Pregnancy: what we track
Ingredients with published guidance or research that bears on pregnancy.
- AdapaleneA third-generation retinoid in acne gels and creams, one of the first-line topical retinoids in the Canadian acne guideline.
- BerberineA yellow alkaloid from goldenseal, barberry and similar plants, sold as a supplement for blood sugar and cholesterol.
- Bisphenol A (BPA)A building block of hard plastics and can linings that can migrate into contents.
- CadmiumA toxic metal that crops take up from soil and fertiliser, so cereals, vegetables, cocoa and shellfish carry most of the dietary intake. A contaminant, never a listed ingredient.
- Coal TarA by-product of coal processing used in dandruff and psoriasis treatments.
- FormaldehydeA preservative and disinfectant, often present via a slow-releasing donor ingredient.
- HydroquinoneA depigmenting agent used to fade dark patches.
- Inorganic ArsenicThe toxic form of arsenic, found mainly in rice and rice-based foods, fruit juice and some well water. A contaminant, never a listed ingredient.
- IsobutylparabenA branched paraben preservative.
- LeadA toxic metal that reaches food through soil, water, old pipes and some imported spices, cosmetics and traditional remedies. A contaminant, never a listed ingredient.
- Lead AcetateA progressive hair colourant that darkens hair over repeated use.
- Lilial (Butylphenyl Methylpropional)A synthetic fragrance ingredient with a lily-of-the-valley scent.
- MethylmercuryThe form of mercury that builds up in predatory fish such as tuna, shark and swordfish. A contaminant, never a listed ingredient.
- PFAS compoundsFluorinated compounds that make products water-resistant and long-wearing.
- PFHxSA six-carbon fluorinated chemical used in firefighting foams and stain repellents, and a persistent contaminant of water and food.
- PFNAA nine-carbon fluorinated acid once used in surfactants and polymer manufacture, and a persistent contaminant found in food, water and blood.
- PFOSA long-chain fluorinated chemical used for water and stain resistance, and a persistent environmental contaminant.
- Phthalates (DBP)A softener that makes scent last longer and plastic components flexible.
- Phthalates (DEHP)A plasticizer used to keep packaging and flexible components pliable.
- Quaternium-15A formaldehyde-releasing preservative once common in shampoos, moisturisers and sunscreens.
- RetinolA vitamin A derivative that speeds up skin cell turnover.
- TazaroteneA third-generation retinoid prescribed as a cream, gel or foam for acne, psoriasis and photo-ageing.
- TolueneA solvent that keeps nail products smooth and even.
- Tretinoin (retinoic acid)Retinoic acid, the active form of vitamin A, prescribed as a cream or gel for acne and photo-ageing; isotretinoin is its cis isomer, taken by mouth for severe acne.
- TriclosanAn antibacterial agent formerly common in soaps and toothpaste.
- 4-Methylbenzylidene CamphorA UV filter used in some sun and daily-care products.
- Alcohol (in food and drink)Ethanol as an ingredient of a food or drink: liqueur chocolates, flavour extracts, kombucha and alcoholic beverages.
- Benzophenone-1A UV stabiliser that protects a formula's colour and fragrance from light.
- BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole)A synthetic antioxidant that stops oils in a formula going rancid.
- Bisphenol F (BPF)A bisphenol used where BPA has been replaced.
- Bisphenol S (BPS)The most common replacement for BPA in 'BPA-free' packaging.
- ButylparabenThe longest-chain paraben still permitted in cosmetics.
- Cyclotetrasiloxane (D4)A volatile silicone that gives a silky slip and evaporates after application.
- Kelp (brown seaweed)Brown seaweeds — kombu (Saccharina and Laminaria), knotted wrack (Ascophyllum nodosum) and bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus) — sold dried, powdered or as extracts in supplements and foods; the richest common source of iodine, in amounts that vary many-fold between products.
- OctinoxateA chemical UV filter used for UVB protection.
- OxybenzoneA chemical UV filter that absorbs ultraviolet light.
- PerchlorateA contaminant that reaches food and water from fertiliser, packaging and industrial residue.
- Phthalates (DEP)A solvent that carries fragrance and stops it evaporating too quickly.
- PropylparabenA longer-chain preservative used alongside methylparaben.
- ResorcinolA dye intermediate that helps permanent hair colour develop.
- Salicylic AcidAn exfoliating acid that clears oil and dead cells from inside the pore.
- Sodium NitrateA curing salt for slow-cured meats and some ripened cheeses (E 251; potassium nitrate is E 252), which bacteria in the mouth and in the cure turn into nitrite.
- Sodium NitriteA curing salt that preserves cured meats and fixes their colour.
- TriclocarbanAn antibacterial agent used in some soaps and washes, and a close relative of triclosan.
- Triphenyl PhosphateA plasticizer that keeps nail polish flexible and chip-resistant.
- Aluminium SaltsThe active in antiperspirants; it forms a temporary plug in the sweat duct.
- CaffeineA stimulant found in coffee, tea, cocoa and many soft drinks.
- Ethanolamines (DEA/TEA/MEA)pH adjusters and foam builders used in cleansers.
- EthylparabenA paraben preservative that stops bacteria and mould growing in water-based formulas and some foods (E214).
- Fragrance (parfum)A blanket term for a scent blend that does not have to be itemised.
- HomosalateA salicylate UV filter that stabilises other filters.
- MethylparabenA preservative that stops bacteria and mould growing in water-based formulas.
- OctocryleneA UV filter, also used to stabilise other filters.
- PEG compoundsA family of emulsifiers that blend oil and water and help actives absorb.
- Titanium DioxideA white mineral pigment, also used as a physical UV filter.