Is it safe for pregnant women to use body lotion with synthetic fragrance?
Based on 2 peer-reviewed studieshome
Verdict: Avoid
No. Fragrance blends hide phthalates that cross the placenta.
What's actually in it
"Fragrance" or "parfum" on an ingredient list can hide dozens of undisclosed chemicals, including phthalates used as fragrance carriers. Body lotion spreads across large skin area daily; absorption is efficient.
What the research says
A 2025 study in Nat Commun linked prenatal phthalate exposure to changes in newborn metabolism and slower infant neurodevelopment. A 2025 screening study mapped fragrance-related chemicals widely.
Switch to fragrance-free or essential-oil-only body lotion during pregnancy. Check for "phthalate-free" on the label.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Impact of prenatal phthalate exposure on newborn metabolome. | Nat Commun | 2025 |
| Chemical signatures for household consumer products. | Environ Sci Technol | 2025 |
What to use instead
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