Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Avoid Pregnancy: Avoid Breastfeeding: Avoid What We Know: Tanning beds emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation, primarily UVA rays with smaller amounts of UVB, to induce skin pigmentation. This radiation can cause DNA damage and is classified as a known human carcinogen by the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Limited Pregnancy: Avoid Breastfeeding: Limited What We Know: Microblading and permanent makeup are forms of cosmetic tattooing that use needles to deposit pigment into the dermal layer of the skin. These procedures are commonly used for eyebrows, eyeliner, and lip color enhancement, with microblading specifically referring to a manual technique…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Limited Breastfeeding: Safe What We Know: Eyelash extensions involve attaching synthetic fibers to natural lashes using adhesives containing cyanoacrylate. Lash lifts use chemicals including thioglycolic acid to permanently curl natural lashes, similar to a perm for eyelashes. For individuals trying to conceive, eyelash extensions and lash lifts are…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Limited Breastfeeding: Safe What We Know: Teeth whitening treatments typically contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide as the active bleaching agents. These are available in various concentrations in professional dental treatments, over-the-counter products, and custom trays. For individuals trying to conceive, teeth whitening is generally considered safe. No…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Limited Breastfeeding: Safe What We Know: Laser hair removal uses concentrated light energy absorbed by hair pigment to damage follicles and reduce hair growth. Various types of lasers and intense pulsed light (IPL) devices are used for this purpose, with different wavelengths and energy settings. For individuals trying…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Limited Pregnancy: Avoid Breastfeeding: Limited What We Know: Botox (botulinum toxin) is used cosmetically to reduce the appearance of wrinkles by temporarily paralyzing muscles. Dermal fillers, including hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, and poly-L-lactic acid, are injectable substances used to restore volume and smooth lines in the face. For individuals trying…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Limited Breastfeeding: Safe What We Know: Traditional nail polishes and manicure products may contain various chemicals including toluene, formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate, camphor, and ethyl acetate. Newer “non-toxic” formulations have eliminated some of these chemicals. For individuals trying to conceive, nail polish and manicures are generally considered safe when…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Limited Breastfeeding: Limited What We Know: Spray tans contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a color additive that reacts with amino acids in the skin’s surface to produce a temporary tan. Commercial spray tans may also contain fragrances, preservatives, and other additives. For individuals trying to conceive, spray tans are generally…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Safe Breastfeeding: Safe What We Know: Waxing involves the application of warm or hot wax to the skin, which is then removed along with unwanted hair. The primary considerations for waxing during reproductive periods involve skin sensitivity, infection risk, and comfort rather than systemic effects. For individuals trying…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Limited Breastfeeding: Safe What We Know: Hair dyes contain various chemicals including aromatic amines, phenols, and hydrogen peroxide. Modern hair dyes have been reformulated to reduce potentially harmful substances compared to earlier formulations. For individuals trying to conceive, hair dye is generally considered safe. No clinical evidence suggests…