My Natural Product Guide for Fertility & Pregnancy
By Chloe Dymond Young - BANT Registered Nutritional Therapist, IBCLC and ex-Midwife (17 years).
Keeping It Natural During Fertility and Pregnancy: Beauty, Body, and Home
When you’re preparing for or nurturing a pregnancy, every choice matters, not just what you eat, but what you apply to your skin, breathe in your home, and clean your environment with. From nail polish to hair dye, your daily routine may be exposing you to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that can affect fertility, pregnancy, and your baby’s long-term health.
In this post, I break down what the research says, how the skin is a gateway to chemical absorption, and offer natural, safe alternatives - including some of the best beauty and cleaning products that score highly on the Yuka app.
Why Go Natural? The Skin’s Role in Absorption
Your skin is your body’s largest organ and it's not a barrier that blocks everything. Many chemicals in beauty and personal care products are absorbed transdermally, entering the bloodstream and potentially affecting your endocrine system, immune function, and fertility.
This matters even more during pregnancy and the first 1,000 days of life, when a developing baby is especially vulnerable to even low-level chemical exposures.
Common Beauty Chemicals to Avoid During Fertility & Pregnancy
According to studies and regulatory reviews, here are ingredients to limit or avoid:
Parabens – Mimic estrogen; linked to hormone disruption and found in moisturisers, makeup, and haircare.
Phthalates – Often hidden under “fragrance”; linked to impaired fertility, especially in men.
Formaldehyde & toluene – Found in nail polish and hair treatments; associated with pregnancy complications.
Ammonia & PPD (paraphenylenediamine) – Found in hair dyes; linked to allergic reactions and potential toxicity.
Triclosan – Antibacterial agent found in some soaps and toothpaste; potential endocrine disruptor.
Beauty Products & Hair Care: Safer Choices:
Hair Dye:
While occasional use of conventional dye is unlikely to pose major risk, many women prefer to avoid ammonia and PPD during pregnancy.
Natural alternatives include:
HENNÉ Color (France) – 100% plant-based henna with excellent Yuka scores
Khadi Herbal Hair Colours – Certified natural Ayurvedic powders
Tints of Nature – Low-chemical, ammonia-free home dye with better ingredient transparency
Nail Polish:
Look for "10-free" or "15-free" formulas, which exclude major toxic chemicals like formaldehyde and DBP.
Great Yuka-rated brands:
Nailberry – L’Oxygéné range, breathable and toxin-free
Kure Bazaar – Eco-friendly and high-performing
Zoya – Long-wearing, widely available non-toxic polish
Makeup & Skincare:
Top Yuka-rated beauty brands:
La Provençale Bio (France) – Organic skincare with minimal ingredients
Pai Skincare – Especially good for sensitive or hormonal skin
Weleda – Natural baby- and pregnancy-safe products
Madara Organic Skincare – Clean formulas, pregnancy-safe, and widely stocked online
Dr. Hauschka – Holistic and botanical-based with excellent EWG and Yuka ratings
Make Your Own Natural Products:
DIY beauty can be simple, effective, and inexpensive. A few examples:
Face oil: Mix cold-pressed rosehip oil (vitamin A), jojoba oil (mimics skin’s sebum), and 2 drops of frankincense.
Body scrub: Blend coconut oil with brown sugar and a few drops of essential oils.
Hair mask: Use raw egg, avocado, and castor oil for strength and shine.
Natural deodorant: Mix coconut oil, bicarbonate of soda, arrowroot powder, and tea tree oil.
Note: Some essential oils (like clary sage, rosemary) should be avoided during early pregnancy - always check safety guidelines.
Household & Fragrance Swaps:
Household products are another major source of hormone disruptors. Conventional cleaning sprays, air fresheners, and synthetic candles often contain phthalates, VOCs, and synthetic musks - all linked to endocrine disruption.
Safer Cleaning Products:
Bicarbonate of soda + white vinegar for all-purpose cleaning
Castile soap (e.g., Dr. Bronner’s) as a non-toxic cleaner
Ecover, Bio-D, and Seventh Generation – widely available in the UK and score well on Yuka
Natural Fragrance Ideas:
Diffuse pure essential oils (lavender, orange, lemon, frankincense)
Make a DIY room spray with witch hazel + essential oils
Use beeswax or soy candles scented with essential oils (avoid synthetic fragrance blends)
Where to Shop Natural in the UK:
Planet Organic, Whole Foods Market UK, and Content Beauty & Wellbeing – carry vetted beauty and cleaning lines
Naturisimo – Online natural beauty retailer with full transparency on ingredients
Use the Yuka App to scan products in-store and quickly check safety ratings
Finally:
Choosing more natural beauty and household products is one of the most powerful, everyday ways to protect your hormones and reproductive health - especially during fertility and pregnancy.
Your skin absorbs what you put on it, and your baby’s development is shaped by everything you’re exposed to during those critical first 1,000 days.
Even small swaps from your shampoo to your surface spray can reduce chemical load, balance hormones, and create a safer home for your growing family.
My nutrition consultations always include guidance for clean and ethical products and brands I recommend. To find out more about my programmes BOOK A FREE DISCOVERY CALL via the links.
