Anua Azelaic Acid 15+ Intense Calming Serum by Anua
Anua

Azelaic Acid 15+ Intense Calming Serum

Serums

78/100
Low risk

Pregnancy-focused rating

Some ingredients carry a low-risk flag. Read the formulation context before deciding.

44 of 44 ingredients rated

Is it suitable during pregnancy?

MamaSkin rates the recorded formula for Anua Azelaic Acid 15+ Intense Calming Serum as Low risk (78/100). Review the ingredient context and any manual-review explanation before deciding.

Why this rating?

The recorded formula includes 4 ingredient entries with risk flags: Azelaic Acid (Low risk), Salicylic Acid (Low risk), Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate (Low risk), plus others listed in the breakdown. These are ingredient-level flags; they do not replace the stored product assessment or account for every formulation detail.

44 of 44 ingredient entries on this page have a recorded score, evidence summary and source text. That describes documentation coverage, not proof that the finished formula has been clinically tested during pregnancy.

How we assess products

Ingredient breakdown

The recorded formula, with evidence behind each rating. Unmatched ingredients are marked Not assessed in grey.

Ingredient ratings and evidence

Higher-risk flags first. Open an ingredient for evidence.

Azelaic Acid

Low risk

Azelaic acid is used topically for acne and pigmentation. MotherToBaby reports that ACOG lists OTC azelaic acid among ingredients that can be used during pregnancy if needed. Product information for 20% azelaic acid states that adequate controlled pregnancy studies are lacking, reports reassuring animal data and estimates about 3.6% absorption after a single topical dose. MamaSkin retains Low Risk while avoiding a categorical “pregnancy-safe” claim.

Sources: MotherToBaby: Topical Acne Treatments https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK582985/, Skinoren 20% cream product information https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/285/smpc

Salicylic Acid

Low risk

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) used for acne, exfoliation and preservation. Common over-the-counter acne strengths are 0.5-2%, including 0.5%, 1% and 2%; the FDA lists this acne-treatment range. Pregnancy guidance distinguishes these topical products from oral salicylates and strong peels. MotherToBaby reports that ACOG allows over-the-counter topical salicylic acid during pregnancy when needed. Only a small amount of topical acne treatment usually reaches the bloodstream through intact skin; exposure can increase with damaged skin, frequent use or treatment of large areas. Direct salicylic-acid-specific pregnancy data remain limited. MamaSkin's Low Risk rating is a dose-and-use precaution, not evidence that ordinary low-strength skincare causes fetal harm or a recommendation to avoid every BHA product. Use as directed on limited areas of intact skin. Discuss strengths above 2%, chemical peels, wart/corn removers, large-area treatment or use under occlusion with your clinician before use during pregnancy. The American Academy of Dermatology specifically advises discussing and limiting higher-strength salicylic acid above 2%. Percentage alone does not establish safety: formulation, area, frequency and skin condition also matter. General cosmetic-use limits are not pregnancy-specific safety thresholds.

Sources: https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/topical-acne-treatments-pregnancy/; https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/pregnancy-skin-care; https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/omuf/monographs/OTC%20Monograph_M006-Topical%20Acne%20drug%20products%20for%20OTC%20Human%20Use%2011.23.2021.pdf; https://health.ec.europa.eu/publications/salicylic-acid-cas-no-69-72-7-ec-no-200-712-3_en; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK500675/

Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate

Low risk

A purified glycyrrhizic-acid salt used as a soothing and skin-conditioning ingredient. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that dipotassium glycyrrhizate is safe in current cosmetic use and noted poor dermal absorption. MamaSkin nevertheless applies a cautious low-risk classification for consistency with the existing licorice family because high oral glycyrrhizin exposure has pregnancy-related concerns; this is not a topical contraindication.

Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Glycyrrhizic Acid and Derivatives https://cir-reports.cir-safety.org/view-attachment/?id=49a63435-8e74-ec11-8943-0022482f06a6

Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil

Low risk

An exact label variant for tea tree essential oil. The SCCS concluded that tea tree oil is safe only in specific defended adult dermal product types and concentrations, excluded aerosolised and sprayable formats, and identified it as a moderate skin sensitiser. MamaSkin therefore classifies it as low risk because safety is formulation- and route-dependent, not because it is a pregnancy contraindication.

Sources: SCCS/1681/25: Scientific Opinion on Tea Tree Oil, final 30 October 2025 https://health.ec.europa.eu/publications/sccs-scientific-opinion-tea-tree-oil-casec-no-68647-73-4-285-377-1_en

Water

No known risks

Water (Aqua) is the standard purified water used as a cosmetic solvent. It has no pregnancy-specific risk in normal topical use.

Sources: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Water, https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/sectors/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredient-database/cosing-glossary-ingredients_en

Show all 44 ingredients

Propylene Glycol

No known risks

Propylene glycol is a common solvent and humectant with a long history of use; it is not considered a pregnancy or breastfeeding concern in topical cosmetics, though some individuals may experience irritation in leave-on products.

Sources: CIR; EU/UK Cosmetics Regulation

Sodium Hydroxide

No known risks

pH adjuster used in very small quantities to balance formulations. Not associated with pregnancy-specific concerns.

Sources: Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (EU); European cosmetics regulatory framework

1,2-Hexanediol

No known risks

1,2-Hexanediol is commonly used as a solvent and preservative booster; topical exposure is low and it has no known pregnancy or breastfeeding concerns at cosmetic concentrations, though very sensitive skin may occasionally react.

Sources: CIR; EU/UK Cosmetics Regulation

Centella Asiatica Extract

No known risks

Botanical skin-conditioning ingredient used in soothing and barrier-support formulas. Reviewed cosmetic safety sources support current cosmetic use when formulated to be non-sensitising, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific topical concern identified in the material reviewed.

Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Centella asiatica-derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory

Dipropylene Glycol

No known risks

Dipropylene glycol is used as a solvent and carrier in cosmetics; topical exposure is low and it has no known pregnancy or breastfeeding concerns at cosmetic concentrations.

Sources: CIR; EU/UK Cosmetics Regulation

Butylene Glycol

No known risks

Solvent and humectant commonly used in leave-on products. Not associated with pregnancy-specific concerns at cosmetic exposure levels.

Sources: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (US); Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (EU)

Panthenol

No known risks

Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) is used for soothing and barrier support and is generally well tolerated, with no known pregnancy or breastfeeding concerns in topical cosmetic use.

Sources: CIR; EU/UK Cosmetics Regulation

Hydroxyethylcellulose

No known risks

Cellulose-derived thickener used to build viscosity and improve texture. Reviewed cosmetic safety sources support normal topical use, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific topical signal identified in the material reviewed.

Sources: CIR Quick Reference Table / ingredient status (Hydroxyethylcellulose, Final Report 03/2009); EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory

Glycerin

No known risks

Glycerin is a widely used humectant that supports hydration and the skin barrier, with a long safety record and no known pregnancy or breastfeeding concerns in topical cosmetic use.

Sources: CIR; EU/UK Cosmetics Regulation

Ethylhexylglycerin

No known risks

Preservative booster and skin-conditioning agent. Considered safe for cosmetic use with low systemic exposure when used as intended.

Sources: Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (EU); Cosmetic Ingredient Review (US)

Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract

No known risks

Neem leaf extract is used topically for skin conditioning and antimicrobial support. Reproductive concerns reported for concentrated neem seed preparations, intrauterine exposure, or high oral doses do not establish a hazard from normal topical cosmetic exposure to a leaf extract.

Sources: PubMed: oral purified neem seed extracts in primates https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8773426/; PubMed: intrauterine neem oil in primates https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8143455/; European Commission CosIng ingredient inventory. No human pregnancy study of normal topical cosmetic leaf-extract use was identified.

Biosaccharide Gum-1

No known risks

Microbial polysaccharide used for film forming, soothing, and hydration support. Reviewed cosmetic safety sources support normal topical use, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific topical signal identified in the material reviewed.

Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Microbial Polysaccharide Gums as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory

Allantoin

No known risks

Allantoin is a soothing skin protectant commonly used to help reduce irritation and support comfort, with no known pregnancy or breastfeeding concerns in topical cosmetic use.

Sources: CIR; EU/UK Cosmetics Regulation

Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract

No known risks

Neem flower extract is used as a botanical skin-conditioning ingredient. A high-dose oral rat study altered the oestrous cycle and ovulation but did not show anti-implantation, abortifacient, or teratogenic effects. That oral dose does not establish a hazard from normal topical cosmetic exposure.

Sources: PubMed: high-dose oral neem flower extract reproductive study in rats https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19357745/; European Commission CosIng ingredient inventory. No human pregnancy study of normal topical cosmetic use was identified.

Sodium Hyaluronate

No known risks

Sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid salt) is used for hydration and cushioning, with very low systemic absorption from topical use and no known pregnancy or breastfeeding concerns at cosmetic concentrations.

Sources: CIR; EU/UK Cosmetics Regulation

Succinic Acid

No known risks

A dicarboxylic acid used for pH adjustment and skin conditioning. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that succinic acid is safe in current practices of use and concentration.

Sources: CIR: Succinic Acid conclusion; December 2025 Quick Reference Table https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/QRT-Update-Dec2025.pdf

Totarol

No known risks

No pregnancy-specific harm has been identified for ordinary, correctly formulated topical cosmetic use of totarol. This is a bounded defined cosmetic chemical assessment; direct pregnancy studies of the exact material are limited and oral, medicinal, damaged-skin or aerosol exposure is not included.

Sources: https://health.ec.europa.eu/publications/sccs-notes-guidance-testing-cosmetic-ingredients-and-their-safety-evaluation-12th-revision_en

Beta-Glucan

No known risks

Film-forming polysaccharide used for soothing and hydration support. Reviewed cosmetic safety sources support normal topical use, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific topical signal identified in the material reviewed.

Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Microbial Polysaccharide Gums as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory

Dextrin

No known risks

Starch-derived polysaccharide used as a binder, film former and texture support ingredient. Reviewed cosmetic ingredient references do not identify a pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern for normal topical use.

Sources: CIR cosmetic ingredient safety references for polysaccharides/starch-derived ingredients; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory

Theobroma Cacao Extract

No known risks

A fruit, seed or food-plant extract used for skin conditioning and antioxidant support. No pregnancy-specific signal was identified for the low topical exposure expected from a finished cosmetic. Direct pregnancy studies are generally unavailable, and botanical allergy remains possible.

Sources: European Commission CosIng ingredient inventory; CIR botanical safety framework and relevant fruit-derived ingredient assessments; peer-reviewed cosmetic and phytochemical literature for the named plants.

Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract

No known risks

A leaf extract used in soothing and skin-conditioning formulas. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that Centella asiatica leaf extract is safe at current cosmetic exposure when products are formulated to be non-sensitising. The assessment considered systemic and reproductive findings reported at substantially higher oral exposures; these did not establish a pregnancy-specific concern for ordinary topical cosmetic use. Centella constituents can still cause contact sensitivity in some people.

Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Centella asiatica-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics https://cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/safety-assessment-centella-asiatica-derived-ingredients-used-cosmetics-1

Centella Asiatica Root Extract

No known risks

A botanical extract or plant water used for conditioning, soothing or antioxidant support. Direct pregnancy studies of this exact cosmetic material were not identified, but no reproductive or developmental hazard was identified for normal topical exposure. Oral herbal or medicinal use is outside this classification.

Sources: European Commission CosIng; CIR botanical safety framework and relevant plant-family assessments; no ingredient-specific human pregnancy study of normal topical cosmetic use was identified.

Madecassoside

No known risks

A triterpene glycoside associated with Centella asiatica and used in soothing and skin-conditioning formulas. Pregnancy-specific evidence for isolated topical madecassoside is limited. Cosmetic safety reviewers considered Centella-derived ingredients acceptable at current cosmetic exposure but noted that madecassoside and related triterpenes may contribute to sensitisation, so products should be formulated to avoid sensitising concentrations. No pregnancy-specific topical contraindication was identified in the reviewed material.

Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Centella asiatica-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics https://cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/safety-assessment-centella-asiatica-derived-ingredients-used-cosmetics-1

Asiaticoside

No known risks

A triterpene glycoside associated with Centella asiatica and used in soothing and skin-conditioning formulas. Pregnancy-specific evidence for isolated topical asiaticoside is limited. Cosmetic safety reviewers considered Centella-derived ingredients acceptable at current cosmetic exposure but noted that asiaticoside and related triterpenes may contribute to sensitisation. No pregnancy-specific topical contraindication was identified in the reviewed material.

Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Centella asiatica-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics https://cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/safety-assessment-centella-asiatica-derived-ingredients-used-cosmetics-1

Asiatic Acid

No known risks

A triterpene associated with Centella asiatica and used in skin-conditioning formulas. Pregnancy-specific evidence for isolated topical asiatic acid is limited. Cosmetic safety reviewers considered Centella-derived ingredients acceptable at current cosmetic exposure but identified asiatic acid and related constituents as potential contributors to sensitisation. No pregnancy-specific topical contraindication was identified in the reviewed material.

Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Centella asiatica-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics https://cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/safety-assessment-centella-asiatica-derived-ingredients-used-cosmetics-1

Madecassic Acid

No known risks

A triterpene associated with Centella asiatica and used in soothing and skin-conditioning formulas. Pregnancy-specific evidence for isolated topical madecassic acid is limited. Evidence for the related Centella ingredient family supports current cosmetic exposure when products are formulated to avoid sensitisation; no pregnancy-specific topical contraindication was identified in the reviewed material.

Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Centella asiatica-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics https://cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/safety-assessment-centella-asiatica-derived-ingredients-used-cosmetics-1

Tocopherol

No known risks

Vitamin E antioxidant used to protect oils and support the skin barrier. Not associated with pregnancy-specific concerns at cosmetic exposure.

Sources: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (US); Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (EU)

Squalane

No known risks

Lightweight emollient used to support the skin barrier. Not associated with pregnancy-specific concerns at cosmetic exposure levels.

Sources: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (US); Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (EU)

Zinc PCA

No known risks

A zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid used for skin conditioning, oil-control and antimicrobial support. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that the assessed zinc salts are safe in current cosmetic practices of use and concentration when formulated to be non-irritating. Zinc is an essential nutrient, but this entry assesses the low topical exposure from a finished cosmetic rather than supplements or medicinal doses. No pregnancy-specific topical concern was identified.

Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Zinc Salts as Used in Cosmetics https://www.cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/safety-assessment-zinc-salts-used-cosmetics-1; CIR 146th Expert Panel Meeting final report record https://www.cir-safety.org/meeting/146th-cir-expert-panel-meeting

Chlorella Vulgaris Extract

No known risks

An algae-derived skin-conditioning ingredient. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that Fucus vesiculosus extract is safe in current practices, and available cosmetic use information does not identify a pregnancy-specific concern for Chlorella vulgaris extract. Algae allergy remains possible; this entry assesses topical cosmetics rather than concentrated oral seaweed supplements.

Sources: CIR: Fucus Vesiculosus Extract final report, September 2019; CIR December 2025 Quick Reference Table https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/QRT-Update-Dec2025.pdf; European Commission CosIng ingredient inventory.

Ceramide NP

No known risks

Skin-identical barrier lipid used to support the stratum corneum and reduce dryness. Reviewed cosmetic safety sources support normal topical use, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific topical signal identified in the material reviewed.

Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Ceramides as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory

Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol

No known risks

A hyaluronate-derived conditioning and humectant material modified with a dimethylsilanol group. CIR concluded that reviewed hyaluronates are safe in current cosmetic practices and noted their large molecular size and low expected skin absorption. The exact silanol derivatives have less direct pregnancy-specific evidence, but no reproductive hazard signal was identified for normal topical cosmetic exposure.

Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Hyaluronates https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/TR_Hyaluronates_032023_1.pdf; European Commission CosIng ingredient inventory for Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate and Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol.

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid

No known risks

Humectant and skin-conditioning ingredient in the hyaluronate family. Reviewed cosmetic safety sources support current cosmetic use, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific topical concern identified in the material reviewed.

Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Hyaluronates as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory

Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate

No known risks

Humectant and skin-conditioning ingredient in the hyaluronate family. Reviewed cosmetic safety sources support current cosmetic use, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific topical concern identified in the material reviewed.

Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Hyaluronates as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory

Hyaluronic Acid

No known risks

High-water-binding humectant used to support hydration at the skin surface. Reviewed cosmetic safety sources support normal topical use, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific topical signal identified in the material reviewed.

Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Hyaluronates as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory

Potassium Hyaluronate

No known risks

Potassium hyaluronate is a salt of hyaluronic acid used as a surface humectant and skin conditioner. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review concluded that reviewed hyaluronates are safe in current cosmetic use, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern identified for normal topical exposure.

Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Hyaluronates as Used in Cosmetics https://www.cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/safety-assessment-hyaluronates-used-cosmetics

Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate

No known risks

Cationic hyaluronate derivative used as a humectant and conditioning ingredient. Reviewed topical hyaluronate safety sources support cosmetic use, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern identified.

Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Hyaluronates as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory

Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer

No known risks

Crosslinked hyaluronate humectant used to support hydration at the skin surface. Reviewed cosmetic safety sources support normal topical use, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific topical signal identified.

Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Hyaluronates as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory

Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate

No known risks

Modified hyaluronate humectant and skin-conditioning ingredient. Reviewed cosmetic safety sources support topical hyaluronate ingredients, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern identified for normal cosmetic use.

Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Hyaluronates as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory

Full recorded ingredient list

Water, Propylene Glycol, Azelaic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Panthenol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Glycerin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Salicylic Acid, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Allantoin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Succinic Acid, Totarol, Beta-Glucan, Dextrin, Theobroma Cacao Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Root Extract, Madecassoside, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid, Tocopherol, Squalane, Zinc PCA, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Ceramide NP, Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Potassium Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate

Ingredient ratings refreshed 1 October 2026. Formulas vary by market and can change. Always compare with your packaging.

Questions about this assessment

Why does Anua Azelaic Acid 15+ Intense Calming Serum have a Low risk rating?

The recorded formula includes 4 ingredient entries with risk flags: Azelaic Acid (Low risk), Salicylic Acid (Low risk), Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate (Low risk), plus others listed in the breakdown. These are ingredient-level flags; they do not replace the stored product assessment or account for every formulation detail. The product score is a stored assessment, not a clinical safety guarantee.

Is this assessment based only on the azelaic acid?

No. The recorded formula includes both Azelaic Acid and Salicylic Acid. Check both ingredient entries and the rest of the formula; an assessment of azelaic acid alone does not establish the suitability of this finished product. The product score remains MamaSkin's stored assessment, including any manual-review explanation.

Has every ingredient in Anua Azelaic Acid 15+ Intense Calming Serum been assessed?

44 of 44 ingredient entries on this page have a recorded score, evidence summary and source text. That describes documentation coverage, not proof that the finished formula has been clinically tested during pregnancy.

Does this assessment apply to my Anua Azelaic Acid 15+ Intense Calming Serum?

Only if the ingredient list on your packaging matches the recorded formula shown here. Formulas can differ by market and change over time. Compare the full list, not just the product name; report a mismatch if it differs.

Does this pregnancy assessment also establish breastfeeding suitability?

No. This page presents a pregnancy-focused product assessment. Do not infer a breastfeeding conclusion from its score or label; breastfeeding requires a separate assessment of the formula and how it is used.