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. Everyday items like shampoo, lotion, or deodorant might seem harmless, but some of them carry chemicals that can quietly affect hormone levels. It’s not the products themselves, but what goes into them that can make a difference. Choosing safer, gentle options is a small step that can better support fertility in the long run.
Why Your Self-Care Routine Matters
You use a range of products every day without giving it a second thought. These include moisturisers, shampoos, perfumes, body washes, deodorants, and even face masks or hair treatments. You may unknowingly absorb them through your skin or inhale, which then enters your bloodstream.Your hormones are extremely crucial for your fertility when you are trying to conceive. Since your blood also carries vital hormones, the chemicals affect their balance. Your ovulation, egg quality, or your menstrual cycle may be influenced even with the slightest changes.
Understanding Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs)
The endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are a major concern in personal care products. These are harmful substances that interfere with your hormone system and can negatively affect your reproductive health.- Phthalates: Found in fragrances, nail polishes, and some shampoos.
- Parabens: Used as preservatives in lotions, creams, and makeup.
- Triclosan: Often found in antibacterial soaps and toothpaste.
- BPA: Used in plastic containers and product packaging.
Steps to Choose Safer Self-Care Products
You can follow some simple steps to protect your health while trying to conceive.1. Start by Checking the Ingredient List
You must know what you are using on your body in the form of self-care. Always check and understand the ingredient list while choosing the products. It is best to avoid products with words such as methylparaben, ethylparaben, or diethyl phthalate.Another word to be cautious about is fragrance or perfume. These are broader terms to hide a mixture of chemicals, including phthalates.
2. Look for "Fragrance-Free" Instead of "Unscented"
You may think you are safe if you use unscented products, but that is not true. Some unscented products still use chemicals to mask odours. On the other hand, fragrance-free means no added perfumes at all, which is a better option when you may want to avoid chemicals affecting your hormones.3. Choose Natural and Plant-Based Products
Many natural self-care brands now offer clean beauty products made from plant oils, essential oils, and herbal extracts. These products tend to avoid harsh chemicals, even though natural does not always mean safe.Read the label of such products carefully so that there are no hidden chemicals. Please take care when you use natural essential oils, as some can affect hormone levels or trigger sensitivities.
4. Use Fewer Products When Possible
Your skin and hair do not always need a 10-step care routine. Limit the number of products you use daily to avoid chemical exposure. This lowers your chances of absorbing or inhaling potentially harmful ingredients.Always use a gentle cleanser, a mild moisturiser, and a mineral-based sunscreen. You can opt for make-up brands that are marked non-toxic, paraben-free, or pregnancy-safe.
5. Go for Products with Third-Party Certifications
When your products have trustworthy certifications from the following organisations, they are usually safer choices.- EWG Verified (Environmental Working Group)
- USDA Organic
- Made Safe
- NSF/ANSI 305 (for personal care products with organic ingredients)
6. Avoid Aerosol Products
Dry shampoo, body sprays, or air fresheners are aerosol sprays, which means they release chemicals into the air that you inhale.Prefer to use creams, roll-ons, or solid forms instead of using such sprays to reduce chemical exposure if you are trying to conceive.
Don't Forget About Your Partner
Fertility is crucial not just for women, but also for men. So, when men use products with EDCs, they may experience lower sperm quality or hormone imbalances.Please encourage your partner to check their shaving creams, deodorants, and colognes too.
What About Hair Dyes and Salon Treatments?
You may have to wait to get hair colour and other salon services until after the first trimester, or avoid them completely while trying to conceive. Some hair dyes and chemical treatments contain ammonia, formaldehyde, or resorcinol, which can be harmful when inhaled or absorbed through the skin.Consider using plant-based or ammonia-free dyes when dyeing your hair, and make sure the salon has proper ventilation.
Gradual Changes Are Okay
You do not need to throw away all your products, but instead transition slowly. Replace one product at a time as it runs out after use. You can start with the products that you use most often, such as moisturisers or body wash.Your focus is to reduce your chemical load in your body over time, not to stress over every ingredient. Making even the slightest changes in your routine will support your fertility.
Whether you’re trying to conceive or navigating IVF, you’re not alone. Join our supportive communities to connect, share, and find strength with others on the same journey.
FAQs on How to Choose Safer Self-Care Products When You’re Trying to Conceive
- Are natural or herbal products always safe when trying to conceive?
Some herbal ingredients may affect hormone levels or interact with medications. Therefore, always read labels carefully and consult your doctor about using any new natural product. - How can I check if a product is safe for fertility?
Check your products to see if they are marked fragrance-free, paraben-free, and phthalate-free. You can also use resources like the EWG Skin Deep Database to check product safety ratings. - Do I need to stop using makeup completely while trying to conceive?
You do not have to give up using makeup, but opt for non-toxic, mineral-based, and clean beauty brands that avoid harsh chemicals or endocrine disruptors.
