Pregnancy comes with a host of new skin challenges – increased sensitivity, increased likelihood of sunburn, dryness and itchiness, oiliness and acne, pigmentation – the list goes on! But it also comes with a new list of ingredients to avoid, to keep yourself and your bub safe.

Chemical sunscreens are at the top of that list, because many of them are endocrine disruptors (meaning they mess with our hormones), salicylates, and skin irritants, and the worst, Oxybenzone, has been linked to birth defects. 

Retinoids (a form of Vitamin A that includes retinol) are well known as a no-go for pregnancy. This is primarily because isotretinoin, which is an oral retinoid (taken by mouth), has been found to cause birth defects. Topical retinoids (just used on your skin) are considered to be lower risk, but still recommended to avoid. While not often found in sunscreens, they are worth looking out for.

Salicylates are lesser known but also problematic, and are often found even in mineral sunscreens. While this is rare, salicylates can cause a toxic reaction called salicylism, which causes antepartum and postpartum bleeding as well as prolonged labour. In low concentrations (1-2%) salicylates are considered okay for topical use, particularly if they’re washed off. However they shouldn’t be used on large areas of the body or left on – which of course is what sunscreen is made for.

Hydroxy Acids (alpha-, beta- and some poly-) are the final category of ingredients that physicians often say to avoid during pregnancy, with the exception of lactic acid (which our bodies make) and citric acid (which we eat/drink more of than we'll ever absorb through our skin). There isn't as much data on these, but as chemical exfoliants they can damage the skin's barrier, making it easier to absorb other potentially problematic compounds. And despite being favored in many skincare routines, glycolic acid (an AHA) has been found to cause "adverse reproductive effects" in animal studies.

All Orchard & Ocean products are free of chemical sunscreens, retinoids, salicylates, alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids, as well as other ingredients we’re meant to avoid while pregnant like hydroquinone, benzoyl peroxide, parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances.

We’ve even screened out certain natural ingredients like licorice root and essential oils that may have negative effects. We know synthetic doesn’t mean bad, and natural doesn’t necessarily mean good, so we have designed our Orchard & Ocean products with the greatest care to ensure they are safe for Mamas-to-be and the precious lives you’re nurturing.

Please note we are not medical professionals. For any questions about what sunscreen or other products to use while pregnant please talk with your doctor or midwife.

To prevent sun damage the best protection is to stay covered -- indoors, under an umbrella, with protective clothing. Next best is consistent use of sunscreen! Look for a broad spectrum, SPF30+ sunscreen that you'll love using every day.

Sources:

• https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/referral/retinoid-article-31-referral-updated-measures-pregnancy-prevention-during-retinoid-use_en-0.pdf
• Topical Tretinoin - Mother To Baby | Fact Sheets - NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov)
• Safety of skin care products during pregnancy - PMC (nih.gov)
• https://pubmed. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7031542/
• https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/report/the-trouble-with-sunscreen-chemicals/
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322291#products-to-avoid
• https://ec.europa.eu/health/scientific_committees/consumer_safety/docs/sccs_o_195.pdf
• https://www.healthline.com/health/phenoxyethanol#possible-health-concerns
• https://www.ewg.org/what-are-parabens
• https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/full/10.2105/AJPH.2020.306014
• https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/15/well/live/personal-care-products-chemicals.html