Pregnancy asks that you give up some of your favorite things (which is okay, because you’re gaining something priceless). Along with cold cuts, sushi, soft cheeses, and that second glass of wine or coffee, you’re also asked to give up certain skincare ingredients.
It can be daunting to overhaul your entire skincare routine, but the good thing is that there are many awesome pregnancy-safe moisturizers available. In fact, they’re so good, that you just may never go back to your old ways.
And also, there are many bad moisturizers out there that can elicit side effects that could be detrimental for both you and your baby. The side effects can even permanently damage your skin in the process.
So, a pregnant woman who likes using moisturizers should always know the right and best kind of moisturizer out there for her, because what works for others might not work for you.
Today, mumlyhealth focuses on a skin moisturizer known as Aveeno. Is Aveeno pregnancy-safe? Aveeno has always been one of my moisturizers of choice even before pregnancy, but the question is; is Aveeno pregnancy-safe? Truly?
Find out the answer to this question and much more in today’s article. We move!
What do you know about Aveeno?
Aveeno has been said to be a gentle, pregnancy-safe moisturizer. Aveeno has always been one of my moisturizers of choice even before pregnancy. For starters, it contains natural ingredients and is both hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic — something a breakout-prone individual looks for.
- Active ingredients of Aveeno: Dimethicone (1.25%) (Skin Protectant)
- Inactive ingredients of Aveeno: Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour (Oat), Benzyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Distearyldimonium Chloride, Glycerin, Isopropyl Palmitate, Petrolatum, Sodium Chloride, Water
But are all Aveeno products safe for pregnancy? Are all the ingredients in Aveeno allergy-free? Is Aveeno pregnancy-safe? Truly? Read on to know.
So, what are the benefits of using Aveeno during pregnancy
Aveeno is said to be a gentle, pregnancy-safe moisturizer. Aveeno has always been one of my moisturizers of choice even before pregnancy. For starters, it contains natural ingredients and is both hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic — something a breakout-prone individual looks for.
However, and more importantly, it is free of the most dangerous chemicals in many skin treatments.
Chemicals like salicylic acids and retinoids have been closely linked to birth defects.
Pregnancy is definitely not the time to use the harshest of chemicals. There are various lines of Aveeno products, always check the ingredients to make sure you have the best options.
However, we are still focused on the focus question of this article; Are all the lines, variety, and types of Aveeno products safe for pregnancy? Are all the ingredients of Aveeno products good for any pregnant woman? Is Aveeno pregnancy-safe?
See the answer to these questions below.
Is Aveeno pregnancy-safe? – Is Aveeno safe for a pregnant woman?
First of all, I am gonna analyze all the ingredients of Aveeno so that you can each can cause an effect (good or bad);
- Dimethicone – man-made silicon polymer that gives products a silky, easily spreadable sensation. Dimethicone is considered safe and low hazard risk according to the Environmental Working Group; I caution against its regular use as it creates a plastic-like barrier on the surface of the skin and prevents the skin from its normal activities.
- Avena Sativa Kernal Flour (AKA colloidal oatmeal) – this is not considered one of Aveeno’s active ingredients but it is one of the least concerning ingredients in the products which is probably why it’s the only one mentioned on their website. This ingredient is created by finely grinding oat kernels; It is often used to relieve minor skin irritation and itching.
- Benzyl Alcohol – benzyl alcohol is a naturally occurring and synthetic ingredient used as a solvent and preservative; has been associated with contact allergy.
- Cetearyl Alcohol – a mixture of fatty alcohols, consisting predominantly of cetyl and stearyl alcohols and is classified as a fatty alcohol. It is used as an emulsifier and helps prevent oil and water-containing products from separating.
- Distearyldimonium Chloride – is found in many skin creams because of its moisturizing and soothing properties.
- Glycerin – used as a moisturizer to treat or prevent dry, rough, scaly, itchy skin and minor skin irritations.
- Isopropyl Palmitate – a binding agent that lubricates the skin. Isopropyl palmitate has been known to cause acne, blackheads, whiteheads, and clogged pores if overused.
- Petrolatum – Petrolatum is mineral oil jelly (i.e. petroleum jelly). It is used as a barrier to lock moisture in the skin in a variety of moisturizers and also in hair care products to make your hair shine. The European Union classifies petrolatum as a carcinogen and restricts its use in cosmetics. Petrolatum comes from crude oil, and as such is not a renewable resource.
- Sodium Chloride – salt. Overusing Aveeno products can lead to side effects since it also contains salt. We excrete salt out of our bodies, so it won’t do any good when we rub too much on products that contain salt.
And some Aveeno products like Aveeno Calming Comfort Bath have been discovered to have carcinogenic (can cause cancer) ingredients.
So, going through that, you can see that some of the ingredients of Aveeno are harmful, especially when Aveeno is overused or misused.
Always consult with your doctor on the skin products to use. And please, don’t get me wrong. I didn’t say Aveeno products are bad. Aveeno products are ok, but that doesn’t mean they are ok for all pregnant women.
Just because it works for others, doesn’t mean it’s gonna work for you. Each person has his/her own allergies, and they are certain ingredients in Aveeno products that can trigger these allergies.
So always contact your dermatologist and gynecologist to know the right kind of skincare product to use that will benefit you very well, especially in pregnancy, without any side effects, whether it’s Aveeno or other brands of skincare products.
So, is Aveeno pregnancy-safe? – The truth
Based on the ingredients, Aveeno is far from natural and does not qualify as a skin-nourishing product. I advise pregnant women to steer clear of it and opt for actual natural alternatives that will heal and nurture the skin as part of a comprehensive skincare regime.
The most toxic chemical in my Aveeno lotion is benzyl alcohol at 5 out of a rating of 10. And I saw that the organic lotion contained benzyl salicylate which was rated 8 out of 10 stars. This shows that Aveeno contains toxic chemicals, which ain’t good at all for you, especially during pregnancy.
They have been complaints that say that some Aveeno products like Aveeno Calming Comfort Bath, which is billed as having a “Natural Formula,” contains Quaternium 15, a preservative that releases formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen, which is not good at all for pregnancy.
Not only do I dislike the ingredients used by Aveeno, but I also think they should be held accountable for their false claims of being a natural product. Unfortunately, there are no regulations about the use of terms such as “natural”
Is Aveeno safe for pregnancy? Yes and no. Yes, because, if you manage to find the variant of Aveeno product that is very suitable for you which is very unlikely when doing that on your own, except you use the help of a professional dermatologist and gynecologist, then you are ok.
And no, because most Aveeno products do not work very well for many pregnant women. It tends to induce allergies in many pregnant women, which is not good during pregnancy.
The overall score of Aveeno is 3 out of 5. This cream isn’t targeted specifically at stretch marks or pregnant women but it is designed for dry and sensitive skin, and many pregnant women use it on their bumps.
And that is it, because it doesn’t do more than that, and the thing is that many pregnant women use it for other purposes thinking it’s an all-rounder, and they end up with side effects when they continually use it for what it wasn’t specified for.
Which Aveeno products are safe during pregnancy?
Aveeno products that are considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding (nursing) include the following;
- Absolutely Ageless® Eye Cream (at Amazon)
- Absolutely Ageless® Nourishing Face Cleanser (at Amazon, Walmart)
- Absolutely Ageless® Restorative Night Cream (at Amazon, Walmart)
- Almond Oil Blend Conditioner (at Amazon)
- Almond Oil Blend Shampoo (at Amazon)
- Anti-Itch Concentrated Lotion (at Amazon)
- Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Conditioner (at Amazon, Walmart)
- Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Shampoo (at Amazon, Walmart)
Final words from mumlyhealth
So, going through that, you can see that some of the ingredients of Aveeno are harmful, especially when Aveeno is overused or misused.
Always consult with your doctor on the skin products to use, whether it’s Aveeno or otherwise. And please, don’t get me wrong. I didn’t say Aveeno products are bad. Aveeno products are ok, but that doesn’t mean they are ok for all pregnant women.
Just because it works for others, doesn’t mean it’s gonna work for you. Each person has his/her own allergies, and they are certain ingredients in Aveeno products that can trigger these allergies.
So always contact your dermatologist and gynecologist to know the right kind of skincare product to use that will benefit you very well, especially in pregnancy, without any side effects, whether it’s Aveeno or other brands of skincare products.
It is founded by a pregnancy expert and a mother of two, and the platform offers resources on prenatal nutrition, including information on the best pregnancy vitamins and insightful tips on how to have a healthier lifestyle as a mom (pregnant and delivered).
Frequently Asked Questions on the issue of; Is Aveeno pregnancy-safe?
What moisturizer is safe during pregnancy?
Cetaphil is a classic for a reason: it’s gentle, often recommended by dermatologists, and gentle enough to share with your baby. This pregnancy-safe body lotion is lightweight and easily absorbed by the skin but it’s long-lasting.
Is Aveeno shampoo safe for pregnancy?
If you are a fan of products where the shampoo and conditioner are all in one, then Aveeno’s Soothing Fresh Greens Blend is an excellent pregnancy-safe shampoo.
Is Aveeno Better Than Cetaphil?
Bottom line: Cetaphil is a more effective moisturizer, while Aveeno offers faster absorption.
Which skincare brand is safe for pregnancy?
Some of the skincare brands that are safe for pregnancy include Promise, Earth Mama, Cetaphil, Mambino Organics, Previse, Humble, Bella B, and Timeless Beauty Bar.
What is the best skin care during pregnancy or what are pregnancy-safe skin care products that dermatologists recommend?
- Gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers.
- Hyaluronic acid (a moisturizer with pregnancy-safe anti-aging properties)
- Benzoyl Peroxide (safe in limited amounts, but it is recommended to check with your dermatologist first before using).
- Vitamin C serum (used for its brightening, anti-aging, and antioxidant properties; apply in the morning before sunscreen)
- Salicylic acid in low doses is usually found in over-the-counter face washes (not safe in high doses, in masks, or when taken orally).
Is Aveeno a good moisturizer?
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion is a rich moisturizer suitable for dry skin. I use it at night time during summers and the whole day during winters. It really moisturizes my skin resulting in a soft and supple skin texture. It definitely improves the skin texture and health over time.
Is Aveeno Baby Bath toxic?
Rating Summary. SkinSAFE has reviewed the ingredients of Aveeno Baby Wash & Shampoo and found it to be 91% Top Allergen Free and free of Nickel, Lanolin, Paraben, Topical Antibiotic, MCI/MI, Soy, Propylene Glycol, Oil, and Dye. The product is Teen Safe.