Glow Recipe Skincare: Pregnancy-Safe?

Pregnancy-safe skincare can be confusing, and it's important to be cautious about the ingredients you put on your skin. While there is limited research on the safety of skincare products during pregnancy, doctors advise avoiding any potential risks.

Glow Recipe co-founder & new mom, Sarah Lee, has curated a routine of pregnancy-safe products that deliver clinical, efficacious results. The routine includes the Guava Vitamin C Bright-Eye Gel Cream, Plum Plump Hyaluronic Serum, Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops, Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream, and Watermelon Glow Ultra-Fine Mist. These products are designed to keep skin hydrated, bright, and nourished while being safe for expecting or new parents.

However, not all Glow Recipe products are pregnancy-safe. The Avocado Melt Retinol Eye Sleeping Mask and the Strawberry Smooth BHA + AHA Salicylic Serum are not recommended for use during pregnancy. Additionally, some products, such as the Avocado Ceramide Moisture Barrier Cleanser, are safe for nursing but not for pregnancy due to the presence of certain ingredients like gluconolactone and licorice root.

It is always advisable to consult a doctor for advice on which ingredients and products are safe to use during pregnancy and nursing.

Pregnancy-safe ingredients

Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it often comes with many skincare challenges. It is always important to check with your physician and discuss the specific skincare products you want to use.

Some pregnancy-safe superstar ingredients include vitamin C and kojic acid for overall brightness; hyaluronic acid for hydration; and squalane to moisturize.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help protect the skin from the damaging effects of the sun and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is also effective at reducing hyperpigmentation and improving skin texture.

Kojic acid is a natural skin brightener that can help fade dark spots and improve the overall tone of the skin. It is often used as an alternative to hydroquinone, which should be avoided during pregnancy.

Hyaluronic acid is a substance that is naturally produced by the body and is found in the skin, connective tissues, and eyes. It has the incredible ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it an excellent hydrator. During pregnancy, it can help to plump and moisturize the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Squalane is a natural emollient that helps to lock in moisture, keeping the skin soft and supple. It is non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores, and is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Other pregnancy-safe acids include lactic acid and azelaic acid, which are often used to address breakouts and rosacea. These acids are gentle yet effective and can help improve the overall appearance of the skin.

It is important to note that while these ingredients are generally considered safe during pregnancy, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new skincare routine or using new products.

Ingredients to avoid

When pregnant, it is important to be cautious and avoid certain skincare ingredients that could be harmful to your baby. Here is a list of ingredients that are best avoided during pregnancy:

• Vitamin A derivatives such as retinol, Retin-A and retinyl palmitate. While vitamin A is important for embryonic growth, excessive intake has been linked to malformations of the baby's head, heart, brain and spinal cord.
• Accutane, a potent acne medication derived from vitamin A, can also cause birth defects.
• Hydroquinone is commonly found in skin-lightening products but has a high absorption rate and should be avoided.
• Parabens, including BPA, are known hormone disruptors that are easily absorbed into the skin and have been linked to various issues during pregnancy, including miscarriage, low birth weight and behavioural problems.
• Chemical sunscreens often contain ingredients such as oxybenzone and avobenzone, which are possible hormone disruptors and have been linked to negative effects on fetal health. Instead, opt for physical or mineral-based sunscreens containing ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
• Salicylic acid, especially in oral forms and in large quantities, should be avoided during pregnancy. However, topical formulations in small percentages are generally considered safe.
• Retinoids, including retinol and retinoic acid, should be avoided during pregnancy as they can cause birth defects.
• Glycolic acid is not universally accepted by the medical community as safe during pregnancy, so it is best to avoid it.
• Essential oils, especially in their purest form, should be used with caution during pregnancy. Some oils, such as jasmine and clary sage, can trigger contractions, while others like sage and rosemary oil can cause bleeding.
• Gluconolactone, a highly absorbed polyhydroxy acid, is similar to alpha hydroxy acids and should be avoided during pregnancy.

Glow Recipe products safe during pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time when women need to be extra cautious about the products they use. While studies in pregnancy are limited, doctors advise against using any product that may pose a potential risk to the mother or baby.

Glow Recipe co-founder & new mom, Sarah Lee, understands how tricky it can be to figure out which products are safe to use when expecting or nursing. That is why she curated a routine that is not only quick, easy and effective but also safe for new or expecting parents.

• Guava Vitamin C Bright-Eye Gel Cream
• Plum Plump Hyaluronic Serum
• Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops
• Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream
• Watermelon Glow Ultra-Fine Mist
• Papaya Sorbet Enzyme Cleansing Balm
• Avocado Ceramide Moisture Barrier Cleanser
• Avocado Ceramide Recovery Serum
• Guava Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum
• Plum Plump Hyaluronic Gloss Balm
• Plum Plump Hyaluronic Serum
• Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops
• Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops Sun Glow Serum
• Watermelon Glow Pink Dream Body Cream
• Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser
• Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops
• Avocado Ceramide Recovery Serum
• Guava Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum
• Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream
• Watermelon Glow Lip Pop
• Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser

The following Glow Recipe products are not safe for pregnancy, but they are okay for nursing:

• Avocado Ceramide Moisture Cleanser: Contains licorice root.
• Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser: Contains glycolic acid and licorice root.
• Cloudberry Bright Essence Toner: Contains licorice root.
• Strawberry BHA Pore-Smooth Blur Drops: Contains salicylic acid and willow bark.
• Watermelon Glow Hyaluronic Clay Pore-Tight Facial: Contains gluconolactone, willow bark, and licorice root.
• Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Sunscreen SPF 50: Contains chemical sunscreens.
• Watermelon Glow Ultra-Fine Mist: Contains licorice root.
• Avocado Melt Retinol Eye Cream: Contains retinoid.
• Pomegranate Peptide Firming Serum: Contains bidens pilosa.

The following Glow Recipe products are not safe for pregnancy or nursing:

• Avocado Melt Retinol Eye Cream: Contains retinoid.
• Pomegranate Peptide Firming Serum: Contains bidens pilosa.
• Strawberry Smooth BHA + AHA Salicylic Acid Serum: Contains salicylic acid and mandelic acid.

Glow Recipe products not safe during pregnancy

While most Glow Recipe products are safe to use during pregnancy, there are a few that should be avoided. It's important to note that pregnancy can be a delicate time, and it's always best to consult a doctor for advice on which ingredients and products are suitable for your specific needs. With that said, here are some Glow Recipe products that are not recommended for use during pregnancy:

Avocado Melt Retinol Eye Sleeping Mask

This product is not safe for use during pregnancy due to the presence of retinol. Retinoids, including retinol, are known to cause birth defects and are generally advised against during pregnancy.

Strawberry Smooth BHA+AHA Salicylic Serum

The Strawberry Smooth BHA+AHA Salicylic Serum is another product that should be avoided during pregnancy. It contains salicylic acid, which is derived from the aspirin family of medications. High doses of aspirin are not safe for pregnant women, and while absorption of salicylic acid through the skin is minimal, it's best to avoid potential risks.

Pomegranate Peptide Firming Serum

The Pomegranate Peptide Firming Serum is not recommended for use during pregnancy due to the presence of Bidens Pilosa, which has a similar mechanism of action to retinoids. While this product may be suitable for nursing mothers, it's best to avoid it during pregnancy as a precautionary measure.

Products Containing Gluconolactone

Some Glow Recipe products, such as the Plum Plump Hyaluronic Moisturizer, contain gluconolactone. Gluconolactone is a highly absorbed polyhydroxy acid that is similar to alpha-hydroxy acids. While there is some debate in the medical community, it's generally recommended to avoid products containing gluconolactone during pregnancy as a precautionary measure.

Products Containing Chemical Sunscreens

Glow Recipe's Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Sunscreen SPF 50 is not recommended for use during pregnancy due to the presence of chemical sunscreens. While it is safe for nursing mothers, pregnant women should opt for physical sunscreens that contain ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium oxide instead.

Pregnancy is a unique journey, and it's always best to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice regarding skincare and cosmetic products. They can provide guidance based on your specific needs and help you navigate any potential risks associated with certain ingredients.

Ingredients that are safe during pregnancy but not nursing

While most beauty products are safe to use during pregnancy, some ingredients are best avoided to reduce potential risks to the baby. However, it's worth noting that evidence-based data on the safety of specific products in pregnancy is limited.

• Retinol and Retinyl Palmitate: While vitamin A is crucial for embryonic growth, excessive intake has been linked to malformations of the baby's head, heart, brain, and spinal cord. Retinol and retinyl palmitate are often found in over-the-counter formulations and should be avoided during pregnancy. However, topical retinol products with minimal absorption, such as adapalene, are likely safe and can be prescribed by a doctor.
• Benzoyl Peroxide: While strong medications like Accutane should be avoided during pregnancy, the safety of common acne-fighting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide is less clear. Benzoyl peroxide is generally considered safe in small amounts after the first trimester. However, it should be used in the right quantities and not applied to large areas of the skin to avoid significant absorption.
• Salicylic Acid: High doses of salicylic acid, such as those found in peels and oral medications, should be avoided during pregnancy. However, lower-dose topical over-the-counter products containing salicylic acid are generally considered safe by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
• Hydroquinone: Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening agent that can be absorbed through the skin at high rates (35-45%). While there is limited research on its effects during pregnancy, many experts recommend avoiding it due to potential risks.
• Parabens: Parabens are preservatives commonly used in cosmetics, personal care products, and medicines. They are known endocrine disruptors and have been linked to reduced sperm count and increased birth weight. While there is some debate about their safety during pregnancy, it is generally recommended to limit exposure.
• Chemical Sunscreens: Chemical sunscreens containing ingredients like oxybenzone and avobenzone are possible hormone disruptors and have been linked to childhood obesity, ADHD, and developmental effects on the nervous system. It is recommended to opt for physical or mineral sunscreens containing ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide during pregnancy.

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