Safety score
Pregnancy-focused assessment
One or more ingredients have a low-risk flag in MamaSkin's current assessment. Review the notes and your own circumstances.
Formula and assessment check
Ingredient safety review updated 23 November 2025. Product formulas can change, so compare the ingredients shown here with the packaging you have.
Report a formula mismatchSee how the listed formula falls across MamaSkin's pregnancy-focused risk bands.
41
No known risks
3
Low risk
0
Medium risk
0
High risk
Ingredients with a higher risk flag appear first, followed by the rest of the formula.
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
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.
Sources: CIR: Amended Safety Assessment of Dimethicone, Methicone, and Substituted-Methicone Polymers as Used in Cosmetics https://cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/amended-safety-assessment-dimethicone-methicone-and-substituted-methicone-polymers-2
Butyloctyl salicylate is a salicylate ester that the CIR panel considered safe as used in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating. Available safety data support low dermal toxicity, and at typical cosmetic use levels the expected systemic salicylate exposure from topical application is far below oral salicylate exposure, which fits a low-risk classification.
Sources: MotherToBaby: Topical acne treatments including salicylic acid https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK582985/
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.
Sources: EFSA opinion on titanium dioxide as food additive E171 (ingestion context); SCCS opinions on titanium dioxide in cosmetics (including inhalation/nano considerations); general dermatology guidance on mineral sunscreens in pregnancy.
Mineral ingredient used as a UV filter and skin protectant in many creams and mineral sunscreens. For typical topical use, systemic absorption is very low and it is generally considered acceptable in pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you prefer a cautious approach, avoid inhaling loose powders or spray formats.
Sources: General dermatology/obstetric guidance commonly lists mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide) as acceptable in pregnancy; exposure route considerations for powders/sprays.
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
Alkyl benzoate emollient used in cosmetics; available cosmetic safety assessments do not indicate pregnancy-specific concerns with routine topical use.
Sources: CIR Safety Assessment of Alkyl Benzoates (2012); CIR alkyl benzoates dossier / C12-15 alkyl benzoate data.
Volatile emollient/solvent used for slip, quick-dry texture and makeup wear. Reviewed cosmetic ingredient references support normal topical use, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific topical concern identified.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Isoparaffins as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
A high-molecular-weight acrylate polymer used for film formation, texture or suspension. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that the assessed acrylates copolymers are safe in current practices when formulated to be non-irritating. Finished-polymer absorption is expected to be limited, and residual monomers should be controlled during manufacture.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Acrylates Copolymers as Used in Cosmetics https://cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/safety-assessment-acrylates-copolymers-used-cosmetics
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)
Light emollient carbonate ester used to improve spreadability and reduce greasiness. 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 Dialkyl Carbonates as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
Solvent and humectant used to improve texture and ingredient solubility. Low systemic exposure expected from topical cosmetic use.
Sources: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (US); Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (EU)
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
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.
Sources: CIR cosmetic ingredient safety references for alumina/aluminum hydroxide ingredients; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
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
This sorbitan fatty-acid ester is an emulsifier that helps oil and water phases remain mixed. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review concluded that sorbitan esters are safe in current cosmetic use; occasional contact reactions remain possible in sensitive users.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Sorbitan Esters as Used in Cosmetics https://www.cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/safety-assessment-sorbitan-esters-used-cosmetics
peg-8 laurate is a cosmetic formulation, mineral, sugar-derived or organic-acid ingredient. Available identity, use and related safety evidence did not identify a pregnancy-specific concern for normal topical cosmetic exposure. Cosmetic-grade purity and ordinary irritation precautions remain applicable.
Sources: CIR ingredient and related-family safety assessments; CIR Quick Reference Table https://www.cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/quick-reference-table-december-2025; European Commission CosIng
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
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
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
Emulsifier used to help oil and water phases remain mixed. Reviewed cosmetic safety sources support topical use in cosmetics; the main practical issue is irritation potential in some formulas rather than a pregnancy-specific concern.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Sorbitan Esters as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
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)
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)
An ethoxylated fatty alcohol used as an emulsifier and surfactant. Cosmetic safety reviewers support use in properly formulated products, with cautions regarding damaged skin and control of ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane impurities. These are formulation and manufacturing considerations rather than a pregnancy-specific hazard.
Sources: CIR ingredient record and safety assessment: Ceteareth-20 https://cir-safety.org/ingredient/ceteareth-20
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.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Alkoxyl Alkyl Silanes as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
A high-molecular-weight silicone polymer used for film forming, smoothing and skin or hair conditioning. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review concluded that Dimethiconol and its assessed derivatives are safe in current cosmetic use. Its polymeric nature limits skin penetration, and available evidence does not identify a pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern for normal topical exposure.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Dimethiconol and its Esters and Reaction Products; International Journal of Toxicology 36(Suppl. 3):31-50 (2017) https://cir-safety.org/ingredient/dimethiconol
Buffering and chelating ingredient used to control pH and formulation stability. 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 Citric Acid, Inorganic Citrate Salts, and Alkyl Citrate Esters as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
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
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
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
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
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
Preservative used to help protect formulas from microbial growth. Reviewed cosmetic safety sources support present cosmetic use; no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific topical concern was identified in the material reviewed, although some users may still notice local irritation or sensitivity.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Chlorphenesin as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
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)
Large polymer thickener, stabilizer and texture ingredient used in gels, creams and sunscreens. Systemic exposure from topical cosmetic use is expected to be low, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern identified in reviewed cosmetic references.
Sources: CIR cosmetic ingredient safety references for acrylates copolymers; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
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)
pH adjuster used in small amounts to maintain product stability. Not associated with pregnancy-specific concerns.
Sources: Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (EU); European cosmetics regulatory framework
Natural polysaccharide thickener used for stability and texture. Not associated with pregnancy-specific concerns.
Sources: European cosmetics regulatory framework
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
Polymeric dispersing agent used to keep pigments and mineral filters evenly suspended. Low systemic exposure is expected from topical cosmetic use, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern identified.
Sources: CIR cosmetic ingredient safety references for polymeric fatty acid derivatives; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
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.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Polysorbates as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
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)
Formulations can change without notice. For the most accurate result, compare this list with your packaging and scan the exact ingredient label in MamaSkin when you repurchase.
The risk band is the primary conclusion. The score adds detail within that band and should not be used to compare products as if a one-point difference were clinically meaningful.
MamaSkin provides pregnancy-focused information, not medical advice. Your midwife, GP, pharmacist or dermatologist should take priority when your circumstances differ from typical cosmetic use.
