The 5 Ingredients in beauty products linked to infertility

Trying to conceive? Avoid these 5 common beauty ingredients

Sarah Khan

03 Nov 2017

Caution ladies: these ingredients have all been linked to infertility.

1/5
BHA and BHT
Commonly occurs in: Face powder, Lipsticks, Eyeshadow, Moisturizers, diaper creams, blush

Implications on fertility: BHA is commonly used as an antioxidant and preservatives n cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Animal studies have surfaced that high exposure to BHT and BHA may disrupt both the male and female reproductive systems.

Alternatives: Switch to brands or products formulated without BHA and BHT instead, like the RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek Lip & Cheek Colour.
2/5
Parebens
Commonly occurs in: Shampoos, body wash, body lotions, facial cleansers, foundations, pomade-based beauty products

Implications on infertility: It turns out that parabens mimic estrogen, the hormone responsible for the development and regulation of female reproductive system. It’s pretty serious stuff: studies have also revealed that constant exposure to specific paraben types while pregnant can actually cause behavioural changes and anxiety in the future offspring.

Alternatives: Paraben-free shampoos and body washes
3/5
Triclosan
Commonly occurs in: Antibacterial soap, soap bars, toothpaste and shaving cream

Implications on infertility: A study has linked triclosan, an endocrine disruptor, to implantation failure - when a fertilised egg fails to attach to the uterus properly, therefore preventing pregnancy. This should also concern your spouse, as triclosan has also been linked to lower sperm quality.

Alternatives: Switch to soaps, toothpastes and shaving cream formulas that are free of triclosan instead.
4/5
Octinoxate and Oxybenzone
Commonly occurs in: Sunscreen, moisturizers, face and body creams, foundations, lipstick, nail polish, perfumes and fragrances, hair products

Implications on infertility: If octinoxate and oxybenzone sound remotely familiar, it’s likely because this two ingredients are active ingredients in your sunscreen formulas. In studies conducted on animals, octinoxate is known to affect the weight and structure of both male and female reproductive organs. High exposure to oxybenzone has also been linked to affect the ovaries of female fish and reduce its egg production.

Alternatives: Mineral sunscreens or skin makeup products with octinoxate and oxybenzone instead
5/5
Phthalates
Commonly occurs in: Nail polishes, hairspray, fragrances and perfumes

Implications on infertility: Take note - on ingredient lists, phthlates is often masqueraded under the innocuous-sounding "fragrance" or "parfum". An animal study has surfaced that phthalates can affect your sex hormones and increase the risk of losing your foetus. Another research examining infertile couples also discovered that infertile women had an increased exposure to specific types of phthalates. This concerns men as well: this ingredient has also been tied to male reproductive issues, so be sure to discern if your partner's cologne and skincare contains the ingredient.

Alternatives: Switch to nail polishes, face mists, fragrances and scents without phthalates or an ambiguous 'fragrance' listed as one of the ingredients.

It’s no mystery by now that our everyday beauty and skincare products are laden with chemicals and dubious – even toxic – ingredients. Apparently, the average woman uses 12 personal care products daily with an astounding 168 different chemicals. Growing research on infertility have surfaced the side effects of chemicals present in cosmetics on women’s (even men’s) hormones.

If you and your significant other have been trying to conceive, being mindful of the ingredients in the beauty products you use is essential. Browse the gallery above for 5 ingredients you should absolutely avoid if you’re trying to get pregnant.

Sarah Khan

Photos: Getty Images

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