CeraVe
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Medium risk53/100
CeraVe
Acne Control Cleanser
Some ingredients carry a low-risk flag. Read the formulation context before deciding.
27 of 27 ingredients rated
Is it suitable during pregnancy?
MamaSkin rates the recorded formula for CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser as Low risk (78/100). Review the ingredient context and any manual-review explanation before deciding.
Why this rating?
The recorded formula includes 2 ingredient entries with risk flags: Salicylic Acid 2% (Low risk), Gluconolactone (Low risk). These are ingredient-level flags; they do not replace the stored product assessment or account for every formulation detail.
27 of 27 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 productsIngredient 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.
Salicylic Acid 2%
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/
Gluconolactone
Low risk
Polyhydroxy acid (PHA) used as a gentle exfoliant/humectant; generally less irritating than AHAs due to lower penetration. Considered safe as used in cosmetics, with no pregnancy-specific contraindications identified at topical cosmetic concentrations.
Sources: MotherToBaby: Topical acne treatments in pregnancy and breastfeeding https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK582985/
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
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
No known risks
An anionic cleansing surfactant. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that sodium lauroyl sarcosinate is safe in rinse-off cosmetics and in leave-on products up to 5%, provided it is not used in ways that promote nitrosamine formation or inhalation. No pregnancy-specific concern was identified under those conditions.
Sources: CIR: Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Cocoyl Sarcosine and Related Sarcosinates https://cir-reports.cir-safety.org/view-attachment?id=915a3c2f-8e74-ec11-8943-0022482f06a6
Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
No known risks
An amphoteric cleansing and foam-supporting surfactant. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that sultaines, including cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, are safe in current practices when formulas are non-irritating and impurities and nitrosamine formation are controlled. Rare contact allergy remains possible.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Sultaines as Used in Cosmetics https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/sultaines_0.pdf
Show all 27 ingredients
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
Niacinamide
No known risks
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is widely used for barrier support and tone/texture benefits, and is generally considered safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding when used topically at cosmetic concentrations.
Sources: CIR; EU/UK Cosmetics Regulation
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
No known risks
A mild anionic surfactant derived from fatty acids and methyltaurate, used mainly in cleansers and shampoos. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that the reviewed taurate surfactants, including sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, are safe in current cosmetic use when formulated to be non-irritating. No pregnancy-specific concern is identified for normal topical exposure.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Alkyl Taurate Amides and Taurate Salts https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/taurat122015FR.pdf
PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate
No known risks
An ethoxylated ester used as a thickener and emulsifier. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that PEG-150 pentaerythrityl tetrastearate is safe in current practices. Manufacturing should control ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane residues.
Sources: CIR: PEG Pentaerythrityl Esters final assessment, June 2014; December 2025 Quick Reference Table https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/QRT-Update-Dec2025.pdf
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
Ceramide AP
No known risks
Skin-identical barrier lipid used to support barrier function 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
Ceramide EOP
No known risks
Skin-identical barrier lipid used to support barrier structure 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
Carbomer
No known risks
Polymer thickener used to create gel textures. Large-molecule ingredient with negligible systemic absorption.
Sources: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (US); Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (EU)
Calcium Gluconate
No known risks
The calcium salt of gluconic acid, used mainly as a skin-conditioning or formulation-support ingredient. Cosmetic safety reviewers included calcium gluconate in their assessment of monosaccharides, disaccharides and related ingredients and concluded that the reviewed ingredients are safe in current cosmetic use. No pregnancy-specific concern is identified for normal topical exposure.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Monosaccharides, Disaccharides, and Related Ingredients https://www.cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/safety-assessment-monosaccharides-disaccharides-and-related-ingredients-used-cosme-0
Triethyl Citrate
No known risks
An ester of citric acid and ethanol used as a solvent, deodorant ingredient and fragrance carrier. Cosmetic safety reviewers assessed triethyl citrate with citric acid, citrate salts and alkyl citrate esters and concluded that the group is safe in current cosmetic use when formulated to avoid irritation. Triethyl citrate is also an established food-use substance, and no pregnancy-specific concern is identified for normal topical cosmetic exposure.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Citric Acid, Inorganic Citrate Salts, and Alkyl Citrate Esters https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24861367/
Sodium Benzoate
No known risks
Preservative widely used in foods and cosmetics. Considered safe at regulated concentrations with low systemic exposure from topical use.
Sources: Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (EU); European cosmetics regulatory framework
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
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
No known risks
An emulsifier and surfactant made from lauric and lactic-acid components. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that alkyl lactyl lactates, including sodium lauroyl lactylate, are safe in current practices when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitising. No pregnancy-specific concern was identified for normal cosmetic use.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Alkyl Lactyl Lactates as Used in Cosmetics https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/alkylL062019final.pdf
Cholesterol
No known risks
Skin-conditioning lipid used in barrier-support formulas, often alongside ceramides and fatty acids. Normal topical cosmetic use has no known pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern identified in reviewed cosmetic references.
Sources: CIR cosmetic ingredient safety references for cholesterol and related sterols; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
Tetrasodium EDTA
No known risks
Chelating agent used to stabilise formulations; minimal dermal absorption and no known pregnancy or breastfeeding risks at typical cosmetic concentrations.
Sources: CIR; EU/UK Cosmetics Regulation
Caprylyl Glycol
No known risks
Humectant and preservative booster used to support product stability. Low systemic exposure expected from topical cosmetic use.
Sources: Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (EU); Cosmetic Ingredient Review (US)
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
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
No known risks
Chelating ingredient used to improve formula stability by binding trace metals. Reviewed cosmetic ingredient references do not identify a pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern for normal topical use.
Sources: CIR cosmetic ingredient safety references for chelating agents; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
Xanthan Gum
No known risks
Natural polysaccharide thickener used for stability and texture. Not associated with pregnancy-specific concerns.
Sources: European cosmetics regulatory framework
Hectorite
No known risks
A naturally sourced clay used as an absorbent, bulking agent or texture aid. CIR concluded that Hectorite, Illite and Montmorillonite are safe in current cosmetic practices, except that available data are insufficient for products that may be incidentally inhaled. No pregnancy-specific systemic concern was identified for topical use; cosmetic-grade sourcing should control crystalline silica, heavy metals and microbial contamination.
Sources: CIR: Amended Safety Assessment of Naturally-Sourced Clays https://cir-reports.cir-safety.org/view-attachment/?id=d5fd5bfa-685d-6aab-94d5-67acbc8713fb; CIR Final Amended Report https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/FAR_Clays_032023.pdf.
Phytosphingosine
No known risks
Skin-conditioning lipid used in barrier-support formulas, commonly alongside ceramides and cholesterol. Reviewed cosmetic ingredient references do not identify a pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern for normal topical use.
Sources: CIR cosmetic ingredient safety references for sphingolipids/skin-conditioning lipids; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
Benzoic Acid
No known risks
Preservative acid used to help control microbial growth and support formula stability. Reviewed cosmetic safety sources support current cosmetic use, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific topical concern identified in the material reviewed; some users may still notice local irritation or stinging, especially on compromised skin.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Benzoic Acid and Sodium Benzoate as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
Full recorded ingredient list
Salicylic Acid 2%, Water, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Gluconolactone, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Carbomer, Calcium Gluconate, Triethyl Citrate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Cholesterol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Xanthan Gum, Hectorite, Phytosphingosine, Benzoic Acid
Ingredient ratings refreshed 1 October 2026. Formulas vary by market and can change. Always compare with your packaging.
Questions about this assessment
Why does CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser have a Low risk rating?
The recorded formula includes 2 ingredient entries with risk flags: Salicylic Acid 2% (Low risk), Gluconolactone (Low risk). 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.
Does the niacinamide rating cover every ingredient in this product?
No. Niacinamide appears in the recorded formula, but its individual rating applies to that ingredient, not automatically to the whole product. Check the other ingredient ratings, any grey Not assessed entries and the stored product assessment. A niacinamide percentage or a product name is not a substitute for checking the full list.
Has every ingredient in CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser been assessed?
27 of 27 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 CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser?
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.
