5 Skincare Ingredients to Avoid While Breastfeeding

Everybody should be conscious of what they slather on their skin. This is especially important when you’re nursing a baby. Chemicals can be absorbed into your bloodstream and affect the quality of breast milk. So that your little one stays safe, know which skincare ingredients to avoid while breastfeeding.

Here’s a list we made to help you out:

Formaldehyde

This chemical is typically used in building materials like plywood, but did you know it’s also an ingredient in skincare products?

Beauty companies add formaldehyde to increase these products’ lifespan. However, you need to be careful about this ingredient because it can make your baby develop a significant allergic reaction.

So that people won’t be driven away from it, formaldehyde is typically disguised using names like:

DMDM-hydantoin
Hydroxymethylglycinate
Methenamine

Retinoids

Retinoids are well-loved because they fight acne and aging. In addition, they increase your body’s vitamin A production and help cells divide faster.

Usually, retinoids deserve a spot in your skincare routine. But if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, stay far away from them. They may cause congenital disabilities.

Here are some of the other names for retinoids:

Retinol
Retin-A
Differin
Retinyl palmate
Retinyl linoleate
Tazarotene

Tetracycline

This antibiotic fights infections like acne, urinary tract infections, and other bacterial infections. However, products with tetracyclines are a no-no when you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. This is because they can get into your breast milk and cause your baby’s teeth and bones to develop slower.

Other names for tetracycline include

Doxycycline
Demeclocycline
Minocycline

Parabens

Like formaldehyde, parabens are used as preservatives in beauty products. They keep skincare products and cosmetics from developing mould. That sounds good, but parabens’ side effects far outweigh any benefits.

Parabens can damage DNA in sperm and, because they mimic estrogen, can speed up breast cell growth. This can result in a higher risk of breast cancer. Parabens are also not safe for babies, as they can affect their endocrine system.

Examples of parabens include:

Butylparaben
Methylparaben
Isopropylparaben
Propylparaben

Salicylic Acid

Have you ever Googled how to zap away your acne? You’ve come across salicylic acid cleansers, peels, or masks. These products are popular because of how effective they are at reducing redness and swelling.

You don’t have to steer clear of salicylic acid while nursing your little one.

If you’re using it for cleansing or as a spot treatment, it’s usually safe. But it’s another story if you use a face mask or peel with salicylic acid. Since they’ll stay on your ski longer, they can pose a risk. Again, it’s best to ask your doctor to be safe.

Salicylic is also known as BHA or beta hydroxy acid.

Protect Yourself and Your Baby with the Right Skin Care

After a long day of juggling errands with caring for your little one, you deserve a bit of pampering. But although it feels divine to apply product after product on your skin, there are skincare ingredients to avoid while breastfeeding, like the ones above.

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Always read the labels carefully. If you’re buying online, chat with the seller to learn if the product is safe for breastfeeding mamas and babies. Your goal is to find products with gentle, non-irritating ingredients—like this daily protection moisturizer.

We hope this helps you develop a skincare routine you can feel confident about!