CeraVe
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Medium risk53/100
CeraVe
AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF30
This formula needs extra consideration during pregnancy. Review the flagged ingredients with your healthcare professional.
36 of 36 ingredients rated
Is it suitable during pregnancy?
MamaSkin rates the recorded formula for CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF30 as Medium risk (55/100). Discuss the flagged ingredients with a qualified healthcare professional before using this formula during pregnancy.
Why this rating?
The recorded formula includes 3 ingredient entries with risk flags: Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (Medium risk), Ethylhexyl Salicylate (Low risk), Triethanolamine (Low risk). These are ingredient-level flags; they do not replace the stored product assessment or account for every formulation detail.
36 of 36 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.
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
Medium risk
Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane (avobenzone) is a UVA filter used in sunscreens. Reviews note potential endocrine-related signals for several organic UV filters, but data are often not sufficient to establish endocrine disruption, and systemic exposure depends on formulation and use pattern. Pregnancy-specific human outcome data for topical exposure are limited; the key signal is uncertainty around systemic/endocrine effects rather than a well-defined pregnancy outcome dataset.
Sources: TGA: Safety review of seven active sunscreen ingredients https://www.tga.gov.au/resources/publication/corporate-reports/safety-review-seven-active-sunscreen-ingredients
Ethylhexyl Salicylate
Low risk
Ethylhexyl salicylate (octisalate) is an organic UV-B filter with measurable topical absorption. A CIR review records a rat oral reproductive/developmental study with dose-related post-implantation loss and smaller litters at 80 and 250 mg/kg/day (NOAEL 25 mg/kg/day); those repeated oral doses do not model intact-skin cosmetic exposure. The same review found relatively low human-skin permeability and concluded ethylhexyl salicylate safe in the assessed cosmetic uses. A ToxCast-to-human-exposure comparison found the most sensitive in-vitro endocrine response at about 16.5 micromolar versus about 0.023 micromolar maximal-use human plasma exposure, roughly 700-fold lower. FDA still requests additional sunscreen safety data, and pregnancy-outcome data are limited; MotherToBaby reports no proven increased pregnancy risk. MamaSkin therefore uses Low Risk to surface absorption and the evidence gap without treating remote high-dose animal findings as proof that typical topical use should be avoided.
Sources: CIR 2019 Final Report: Amended Safety Assessment of Salicylic Acid and Salicylates https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/salicy042019FAR.pdf, Toxicological Sciences 2023: ToxCast/Tox21 endocrine activity compared with human plasma exposure https://academic.oup.com/toxsci/article/196/1/25/7240499, FDA: OTC sunscreen proposed-order Q&A https://www.fda.gov/drugs/understanding-over-counter-medicines/questions-and-answers-fda-posts-deemed-final-order-and-proposed-order-over-counter-sunscreen, Matta et al. JAMA 2020 maximal-use sunscreen absorption trial https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2759002, MotherToBaby: Screening Your Sunscreen During Pregnancy https://mothertobaby.org/baby-blog/screening-your-sunscreen-during-pregnancy/
Triethanolamine
Low risk
Triethanolamine (TEA) is an alkanolamine used as a pH adjuster and surfactant in cosmetics. The main practical concerns are skin/eye irritation at higher concentrations and the potential formation of nitrosamines if formulated with nitrosating agents (a formulation/impurity-control issue). It is not a typical pregnancy-specific concern at cosmetic use levels; overall risk is primarily local irritation/sensitisation in susceptible users.
Sources: CIR: Triethanolamine ingredient safety information https://www.cir-safety.org/ingredient/triethanolamine
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
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
Show all 36 ingredients
Isopropyl Palmitate
No known risks
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.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Alkyl Esters as Used in Cosmetics https://cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/safety-assessment-alkyl-esters-used-cosmetics
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
Pentylene Glycol
No known risks
Humectant and preservative booster. Considered safe for cosmetic use with low systemic exposure.
Sources: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (US); Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (EU)
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
No known risks
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.
Sources: European Union Cosmetic Products Regulation (Annex VI): Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine listed as an approved UV filter up to 10% in cosmetic products. Mikkelsen SH et al. “Survey and health assessment of UV filters” – Danish EPA, 2015: includes Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine and notes low systemic exposure at approved use levels.
Zea Mays Starch
No known risks
Corn starch, a plant-derived polysaccharide used to absorb moisture, reduce greasiness and improve texture. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that ingredients derived from Zea mays, including corn starch, are safe in current cosmetic use. No pregnancy-specific concern is identified for normal topical exposure; avoid deliberately inhaling loose powder.
Sources: CIR ingredient review: Zea mays (Corn) Starch https://www.cir-safety.org/ingredient/zea-mays-corn-starch
Ethylhexyl Triazone
No known risks
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.
Sources: EU CosIng Annex VI / UV filters; EU scientific opinion on Ethylhexyl Triazone (Uvinul T 150)
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
No known risks
An alkyl phosphate surfactant and emulsifier used to stabilise creams, sunscreens and makeup. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that the assessed alkyl phosphates, including potassium cetyl phosphate, are safe in current practices of use and concentration when formulated to be non-irritating. Dermal penetration is expected to be limited, and no pregnancy-specific concern is identified for normal topical cosmetic exposure.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Alkyl Phosphates https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/alkyl%20phosphates_0.pdf
Diisopropyl Sebacate
No known risks
An ester of a dicarboxylic acid used as an emollient, solvent or texture agent. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that the assessed alkyl dicarboxylic acid esters are safe in current practices of use and concentration. No pregnancy-specific concern was identified for normal topical exposure.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Alkyl Dicarboxylic Acid Esters as Used in Cosmetics https://cir-reports.cir-safety.org/view-attachment/?id=d8d3785f-8e74-ec11-8943-0022482f06a6
Oryza Sativa Cera
No known risks
oryza sativa cera is a cosmetic resin or wax used for film formation, adhesion, texture or emollience. Relevant evidence does not identify a pregnancy-specific concern from normal topical exposure. Contact sensitivity can occur with some resin-derived materials, so this classification does not imply zero allergy risk.
Sources: CIR safety assessments of plant-derived waxes and cosmetic resins; CIR Quick Reference Table https://www.cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/quick-reference-table-december-2025; European Commission CosIng
Stearic Acid
No known risks
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.
Sources: CIR; EU/UK Cosmetics Regulation
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)
Glyceryl Stearate
No known risks
Emulsifier and emollient used to stabilise creams and lotions. Not associated with pregnancy-specific concerns at cosmetic exposure.
Sources: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (US); Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (EU)
Cetearyl Alcohol
No known risks
Fatty alcohol used as an emollient and thickener. Not the same as drying alcohols and not associated with pregnancy-specific concerns.
Sources: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (US); Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (EU)
Behentrimonium Methosulfate
No known risks
A quaternary ammonium conditioning and antistatic ingredient used mainly in hair products. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that behentrimonium methosulfate is safe in current practices when formulated to be non-irritating. Concentrated raw material can irritate, but no pregnancy-specific concern was identified for normal use of a finished cosmetic.
Sources: CIR: December 2025 Quick Reference Table, Behentrimonium Methosulfate conclusion, IJT 31(Suppl. 3), 2012 https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/QRT-Update-Dec2025.pdf
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 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
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
Myristic Acid
No known risks
This naturally occurring fatty acid is used for emolliency, cleansing support or texture. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review concluded that assessed fatty acids are safe in current cosmetic use when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing; some can increase penetration of other formula ingredients.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Fatty Acids and Fatty Acid Salts as Used in Cosmetics https://cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/safety-assessment-fatty-acids-fatty-acid-salts-used-cosmetic
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
Palmitic Acid
No known risks
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.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Fatty Acids and Fatty Acid Salts as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
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)
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)
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
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
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
No known risks
Polymer thickener and stabiliser used in creams and sunscreens. Low systemic exposure expected.
Sources: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (US); Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (EU)
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
PEG-100 Stearate
No known risks
Emulsifier used to stabilize creams and lotions. Reviewed cosmetic safety sources support use of PEG stearates in cosmetics, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern identified for normal topical use.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of PEG Stearates as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
Full recorded ingredient list
Water, Glycerin, Isopropyl Palmitate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Niacinamide, Pentylene Glycol, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Zea Mays Starch, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Oryza Sativa Cera, Stearic Acid, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Carbomer, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Triethanolamine, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Triethyl Citrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Myristic Acid, Cholesterol, Palmitic Acid, Tocopherol, Caprylyl Glycol, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Xanthan Gum, Phytosphingosine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Benzoic Acid, PEG-100 Stearate
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 AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF30 have a Medium risk rating?
The recorded formula includes 3 ingredient entries with risk flags: Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (Medium risk), Ethylhexyl Salicylate (Low risk), Triethanolamine (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.
Is the MamaSkin score a measure of SPF or sun protection?
No. The score and risk band describe MamaSkin's pregnancy-focused ingredient screening of this recorded formula. They do not measure SPF, UVA protection, water resistance or whether you have applied enough sunscreen. Use the protection and application instructions on your exact packaging, and review the ingredient flags separately.
Has every ingredient in CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF30 been assessed?
36 of 36 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 AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF30?
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.
