Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel Sunscreen SPF 50+

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.

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative permitted in EU cosmetics up to 1.0%. The SCCS concluded it is safe for cosmetic use at that level, including when considering higher cosmetic exposure scenarios in infants and young children. Main practical concern is irritation/stinging on very sensitive or compromised skin rather than a pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific risk.

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.

A crosslinked silicone elastomer used for texture and oil absorption. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that dimethicone crosspolymers are safe in current cosmetic use. MamaSkin classifies the exact polymer as low risk for consistency with the existing dimethicone-family policy and because manufacturing controls are needed for residual monomers, rather than because of a known pregnancy-specific contraindication.

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

Volatile solvent used in some toners, sprays, and lightweight 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.

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

Inorganic mineral pigment and, in some products, a mineral UV filter. For typical topical use in creams, lotions and makeup, systemic absorption is expected to be very low. Most concerns discussed in the literature relate to ingestion (food additive E171) or inhalation exposure from fine powders/sprays, and to specific nanoparticle characterisation. For routine topical cosmetic use, it is generally considered acceptable in pregnancy and breastfeeding; if you prefer a cautious approach, avoid inhaling loose powders or sprays.

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.

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.

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.

A plant-derived carbohydrate polymer or modified starch used to thicken, stabilise or condition a formula. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that the supported plant polysaccharide gums and derivatives are safe in current practices of use and concentration. Loose powders should still be used without deliberately inhaling airborne particles.

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.

A synthetically manufactured amorphous silica used for absorbency, texture and thickening. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that hydrated silica is safe in current practices when formulated to be non-irritating. Loose powders should still be used without deliberately inhaling airborne particles.

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.

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.

Fatty alcohol used to improve texture and skin feel. Considered safe for cosmetic use without pregnancy-specific concerns.

A silicone resin used as a film former, texture enhancer and opacifying ingredient in makeup, sunscreen and skin care. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review concluded that polysilsesquioxanes including Polymethylsilsesquioxane are safe in current cosmetic use. Available evidence does not identify a pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern for normal topical cosmetic exposure.

Silane coating and dispersion aid used on pigments and mineral particles. Reviewed cosmetic safety sources support normal topical use, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific topical signal identified in the material reviewed.

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

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

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.

Nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer used to help oil and water phases mix. Reviewed cosmetic safety sources support normal topical use, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific topical signal identified.

Mineral opacifier, absorbent and pigment-coating ingredient used in makeup, sunscreens and skin care. Low systemic exposure is expected from normal topical cosmetic use, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern identified in reviewed cosmetic references.

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.

Stearic acid is a fatty acid used to stabilise emulsions and improve texture; it is considered low concern in topical cosmetics with no known pregnancy or breastfeeding risks at typical concentrations.

Fatty alcohol used as an emollient and stabiliser. Not associated with pregnancy-specific concerns at cosmetic exposure.

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.

An alkanolamine used mainly to adjust product pH. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that aminomethyl propanol is safe in current cosmetic use at the reviewed concentrations. Formulators should control secondary-amine impurities and should not combine it with nitrosating agents. No pregnancy-specific concern is identified for normal use of a properly formulated finished cosmetic.

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.

This naturally occurring alpha-amino acid is used for humectancy and skin or hair conditioning. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review found alpha-amino acids safe in current cosmetic use; the low concentrations and limited dermal uptake are not expected to create a pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern.

A plant-derived carbohydrate polymer or modified starch used to thicken, stabilise or condition a formula. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that the supported plant polysaccharide gums and derivatives are safe in current practices of use and concentration. Loose powders should still be used without deliberately inhaling airborne particles.

Disodium EDTA is a chelating agent used to improve formula stability and performance; it is considered low concern in topical cosmetic use, with no known pregnancy or breastfeeding risks at typical concentrations.

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.