COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++

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.

Umbrella term for an undisclosed fragrance blend. It’s not usually a pregnancy-specific concern at normal cosmetic use levels, but the exact components and concentrations aren’t fully disclosed on the label, so we score it more conservatively. If you prefer maximum transparency (or you’re sensitive to fragrance compounds), choose fragrance-free/unscented products.

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.

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.

A crosslinked silicone elastomer used for texture and oil absorption. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that dimethicone crosspolymers are safe in current cosmetic use. MamaSkin classifies the exact polymer as low risk for consistency with the existing dimethicone-family policy and because manufacturing controls are needed for residual monomers, rather than because of a known pregnancy-specific contraindication.

A purified glycyrrhizic-acid salt used as a soothing and skin-conditioning ingredient. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that dipotassium glycyrrhizate is safe in current cosmetic use and noted poor dermal absorption. MamaSkin nevertheless applies a cautious low-risk classification for consistency with the existing licorice family because high oral glycyrrhizin exposure has pregnancy-related concerns; this is not a topical contraindication.

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.

Propylene glycol is a common solvent and humectant with a long history of use; it is not considered a pregnancy or breastfeeding concern in topical cosmetics, though some individuals may experience irritation in leave-on products.

Silicone emollient and solvent used to improve slip and spreadability. No known pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern in normal topical cosmetic use based on reviewed cosmetic safety sources. Spray or aerosol formats may warrant extra caution because inhalation/local lung exposure concerns have been raised for those uses.

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.

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.

Organic UVB filter used in sunscreens, also known as Amiloxate. Available cosmetic safety sources describe low dermal toxicity and no pregnancy-specific topical concern was identified in the sources reviewed. This is assessed separately from Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate/Octinoxate.

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.

Volatile solvent used in some toners, sprays, and lightweight formulas. Reviewed cosmetic safety sources support current cosmetic use, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific topical concern identified in the material reviewed; the main practical issue is dryness, stinging, or barrier disruption in some users.

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

Emulsifier and emollient used to stabilise creams and lotions. Not associated with pregnancy-specific concerns at cosmetic exposure.

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.

A long-chain fatty alcohol or fatty-alcohol blend used as an emollient, emulsifier or thickener. Cosmetic safety assessments of long-chain fatty alcohols support use in current cosmetic practices; systemic absorption and reproductive exposure from normal topical use are expected to be low.

A large, pre-formed acrylic polymer used for texture, film formation and oil absorption. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that cosmetic-grade polymethyl methacrylate is safe in current cosmetic use, drawing on extensive safety information for comparable medical materials. Good manufacturing practice should minimize residual monomer.

Fatty alcohol used as an emollient and thickener. Not the same as drying alcohols and not associated with pregnancy-specific concerns.

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.

Mineral absorbent and texture aid used to mattify and improve slip. Reviewed cosmetic safety sources support normal topical cosmetic use; this assessment does not cover deliberate inhalation of loose powder.

pH adjuster used in very small quantities to balance formulations. Not associated with pregnancy-specific concerns.

A sugar-derived surfactant and emulsifier. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that alkyl glucosides, including C12-20 alkyl glucoside, are safe in current practices when formulated to be non-irritating.

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.

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.

Humectant and preservative booster used to support product stability. Low systemic exposure expected from topical cosmetic use.

Polymer thickener and stabiliser used in creams and sunscreens. Low systemic exposure expected.

Polymer thickener used to create gel textures. Large-molecule ingredient with negligible systemic absorption.

Natural polysaccharide thickener used for stability and texture. Not associated with pregnancy-specific concerns.

Limonene is a common fragrance component used at low levels in cosmetics; it is not a pregnancy-specific concern in topical use, but it is a recognised fragrance allergen and may trigger irritation or sensitisation in some people, especially if the product oxidises over time.

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.

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.

A synthetic floral fragrance ingredient. Its main consumer-relevant concern is skin sensitisation in susceptible users; no pregnancy-specific hazard is identified for normal topical cosmetic exposure.

Linalool is a common fragrance component used at low levels in cosmetics; it is not a pregnancy-specific concern in topical use, but it is a recognised fragrance allergen and may trigger irritation or sensitisation in some people, especially if the product oxidises over time.

A floral fragrance ingredient found in several essential oils and also used in manufactured form. It is a recognised contact allergen, but no pregnancy-specific hazard is identified for normal topical cosmetic exposure.

Benzyl alcohol is used as a preservative and fragrance component in cosmetics; it is not a pregnancy-specific concern at typical topical exposure, but it can be irritating or sensitising for some individuals, particularly in leave-on products.

A rose-like fragrance ingredient that occurs naturally in many essential oils and may also be manufactured. Its main cosmetic concern is contact allergy in susceptible users; no pregnancy-specific hazard is identified for normal topical cosmetic exposure.

A fragrance ingredient, solvent and fixative that also occurs naturally in some essential oils. It is a labelled fragrance allergen and may irritate or sensitise susceptible users, but no pregnancy-specific concern is identified for normal topical cosmetic exposure.