CeraVe
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Medium risk53/100
CeraVe
Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Some ingredients carry a low-risk flag. Read the formulation context before deciding.
24 of 24 ingredients rated
Is it suitable during pregnancy?
MamaSkin rates the recorded formula for CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser as Low risk (76/100). Review the ingredient context and any manual-review explanation before deciding.
Why this rating?
The recorded formula includes 1 ingredient entry with a risk flag: Phenoxyethanol (Low risk). These are ingredient-level flags; they do not replace the stored product assessment or account for every formulation detail.
24 of 24 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.
Phenoxyethanol
Low risk
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.
Sources: SCCS/1575/16: Phenoxyethanol opinion https://health.ec.europa.eu/publications/phenoxyethanol_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
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
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)
PEG-40 Stearate
No known risks
An ethoxylated stearate used as an emulsifier and surfactant. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that the assessed PEG stearates are safe in current practices. Manufacturing should control ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane residues.
Sources: CIR: PEG Stearates conclusions; December 2025 Quick Reference Table https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/QRT-Update-Dec2025.pdf
Show all 24 ingredients
Stearyl Alcohol
No known risks
Fatty alcohol used as an emollient and stabiliser. Not associated with pregnancy-specific concerns at cosmetic exposure.
Sources: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (US); Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (EU)
Potassium Phosphate
No known risks
An inorganic phosphate salt used for buffering, oral care or formula structure. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that the assessed phosphates are safe in current practices when formulated to be non-irritating.
Sources: CIR: Phosphates conclusion, IJT 40(Suppl. 1), 2021; 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)
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)
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
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
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
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
Disodium EDTA
No known risks
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.
Sources: CIR; EU/UK Cosmetics Regulation
Dipotassium Phosphate
No known risks
A functional cosmetic ingredient used for preservation support, pH control, chelation, solvent action or formula stability. Concentrated material may irritate skin or eyes, but no pregnancy-specific reproductive or developmental hazard was identified for normal use in a compliant finished cosmetic.
Sources: European Commission CosIng ingredient inventory and applicable cosmetic restrictions; relevant CIR ingredient and functional-family safety assessments.
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)
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
Xanthan Gum
No known risks
Natural polysaccharide thickener used for stability and texture. Not associated with pregnancy-specific concerns.
Sources: European cosmetics regulatory framework
Cetyl Alcohol
No known risks
Fatty alcohol used to improve texture and skin feel. Considered safe for cosmetic use without pregnancy-specific concerns.
Sources: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (US); Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (EU)
Polysorbate 20
No known risks
Nonionic surfactant and solubiliser used to disperse oils and fragrance. 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 Polysorbates as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
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)
Full recorded ingredient list
Water, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, PEG-40 Stearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Potassium Phosphate, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Carbomer, Glyceryl Stearate, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cholesterol, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA, Dipotassium Phosphate, Tocopherol, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum, Cetyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 20, Ethylhexylglycerin
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 Hydrating Facial Cleanser have a Low risk rating?
The recorded formula includes 1 ingredient entry with a risk flag: Phenoxyethanol (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.
Has every ingredient in CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser been assessed?
24 of 24 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 Hydrating Facial 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.
