New Mom Beauty Swaps

Sure, you belly- and baby-proofed the fridge and pantry (au revoir, wine and sushi!), but what about your bathroom toiletries and makeup bag? You may not realize it, but many of your favorite beauty products could be housing potentially harmful additives, like parabens, phthalates, artificial colors and formaldehyde to name a few. That doesn’t sound so pretty, right? Take an inventory of what’s in your current regimen and which products you use most, then see if you can swap in some of these all-natural, chemical-free alternatives.

It’s not just moms-to-be who are worried about the chemical concoction lurking in lots of polishes—more and more brands are changing over to three-free formulas (no formaldehyde, toluene or dibutyl phthalate). Butter London was one of the first to do it, and it’s still going strong with high-fashion, eco-chic colors like Marrow, La Moss and All Hail The Queen.  

$15 each, RickysNYC.com

Priti NYC’s soy-based polish remover expertly does the job—even without all the harsh additives. Bonus: The refreshing lemongrass scent is actually nice-smelling.

$23 for 4 fl. oz., PritiNYC.com

While cocoa butter is a no-brainer, you’ll want to upgrade to Josie Maran’s luxe balm made from argan oil. This versatile multitasker does it all (really!): It nourishes cracked skin, softens chapped lips, heals dry cuticles, reduces stretch marks, and is light enough to tame frizzy ends without weighing them down.

$39, Amazon.com

Mama Mio’s Gorgeous Glow Facial Wash smells like lavender and is filled with lots of natural goodies, like probiotics, moisturizing oils and antioxidants. The Gorgeous Glow Facial Swipes offer the same goodness in a portable size so you can freshen up post-workout.

Facial Wash, $33; Facial Swipes, $16 for a pack of 30, MioSkincare.com

Shiny, lustrous hair that smells citrus fresh and gets super-clean with the help of organic juices and botanical extracts? Sign us up, please!

$17, JuiceBeauty.com

Do you cringe when you think about dealing with dark roots or gray hairs for nine months? Then this will make your day. Madison Reed has perfected an at-home color formula that’s free of all the chemicals found in drugstore brands.  Plus, it makes it super-easy to get rich-looking results with an organized kit that includes step-by-step directions and access to professional stylists via email, chat or phone.

From $25, Madison-Reed.com

Developed by a top dermatologist, Aden + Anais’s Hair + Body Wash is oh-so nourishing thanks to its main ingredient, a “wonder fruit” called pawpaw. Short on time? The tear-free formula also doubles as a shampoo (someone’s looking out for moms). Oh, and it’s safe for baby too, so get ready to share.

$16, adenandanais.com

Burt’s Bees is the gold standard of 100 percent natural lip care, and its tinted balms, which come in nine shades, give lips a pretty, natural-looking hue. Try Red Dahlia for a hint of rich red (it’s a sheer alternative to red lipstick, since it’s hard to find a red that’s free of artificial coloring).

$7, BurtsBees.com

Synthetic fragrance is a definite pregnancy don’t so most perfume is off-limits. That is until now. Created by a former fashion magazine exec who couldn’t find a luxe-yet-safe scent to wear while pregnant, Pour le Monde perfumes come in three elegant, all-natural aromas: Envision (exotic lavender, vanilla and spicy citrus blend); Together (classic, woodsy and floral); and Empower (fresh, unisex, citrus scent).

$82 for 1.7 fl. oz., PourleMondeParfums.com

Pregnancy can leave your lashes limp—or even make some fall out—so mascara will be your best friend. But certain brands contain a toxic preservative called diazolidinyl urea. Enter Physicians Formula Organic Wear 100 percent Natural Origin CC Curl + Care Mascara. This green-as-they-come formula will plump up your lashes, while the recyclable sculpting brush will add eye-opening curl.

$10, PhysiciansFormula.com

Not all women get that pregnancy glow; some get that pregnancy breakout. Belli’s Anti-Blemish Basics kit is one of few acne treatments that’s ob-gyn and dermatologist recommended. Cleanse with the lactic acid facial wash, then follow up with the acne control spot treatment to keep a check on baby-induced blemishes.

$30, BelliSkincare.com

Sun protection should always be a priority, but never more so than when you’re pregnant and your sensitive skin is more prone to burns. The Honest Company’s all-natural, mineral-based sunscreen lotion is so safe and gentle you can even use it on baby once he arrives. 

$14, Honest.com