separate catalog for pregnant women, something to be thankful for!
The colors are natural, organic sourced from fruits. Their products are powerhouses of vitamins and minerals to heal and enrich your hormone-afflicted dry skin.
Follow this link to know more
Cocokind
As a brand, cooking’s mission is to provide clean, conscious, and accessible beauty for all, including expecting parents. The wide range of products includes natural skincare lines, highlighters, and brow balms. The innovative tinted moisture sticks crafted with plant-based ingredients like maca root or mushroom extract are a must-have. Cocokind encourages women entrepreneurs with grants funded by your purchases too.
The ingredients are natural and organic, making them safe for pregnant and lactating women. Organic olive oil & beeswax is nourishing and moisturizing in action. Plant-based powders are hypoallergenic and give bright and vibrant hues to their products.
These cruelty-free products come with recyclable packaging that highlights the environment-conscious attitude of the company.
You can buy the products here.
Honest Company
The Honest Company believes in sustainability and safety as the two primary values to prioritize in their cosmetic products. Consequently, all their cosmetics are natural and organic. Their formulations are without talc, phthalates, parabens, or synthetic oils and fragrances. With ingredients like Avocado & jojoba oil, acai, pomegranate, you can see how ingredients are derived from plants. Products do contain mica for the added shimmer. The products are also cruelty-free and come in eco-friendly packaging.
A wide range to pick from, there are more than a dozen skin tones and shades available for their tinted lip balm itself. It commits to helping you find your perfectly matched safe product.
As a company, it gives back to mothers and babies in the United States of America.
You can find these products here.
Elate Cosmetics’ Pregnancy Safe Makeup
A range of eco-friendly products is available with this brand. And is committed to catering to pregnant women and mothers. Not only are their products vegan, but they also make a range of vegan makeup brushes.
Elate is also one of the brands that make affordable organic makeup products.
Follow this link to know more
Eco Minerals’ Pregnancy Safe Makeup
Products have color-free minerals like zinc oxide to soothe the skin, iron oxide for pigment, titanium dioxide for SPF, and mica for shimmer.
They keep their ingredient list clear and concise by using a few ingredients in BB cream, blush, foundation, concealer, bronzer, and primer. Ingredients like shea butter, plant seed extracts, kaolin clay are nourishing and organic, these are used in lipsticks, mascara, and eyeshadow.
Also, one of the few brands that allow refills!
Follow this link to know more.
Dab Herb’s Pregnancy Safe Makeup
The products are safe as they use food-grade ingredients that come from plant parts like leaves, roots, seeds, and flowers. So, you do not need to worry even if you accidentally dab that lipstick to your teeth.
Follow this link to know more.
Amareta
Several plant-based products help you deal with marks and blemishes of pregnancy. Ingredients like plant seed oil, shea butter moisturize that protects naturally.
You can shop for these product here.
Burt’s Bees
Burt’s Bees is a brand that uses natural and organic ingredients to produce pregnancy-safe products. Organic seed oils like jojoba, sunflower, and meadowfoam protect safely. Green tea extracts provide the antioxidant mix needed to safeguard against free radical damage.
Free of parabens, phthalates, doubtful essential oils, and other questionable ingredients, Burt’s Bees has many products that are safe for you during pregnancy and breastfeeding. They also give back by fulfilling their social responsibilities.
Their products are packaged in recyclable containers reflecting their environmental consciousness. It is a one-stop place for you to shop a wide range of products to cover all your requirements for makeup or cosmetics.
You can shop for these products here
Disclaimer – Please be aware that ingredient lists for all products listed in this article may change or vary from time to time. Please refer to the ingredient list on the product package you receive for the most up to date list of ingredients.
References:
3https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3114665/
4https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/phthalates
5https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/beta-hydroxy-acids
6https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/potential-contaminants-cosmetics/lead-cosmetics
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Dr Kavita Ramanathan
Dr Kavita Ramanathan is a practising pathologist with over 12 years of clinical experience. Having completed her MBBS and MD in Pathology from the University of Mumbai, she went on to work for several institutions in India. As a medical writer, she writes to give practical tips to the non-technical audience.
As a mother to a young girl, motherhood is a topic that is close to her heart. Her own experience in raising her daughter while balancing her residency and medical career has taught her many practical aspects of successful child-rearing. Her knowledge of medicine and skill as a writer appeals to a broad spectrum of parents and mothers.
