Few people warn you that pregnancy turns your beauty routine into a pop quiz. One day you’re mindlessly slathering on whatever smells and feels good. The next, you’re squinting at an ingredient list in the shower, phone in one wet hand, searching whether the formula you’ve used for five years is suddenly off-limits. Somewhere in the middle of all that label-reading, I started looking more closely at a longtime favorite—Lush.
I’ve been a fan of Lush’s formulas since high school, when I became obsessed with the chocolate mask that looked fresh enough to eat. Now, as an expecting mom, I appreciate Lush’s straightforward ingredient lists in a whole new way. While only one Lush product—aptly named The Bump Massage Bar ($16)—is specifically formulated for a pregnant belly, the brand says it’s confident customers can continue using their regular Lush routines throughout pregnancy safely. (The brand’s guide for expecting customers explains how The Bump was developed and assessed for safety, along with guidance on using other Lush products during pregnancy.)
Still, pregnancy safety comes down to the individual product. Certain ingredients, including topical retinoids, are generally recommended against during pregnancy, so reviewing your routine with your dermatologist or prenatal care provider is worthwhile. “For most people, rinse-off products such as soaps, shampoos and body washes are generally lower concern because exposure is brief,” says Miami dermatologist Anna Chacon, MD. “However, fragranced products, essential oils and botanicals can still irritate sensitive skin or trigger allergic contact dermatitis, which can be more noticeable during pregnancy.”
For formulas that stay on the skin, she advises: “For leave-on products or products used over large areas of skin, it is especially reasonable to keep formulations simple and fragrance-free when possible. Patch testing a new product on a small area first is also helpful, particularly for those with eczema, rosacea or a history of fragrance sensitivity.”
Lush ambassador and aesthetician Amity Murray encourages clients to “try to be present and focus on yourself during this pre-baby time,” and having familiar favorites in my routine helped me do just that. Ahead, my favorites.
My Favorite Lush Products During Pregnancy and Beyond
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