Bizarre question!

[Pippaandpolly]

Yesterday, in a fit of nerves, I read the ingredients on the back of all my toiletries. (Yes - first pregnancy, yes - neurotic at the best of times!) My beloved Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish contains rosemary oil which seems to be vetoed for use while pregnant. I don't know whether the oils you're not supposed to use while pregnant aren't supposed to be slathered all over, or whether even a tiny bit in a face wash is a problem. Anyone know?

I think you will be fine, if it was a problem I think they would have to put it on the packaging.

I don't know I did the same as you. Bacause of my history of premature labour, I decided to stay off stuff I wasn't sure about. Neale's Yard stuff it good, but pricey and if you look at the indgredients you could probably find the stuff in the kitchen cupboard.

Having said that, most things are contra-indicated if you do a Google search, even Bio-oil which is recommended for pregnancy.

So it would probably be fine

Am sure it is fine - will be in such small amounts and used only on a small area of your body. But why not get in touch with the company and ask them whether any of their products are not suitable for use during pregnancy? I did with my brand (Elemis) and got an immediate (and favourable!) answer.

Good idea cardamomginger - I am going to do just that!

Pippaandpolly - when you do please let us know as I have also just stocked up on this (as figure wont be able to afford it on Mat pay) so can you let me know if I have to hold off for 5 weeks!!!!

Doesn't Bio oil have rosmary oil and isn't it reccommended in pregnancy?x

Write them a letter, they will reassure you and maybe send you some nice stuff.

The amount of rosemary oil will be so small. What's wrong with rosemary anyway? Are you not allowed it on your roast lamb either?

I think problem with rosemary essential oil is that (possibly) in HUGE quantities it can cause uterine contractions hence maybe (big maybe) a miscarriage as a result.... so don't worry about it - the tiny bit in the face wash unlikely to cause such contractions as it will not reach the blood stream etc and if you do want to worry about it don't use it any more!

Well I don't particularly want to worry about it...!

I thought it was probably only in larger quantities that it was an issue, though I don't think they have to be huge. I've read that using it in the bath it is an abortificant (I'm sure I've spelled that wrongly?) so I just wasn't sure how low the dose could go before it was ok. Am sure it's fine in something as innocent looking as C&P, but I'll wait for their reply to my email just in case.

Hi Pippaandpolly,
I use a lot of Liz Earle products and used them every day in my first few weeks of pregnancy, it wasn't until the cleanse & polish gave me a rash, I decided to stop using it! But can't wait to use it all again after the birth...

Liz Earle got back to me and said it should be fine as they use rosemary extract rather than rosemary essential oil (who knew there was a difference?! Their customer care people are really speedy and the reply was v detailed - am impressed.). However, they did say that the following products contain relatively high levels of essential oils and so should probably be avoided during pregnancy:

Energising Hip and Thigh Gel
Energising Body Wash
Energising Body Scrub
Sheer Gold Shimmer
Superskin Bust Treatment
Superskin Concentrate
Spot On (I use this a lot - bummer)
Vital Oils for the Bath (not surprisingly!)
Foot Repair Moisturiser
Foot Scrub

How's that for honesty from a company!