Are personal care products like lotions containing parabens safe for use during pregnancy?

What's actually in it

Personal care products like lotions often contain a mix of synthetic chemicals designed to preserve shelf life or improve texture. While you might see labels like "parabens" on the back of a bottle, these are part of a broader category of chemicals of emerging concern. According to a 2026 study in J Hazard Mater, these products frequently expose vulnerable populations to substances that have not been fully cleared for safety during critical developmental windows.

Beyond parabens, many products contain bisphenol analogues like BPA, BPS, BPF, and BPAF. A 2026 study in Food Chem Toxicol confirms these chemicals are present in personal care items and contribute to cumulative toxicological risks for users.

What the research says

The science is increasingly clear that what you put on your skin does not stay on your skin. It enters your system and can interfere with your body's natural processes.

A 2026 study in Environ Int mapped the evidence regarding personal care products and found a concerning association with fetal growth. When you are pregnant, your exposure to these chemicals is not just about you; it directly impacts the developing baby.

These products also disrupt your internal chemistry. A 2026 study in Ecotoxicol Environ Saf found that exposure to ingredients in personal care products is linked to changes in thyroid function. Because your thyroid regulates metabolism and growth, this interference is significant. Furthermore, a 2026 study in Environ Sci Technol showed that elevated exposure to these products increases the risk of hyperlipidemia (high levels of fat in the blood) by disrupting these same thyroid hormones. This peer-reviewed research confirms that these chemicals are active in your body and can cause measurable health shifts.