Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Clearing Serum by Clinique
Clinique

Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Clearing Serum

Serums

Safety score

Pregnancy-focused assessment

Medium Risk58/100
Higher concernLower concern

This formula contains an ingredient that needs extra caution in MamaSkin's pregnancy-focused assessment.

Formula and assessment check

Ingredient safety review updated 15 February 2026. Product formulas can change, so compare the ingredients shown here with the packaging you have.

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MamaSkin assessment · 15 February 2026

Is Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Clearing Serum suitable during pregnancy?

MamaSkin currently classifies Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Clearing Serum as Medium risk, with a stored score of 58/100. This assessment flags concerns that need closer consideration. Review the explanation with a qualified healthcare professional before deciding whether to use this formula during pregnancy.

What does the ingredient evidence show?

The recorded formula includes 8 ingredient entries with risk flags: Dimethicone (Low risk), Polysilicone-11 (Low risk), PEG-10 Dimethicone (Low risk), plus others listed in the breakdown. These are ingredient-level flags; they do not replace the stored product assessment or account for every formulation detail.

46 of 48 ingredient entries on this page have a recorded score, evidence summary and source text. 2 entries do not have all of those fields. Unmatched entries retain the default No known risks label but are not independently assessed here; missing evidence does not establish safety.

Ingredient breakdown

See how the listed formula falls across MamaSkin's pregnancy-focused risk bands.

40

No known risks

7

Low risk

1

Medium risk

0

High risk

Ingredients

Ingredients with a higher risk flag appear first, followed by the rest of the formula.

BHT

Medium Risk

BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) is a lipophilic antioxidant used to protect oils from oxidation. Animal studies at high (primarily oral) doses show liver enzyme induction and related biochemical changes; endocrine-screening lines of evidence have also been evaluated in regulatory reviews. Pregnancy-specific human outcome data for topical cosmetic exposure are limited; the key signal is systemic toxicology at higher exposures and uncertainty for pregnancy-specific outcomes.

Sources: SCCS/1636/21: Butylated hydroxytoluene https://health.ec.europa.eu/publications/butylated-hydroxytoluene-bht_en

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

Dimethicone

Low 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.

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

Show all (48)

Polysilicone-11

Low Risk

A crosslinked silicone elastomer used as a film former and texture ingredient. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that Polysilicone-11 is safe in current cosmetic use. MamaSkin classifies it as low risk for consistency with the existing silicone-polymer policy and because cosmetic-grade manufacturing should control residual starting materials, rather than because of a known pregnancy-specific contraindication.

Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Polysilicone-11 as Used in Cosmetics https://www.cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/safety-assessment-polysilicone-11-used-cosmetics

PEG-10 Dimethicone

Low Risk

This ingredient is a silicone polymer documented within CIR's broader dimethicone and substituted-methicone family assessment. CIR concluded the reviewed ingredients safe as used when formulated to be non-irritating to skin and eyes. This is family-level cosmetic evidence, not ingredient-specific human pregnancy evidence for every derivative. MamaSkin therefore retains Low Risk without claiming negligible absorption for this individual ingredient.

Sources: CIR: Dimethicone and substituted-methicone polymer assessment https://cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/safety-assessment-dimethicone-methicone-and-substituted-methicone-polymers-used-cosm

Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract

Low Risk

Pregnancy concerns around licorice are based mainly on high oral glycyrrhizin intake, which has been linked to shorter gestation and cortisol-related effects in offspring; by contrast, licorice root extracts have been assessed as safe as used in cosmetics, so routine topical skincare exposure fits a cautious low-risk classification.

Sources: CIR: Cosmetic safety assessment covering Glycyrrhiza glabra-derived ingredients https://cir-reports.cir-safety.org/view-attachment/?id=49a63435-8e74-ec11-8943-0022482f06a6

Salicylic Acid

Low Risk

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid used for exfoliation and as a preservative. Exposure depends on concentration, product category, treated area, frequency, skin condition and inhalation or oral potential. Current SCCS assessments support specified cosmetic uses and restrictions; ordinary limited-area low-strength topical use is not equivalent to a professional peel, large-area leave-on treatment or oral salicylate exposure. MamaSkin retains Low Risk with those route and exposure qualifications.

Sources: SCCS/1646/22: Final Opinion on Salicylic Acid https://health.ec.europa.eu/latest-updates/sccs-final-opinion-salicylic-acid-2023-06-09_en; SCCS follow-up on children's exposure https://health.ec.europa.eu/publications/sccs-opinion-salicylic-acid-cas-no-69-72-7-ec-no-200-712-3-childrens-exposure_en

Glycyrrhetinic Acid

Low Risk

Glycyrrhetinic Acid is a biologically active licorice-derived constituent used for soothing and skin conditioning. High oral licorice exposure is discouraged during pregnancy, but this does not establish equivalent risk from normal topical cosmetic exposure. MamaSkin applies a precautionary Low Risk classification for consistency with its existing licorice-root and glycyrrhizate policy.

Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Glycyrrhetinic Acid and Glycyrrhetinate ingredients https://cir-reports.cir-safety.org/view-attachment/?id=49a63435-8e74-ec11-8943-0022482f06a6; NIH ODS: Dietary Supplements and Life Stages - Pregnancy https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Pregnancy-HealthProfessional/; existing MamaSkin licorice-family policy.

Water

No Known Risks

Water (aqua) is the purified solvent used as the base of many cosmetics. MamaSkin classifies plain water as No known risks for normal topical use. Cosmetic water quality must be controlled to prevent contamination; this entry does not cover botanical waters or establish the safety of the finished formula.

Sources: Personal Care Products Council, CosmeticsInfo: Water https://www.cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredient/water/; FDA: Cosmetic Ingredient Names (Water/Aqua identity) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-labeling/cosmetic-ingredient-names

Isododecane

No Known Risks

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

Yeast Extract

No Known Risks

A yeast-derived ferment, filtrate or extract used for skin conditioning. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that cosmetic ingredients derived from the reviewed yeast species are safe in current practices; this record applies to the standardized cosmetic INCI material, not an unspecified live culture.

Sources: CIR: Yeast-derived ingredients final assessment, June 2024; Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate conclusion; December 2025 Quick Reference Table https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/QRT-Update-Dec2025.pdf

Butylene Glycol

No Known Risks

Solvent and humectant commonly used in leave-on products. Not associated with pregnancy-specific concerns at cosmetic exposure levels.

Sources: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (US); Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (EU)

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

Ascorbyl Glucoside

No Known Risks

A stable vitamin C derivative used as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning ingredient. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review concluded that ascorbyl glucoside is safe in current cosmetic use; normal topical exposure does not identify a pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern.

Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Ascorbyl Glucoside and Sodium Ascorbyl Glucoside https://www.cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/safety-assessment-ascorbyl-glucoside-and-sodium-ascorbyl-glucoside-used-cosmetics

PEG-6

No Known Risks

A cosmetic functional ingredient used for conditioning, texture or formula support. Available cosmetic-use information did not identify a reproductive or developmental hazard from normal topical exposure.

Sources: European Commission CosIng ingredient inventory; relevant CIR cosmetic safety assessments and peer-reviewed cosmetic-use literature.

Acetyl Glucosamine

No Known Risks

An amino-sugar derivative used for skin conditioning and hydration. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that acetyl glucosamine is safe in current practices when formulated to be non-irritating. No pregnancy-specific concern was identified for normal topical cosmetic exposure.

Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Glucosamine Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics https://www.cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/safety-assessment-glucosamine-ingredients-used-cosmetics-1

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

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

Squalane

No Known Risks

Lightweight emollient used to support the skin barrier. Not associated with pregnancy-specific concerns at cosmetic exposure levels.

Sources: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (US); Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (EU)

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

Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract

No Known Risks

A sunflower seed extract used mainly for skin conditioning. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that the supported Helianthus annuus-derived ingredients are safe in current cosmetic practices of use and concentration. A person with sunflower allergy may still react, but no pregnancy-specific concern was identified for normal topical exposure.

Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Helianthus annuus-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/Helianthus%20annuus.pdf

Trametes Versicolor Extract

No Known Risks

Hordeum Vulgare Extract

No Known Risks

A botanical extract or plant water used for conditioning, soothing or antioxidant support. Direct pregnancy studies of this exact cosmetic material were not identified, but no reproductive or developmental hazard was identified for normal topical exposure. Oral herbal or medicinal use is outside this classification.

Sources: European Commission CosIng; CIR botanical safety framework and relevant plant-family assessments; no ingredient-specific human pregnancy study of normal topical cosmetic use was identified.

Oryza Sativa Bran Extract

No Known Risks

A rice-derived extract or wax used for skin conditioning, absorbency or texture. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that the assessed Oryza sativa-derived ingredients are safe in current cosmetic practices. Rice allergy remains possible in a susceptible person.

Sources: CIR: Rice-derived ingredients conclusions, IJT 25(Suppl. 2), 2006; December 2025 Quick Reference Table https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/QRT-Update-Dec2025.pdf

Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract

No Known Risks

A botanical extract, juice or water used primarily for skin conditioning, moisturising, soothing or antioxidant support. Direct pregnancy studies of the named cosmetic material were not identified. No reproductive or developmental hazard was identified for normal topical exposure to a compliant finished cosmetic; oral herbal or medicinal use is outside this classification.

Sources: European Commission CosIng ingredient inventory; Cosmetic Ingredient Review botanical safety-assessment framework and relevant plant-family assessments. No ingredient-specific human pregnancy study of normal topical cosmetic use was identified.

Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract

No Known Risks

A cucumber fruit extract used for skin conditioning. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that Cucumis sativus-derived ingredients are safe in current cosmetic practices of use and concentration when formulated to avoid sensitisation. No pregnancy-specific concern was identified for normal topical cosmetic exposure, although irritation or allergy to a botanical-containing formula remains possible.

Sources: CIR: Final Safety Assessment of Cucumis sativus (Cucumber)-Derived Ingredients https://cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/final-safety-assessment-cucumis-sativus-cucumber-derived-ingredients

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

No Known Risks

Camellia sinensis (green tea) leaf extract is used as an antioxidant botanical; topical cosmetic use is considered low concern with no known pregnancy or breastfeeding risks, though rare sensitivities are possible.

Sources: CIR; EU/UK Cosmetics Regulation

Caffeine

No Known Risks

Methylxanthine used in cosmetics (e.g., de-puffing/firming and antioxidant support). No pregnancy-specific contraindications are identified for topical cosmetic use.

Sources: CIR (Methylxanthines); PubMed (NLM)

Isohexadecane

No Known Risks

Low-viscosity isoparaffin emollient used for slip and lightweight texture. 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 Isoparaffins as Used in Cosmetics / CIR Quick Reference Table (Isohexadecane); EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory

Propylene Glycol Dicaprate

No Known Risks

propylene glycol dicaprate is a cosmetic emollient, ester or lipid-derived formulation aid. Related safety assessments support normal cosmetic use, with irritation and penetration-enhancement qualifications retained where relevant. No pregnancy-specific concern was identified for ordinary topical exposure.

Sources: CIR safety assessments of polyglyceryl fatty acid esters, propylene glycol esters, saccharide esters and related cosmetic esters https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/PGlyFE092016FR.pdf; European Commission CosIng

Dimethoxytolyl Propylresorcinol

No Known Risks

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)

Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine

No Known Risks

A fatty amidoamine used mainly to condition hair. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that fatty acid amidopropyl dimethylamines are safe when formulated to be non-sensitising, with residual DMAPA and nitrosamine formation controlled. Developmental studies did not identify developmental toxicity at the tested dermal doses.

Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Fatty Acid Amidopropyl Dimethylamines as Used in Cosmetics https://cir-reports.cir-safety.org/view-attachment?id=da9dc889-8e74-ec11-8943-0022482f06a6

Phosphatidylcholine

No Known Risks

A phospholipid or phospholipid derivative used for skin conditioning and delivery systems. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that the assessed phospholipids, including phosphatidylcholine and lysolecithin, are safe in current practices.

Sources: CIR: Phospholipids conclusion, IJT 39(Suppl. 2), 2020; December 2025 Quick Reference Table https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/QRT-Update-Dec2025.pdf

Sorbitan Oleate

No Known Risks

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

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

Polysorbate 80

No Known Risks

Nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer used to disperse oils in cosmetic formulas. 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

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

Hexylene Glycol

No Known Risks

Solvent and humectant used to improve texture and ingredient solubility in topical cosmetics. Reviewed cosmetic ingredient references do not identify a pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern for normal topical use.

Sources: CIR cosmetic ingredient safety references for alkane diols/glycols; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory

Tromethamine

No Known Risks

pH adjuster and buffer used to stabilise formulations. 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 Tromethamine as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory

Citric Acid

No Known Risks

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

Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer

No Known Risks

A high-molecular-weight polymer used to thicken and stabilise formulas. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that acryloyldimethyltaurate polymers are safe in current practices. Residual monomers should be controlled during manufacture.

Sources: CIR: Acryloyldimethyltaurate Polymers final assessment, April 2017; December 2025 Quick Reference Table https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/QRT-Update-Dec2025.pdf

Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer

No Known Risks

Polymer thickener used to stabilise emulsions. Large-molecule ingredient with low systemic absorption.

Sources: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (US); Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (EU)

Tocopheryl Acetate

No Known Risks

Tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E derivative) is used as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning ingredient; it is considered low concern in topical use with no known pregnancy or breastfeeding risks at cosmetic concentrations.

Sources: CIR; EU/UK Cosmetics Regulation

Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate

No Known Risks

A stable vitamin C derivative used for antioxidant and skin-conditioning effects. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that magnesium ascorbyl phosphate is safe in current practices of use and concentration.

Sources: CIR: Ascorbyl ingredients conclusion, IJT 24(Suppl. 2), 2005; December 2025 Quick Reference Table https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/QRT-Update-Dec2025.pdf

Sodium Citrate

No Known Risks

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

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

Nylon-12

No Known Risks

A large polyamide powder used for slip, texture and oil absorption. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that Nylon-12 is safe in current cosmetic use; human testing at the maximum reviewed concentration did not indicate irritation or sensitization. Avoid deliberately inhaling loose powder or using it through an airbrush system.

Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Nylon Polymers https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/nylon_build.pdf; CIR findings announcement https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/March%20postmeeting%20announcement%20-revised.pdf

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.

Questions about this assessment

Has every ingredient in Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Clearing Serum been assessed?

46 of 48 ingredient entries on this page have a recorded score, evidence summary and source text. 2 entries do not have all of those fields. Unmatched entries retain the default No known risks label but are not independently assessed here; missing evidence does not establish safety.

Does this assessment apply to the Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Clearing Serum I have?

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.

How to use this assessment

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.

Read the full methodology