December 23, 2025
Pregnancy is often such a magical time for a woman. It can be a time of nesting, when you can feel almost compelled to create the most perfect—and clean—setting for your coming bundle of joy. You might find yourself scouring stores and the internet for products to help you keep your glow and perfect your nest, but many times, what you’ll find are products that contain chemicals that can be harmful to your developing child.
Cleaning Products to Avoid While Pregnant
Many cleaning products contain ingredients that may be harmful to a developing baby. Here are some ingredients to look out for when cleaning while pregnant:
Aerosol Cleaners
When it comes to cleaning products and pregnancy, aerosol cleaners raise concerns because they break up liquid cleaning products into super-small particles that can be inhaled deep into your lungs, which might trigger breathing problems in people with heart or lung diseases, Kelly Johnson-Arbor, M.D., a medical toxicology physician and co-director of the National Capital Poison Center, told What to Expect. Inhaling cleaning products while pregnant can result in breathing problems, including a higher occurrence of wheezing and asthma in young children.
The following list highlights the most common chemicals and cleaning products to avoid during pregnancy.
Parabens
These chemicals are used as preservatives and can cross the placenta, potentially affecting fetal development. They’re also associated with gestational diabetes.
Phthalates
This group of chemicals, commonly used in products to help dissolve materials or make plastic more flexible, can cross the placenta and potentially affect hormonal functions, brain development, and reproductive function. They’ve been linked to miscarriage and fetal growth restriction (FGR), a condition that causes an unborn baby to be smaller than expected for its gestational age. They also increase the risk for congenital reproductive anomalies in males. Research has found that preventing exposure to phthalates may reduce the risk of preterm birth.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends avoiding the following chemicals during pregnancy.
Aluminum
Aluminum is a known neurotoxin, and research shows that exposure can lead to neurological disorders in children if the mother is exposed to it during pregnancy. It’s found in many cosmetic and hygiene products, like antiperspirants. While the body usually excretes this element, it can stay in tissues and organs. So, it’s best to limit your exposure during pregnancy. To identify the ingredient in products, look for aluminum chloride hexahydrate or aluminum chloralhydrate.
Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA)
These acids treat acne and other skin conditions, like psoriasis. They include:
Diethanolamine (DEA)
DEA is commonly found in hair and body products, especially shampoos, hair relaxers, and leave-in conditioners. Look in the ingredient list for:
Research reported in the Asian-Pacific Journal of Reproduction found that DEA may have an impact on the structure and function of human sperm. Additional studies found a link between maternal exposure to DEA and altered memory function in offspring.
Dihydroxyacetone (DHA)
DHA is an active ingredient in self-tanners. While only a small percentage (approximately 0.5%) is absorbed by the skin, inhaling spray-on tanners is a risk during pregnancy. Inhalation results in higher blood concentrations, so avoiding these products while pregnant is best.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde, a primary ingredient in embalming fluid, is found in some hair straightening treatments, nail polishes and eyelash glue and can increase the risk for fertility problems and miscarriage. Ingredients to look out for include:
Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone is a lightening agent found in cosmetics. The ingredients will be one of the following:
While hydroquinone is banned in Europe due to toxicity concerns, it’s still available in the U.S. About 35% to 45% of the chemical is absorbed into the bloodstream when applied topically. So, it’s best to avoid it while pregnant.
Retinoids
Retinoids are a human-made (synthetic) form of Vitamin A used to treat skin conditions, like severe acne. They are available in over-the-counter and prescription cosmetic products, though you’re most likely to see retinol, a type of retinoid, in over-the-counter products. Retinoids appear as:
Oral retinoids, such as isotretinoin, and topical tretinoin and tazarotene, are thought to lead to fetal retinol syndrome, which can cause congenital malformations. According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, the malformations may include growth delay, skull and facial malformations, and nervous system and heart abnormalities.
Toluene
This solvent is found in nail polishes and may be labeled as:
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), these solvents increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm birth, low birth weight, and congenital disabilities. Those who work with solvents, such as artists, cosmetologists, dry cleaners, and printers.
Triclosan
This antimicrobial chemical is used in some toothpastes, cosmetics, soaps, and lotions. It might be called:
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the use of over-the-counter wash products in 2016. It can still be found, however, in other items like some lotions and toothpastes. Triclosan is an endocrine disrupter, and according to researchers, it is associated with adverse birth outcomes, including head circumference, birth weight, and length.
What Are Safer Cosmetic Chemicals?
During pregnancy, safer choices for your skincare include:
How We Help Victims of Toxic Exposure
Our birth defect litigation attorneys understand the pain that families face when coping with life-altering birth defects—and the frustration of knowing they could have been prevented. Our team has over 40 years of combined experience in birth defects litigation in cases involving semiconductor and electronics manufacturing, pesticides, and energy production. We have the resources and experience to fight on behalf of our clients against corporations that put them in danger. Call us to see how we can help you and your family receive justice for birth defects.
Our Results
Historic settlement for over 1,300 survivors of clergy and adult abuse within the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles, marking a pivotal moment for justice.
A Philadelphia jury awarded a record verdict against ExxonMobil for failing to warn about cancer risks due to benzene in its petroleum products.
Private equity firm and co-defendants agree to pay $25M in Medicaid fraud case alleging mental health services provided by unqualified providers.
That’s the first question everyone asks. The truth is it’s impossible to know. But we can tell you this. Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel has what it takes to fight against big corporate interests and win.
