Why to indulge (or steer clear) of this wellness trend during pregnancy.

Article & Photos courtesy of Well Rounded NY

We’ve been hearing the buzz about activated charcoal for a little while now, but what about activated charcoal for pregnancy? While we’re excited about the prospects of this cutting-edge wellness trend — cleansing, toxin-removing, complexion-improving and more — when it comes to pregnancy, it’s not always best to be on the cutting edge.

“There are very few studies investigating the safety of charcoal use in pregnancy, and it hasn’t been assigned a FDA pregnancy category for safety,” says Cara Dolin, MD, OB/GYN and Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellow at NYU Langone Medical Center. (Activated charcoal is basically common charcoal that’s been heated to help develop internal spaces to trap chemicals.)

But she continues, “Since charcoal isn’t systemically absorbed it probably doesn’t result in any significant exposure or harm to your baby if you eat or drink it. There is even less potential exposure if you use it in cosmetics or toothpaste.”

Below, we dig into the safety and effectiveness of activated charcoal for pregnancy, both on and in your body. And as with any health or wellness trend, talk to your doctor or midwife before giving it a try.

Digestive Cleanse
Product to Try: Dirty Lemon Raw Detox, which is made from a mixture of activated charcoal, pure, cold-pressed lemon juice, dandelion extract, ginger root extract, and filtered water. $65/1 weeks’ worth of juice.
What it does: Absorb and soak up toxins and other materials and pull them out through the digestive tract. The ginger and dandelion root can help with morning sickness or nausea, too.
What the experts say: “The source of the activated charcoal (in Dirty Lemon) is organic coconut shell, so you can feel safe and comfortable with its sourcing; along with the raw, cold pressed organic lemon juice,” says Dr. Laurie Brodsky, Naturopathic Doctor and expert for Dirty Lemon. “As with any cold pressed, unpasteurized juice, it is wise to be aware of the theoretical risks while pregnant, considering a weakened immune system against all kinds of foreign invaders. That being said, the dosage of charcoal is very low, yet highly therapeutic in the sense that in small, spread out dosages, you will still greatly benefit from its powerfully absorbing and cleansing mode of action.”
How to use it: “If pregnant and planning to use it as a simple, cleansing part of your routine, then it is best to drink it in small dosages (through a straw!) throughout the day to see how you feel. I usually recommend sipping the juice away from food, medications and supplements by at least a couple of hours, but depending on your diet and how often you eat/snack, that may vary,” says Brodsky. “As with all pregnancies, I suggest that you tune into your body to see how you feel physically upon sipping.”
Verdict: Sure, but with caution. Since charcoal binds to other substances in your stomach, it will decrease the absorption of your prenatal vitamin (or anything you eat around the time you take it), notes our OBGYN friend Dolin. Also, look out for unpleasant side effects, she says, such as bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, constipation and even possible bowel obstruction.

Teeth Whitening
Product to Try: Nature’s Way Activated Charcoal Capsules, $6.99
What it does: While activated charcoal won’t change the natural color of your teeth, it is said to help remove surface stains from coffee, tea, wine and even plaque. The fine powder is odorless, tasteless and safe to ingest.
How to use it: Pick up some activated charcoal tablets, then break them into a cup. Mix with a tiny bit of water to form a paste-like consistency. Dab it on your teeth then wait a few minutes and rinse. But don’t scrub!
What the experts say: “People don’t know how abrasive this stuff is and that it causes damage to the enamel if you brush with it. And there’s not enough information out there that convinces me that this really works. I haven’t seen anyone with major staining try it. I personally wouldn’t use it,” says Melissa Labbe, a registered dental hygienist at the Dr. Louis Spiegelman dental practice in New York. When it comes to pregnancy, she continues, “activated charcoal can have side effects when not used properly if ingested. Why take that chance of having problems during your pregnancy?”
Verdict: Probably not. The American Dental Association has not approved it as an official tooth whitener, and the effects are still iffy. Why bother?

Skin Detox
Product to Try: SoapBox Elements Black Body Wash, which is made from activated charcoal, coconut oil, olive oil, aloe, and essential oils $8.99
What it does: In this body wash, activated charcoal serves as a super-porous element that attracts toxins and purifies skin. Activated charcoal has been known to improve complexion and clear up acne, issues that can plague pregnancy skin.
What the experts say: “Activated Charcoal absorbs toxins and draws it out of your skin,” Ildi Pekar, facialist to lovely ladies like Miranda Kerr and supermodel Irina Shayk. “This, in turn, helps it to heal.”
How to use it: Scrub yourself down in the shower. Go ahead, give your belly a little extra massage. You deserve it.
Verdict: Yes!

This article is by Jessica Pallay, courtesy of Well Rounded NY. Conceived with love by former magazine editors Jessica Pallay and Kaity Velez, Well Rounded NY aims to be the singular pregnancy resource for city-savvy moms-to-be. Through reviews, profiles, expert Q&As, local guides and more, Well Rounded curates the New York City pregnancy and helps its readers come to terms – and term! – with pregnancy in the city.

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At Nine Naturals, we’re on a mission to make beauty simple, smart and safe for moms and moms-to-be. Integral to that is understanding our ingredients’ science and benefits. Today’s Nine Naturals Ingredient Story, featuring Tamanu Oil, is part of an ongoing series featuring the natural, plant-based ingredients behind our high-performance beauty products.

Extracted from the nut of the Calophyllum Inophyllum (Tamanu) tree—deemed sacred by Polynesian natives—tamanu oil helps to heal wounds and promote the generation of new tissue—a process known as cicatrization. Predominantly used to naturally combat skincare issues, including acne, anti-aging and scaring, tamanu oil is also considered a powerful first aid remedy for use on burns, cuts, insect bites, and blisters.

The Science and Extraction of Tamanu Oil

Cold pressed from the sun-dried nut of the yellow-skinned fruit of the Calophyllum Inophyllum (Tamanu) tree, which is indigenous to Southeast Asia—but profuse in East Africa, South India, Sri Lanka, and the Melanesian and Polynesian islands—this dark green, fragrant oil is unrefined and rich. Tamanu oil has been researched since the early 1900s for its many skin benefits. It contains many lipids and fatty acids, that are also found in the protective cell membrane and the intercellular matrix that holds layers of skin cells together. The three most abundant fatty acids in tamanu oil have unique, beneficial properties. Linoleic acid is quick-drying and acts as an anti-inflammatory. Oleic acid is rich, locking in extra moisture. Stearic acid helps water and oil mix to prevent all the many fatty acids in Tamanu oil from separating, create a smoother application without the need to shake.

Tamanu Oil's Benefits for Skin and Hair Care

Tamanu oil has a high capacity for absorption, making it an ideal skin and hair conditioner. Cold weather, indoor forced heat, and an ever-growing bump can leave your skin itchy and flaky, so rub pure tamanu oil—or a natural product that features the oil—into your epidermis to calm the irritation. To remedy damaged hair and promote healthy hair growth, apply tamanu oil to your roots before bedtime to allow the fatty-acid laden natural elixir to deeply penetrate each follicle down to the hair bulb, and then simply cleanse in the morning with a gentle shampoo.

Why Nine Naturals Loves Tamanu Seed Oil

Tamanu oil's moisturizing and healing properties make it a star ingredient in our skincare line. Reap its full range of benefits in our luxurious Natural Belly Oil. Its fast-absorbing formula, which also includes coconut oil, jojoba seed oil, and vitamin E, moisturizes and calms irritation without leaving skin feeling greasy.

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While pregnant, most women experience uncomfortable symptoms such as tenderness, nausea, fatigue, cravings, and increased urination. That is why Nine Naturals is excited to partner with Healthy Mama to bring you helpful tips on how to fight common symptoms, so you can have a happy, healthy pregnancy.

While many suggest that morning sickness might be a good sign that the baby is growing and healthy, let’s face it--feeling pregnancy nausea is miserable. Most experts agree that this common symptom, which affects 70% of pregnant women, is caused by the surge of hormones brought on by pregnancy. Most get relief after the first trimester when hormone levels have evened out a bit, but about 20% continue to feel nauseated throughout the whole nine months.

Feeling like you have the stomach bug for months feels awful and can suck the joy out of having a baby all together. Here are Nine Naturals’ and healthy mama®’s top tips for avoiding and treating morning sickness.

1. Start Strong.

Before getting out of bed in the morning, you may want to eat a light snack--think a few Saltine crackers--and get up slowly. Feel free to sit on the side of the bed for a few minutes before standing up. Don’t start moving around on an eight-hour empty stomach because it can bring nausea on strong. Despite its name, morning sickness can strike at any time of day or night, that’s why many moms-to-be even stash a snack on their nightstands.

2. Stay Hydrated.

Drink fluids often during the day to stay hydrated. Eight glasses a day may be hard when you’re feeling woozy but remember: dehydration will only make the problem worse. The colder the drink, the easier it’ll be to get down. Try Healthy Mama’s refreshing Boost it Up! Caffeine Free Protein Anti-Nausea Energy Drink, which is packed with protein, B-vitamins, fiber, ginger and electrolytes to help fight nausea. This drink was developed by nutritionists to be 100% safe during pregnancy, is OBGYN-recommended, and endorsed by the American Pregnancy Association.

3. Eat Right & Try Ginger.

Eat smaller, more frequent meals and avoid fatty foods -- they’re hard to digest. Foods and drinks with ginger can help too. For many centuries, ginger has been used in traditional Asian, Indian and Arabic medicine to help alleviate digestive problems, including nausea. Modern research, too, indicates that the root’s volatile oils and pungent phenol compounds, such as gingerols and shogaols, can in fact relieve stomach upset. Boost It Up! and Nip the Nausea use ginger as a key ingredient. Nip the Nausea! 100% Organic drops fit easily in your purse so you can take them with you wherever you go! And launching in February is the much anticipated Nip the Nausea! organic morning sickness capsules containing amounts of ginger and vitamin B6 clinically proven to help eliminate morning sickness without the drowsiness of drug options.

4. Enjoy Aromatic Fragrances.

Certain odors may trigger your gag reflex, since your sense of smell is heightened during pregnancy. If specific odors consistently bother you, you can try to minimize your exposure to them or avoid them altogether. Switching to all natural beauty products can help you reduce your exposure to chemical fragrances (as well as other additives that can harm you and your growing baby). Nine Naturals products are all-natural and free of synthetic fragrances; in fact, their light, natural fragrances utilize principles of aromatherapy especially for pregnant women. Nine Naturals' Citrus + Mint Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner, Vanilla + Geranium Regenerative Belly Butter, and Mandarin + Ginger Restorative Conditioner are all made with pure essential oils known to boost energy, lift moods, and relieve nausea.

Morning sickness is definitely not one of pregnancy’s main perks, but with a little bit of proactive planning -- and a few helpful products to help you along -- you’ll be feeling better, and gorgeously glowing, in no time.

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Outside the last amber colored leaves have fallen to the ground and the autumn rain has turned to snow, while inside the thermostat is slowly rising and the fireplace is ablaze – the winter season is upon us in all its frost-covered glory. Being pregnant during this joyous time of year can be magical (especially for those that get to share in your excitement), but it can also be stressful and exhausting. Here are Nine Naturals’ top tips to sneak must-needed relaxation into your day:

1. Make a spa.

Relaxing in a warm bath (versus a shower) is a common form of hydrotherapy (also known as water therapy) where heated water dilates blood vessels, thus increasing blood flow to aching muscles. Create a spa-like environment in your own bathroom by dimming the lights, turning on your favorite easy listening playlist, and soaking in a tub filled with warm water and a few drops of Nine Naturals Citrus + Geranium Soothing Pregnancy Body Wash. The lemon, lime and geranium essential oils will help harmonize emotions and hormones--DIY aromatherapy!

2. Get comfy.

Whether it be for leisure, work, play, or rest, you'll want to feel comfortable and confident. Don’t sacrifice comfort for style. Some of favorite versatile piece for any occasion are the breathable Belly Bandit B.D.A. Leggings, which provide pelvic and back support by snuggly cradling your burgeoning belly; the chic, navy Au Lait Nursing Tank, which works both pre-and post-baby; and a cozy, neutral-colored duster cardigan, which compliments most looks!

3. Take a Breather.

Step away from your desk at lunchtime and step into the downward dog position by attending a prenatal yoga class, which can decrease pregnancy-related aches and pains, while also increasing flexibility and strength needed during childbirth. Ease into the poses, breathe deeply and allow your body to release tension with each asana change. Post-class, refresh your hair with a dusting of organic dry shampoo and refresh your body with a swipe (or two) of Nine Naturals Unscented Pregnancy Deodorant, which contains non-nano zinc oxide to naturally control odor-causing bacteria. Armpits need to breathe too!

4. Let Loose.

Getting together with friends during the winter months can prove challenging as weekends fill up quickly, so suggest meeting up with your closest girlfriends for a Sunday morning (herbal) tea party. Reserve a table in a nearby upscale hotel restaurant and instruct all attendees to don their finest garb. Wearing your favorite figure flattering dress--we love the Ingrid & Isabel Empire Shirred Dress (in pinot)-- a sexy kitten heel, and a versatile scarf--try the Shopburu Minona Camera Scarf. Toast to your gal pals’ health, happiness, and success for the year to come.

Make rest and relaxation as much a priority as your work obligations, home to-do’s, and holiday errands this season, and for the remainder of your pregnancy.
Win the ultimate winter glow relaxation pack including Nine Naturals, Belly Bandit, Au Lait, Ingrid + Isabel, and Shopburu here:

NINE NATURALS WINTER PREGNANCY GLOW GIVEAWAY:

WEEK 3 RELAX & GLOW

According to Nine Naturals founder, Grace Lee, the average woman uses 12 beauty products a day, exposing herself to around 168 different ingredients--not a small number!

It is important to know what you put in and on your body, that's why Nine Naturals' mission has always been about educating moms-to-be on how to achieve a non-toxic pregnancy, avoiding lurking toxins in showers or opting for all-natural aluminum-free deodorant. We not only guarantee that our ingredients are purely derived from plants but also especially catered for a safe pregnancy. Just check out of ingredient glossary, which boasts pronounceable, high-quality ingredients from plant-based oils to exotic fruit butters.

YouBeauty agrees. This week's Daily Aha! said, "There’s no single, agreed-upon definition of “natural” in the beauty industry – so how do you know if your natural products are legit? When checking out labels, it may be helpful to refer to Nine Naturals’ ingredients list, which was developed to explain each of their natural ingredients, what it does, and what it’s made of." It also warned us to be smart. According to YouBeauty, not all natural products are good for you--"Soy is natural, but there have also been studies showing soy may also have an impact on hormones"--and not all natural beauty companies can afford a certification seal. Read more...

Staying hydrated might be front-and-center in your mind during the sunny summer season, but it's crucial to keep the hydration habit going strong when the weather turns cold as well. Cold and flu season can be more easily combated with a strong immune system, which needs proper hydration to maintain. Pregnant women in particular need to focus on drinking lots of fluids, as keeping the bloodstream hydrated facilitates the absorption and transportation of important nutrients to the fetus. Proper hydration also staves off some of pregnancy’s less pleasant symptoms, including morning sickness, headaches, and hemorrhoids.

Luckily, providing your body--and baby--with enough fluids is as easy as sipping a soothing cup of tea or slapping on some luxuriously replenishing Nine Naturals Natural Belly Oil. Here are our top tips on staying hydrated during the winter for optimum health and glowing skin--pregnant or not!

1. Drink Up

Aim to drink about eight to twelve full glasses of water daily. For every half hour of light exercise, add another glass. Not craving cold water when you're already feeling chilled? Hot herbal tea counts toward your overall fluid intake. Try ginger or peppermint varieties – both pregnancy-safe scents that help ease morning sickness and other tummy troubles. If you enjoy caffeinated tea, you’ll want to stick to about 200 mg or less of caffeine each day; that’s a little over two mugs of steeped black tea or around a 10 oz. cup of coffee.

2. Soup & Smoothies Equal Superfood

Are you on the bone broth bandwagon yet? This hydrating and healthful liquid gold can be sipped on its own or used as a base in a soup – just add nutritious veggies and a high quality protein, simmer and enjoy! We also like this curry noodle soup and this vegetable roast. Real juice, blended or cold-pressed, from fruits and vegetables efficiently and deliciously delivers vitamins and enzymes to your body's cells too. Some of our favorite blends are this super-pregnancy smoothie and this fruit and juice pop. Also try Bundle Organics' dark berry veggie, kale apple lemon ginger, and orange berry carrot ginger organic prenatal juices, which are packed full of OBGYN-recommended nutrients for expecting and new moms.

3. Eat Your Fluids

Fresh fruits and vegetables contain water, too, not to mention vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and more great stuff that does your body (and growing baby) need. If you're pregnant, it's also important to take a prenatal that meets your specific nutritional needs at each stage of the baby-growing game. Promise Prenatal Vitamins, which are formulated with just the right dosage of the right nutrients you need during each trimester, uses all-natural ingredients. Its Stage 2 + DHA is unique designed for 2nd and 3rd trimester, with increased vitamins as baby grows, and packed with Omega-3 DHA and Iron (to help avoid anemia).

4. Hydrate Outside-In

When outside air is cold, it contains less moisture, and as a result, so does your skin. This change causes your largest organ’s lipid-layer--the cells that retain moisture and protect it from elements--to become more susceptible to damage from harsh winds and UV rays. Indoor heat can further dry skin out. Pair these factors with the dryness that hormonal changes and stretching skin often create during pregnancy, and you may feel scaly, itchy and dry. Counter-attack with an air humidifier in your bedroom, and be sure to adjust your bodycare routine to give your skin a boost. Nine Naturals' Unscented Moisturizing Body Cream contains vitamin-rich plant extracts from broccoli seed, borage, and comfrey root that nourish your skin, help it to retain moisture and improve its elasticity. For chapped lips, try Nine Naturals' Simply Natural Lip Balm, which contains organic butters and oils packed full of nutrients to help your lips retain moisture.

Water is the key to life. Make sure you and baby get enough hydration and nutrients this winter by using these tips. Win our ultimate hydration pack including Nine Naturals ultra-moisturizing skincare, Bundle Organics Prenatal Juice Blend Variety Pack, and Promise Prenatal Pregnancy Vitamins!

Win the ultimate winter glow hydration pack including Nine Naturals, Bundle Organics, and Promise Prenatal here:

NINE NATURALS WINTER PREGNANCY GLOW GIVEAWAY:

WEEK 2 HYDRATE & GLOW

The long winter months can be tough on your body, not to mention your simple, streamlined beauty routines of balmier seasons past. Cold, blustery outdoor air and dry indoor heat sap skin of its natural moisture, leaving it duller, drier and itchier. Harsh UV rays are present even when it's cloudy and on top of that, sun beams reflect off of snow, exerting long-term damaging effects on skin and eyes. And don't get us started on frizzy, flat, winter hair... You might be tempted to hibernate until springtime… or to just hide out in a long, hot bath. But there's a better option. Simply switch up your self-care to accommodate the cold – showing a little extra love to your skin, eyes, and hair with the following tips:

Keep baths brief and water temperatures warm. Steamy showers and hot baths may feel soothing, but a hot-water habit can suck the natural oils from skin and hair, causing dryness and damage. To prevent split-ends and breakage to tresses, try Nine Naturals Citrus + Mint Nourishing Conditioner or Mandarin + Ginger Restorative Conditioner as an overnight hair mask.

Skip the bar soap and use a gentle, nourishing body wash. Due to the soap-making process, bar soap is inherently a more alkaline product than most body washes, which means it can be harsh and drying to the skin. Nine Naturals' Citrus + Geranium Soothing Pregnancy Body Wash is gentle enough for daily use, and contains avocado oil and cupuaçu butter to soften and moisturize even the driest skin.

Apply rich moisture right after bathing. Simply towel dry and then massage your favorite natural oil, lotion, or balm into skin--liberally. Reapply several times a day, especially if your skin is extra parched, and even when you think you’re set. Nine Naturals' Repairing Body Balm uses nutrient-rich, organic mongongo oil to repair and protect skin. Organic shea, cupuaçu, and mango butters in this power product help restore moisture and repair dry, cracked skin. This versatile balm can also be applied to dry lips, hands and heels and it's a perfect product to carry in your purse when you're on the go and temperatures are low.

Wear a natural sunscreen every day. While winter may not seem like sun-damage season, strong ultraviolet rays can wreak their havoc throughout the year, winter months included. These damaging rays pass right through clouds (and glass) and penetrate deep into skin and can cause long-term damage, even leading to skin cancer down the road. Hormonal changes during pregnancy also make skin more sensitive and more susceptible to discoloration and damage. Nine Naturals' Natural Sunscreen contains non-nano zinc oxide for broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and only eight (pronounceable and safe!) ingredients, including nutrient-dense jojoba seed oil and creamy shea butter to moisturize \and nourish your skin all year round.

Protect eyes from UV rays too. Winter 'sparkle and bright' can add up to a lot of UV exposure for eyes. Wear sunglasses with UV coating on the lenses to protect eyes – and the delicate skin around them – from sun damage. Our favorite shades from Little Boogaweezin (aka LB Brand) fit the bill in terms of protect and serious style. These super-chic I AM MODERN MOTHERHOOD round sunglasses have been spotted on celebrity mama Gwen Stefani and other notable mommybloggers all over social media.

Wear a wide-brimmed hat to take the sun-protective shade with you wherever you go. Sun damage to the face can cause fine lines, wrinkles, rough skin, moles, age spots… the list goes on. A wide-brimmed hat not only protects your face, it also protects your hair, which during pregnancy can become extra sensitive to UV rays as well. Our favorite, the Giselle straw hat from Mott 50, proves that a UV-protective headwear can gorgeously complement your face and wardrobe. With UPF 50, it'll protect all year round.

Give hair a boost. Your tresses take a bit of a beating in the winter, what with indoor heat, freezing winds and fuzzy hats. Stave off split ends, static, and other winter woes with daily damage control. Nine Naturals' Mandarin + Ginger Restorative Pregnancy Conditioner brings tired, dry hair back to life with super-nourishing organic emollients like Moroccan argan oil, shea butter, and macadamia seed oil. Use it as a leave-in conditioner all over or just on hair tips. Trust us, your hair will thank you.

May your season be merry, bright, and safe! Win the ultimate winter glow protection pack including Nine Naturals, Mott 50, and LB Brand here:

NINE NATURALS WINTER PREGNANCY GLOW GIVEAWAY:

WEEK 1 PROTECT & GLOW

The physical changes that your body undergoes during pregnancy—swelling, stretching, and shining (AKA, “pregnancy glow”)—can all be controlled and/or comforted by indulging your skin in plant-based oils. Especially during the fall and winter seasons, when cold weather strikes and these issues are exacerbated, these natural elixirs can also prevent and soothe cracked, wind burned and chapped skin.

Plant-based oils are not only non-toxic and therefore, pregnancy-safe, they are also rich in natural antioxidants and vitamins, making them a powerful, all-natural alternative to chemical-laden drugstore moisturizers and skin treatments. Botanical plant materials are non-greasy and non-comedogenic, making them safe for all skin types, as well as easily absorbed into the dermal layers of the skin. They defend the skin’s lipid barrier from environmental pollution, and act as a humectant to keep the skin moist. You can use botanical oils singularly or combine them with other botanical oils--and even makeup--to maximize skin care health.

Argan and coconut oils, while both tremendously beneficial to skin, are only two of the many plant-based oils that can pack a punch with only a tiny drop. Here are six lesser-known oils that can cleanse, moisturize and reduce skin imperfections:

• Borage Seed Oil: Produced from the Borage blossom, Borage oil contains essential fatty acids, including the highest naturally found concentration of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)—an omega-6 fatty acid—that, when processed by the body, is transformed into a hormone like substance that inhibits inflammation. Used to reduce redness and minimize the appearance of stretch marks, this oil can be found in Nine Naturals Vanilla + Geranium Regenerative Belly Butter.

• Tamanu Seed Oil: Tamanu oil, sourced from Southeast Asia, helps heal wounds and promote the generation of new tissue—a process known as cicatrization. This oil contains three type of lipids—neutral lipids, glycolipids, and phospholipids—in addition to calophyllic acid and calophyllife, as well as four fatty acids. All of tamanu oil’s components render it a superior non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, which is why it is a featured ingredient in Nine Naturals' Natural Belly Oil.

• Mango Butter Seed Oil: Cold-pressed mango butter seed oil—a great source of essential fatty acids, including linoleic and oleic acids—contains tannins that give the oil anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Commonly used as a base ingredient in body care products, mango butter seed oil can soothe dry, chapped skin, as well as help combat eczema and dermatitis. Find it in both Nine Naturals Simply Natural Lip Balm and Repairing Body Balm.

• Evening Primrose Oil: An essential ingredient in Nine Naturals Vanilla + Geranium Regenerative Belly Butter, evening primrose oil contains Vitamin E, GLA—one of the body’s essential fatty acids—and phenylalanine—a compound that can aid in pain relief.

• Avocado Oil: Extracted from the flesh of the avocado fruit, the super emollient avocado oil is rich in vitamins A, D, and E, lecithin, and potassium. The deeply penetrating oil, which is an ingredient in Nine Naturals Citrus + Geranium Soothing Body Wash, has anti-aging, anti-inflammatory and cellular regenerative properties, making it ideal for relieving dry skin and nourishing aging skin.

• Jojoba Seed Oil: Native to the Sonoran and Mojave deserts, this fatty-acid rich liquid wax, which is an ingredient in Nine Naturals’ Natural Belly Oil, is most similar in molecular structure to sebum—the oil that your skin’s sebaceous glands produce—therefore, with continued use it will balance out your own oil production.

Experiment with a variety of plant-based oils to discover which one (or two, or three) is best for addressing your specific skin and body care needs.

Pregnancy is the best time to switch out any products you've been using that may contain toxic chemicals for safer ones. But beware, not all products labeled "all-natural" may be free from harmful chemicals.

In an article for Mother Magazine, Suzanne Price, owner of Sprout, a natural and organic kids’ store, gives helpful advice on the dangers to avoid, as well as product recommendations (that include Nine Naturals products!):

“We all use more personal care products in a day than we probably realize. Many contain chemicals that, even in small doses, may not be good for us. However, the cumulative effects of using these chemicals spread out across different products added together, day after day, have never been tested. We do know that what you put on your skin ends up in your bloodstream and passes through the placenta, as well. Avoid fake fragrances that often contain phthalates, known endocrine disruptors that have already been banned in plastic toys for kids under 3...For a broader list of ingredients to avoid, see Sprout’s Healthy Baby Guide. Another good resource to determine if a specific brand or product is safe is EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetics Database.”

Our Products That Made The List:
Nine Naturals Citrus Mint Shampoo, $19, Amazon.
Nine Naturals Citrus Mint Conditioner, $20, Credo.
Nine Naturals Citrus Geranium Bodywash, $19, Amazon.

Read More on Mother Magazine...

At Nine Naturals, we’re on a mission to make beauty simple, smart and safe for moms and moms-to-be. Integral to that is understanding our ingredients’ science and benefits. Today’s Nine Naturals Ingredient Story featuring Broccoli Seed Oil is part of an ongoing series featuring the natural, plant-based ingredients behind our high performance beauty products.

Broccoli Seed oil, pressed from the seeds of the broccoli plant—yes, the cruciferous vegetable you enjoy with your dinner—has recently gained popularity in the cosmetics and personal care industries as a wonderful emollient and natural alternative to silicones. Siloxanes appear in most mainstream skincare, sunscreen, and deodorant products but have been repeatedly flagged as endocrine inhibitors and bioaccumulative toxins. In lab experiments, they have been shown to harm the nervous, immune and reproductive systems, even causing uterine tumors. Silicones may interfere with hormone balances, too, which can negatively impact fertility. Because they can build up in your system over time, it's crucial to protect yourself from these toxins, especially before and during pregnancy.

The Science and Extraction of Broccoli Seed Oil

Cold pressed from the seeds of the Brassica Oleracea Italica plant, this pale green oil is pure, extra virgin, unrefined, and boasts natural oxidative stability thanks to its rich fatty acid profile. It gushes with erucic acid—itself loaded with healthy omega 9's.The oil's unique combination of essential fatty acids and powerful antioxidants makes it ideal in natural skincare and haircare, where it functions much like synthetic silicones—moisturizing, protecting and stabilizing—without interfering with your body's natural hormone balances or harming your reproductive health. What's more, broccoli seed oil offers additional benefits, many of which are still being discovered; not only does this natural marvel nourish and soothe skin and hair, but studies indicate it contains cancer-fighting properties as well.

Broccoli Seed Oil's Benefits for Skin and Hair Care

Broccoli seed oil is a naturally anti-inflammatory, as well as highly emollient without being greasy, making it an ideal, deep moisturizer for skin and hair. Its quick penetrating properties hydrate skin, and provide lasting free-radical damage protection. The oil's erucic acid content beautifully replaces (and outshines) silicones in shampoos and conditioners, imparting lasting sheen and luster to hair without leaving a greasy feeling behind.

Why Nine Naturals Loves Broccoli Seed Oil
Broccoli Seed Oil's natural stability and powerful moisturizing and protective properties make it an ideal product in our skincare and haircare lines. Reap its full range of benefits in our Vanilla + Geranium Regenerative Belly Butter, Unscented Moisturizing Body Cream, Citrus + Mint Nourishing Conditioner and Mandarin + Ginger Restorative Conditioner.