If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it’s time to take a closer look at the skincare or makeup products you use every day.
A recent study has raised concerns about common chemicals found in sunscreen, makeup and other personal care items that could potentially add complications to pregnancy. According to research published on August 14 in the journal *Environmental Health Perspectives*, phenols and parabens—chemicals often used in these products—could increase a pregnant woman’s risk of developing high blood pressure by 57%, especially during weeks 24 to 28 of pregnancy. .
Julia Varshavsky, lead researcher of the study and assistant professor of health sciences at Northeastern University, emphasized the importance of these findings. “We found that chemicals found in everyday soaps, lotions, makeup, sunscreens and other consumer products are associated with an increased risk of hypertension in pregnant women,” he explained. The study focused specifically on pregnant women in Puerto Rico.
So, what exactly are phenols and parabens? These chemicals have multiple roles in personal care products. Phenols are used as UV filters in sunscreens, while parabens are preservatives that prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and mold in cosmetics. Unfortunately, about 80% of personal care products contain parabens, according to researchers.
The link between these chemicals and pregnancy-related hypertension is surprising. High blood pressure during pregnancy can restrict blood flow to the placenta, depriving the fetus of vital oxygen and nutrients. This condition can lead to complications such as restricted fetal growth, low birth weight, and even premature delivery. For mothers, the risks include a higher chance of pre-eclampsia, stroke and long-term health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease.
Varshavsky stressed the importance of paying attention to chemicals in personal care products, especially for pregnant women who, on average, use at least 12 different products daily. “The fact that these chemicals may increase the risk of hypertension during pregnancy is important because it affects lifelong health for both mother and child,” she said.
The study involved monitoring the health of more than 1,000 pregnant women in northern Puerto Rico. The researchers measured 12 levels of phenols and parabens in the participants’ urine and monitored their blood pressure throughout pregnancy. The results were clear: exposure to these chemicals was linked to higher blood pressure, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy.
But why do these chemicals have such a significant impact on blood pressure? Researchers suggest several possible reasons. Phenols and parabens are known to increase inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, both of which have been linked to hypertension. Additionally, these chemicals can disrupt hormonal balance, which plays a key role in blood pressure regulation.
So, what can pregnant women do to protect themselves? Varshavsky recommends looking at alternatives. “In my personal life, I try to reduce exposure when possible. During my pregnancy, I limited the number of products I used more than usual. I would advise focusing on fragrance-free products and those labeled paraben-free,” she suggested.
The good news is that phenols and parabens have a short biological half-life, meaning our bodies can metabolize and eliminate them relatively quickly. By reducing exposure, the levels of these chemicals in the body can decrease rapidly. However, Varshavsky cautions that this issue is not something that consumers can solve simply by changing their shopping habits.
Study co-author Stephanie Eick, an assistant professor at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health, echoed that sentiment. “Our findings suggest that the FDA and EPA need to improve their efforts to protect public health from harmful chemical exposures during pregnancy,” Northeastern University said in a news release. Eick called for greater collaboration between scientists, advocates and regulators to improve product labeling, hold industry accountable and develop safer alternatives.
Here are six paraben-free beauty brands known for their commitment to clean, safe and effective products:
1. Drunken elephant
- For: Drunk Elephant is a clean beauty brand that avoids using what they call the “Suspicious 6,” which includes parabens, essential oils, drying alcohols, silicones, chemical sunscreens, and fragrance/colors. Their formulations focus on biocompatibility and healthy pH levels.
- Popular products: C-Firma™ Fresh Day Serum, Protini™ Polypeptide Cream.
2. Burt’s Bees
- For: Burt’s Bees is known for its natural, eco-friendly approach to grooming and beauty. Their products are paraben free, made with natural ingredients and come in recyclable packaging.
- Popular products: Beeswax Lip Balm, Sensitive Face Cleanser.
3. Tatcha
- For: Inspired by Japanese skin care rituals, Tatcha uses time-tested ingredients such as rice, green tea and seaweed. Their products are made without parabens, synthetic fragrances or mineral oils.
- Popular products: The Dewy Skin Cream, The Water Cream.
4. Herbivore Botanicals
- For: Herbivore Botanicals offers a range of skin care products made from cold pressed, food grade oils and therapeutic grade essential oils. Their products are vegan, cruelty-free and free of parabens and synthetic ingredients.
- Popular products: Blue Tansy Resurfacing Clarity Mask, Phoenix Facial Oil.
5. Biossance
- For: Biossance is dedicated to creating sustainable, effective skincare using biotechnology. They avoid parabens, synthetic fragrances and other harmful ingredients. Their products often contain squalane, a moisturizing ingredient derived from sugarcane.
- Popular products: Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil, Squalane + Omega Repair Cream.
6. KORA Organics
- For: Founded by supermodel Miranda Kerr, KORA Organics focuses on certified organic cruelty-free skin care products. Their formulas are free of parabens, sulfates and synthetic fragrances, with an emphasis on strong natural ingredients.
- Popular products: Noni Glow Face Oil, Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask.
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