Makeover your makeup bag, baby!
From forgoing cigarettes to ditching the weekend sangrias, we’re sure that you’ve got all the basic pregnancy no-no’s covered. But have you ever given a second thought to what’s lurking at the bottom of your makeup bag?
Pregnancy-safe makeup is not the first thing that many of us will think about. After all, how much harm can a sweet flush from your favourite blush do to your growing bub, right?
In the case of numerous studies, it can be more harmful than you think.
The chemicals in traditional makeup can be just as toxic as cigarettes and booze for developing fetuses. According to extensive research conducted by the non-profit Environmental Working Group (EWG), there are certain chemicals found in our traditional cosmetics that pregnant women should avoid. These toxic chemicals filter into a pregnant woman’s bloodstream, pass right through the placenta and can cause irreversible physiological damage to her developing bub.
If you’re a mum-to-be, you could be wondering what you can do now to make the switch.
Not sure where you can start? Fret not – we’ve done all the work for you! Read on for the 6 harmful chemicals to avoid in your pregnancy makeup bag. To make it easier for you, we’ve even broken down each step of your makeup routine and provided pregnancy-safe makeup product recommendations from Liht Organics!
Parabens
Most commonly found in: Foundation and BB creams
Parabens are preservatives (e.g. Propylparaben, Methylparaben) used to prevent traditional cosmetics from harboring unwanted nasties. However, “long-chained” parabens such as the above have been proven to act as estrogens and disrupt hormone signaling. A comprehensive study conducted by the scientists at the Harvard School of Public Health found that markedly higher urinary paraben concentrations in the ovarian reserves was linked with impaired fertility in women. Such “long-chained” parabens have also been associated with numerous immune disruptions recorded in fully grown babies aged nine months and above.
Make the switch easily with Liht Organics’ Youth Elixir Liquid Foundation. It is packed with beneficial ingredients such as aloe barbadensis and rosemary extract to soothe and heal your skin. More importantly, it is completely free from parabens – making it the perfect base to start building upon for a new pregnancy-safe makeup routine!
Retinyl Palmitate
Most commonly found in: Concealers
More commonly known as Vitamin A, Retinyl Palmitate lurks in traditional cosmetics marketed as “anti-aging”. It can help to conceal and smooth pregnancy-related acne and fine lines. However, topical application of Retinyl Palmitate is linked to the increased likelihood of fetal malformations and miscarriages in the early stages of development. If any one of your makeup products contain Retinyl Palmitate, it would be best to avoid it at all costs from pregnancy through to the breastfeeding stages.
With a nourishing blend of natural oils like castor seed oil and jojoba oil in our Flawless Face Concealer, you can rest assured that your flawless visage will not cost the health of both you and your developing bub.
Preservatives
Most commonly found in: Lip Products
Notwithstanding parabens, preservatives that are certified safe for cosmetic use aren’t necessarily bad. Stabilizing agents used in traditional cosmetics such as Phenoxyethanol and Benzyl Benzoate don’t pose harm to a developing fetus. However, it may aggravate sensitized, weakened skin on the lips due to pregnancy. As such, it would be best to avoid it in your lip products. Pamper your puckers with a burst of natural, organic skin-loving goodness with our preservative-free Color-Intense Liquid Lipsticks!
Talc
Talc is found in many makeup products such as eyeshadows, pressed and loose powders. While Talc is generally harmless on its own, the problem lies in the fact there may be minute levels of asbestos, a well-known carcinogen, present. These nanoparticles may contaminate Talc deposits and end up in your beloved eyeshadow palettes. Our talc-free 3 Pan Illuminating Eye Palettes come in a variety of versatile shades to impart a vibrant sparkle to the windows of your soul, naturally!
Formaldehyde
Most commonly found in: Mascaras
Several traditional cosmeceutical compounds have been engineered to react to moisture within a bottle. This releases Formaldehyde – an antimicrobial preservative present in many non-organic mascara formulations. However, Formaldehyde is classified as a probable human carcinogen! As such, it truly does pay to read the ingredient label on your beloved mascara tubes carefully. Other forms of Formaldehyde you’ll see lurking on traditional makeup ingredient lists include:
- 3-diol Imidazolidinyl urea
- DMDM Hydantoin
- Quaternium-15
- Nitorpropane-1
- Formalin
- Methanal
- Methyl Aldehyde
- Methylene Oxide
Our Infinity Lash Mascara is the perfect finishing touch to a glamorous or natural eye look. Free from artificial colours, preservatives and fragrances, pamper your peepers with this 100% natural and gentle product.
Chemical Sunscreen Filters
Chemical sunscreen filters such as Avobenzone and Oxybenzone absorb UVA rays. However, they penetrate the skin faster than physical sunscreen filters. A Danish study found that the former ingredient may mimic the female hormone progesterone and possibly interfere with sperm function, while a American study found traces of the latter in human breast milk.
Why would you want to take the risk? It’s especially important for both parties in a heterosexual relationship to take note, particularly if you are trying for a baby. Opt for physical sunscreen filters – it’s also the perfect finishing touch to your revamped pregnancy-safe makeup bag!
Contact us today if you would love more information on our natural, organic pregnancy-safe cosmetic formulations! Alternatively, you can shop Liht Organics’ pregnancy-safe makeup online here.