If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant it’s time to look more closely at the skincare or makeup products you use daily.
A recent study has raised concerns about common chemicals found in sunscreens, makeup, and other personal care items that could potentially add complications to pregnancies. According to research published on August 14 in the *Environmental Health Perspectives* journal, phenols and parabens—chemicals frequently 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, the study’s lead researcher and an assistant professor of health sciences at Northeastern University, highlighted the significance of these findings. “We discovered that chemicals present in everyday soaps, lotions, makeup, sunscreen, and other consumer products are linked to an increased risk of hypertension among pregnant women,” she explained. The study specifically focused on pregnant women in Puerto Rico.
So, what exactly are phenols and parabens? These chemicals serve 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. Sadly, about 80% of personal care products contain parabens, according to the researchers.
The connection 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 birth. For mothers, the risks include a higher likelihood of preeclampsia, stroke, and long-term health issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.
Varshavsky emphasized the importance of paying attention to the 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 significant because it impacts lifelong health for both mother and child,” she said.
The study involved tracking the health of over 1,000 pregnant women in northern Puerto Rico. Researchers measured 12 phenols and parabens levels in the participants’ urine and monitored their blood pressure throughout the 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? The researchers suggest several possible reasons. Phenols and parabens are known to increase inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, both of which have been associated with hypertension. Additionally, these chemicals can disrupt hormonal balance, which plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure.
So, what can pregnant women do to protect themselves? Varshavsky recommends considering 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 I usually would. I would advise focusing on fragrance-free products and those labeled as paraben-free,” she suggested.
The good news is that phenols and parabens have short biological half-lives, meaning our bodies can metabolize and eliminate them relatively quickly. By reducing exposure, levels of these chemicals in the body can decrease rapidly. However, Varshavsky cautions that this issue isn’t something consumers can simply solve by changing their shopping habits.
Study co-author Stephanie Eick, an assistant professor at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health, echoed this sentiment. “Our findings indicate that the FDA and the EPA need to improve their efforts to protect public health from harmful chemical exposures during pregnancy,” she stated in a Northeastern University news release. Eick called for greater collaboration among scientists, advocates, and regulators to improve product labeling, industry responsibility, and the development of safer alternatives.
Here are six paraben-free beauty brands known for their commitment to clean, safe, and effective products:
1. Drunk Elephant
- About: 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/dyes. Their formulations focus on biocompatibility and healthy pH levels.
- Popular Products: C-Firma™ Fresh Day Serum, Protini™ Polypeptide Cream.
2. Burt’s Bees
- About: Burt’s Bees is known for its natural, environmentally friendly approach to skincare and beauty. Their products are paraben-free, made with natural ingredients, and come in recyclable packaging.
- Popular Products: Beeswax Lip Balm, Sensitive Facial Cleanser.
3. Tatcha
- About: Inspired by Japanese skincare rituals, Tatcha uses time-tested ingredients like rice, green tea, and algae. Their products are formulated without parabens, synthetic fragrances, or mineral oil.
- Popular Products: The Dewy Skin Cream, The Water Cream.
4. Herbivore Botanicals
- About: Herbivore Botanicals offers a range of skincare products made from cold-pressed, food-grade oils, and therapeutic-grade essential oils. Their products are vegan, cruelty-free, and free from parabens and synthetic ingredients.
- Popular Products: Blue Tansy Resurfacing Clarity Mask, Phoenix Facial Oil.
5. Biossance
- About: Biossance is dedicated to creating sustainable, effective skincare using biotechnology. They avoid parabens, synthetic fragrances, and other harmful ingredients. Their products often feature squalane, a hydrating ingredient derived from sugarcane.
- Popular Products: Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil, Squalane + Omega Repair Cream.
6. KORA Organics
- About: Founded by supermodel Miranda Kerr, KORA Organics focuses on certified organic and cruelty-free skincare products. Their formulations are free from parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances, with a focus on powerful natural ingredients.
- Popular Products: Noni Glow Face Oil, Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask.
More Health News:
