QuestionHello,
I am using a new moisturizer with a tiny bit of Vitamin A in there. There are all natural ingredients and I know the person that created the line. She reassured me that the Vitamin A used is pure Vitamin A- no synthetic ingredients are involved in making this ingredient, but it is a form of RETINYLPALMITATE. I am 8.5 weeks pregnant and want to know if it's Ok to continue to use.
I am using the following containing Vitamin A:
- Facial Serum with only Vitamin C and A
- Eye Cream containing Vitamin A
- Moisturizer containing Vitamin A
AnswerWhile I have not read any studies regarding this issue, I do know that it is very difficult to over-ingest Vitamin A, and therefore I doubt that the very small amounts that you are absorbing through your skin will have a negative impact on you or your developing baby.
It's very common for pregnant women to be hyper vigilant about health concerns, and this is a good thing. Prenatal health should be uncompromising. So if you think this issue will nag at you, even though on an intellectual level you know that's it's OK, why not switch products for the rest of your pregnancy so you'll be more at ease?
When selecting personal care products, look for items that do not contain phthalates (sometimes spelt thalates, though in the USA this ingredient does not have to be listed), petroleum products, fragrances and dyes.
Also avoid products which contain Lavender oil which has been shown to have a negative effect on male fetuses. Its effects on females is less clear, but all pregnant women should avoid Lavender oil, to be on the safe side.
