Which skincare ingredients should you avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

When you're pregnant or breastfeeding, every choice matters — including the skincare products you apply. Many commonly used cosmetic ingredients can pose risks to both mother and baby. That’s why it’s essential to adopt a clean, safe, and effective beauty routine that supports your well-being at every stage of motherhood.

At talm, our mission is to offer uncompromising care: free from controversial ingredients, highly effective, and tailored to the unique needs of your skin before, during, and after pregnancy.

Credits : Camille Froment

Read on to discover which ingredients to avoid and how to build a skincare routine you can trust — without stress.

Cosmetic ingredients to avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding

1. Endocrine Disruptors

These chemicals can interfere with your hormonal system and potentially affect fetal development. Common ones include:

• Parabens (e.g., butylparaben, propylparaben): suspected to mimic estrogen and disrupt hormonal development.
• Phthalates, often found in synthetic fragrances, which can affect hormonal balance.
• Phenoxyethanol, a preservative the French health agency (ANSM) advises limiting in products for babies.

2. Controversial Essential Oils

Some essential oils can impact hormonal balance or stimulate uterine contractions. Avoid especially:

• Clary sage oil, known to trigger contractions.
• Peppermint oil, which may interfere with milk production.
• Cinnamon oil, which can overstimulate the uterus.

Safe alternative: Gentle plant-based oils like sweet almond oil or shea butter.

3. Chemical Sunscreens

Certain chemical UV filters may be absorbed through the skin and enter the bloodstream. Avoid:

• Oxybenzone, classified as an endocrine disruptor.
• Octocrylene, which can break down into allergenic compounds on the skin.

Safe alternative: Mineral filters like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which remain on the skin’s surface.

4. Irritating or Allergenic Ingredients

During pregnancy, the skin can become more sensitive and reactive. Avoid:

• Sulfates (SLS, SLES), harsh detergents that can damage the skin barrier.
• Synthetic dyes and fragrances, known to cause irritation and allergic reactions.

5. Vitamin A Derivatives (Retinoids)

Though effective against aging and acne, retinoids are strictly prohibited during pregnancy due to their link to birth defects. Avoid:

• Retinol
• Retinaldehyde
• Retinoic acid

How to read cosmetic labels safely

• Check the INCI list (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients): The higher an ingredient appears, the higher its concentration.
• Watch out for suspicious chemical names: If in doubt, check the ingredient’s safety on platforms like INCI Beauty or EWG Skin Deep.

Build a clean and safe routine with talm

Because self-care should never be a source of concern, talm offers a range of products specifically designed to support women through every stage of motherhood. Our formulas are:

✔ 100% safe, free from controversial ingredients
✔ Ultra-sensory, for a pleasurable and effective experience
✔ Natural and organic, using carefully selected active ingredients

Credits : Camille Froment 

Your maternity routine with talm

1. Nourish and Prevent Stretch Marks
Mega Oil: Our sensory oil enriched with organic plant oils intensely nourishes the skin and helps prevent stretch marks from the earliest weeks of pregnancy.

2. Soothe and Repair
Mega Balm: An ultra-rich balm for sensitive areas (nipples, belly, elbows). Ideal during breastfeeding.

3. Clarify and Protect
Mega Water: A purifying face and body mist to hydrate and protect your skin from imperfections throughout the day.

4. Hydrate and Replenish
Mega Plump: Our hyaluronic acid face serum deeply hydrates without stickiness or pilling — perfect for sensitive, tired skin.

Credits : Camille Froment 

FAQ: Your most common questions

Are organic cosmetics always safe during pregnancy?
Not necessarily! Some may contain essential oils not recommended during pregnancy. Always read labels to be sure of what you’re applying.

How can I be sure a product is pregnancy-safe?
Choose specialist brands like talm, which guarantee safe, transparent formulations tailored for motherhood.

Credits : Camille Froment

To Remember

Adopting a clean and safe skincare routine during pregnancy and breastfeeding is above all an act of self-kindness — for yourself and your baby.
With talm, you choose safety, performance, and sensory pleasure, with no compromises.

Because being pregnant should never mean feeling uncertain, give your skin the very best — with complete peace of mind.