Did you change cosmetics and skincare while undergoing IVF/pregnant?

[Jennifer48]

Hello all, I have another query, please. I am wondering about skin care and cosmetics during the process of IVF, which I'm now going through. It's clear that the most obvious thing to avoid is retinol but I've read this article in Vogue which makes a number of recommendations, and now it's got me wondering: https://www.vogue.com/article/beauty-ingredients-pregnancy-safety-toxic

Did you change from chemical to mineral sun screen, for example? Did you use special, "natural" deodorant?

@Jennifer48Hi, I used unscented products, Simple is a good brand for that. I also cut back on perfume

Thank you @Sunflower360
Did anyone change deodorant and sunscreen specifically?

Hey @Jennifer48, I’ve switched to Wild deodorant which is a natural one, and I switched my skincare to Evolve Organic Beauty - it’s a bit pricey but has a lot less toxic stuff in it. I’ve also bought some mineral suncream but it doesn’t seem to be absorbed very well by my skin so I’m not sure if I’ll stick to it…

I’ve also been using the Yuka app which you can use to scan products, I’ve not been going crazy with it but it has helped me avoid some of the really bad products that score 0 on it, particularly been trying to avoid the products that have hormone disrupting ingredients.

I hope that helps and best of luck with your IVF!

Thank you very much @Sunnydaysahead1 I greatly appreciate it.
I currently have an anti-perspirant by the brand Lavera which was 8 EUR so not cheap- I know Wild is even pricier- but does the Wild deodorant work, at least? Because I don't know that the Lavera one does (and I'd say that I sweat an average, not an extravagant, amount!)
I've just bought a mineral sunscreen by the brand Isdin. Pricy also at 28.50 EUR for 50ml but I feel more reassured using a mineral one right now as it's very sunny and I just did the transfer today.

Hi @Jennifer48 yes I have changed a lot of things. I downloaded the Yuka app and this has been fantastic for cosmetics and food. I used to spend a fortune on cosmetics such as Elemis, thinking they were good but actually have harmful ingredients. Also, I’ve switched to Wild and I like it although it is a little clunky in handbag if out and about. And changed toothpaste etc

I changed absolutely everything. I switched to the unscented deodorant from Natural Deodorant company and mineral sunscreen by the Green People. I had also previously switched to Evolve skincare like another poster but felt it made me break out. For this current transfer (which did stick), I've gone even more minimalist. Jusy miscellar water to cleanse and Vichy hyaluronic acid for hydration.

Thank you all! Lots of skincare changes. Did you change make-up or no need?

I didn't bother to change makeup but just cut down on how often I wear it x

@Jennifer48 I have stopped wearing a lot of make up and nail varnish during my ivf and wait for transfer. If it scans badly on the app, it’s out. It’s actually been a real learning experience. Maybe it will work or it won’t (FET at end of May) but I don’t think I will regret it and I genuinely feel a lot better in myself

I have blotchy skin and acne so I wouldn't feel confident not wearing make-up...

it might be worth downloading Yuka and taking a trip to Sephora/Space NK/Boots. I work from home and am a little anti social going through all of this so I kinda get away with it but have a couple of spots after Stims

Don't stress about it. The chances of these things actually making a difference to outcome are slim. Skincare is different as some products have to be avoided in pregnancy (sacylic acid, retinol etc) but makeup is fine xx

Thank you Bella, and thank you everyone else, too.

Thank you @confused2025 although I do have Yuka, I don't see how to sort or search for products that are pregnancy- compatability? That is to say, the cosmetics seem to be rated on whether they contain parabens or potential allergens, for example, but those are not necessarily the issues in pregnancy. Aluminium seems to be the problematic component for pregnancy in deodorant, for example, as well as alcohol.
Is there a way of filtering on Yuka for pregnancy suitability?

@Jennifer48it isn’t specifically designed for pregnancy but when you click on the product, you get a breakdown of all the ingredients used. You could try Little Bean cosmetic checker instead as this is designed specifically for pregnancy - it’s a one time payment of £4.99

I have to admit I absolutely didn’t change anything at all apart from avoiding skincare products not recommended in pregnancy.
my clinic didn’t suggest anything except avoiding spray tan

I haven’t gone too crazy but I’ve switched up a couple of things. I’ve tried most natural deodorants and I hated them all! I’m not a sweaty person but I felt like all these natural deodorants actually made me smell of BO. I now use the ordinary glycolic acid, put it on a cotton pad and wipe my underarms. No BO, no smells at all and it’s rated excellent on Yuka. For skincare I have to be careful as I’m acne prone and also very sensitive so I’ve started using Byoma products so I’m using the face wash, clarifying serum and moisturising serum. For eye cream I’m using Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream. They’re all rated excellent on Yuka 😊 I haven’t found any hair care rated excellent that suits my hair. For body care I use Nala vanilla cloud body wash as it smells so good!! For feminine care I use cetaphil gentle skin cleanser for washing and I only use organic feminine pads. I do still use some perfume, just mindful of how much. For nearer egg collection I’ll just use fragrance free products x

I recommend the Lucy Bee products as they're all safe during pregnancy, including their fake tan! (Which is excellent btw)

I switched all my cosmetics a few years ago—back when not many people were aware of ingredients like propylene glycol and similar additives. These days, before buying anything, I analyze the ingredients, either with ChatGPT or using an app when I’m in a store.I avoid products unless they’re at least 85% natural. A few years ago, it was quite difficult to find options that met my standards, but now the selection is much broader. Korean cosmetics, for example, often strike the perfect balance between natural ingredients and scientifically advanced formulations—they’re my go-to choice in most cases.

I used Yuka to scan everything.

We’ve changed some things - deodorant (to wild), shampoo/conditioner/shower gel, I’ve stopped wearing perfume completely, in fact haven’t worn for months and months. Haven’t changed make up but wearing less generally

@Wisteria25 also have abandoned perfume. It’s scary to analyse the ingredients of it - it’s so toxic. Also brands like Elemis that you assume are great really aren’t. I also use little bean in tandem with Yuka