Pregnancy-safe Halloween makeup: what to use, what to avoid, and how to get it off.
Navigating pregnancy-safe skincare can be complicated, but as a medical doctor with a focus on cosmetic ingredient safety, I’ve simplified the search for you. Visit my Skincare During Pregnancy: Begin Here guide for a full index of ingredient safety reviews, pregnancy and IVF-safe recommendations, and doctor-vetted product guides.
Today is about the safety of Halloween makeup during pregnancy. A cat eye, vampire lips, or a few painted-on stitches can be fun. But all the Halloween paraphernalia that appears in stores every October may leave you wondering what you can actually use safely while pregnant.
You do not need to give up dressing up! You just need to know what the product is meant for, what it contains, and how to remove it.
I have previously covered makeup during pregnancy. Here, we will look at the extras that come with Halloween.
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The Verdict
Can you wear Halloween makeup while pregnant?
Generally speaking, yes.
Most of the usual cosmetics, used as directed, are a reasonable starting point for a Halloween look during pregnancy.
Check unfamiliar costume products carefully, and use products only on the areas they are intended for.
Always buy from reputed companies and keep in mind that “pregnancy safe makeup” on a label does not mean that the finished product has been tested in pregnant women. The FDA does not approve ordinary cosmetics before sale, although color additives require approval for their intended use.
My suggestion? Start with your usual makeup bag. You may already have most of what you need.
The Difference
How Halloween makeup differs from everyday cosmetics
The difference is often in how you use it and who manufactures it.
You might cover a much larger area, apply several layers, or use products you have never tried before. A scar effect may need an adhesive, a cat eye may need more intense colors, or a painted face may need a different remover.
In addition, Halloween makeup is often sold by retailers that operate only during that season rather than established cosmetic brands, and they may lack expertise in cosmetic safety standards.
These can cause practical concerns such as irritation, allergies, and difficulty removing the product. It does not automatically mean that the product will harm your baby.
You will also need to use more discretion if you have active eczema or any active skin condition, as chemical absorption is enhanced and the risk of adverse reactions increases.
Skip The Kit
Why you don’t need dedicated ‘Halloween Makeup Kits’
Your usual everyday cosmetics and high-quality brands will suffice for your Halloween makeup. Most brands offer face makeup in varied shades, and you can easily increase the color intensity by layering it.
Budget paints or makeup kits from seasonal stores may contain chemicals like fragrance, unapproved dyes, and contaminants like lead that everyone should avoid.
The Real Concern
The chemical in makeup you should really worry about? Lead.
Lead occurs naturally in the environment, and lead contamination in makeup products is way more common than many people think!
The good news is that it is typically unintentional and, in most cases (99% of tested products in one study), at or below the FDA-recommended 10 PPM threshold.
Although the FDA considers that “up to 10 ppm lead in cosmetic lip products and externally applied cosmetics would not pose a health risk,” there is no defined safe level of lead, and exposure to lead during pregnancy can be deleterious.
Tips to reduce lead exposure in makeup
Avoid using products from seasonal vendors.
Shimmery lip products tend to contain high lead levels, and some tests showed that browns and bright pink shades tend to have higher lead levels than other colors. You may want to avoid these if you want to be extra cautious.
Avoid imported black eyeliners like kajal, surma, tiro, and kohl, which are traditional eye liners popular outside the USA. They often contain high levels of lead, which may account for more than half of the product’s weight, as evidenced in this case report.
Standard Rules Still Apply
Other chemicals of concern
While lead (and other heavy metals) are a major concern, do not ignore your standard pregnancy skincare rules when planning your Halloween makeup.
Some of the ingredients to avoid while pregnant are fragrances and parabens, very commonly found chemicals in makeup and skincare products.
For a complete breakdown on what is safe and what to avoid, check out my two-part series:
Part I: Pregnancy Safe Skincare: Avoid These Ingredients.
Part II: Pregnancy Safe Skincare: Avoid These Ingredients.
How To Use
Safe practices for face & body paint
Typically, the chances of harm to the developing baby are low, but the main concern is how your skin will react as it changes and becomes more sensitive due to hormonal shifts.
Here is how you can use face or body paints safely during pregnancy:
Speak to your doctor about product safety.
Choose a product that is intended for cosmetic use alone.
Always do a skin patch test first.
Here are detailed instructions from AAD: How to test skincare products.
Pick a product from a reputed company.
Do not use craft paints like markers, acrylic, water, or oil paints, even if it says ‘non-toxic’ on the box.
Check where each color can be used. A face paint suitable for the cheeks may be unsuitable around the eyes or on the lips.
Avoid painting over irritated skin, eczema, cuts, or inflamed areas.
Do not use expired products or tools that smell or look off.
These paints often are heavy or long-wearing and may need more work to remove. A cleansing balm might work better than a gentle cleanser depending on the paint. Just make sure you avoid harsh scrubbing or fragrance-heavy wipes to avoid skin irritation.
Takeaway
Takeaway
Halloween makeup during pregnancy can be kept fairly simple. Your usual makeup kit can work wonderfully.
Use reputed cosmetic brands, avoid pregnancy-unsafe ingredients, and check where you can apply novelty products.
A few well-chosen products and a good costume will do the job. Enjoy dressing up!
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can you wear Halloween makeup while pregnant?
Generally speaking, yes. Most of the usual cosmetics, used as directed, are a reasonable starting point for a Halloween look during pregnancy. Check unfamiliar costume products carefully, and use products only on the areas they are intended for.
Do I need to buy a special Halloween makeup kit?
No. Your usual everyday cosmetics and high-quality brands will suffice, and most brands offer face makeup in varied shades that you can layer for more intensity. Budget paints or kits from seasonal stores may contain fragrance, unapproved dyes, and contaminants like lead that everyone should avoid.
Does “pregnancy safe makeup” on a label mean it has been tested?
No. That claim does not mean the finished product has been tested in pregnant women. The FDA does not approve ordinary cosmetics before sale, although color additives require approval for their intended use.
Which makeup is most likely to contain lead?
Shimmery lip products tend to contain high lead levels, and some tests showed browns and bright pink shades tend to have higher levels than other colors. Imported black eyeliners such as kajal, surma, tiro, and kohl often contain high levels of lead, which may account for more than half of the product’s weight.
Can I use craft or face paints on my skin?
Choose a product intended for cosmetic use alone, and do not use craft paints like markers, acrylic, water, or oil paints, even if the box says ‘non-toxic’. Always patch test first, and check where each color can be used, since a face paint suitable for the cheeks may be unsuitable around the eyes or on the lips.
How do I remove heavy Halloween makeup safely?
These paints are often heavy or long-wearing and may need more work to remove. A cleansing balm might work better than a gentle cleanser depending on the paint. Avoid harsh scrubbing or fragrance-heavy wipes, which can irritate the skin.
Questions about a costume product?
If you would like a quick, doctor-vetted look at a face paint or makeup ingredient list before you put it on, I would love to help.
