The ingredients lists on skin-care products aren't always that easy to follow -sometimes there are names you might not know, sometimes the details are hidden under packaging and, when it comes to fragrances and perfume, the details don't all have to be listed, due to the protection of commercial secrets.

So identifying everything in things isn't that easy, especially if you're not sure what you're looking for.

The skin can go through changes during pregnancy and, as there are some ingredients that can irritate sensitive skin, cause allergies, cause birth defects and affect breast milk, it is worth considering whether you want to use them whilst pregnant. Some of the key ingredients to watch out for are:

• Petrol-based products containing ingredients such as petrolatum, propylene glycol, isopropyl alcohol, paraffin and mineral oil. These can irritate sensitive skin, especially during pregnancy.
  
  

• Ethoxylated alcohols, such as sodium laureth sulphate (SLF) and polyethylene glycol (PEG). SLF can cause skin and eye irritation. When your scalp is even more sensitive than normal during pregnancy, together they can be harsh and cause even more irritation.
  
  

• Amines and derivatives, such as diethanolamine (DEA) and monoethanolamine (MEA). In Europe, DEA is found in less than one per cent of skin-care products, as it's known to irritate the skin and may be linked to cancer.
  
  

• Perfume and fragrances, such as artificial musk. Artificial rnusk can build up in the body and has been found in breast milk.
  
  

• Formaldehyde (a preservative), which is hidden in ingredients such as DMDM-hydantoin, metheneamine and sodium hydroxymethylglycinate. This form of preservative is one of the leading causes of allergic reactions.
  
  

• Parabens, such as butylparaben and others beginning with methyl-, propyl-and ethyl-. These are absorbed by the skin and can accumulate in the body Some studies have found traces in breast tissue.
  
  

• Retinol, such as tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene and retinyl. Large doses in pregnancy may harm the development of the embryo.