Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++

Umbrella term for an undisclosed fragrance blend. It’s not usually a pregnancy-specific concern at normal cosmetic use levels, but the exact components and concentrations aren’t fully disclosed on the label, so we score it more conservatively. If you prefer maximum transparency (or you’re sensitive to fragrance compounds), choose fragrance-free/unscented products.

Dimethicone is a silicone polymer used as a skin protectant and slip/conditioning agent. It is considered inert with minimal dermal absorption; the main practical issues are cosmetic (feel) and occasional irritation in very sensitive users. It is not a pregnancy-specific concern in topical cosmetic use.

Silicone derivative with negligible systemic absorption in topical cosmetic use; treated as low risk in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Volatile solvent used to improve texture, drying time, and penetration in some formulas. Reviewed cosmetic safety sources support current cosmetic use, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific topical concern identified in the material reviewed; the main practical issue is dryness, stinging, or barrier disruption in some users.

UV filter used in sunscreens and day products to help absorb UVB radiation. Reviewed cosmetic safety and regulatory sources support current cosmetic use within applicable concentration limits, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific topical concern identified in the material reviewed.

This emollient ester improves slip and skin feel. Cosmetic Ingredient Review assessments support use in current cosmetic concentrations when formulated to be non-irritating; topical use is not identified as a pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern. Some alkyl esters can increase penetration of other formula ingredients.

Modern UVA filter (often called Uvinul A+ or DHHB). Regulatory assessments have repeatedly evaluated this filter as safe in cosmetic products at concentrations up to 10%. The most recent SCCS advice focuses on controlling a manufacturing impurity (DnHexP) rather than on new toxicity of DHHB itself. Human biomonitoring data indicate low systemic exposure from normal sunscreen use, and current reviews do not identify specific reproductive or developmental toxicity signals at approved concentrations.

Inert synthetic emollient used as a glossing and occlusive agent. Reviewed cosmetic safety sources support normal topical use, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific topical signal identified in the material reviewed.

Modern broad-spectrum UV filter (often known as Tinosorb S). It has a high molecular weight and is formulated to remain mainly in the outer skin layers, with very low systemic absorption at cosmetic use levels. EU regulatory assessments and independent risk–benefit reviews have evaluated this filter as safe up to 10% in sunscreens, with no specific reproductive or developmental toxicity signals identified in animals or humans at permitted concentrations.

Fatty acid used as an emollient, cleansing-support and texture ingredient. It is not associated with pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concerns in normal topical cosmetic use.

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.

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

Sugar alcohol humectant used to help maintain hydration and improve skin feel. Reviewed cosmetic safety sources support normal topical use, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific topical signal identified in the material reviewed.

Polymer thickener and stabiliser used in creams and sunscreens. Low systemic exposure expected.

Alkyl benzoate emollient used in cosmetics; available cosmetic safety assessments do not indicate pregnancy-specific concerns with routine topical use.

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.

Emulsifier and emollient used to stabilise creams and lotions. Not associated with pregnancy-specific concerns at cosmetic exposure.

Solvent and humectant used to improve texture and ingredient solubility. Low systemic exposure expected from topical cosmetic use.

A glycerin fatty-acid ester used as an emollient, emulsifier or preservative-support ingredient. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that the assessed glyceryl esters are safe in current cosmetic practices.

Fatty alcohol used as an emollient and thickener. Not the same as drying alcohols and not associated with pregnancy-specific concerns.

A plant-derived polysaccharide used to thicken and stabilise formulas. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that agar is safe in current practices. Loose powder should not be deliberately inhaled.

A synthetic film-forming polymer used in masks, makeup and hair products. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that polyvinyl alcohol is safe in current practices of use and concentration. Dermal absorption of the intact polymer is expected to be limited.

Amino acid used as a humectant, skin-conditioning agent, and pH-adjusting support ingredient. Reviewed cosmetic safety sources support normal topical use, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific topical signal identified in the material reviewed.

A strongly alkaline raw material used mainly in small amounts to adjust pH or during soap manufacture. Concentrated potassium hydroxide is corrosive, but that raw-material hazard is not representative of a correctly formulated finished cosmetic. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that inorganic hydroxides are safe in current cosmetic uses when products are formulated to be non-irritating, with special handling conditions for depilatories and hair straighteners. No pregnancy-specific concern is identified for normal use of a compliant finished product.

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

An extract of royal jelly used for skin conditioning; bee-product allergy can cause reactions in susceptible users. Allergy is the principal practical concern. No pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific systemic hazard was identified for normal topical cosmetic exposure.

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.