Unfortunately, since the government
doesn't require safety testing of personal
care products, brands can make
greenwashed claims like "all natural," while
still using almost any chemical or synthetic
ingredient they want, regardless of safety.
The key is to always read the fine print
on product labels. If there's an ingredient
with which you're not familiar, check it
out through sources like Environmental
Working Group's Skin Deep Database
(www.ewg.org/skindeep). Keep in mind,
too, that an ingredient is not necessarily
safe or helpful just because it is natural.
With so much information to keep
track of, what's a lotion-loving, pampercraving mama to do? Simply follow this
handy cheat sheet of tips and tricks.
First and foremost, keep in mind
the choices you make today will impact
your developing baby for a lifetime.
Studies have revealed a shocking
average of 200 industrial chemicals
and pollutants in umbilical cord blood.
While you're pregnant, your body is not
just your own—it's your baby's, too.
Avoid products containing
ingredients with the word "paraben"
in them, like propylparaben,
butylparaben, and methylparaben—
some of the worst offenders.
Choose products scented naturally
with pure essential oils and organic
extracts, and avoid the ingredients
"fragrance" and "parfum."
Purchase your pampering essentials
from brands or shops you can trust to make
your health and safety a top priority.
Finally, with your arsenal of
trusted products in hand, bring these
safety-conscious alternatives along
with you to your must-have massage
appointments. Your therapist and
your baby-to-be will thank you. Now,
take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy
S
yourself—that's the whole point. B
Elizabeth Wasserman, LCSW, is founder and CEO
of True Goods, an online shop for nontoxic personal
care and household goods. Fueled by a passion for
preventive health, a commitment to clean living, and
a strong belief in the power of informed prenatal
care, she launched True Goods with a mission to help
customers harness their purchasing power to create
healthier lives and a more sustainable environment.
10 Body Sense
Resources
Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. "Parabens." Accessed
December 2013. http://safecosmetics.org/article.
php?id=291
Environmental Working Group. "Body Burden: The
Pollution In Newborns. A Benchmark Investigation
of Industrial Chemicals, Pollutants and Pesticides
In Umbilical Cord Blood." Accessed December
2013. www.ewg.org/research/body-burdenpollution-newborns.
Scranton, Alexandra. "Secret Scents: The Hidden
Chemicals In Fragrance." Huffington Post: Healthy
Living. (March 19, 2013). Accessed December
2013. www.huffingtonpost.com/maria-rodale/
secret-scents-the-hidden_b_2907073.html.
True Goods. "Don't Get Greenwashed." Accessed
December 2013. www.truegoods.com/library/
posts/don-t-get-greenwashed.
True Goods. "EWG: Know the Ingredients in Your
Personal Care Products." Accessed December
2013. www.truegoods.com/library/posts/becomea-label-maven.
True Goods. "Fragrance: What's in a Name."
Accessed December 2013. www.truegoods.com/
library/posts/fragrance-whats-in-a-name.
True Goods. "Just the Essentials (Oils of Course)."
Accessed December 2013. www.truegoods.com/
library/posts/just-the-essentials-oils-of-course.
True Goods. "Men's Personal Care Matters."
Accessed December 2013. www.truegoods.com/
library/posts/mens-personal-care-matters.
True Goods. "Parabens Explained." Accessed
December 2013. www.truegoods.com/library/
posts/parabens-explained.