Safe Ingredients to Look For (and Avoid) During Pregnancy

Safe Ingredients to Look For (and Avoid) During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time of transformation — for your body, your baby, and even your bathroom cabinet. As your bump grows, so does your awareness of what you’re putting on and into your body. But with so much information out there, it can feel overwhelming to know what’s truly safe. That’s why we’re breaking it down simply — the most trusted ingredients to look for (and which ones to avoid) in everything from your skincare routine to your snacks. Let’s keep you and baby safe, healthy, and glowing. Here’s some safe ingredients to look for and avoid during pregnancy: 

1. Skincare Ingredients: What’s In vs. What’s Out

  • Safe to Use:
    • Hyaluronic acid (for hydration)
    • Vitamin C (for brightening)
    • Coconut oil and shea butter (for stretch marks)
    • Zinc oxide (in mineral sunscreens)
  • Avoid:
    • Retinol/Retinoids (linked to birth defects)
    • Salicylic acid (high doses can be harmful)
    • Chemical sunscreens with oxybenzone
    • Hydroquinone (skin lightener with high absorption)

Tip: Always patch test and look for “pregnancy-safe” labels — but even better, ask your OB.

 

2. Everyday Products to Watch

  • Cleaning products: Choose fragrance-free, plant-based cleaners.
  • Candles & air fresheners: Skip artificial fragrances — opt for essential oil diffusers with lavender, chamomile, or citrus.
  • Nail polish & hair dye: Use toxin-free polish brands and delay permanent coloring in the first trimester if possible.

 

3. Food Ingredients: The Good & The “Maybe Not”

  • What to Eat:
    • Leafy greens, lentils, avocados, berries, nuts
    • Well-cooked eggs, salmon (low mercury), whole grains
  • What to Limit/Avoid:
    • Deli meats and soft cheeses (risk of listeria)
    • High-mercury fish (shark, swordfish, king mackerel)
    • Caffeine over 200mg per day
    • Herbal teas (some, like licorice root, are not safe — check first)

When in doubt, simplify. Choose clean, gentle products, whole foods, and always listen to your body (and your doctor). Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, and with a little extra care, you’ll be giving your baby the healthiest possible start.

Want a curated box of pregnancy-safe essentials? Explore our First Trimester Nestling Box — filled with clean, mama-approved goodies to support you every step of the way.

Back to blog