TTC? 10 Chemicals to Avoid in Cosmetics

The list of chemicals below is recommended to avoid in makeup, skincare, hair care, and nail care when trying to conceive due to their impacts on hormonal disruption and/or reproductive toxicity.

1. Parabens: Preservatives commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products. Look out for ingredients such as methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and ethylparaben!
2. Phthalates: Used to enhance the flexibility and durability of certain products. They can be found in fragrances, nail polish, and hairspray. Look for ingredients like diethyl phthalate (DEP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP)!
3. Formaldehyde: Preservative and a known human carcinogen. It may be listed as formaldehyde or under its releasing agents, such as quaternium-15 or DMDM hydantoin.
4. Fragrance: Also seen as “parfum” on labels. Used to describe a mixture of potentially hundreds of synthetic chemicals, and they are often undisclosed. Fragrances can be found in various cosmetic products, so opting for fragrance-free options is recommended.
5. Lead: Heavy metal that can be found in certain cosmetics, particularly in lipsticks and some eyeliners. Consider reducing the use of products that may have high lead content, which could be products that have many synthetic colorants in them!
6. Mercury: Mercury and its compounds are sometimes used in skincare products as a skin lightening agent or a preservative. Avoid products containing mercury, which may be listed as calomel, mercurio, or mercurio chloride.
7. Retinoids: Retinoids, including retinol and isotretinoin, are derivatives of vitamin A commonly found in skincare products. High doses of oral retinoids are known to be harmful during pregnancy, so it is advisable to avoid them when trying to conceive!
8. Oxybenzone: Chemical found in many sunscreens and can act as an endocrine disruptor. Look for sunscreens with alternative UV filters like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
9. Coal tar: Synthetic colorants found in lipsticks are often derived from coal tar. Coal tar may be used in dandruff shampoos, hair dyes, and some skincare products. It contains various chemicals that may be harmful, so it's best to avoid products with coal tar!
10. Toluene: Solvent found in some nail polishes and hair dyes. Prolonged exposure to toluene may have adverse effects, so choose products labeled toluene-free.

At Addition Beauty, these are some of the many chemicals we choose to AVOID when formulating our cosmetics. The safety of our formulations is of highest importance with it comes to hormone health and TTC!

Until next time!

xoxo,
Addition Beauty