Free Shipping On All Orders Of $75+
Free Shipping On All Orders Of $75+
January 31, 2022 4 min read
As a mother of three formula-free kiddos (one of whom we're still weaning as of this writing) I can say one thing for certain: if you're breastfeeding, you deserve some quality self-care. Believe it or not, Wild Ice actually started out as a soap company; we sold the soap I designed for my myself and my first little one back when she was a newborn infant.
Through my own experience and from speaking to other moms, I have learned this: If an indulgent skincare routine is one of your favorite ways to unwind after a day of caring for Baby then you’re far from being alone. And if you're at least a teensy bit worried about what's in the products that make up that routine then I and countless other moms are right there with you.
It is never a waste of time to be deliberate about which products you’re using.
Some skincare ingredients can actually be transferred from you to your baby through your breastmilk, after you’ve put them on your skin. Others may be transferred through skin to skin contact.
So naturally, you don’t want to be using anything that could harm your sweet little one. And really, if these ingredients are harmful for your baby, do you want to be using them on yourself in the first place? I didn’t think so.
Keep reading for my list of breastfeeding skincare no-no’s, and a guide to safe skincare during breastfeeding. All of the products we recommend are safe, gentle and nourishing for your skin, even long after your little one has stopped nursing. (However, it’s still a good idea to check with your doctor before trying anything new.)
If any of these ingredients are in your skincare lineup, put them away until after you’re done breastfeeding.
Retinols and retinoids are typically used for improving skin tone and reducing the visible signs of aging. These products are derivatives of vitamin A, and studies have shown that when vitamin A is ingested orally, it can be damaging to a developing fetus.
Less research has been done on whether vitamin A products like retinols and retinoids applied topically can hurt a nursing baby, but most practitioners recommend against using them to be cautious.
Hydroquinone is typically used to reduce hyperpigmentation of the skin. There hasn’t been enough research on hydroquinone and breastfeeding to determine whether it’s safe for a nursing mother to use. However, this ingredient is banned in many countries for its carcinogenic properties. In our opinion, that’s enough reason to avoid this ingredient altogether, not just when you’re nursing!
Clindamycin is an antibiotic that’s applied topically to the skin. It’s typically used on severe cases of acne. Experts recommend against using it during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Vitamin C is an excellent and safe product to use in its place. (More on that in a bit!)
There’s been an influx of hemp and cannabis skincare recently; and for good reason! It has some awesome, anti-inflammatory properties. However, because these products are rather new, there hasn’t been much research on how they can affect nursing mothers. Therefore, it’s good to put a pause on these just in case.
You may get a different answer about this product based on who you ask, but many experts consider salicylic acid to be generally safe to use while you’re breastfeeding. However, if you put it on an area your baby comes into contact with, like your chest, it can pose a threat to the baby. So we suggest avoiding it out of caution.
Skincare while nursing can be tough to figure out. So in general, it’s best to go with the most natural ingredients you can find. Here are a few good ones:
We have two words for all of the breastfeeding mamas out there: Vitamin C. This holy grail product is safe for pregnancy and can temporarily (or permanently!) replace many of the unsafe products listed above.
Vitamin C is excellent at reducing hyperpigmentation in place of dangerous ingredients like hydroquinone. It also combats hormonal acne, which you may be all too familiar with after your pregnancy.
We’ve formulated our Cryo-C vitamin C serum with a form of lipid-soluble vitamin C that’s higher quality than most of the C-serums on the market, so you see actual results. Our well over 100 five-star customer reviews are a testament to the glow you get from daily use. (But feel free to tell everyone it’s your new-mom glow; we can keep a secret!)
Breastfeeding can dehydrate you and your skin, so in addition to drinking lots of water, it’s important to use skincare products that lock in moisture. Squalene is an ideal choice for that, and it’s totally safe to use around Baby.
We recommend ending your day by giving yourself a well-deserved massage with our squalene-rich Berry Boreal Body Oil . We’ve lovingly packed this serum with anti-inflammatory calendula to soothe tired skin.
If you’re not comfortable using salicylic acid to treat your acne, white willow bark is an excellent, gentler alternative. (More on that here .)
This plant extract is the star of the show in our Three Seed and White Willow Mask, which we’ve dubbed the Yuki-Onna Facial . This mask is a spa day for when you can’t actually make it to the spa. Full of refining acids and polishing seeds, you can get that good glow while nursing your little one to sleep.
If ever there were a time to indulge in yourself and your skincare, the tumultuous early days of motherhood are it. We’re proud to have formulated a line of products devoid of the toxic ingredients that would make breastfeeding unsafe for your little one.
We also keep all of our products cold until the moment they ship to you, meaning we don’t use toxic preservatives either. We want only the best for your baby and for you. You can get started caring for yourself today with our 4 step facial set , which saves you over 20 percent on your purchase.
Mila (pronounced 'mee-luh') is mother of three, wife, and founder of Wild Ice, an all-natural cold-preserved skincare line dedicated to bringing the best of care to women everywhere.
Comments will be approved before showing up.
May 08, 2022 3 min read
May 06, 2022 2 min read
April 22, 2022 2 min read
I can’t say enough about all the Wild Ice products! The toner is light and refreshing and is the perfect addition to my skin routine. I highly recommend all her products if you are craving beautiful skin!
My face feels so hydrated and smooth. Love how it looks too
Started this 4 step set 2 weeks ago and was hooked after the 1st day. Can't wait to post my 6 week progress photo. With each use I keep changing my mind to which one is my favorite. I look forward every morning and evening to the fresh feel of washing and moisturizing my face. Thank you Mila for this beautiful product.
LOVVVEEEE IT! I feel immediately lifted as soon as I finish using it, and it is a wonderful face massage. I feel like I have treated myself, every time I use it.
I’m hooked on Cryo-C. This hydrates and makes my skin look youthful!
I love this body oil! It goes on smoothly and my skin feels amazing. I lobe using this when I get out of the shower. It smells amazing too!
I love this product. Not greasy or oily. Leaves my skin smooth and I love the smell. Since using this product, I constantly get told my skin looks beautiful and has a nice glow.
I have used several cleansers over the years and since trying the B-Meltee, I always come back to this product. It is a clean fragrance as well as a clean feeling without drying out my skin. I would recommend this product to all ages and all skin types. It will not disappoint, I promise.
I began using the cryo- C about six weeks ago and my skin has never looked better! The first thing you notice is how wonderful it smells, the second thing you notice is how it glides on and gives you an instant glow, and the next thing you notice overtime is that it provides a permanent dewy glow with diminished discoloration‘s and lines! I love love love this product! I’m 58❤️
This is truly the best system I’ve ever used. My skin is healthier - I’ve always had dry skin and finally it feels hydrated and the difference is visible. It even stayed hydrated feeling and looking on a 5 day ski trip, which always especially drys out my face. I’ve also had redness on my cheeks and that is slowly but noticeably decreasing. I gave wild ice to my daughters and best friend for Christmas as well and they are so happy with it and agree it’s a game changer for our skin. Thank you!
This class was such a great experience. Mila explains how the muscles in your face work and how to use her products to enhance your face and glow. I had so much fun as this class and I would definitely go to another one!
Love these products! My wrinkles are minimised with continual use and it’s an easy regimen. Try it!
This cleanser is light and refreshing, but does the heavy lifting of cleaning my face daily! I love how refreshed my face feels afterward- not dry or tight; just soft and clean! I have used Mila’s 4 step program for a year now and my skin has never looked better! I’m absolutely obsessed with each step and the benefits my skin has gotten from them. Clear, glowing, soft skin!
The entire Wild Ice line of products are what my skin responds to over any other product I've ever used. I do not hesitate to put any new Wild Ice product on my skin knowing I can trust the ingredients to do the job well. Just smelling the freshness of the products is a daily pleasure. And look no further than Mila's gorgeous skin for inspiration :)
So glad I found Mila again after her rebranding to Wild Ice. Her skin care line is the best I’ve found for my skin (and I’m sensitive to so many products) It’s a luxury I can’t do without