Body care during pregnancy

Although many body care products can be used safely during pregnancy, some may pose risks to you and your baby because of the ingredients they contain. Certain physical activities should also be avoided during pregnancy.

Insect repellent

Insect repellents offer the best protection against both mosquito and tick bites. During pregnancy, it’s best to choose a repellent containing DEET or picaridin. Do not apply it more than twice a day.

You can also opt for a soybean oil repellent. However, it will not protect you against tick bites.

It’s recommended to use insect repellents with no more than 30% DEET, 20% picaridin, or 2% soybean oil. Follow the product label’s instructions on when to reapply.

To date, there is no evidence that the use of any of these insect repellents is harmful to fetal health. However, you should still do your best to limit your exposure to these products.

To do so, apply repellent to your clothes instead of your skin, if the product’s formulation allows. You can also apply the product only to the parts of your body that will be exposed to mosquitoes or ticks. Once you’ll no longer be exposed, wash the skin where the insect repellent was applied with soapy water to remove any residue.

To further reduce your risk of being bitten, wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and pants. You can even add a mosquito net to your hat if you’re planning longer outdoor outings (e.g., hiking, camping).

Some clothing is made of specially designed fabric that prevents mosquitoes from biting through it. Permethrin-treated clothing is also an option. It repels mosquitoes and ticks before they bite, as it is an irritant for these insects.

Permethrin-treated clothing is recommended during pregnancy. However, it should not be worn while breastfeeding, as the newborn may come in close contact with the product.

Insect repellents to avoid during pregnancy

Citronella oil is not recommended during pregnancy, as its effect wears off quickly (after about half an hour). As you have to apply it more often to protect yourself from bites, your exposure to this product increases.

Mosquito repellents containing eucalyptus, camphor, or essential oils that can repel mosquitoes should also be avoided during pregnancy. These products are not currently recommended for pregnant women due to the lack of data on their use.

Cosmetics

Throughout your pregnancy, you may continue to use makeup and moisturize your skin with face, hand, and body creams.

However, active ingredients in products that contain medicinal ingredients or essential oils could pose a risk to you or the fetus, even if they’re sold over-the-counter. If you use products that contain these substances, ask your health professional (doctor, specialized nurse practitioner, midwife, or pharmacist) if you can continue to use them during your pregnancy.

Likewise, avoid skin products that contain retinoids (chemical compounds of vitamin A), especially tretinoids, as these chemical compounds are associated with birth defects. Retinoids are found mainly in anti-wrinkle creams, acne treatments, and tanning products.

Sunscreen

During your pregnancy, you should continue to protect your skin from the sun’s rays. To reduce the risks associated with sun exposure, stay in the shade as much as possible and wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.

If you can’t avoid sun exposure, apply sunscreen regularly to unprotected areas of your skin. Choose a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 that protects you from both UVA and UVB rays (broad spectrum).

Opt for a sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These two mineral-based ingredients are considered the safest for use during pregnancy. Also, make sure the sunscreen you choose displays the Canadian Dermatology Association’s Recognized Sun Protection logo on its packaging.

Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply after swimming and after moderate- to high-intensity physical activity.

Don’t forget to protect your face from the sun. Wearing sunscreen can, among other things, help minimize the look of pregnancy mask, brown patches that develop on the face of some pregnant women due to pregnancy hormones. Sun exposure can make these spots more pronounced. Pregnancy mask can appear on the forehead, temples, cheeks, nose, and upper lip.

Laser hair removal and electrolysis

To date, no scientific studies have examined the risks of electrolysis and laser hair removal for pregnant women and the fetus. It’s therefore best not to have them done during your pregnancy.

In addition, the hormonal changes caused by pregnancy make your skin more sensitive. As a result, laser hair removal and electrolysis can lead to skin reactions (e.g., redness, swelling, burning sensation) and dark spots on the skin, which will fade over time.

Hair products

You can use hair styling products and treatments (e.g., dyes, colour-depositing shampoos, highlights, and perms) during your pregnancy without worry, as they pose no risk to you or your baby.

However, daily use of these products may not be recommended. If you work in a hair salon, tell your doctor, midwife, or specialized nurse practitioner (SNP).

Hot tubs, saunas, and tanning salons

It’s not advisable to use a hot tub or sauna or go to a tanning salon while pregnant. Even if the heat doesn’t bother you, it can raise your body temperature.

A significant increase in your body temperature during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, can be harmful to fetal development. Studies have shown a link between increased body temperature and the risk of miscarriage or neural tube defects.

However, a 2018 study found that even when a pregnant woman uses a hot tub or sauna, her body temperature does not exceed 36.9°C and 37.6°C respectively. According to the authors, these temperatures fall below what is considered dangerous.

If you choose to use a hot tub while pregnant, take the following precautions:

• Limit your time in the hot tub to 10 minutes or less.
• Don’t use hot tubs with temperatures over 39°C.
• Avoid using a hot tub more than once a week.
• Get out of the hot tub if you are sweating, if you feel dizzy or think you are going to pass out, if your feet feel numb, if you have a stomachache, or if your heart is beating faster or irregularly.
• Make sure you are accompanied by another adult.

Tanning salons are not recommended, whether you’re pregnant or not. In addition to increasing body temperature, tanning booths cause prolonged exposure to UV rays, which accelerates skin aging and increases the risk of developing skin cancer.

Nail polish and artificial nails

Nail polish is one of the beauty products you should approach with caution during pregnancy, whether it’s regular polish or gel. Nail polishes and manicure products sometimes contain substances known for their potential toxicity, such as phthalates or hydroquinone.

Artificial nail products and nail polish removers, especially those containing acetone, can expose you to chemicals through inhalation during application or removal. These products can also be absorbed through the nail.

Studies have shown that regular use of nail polish can lead to higher concentrations of certain chemical compounds in the blood. Their effects on pregnancy and the development of the fetus remain poorly understood.

However, some nail polishes contain fewer potentially toxic ingredients (e.g., 21-free and 24-free products). These polishes are considered less harmful, even if they still contain certain chemicals.

If you want to apply nail polish during your pregnancy:

• Choose products with the fewest potentially harmful ingredients possible
• Apply nail polish in a well-ventilated area
• Wear a mask to limit the risk of inhalation

To find out if other products should be avoided during pregnancy, see our fact sheet: Pregnancy: What you need to know about chemicals

Things to keep in mind

• It’s a good idea to check with a doctor or pharmacist before using any skin product, whether it’s sold over-the-counter or not.
• Hair products are generally safe for occasional use.
• It’s best to avoid hot tubs, saunas, and tanning salons during pregnancy.

Scientific review: Anouk Landry, nursing staff manager for the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, CHU Sainte-Justine Research and copywriting:The Naître et grandir team Updated: April 2026

Photo: iStock/skynesher