The best way to choose lipstick and other beauty products during pregnancy is to know what you don't want in your lipstick. Manufacturers are required to disclose their ingredients, so you should familiarize yourself with these and avoid them as you look for the perfect lipstick. Lead and Other Metals A study by the University of California found lead and nine other toxic heavy metals in lipstick from leading brands, including Cover Girl, L'Oreal Paris, Revlon, and more. The study found chromium, aluminum, cadmium, manganese, and lead, as well as other metals. The human body struggles with eliminating toxic heavy metals. They accumulate and cause health problems. For example, toxic levels of lead can cause hormonal changes that affect your baby's development. Lead also causes neurotoxicity, a condition resulting in learning, language, and behavioral problems.  Preservatives Many of the dangerous chemicals used in lipstick are used as a preservative. Something you can look for is sodium benzoate. This is a natural preservative that is safe for most people.  Polyparaben- Polyparaben is used to stop the oily part of lipstick from turning rancid. While it does prevent the growth of mold and other harmful bacteria, it is also a common allergen and known endocrine disruptor.  Methylparaben- This is a common ingredient in lipsticks and other cosmetics because it prevents fungus and works as a preservative. Even though it is eliminated fairly quickly by the body, it is a known carcinogen. Methylparaben is also restricted in most cosmetics sold in Europe. Pregnant women should also avoid it because of its effects on estrogen in the body. Tocopherol acetate- Also listed as vitamin E acetate, this ingredient is lab-created vitamin E commonly used in skin products. They work as an antioxidant and heal and condition the skin. However, it has also been shown to increase the effects of UV rays. it also causes allergic reactions in some people. Retinyl Palmitate This is one of the most dangerous vitamin A derivatives. It's used as a preservative and works by repairing collagen and elastin. However, when retinol compounds are exposed to ultraviolet light, they produce toxins and mutations that may cause cancer. If you do use any products with retinyl palmitate, you'll want to avoid wearing them in direct sunlight. It's better used as makeup for date night than for a sunny day at the beach.  Dyes Lipstick comes in a wide range of colors, from pinks, reds, and browns, to blues, purples, and blacks. Unfortunately, many lipsticks are made using dyes from petroleum or aluminum products. These are hard for the body to eliminate and some are even carcinogenic. You'll want to use FD&C colors if you choose synthetic- these are approved by the FDA (Food & Drug Administration) to be used in food, cosmetics, and medicine.  D&C colors are not approved for food because they have a low risk in animal studies, however, it could still be dangerous. They are only approved for use in cosmetics and household products. The best option is choosing lipstick colors that use natural dyes like cocoa, beetroot, or fruit. You can be sure these will not have a bad interaction as long as you aren't allergic to them.