COSRX
COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Low risk75/100
COSRX
The Retinol 0.1 Cream
Facial Treatments
Higher-risk ingredients are flagged in this formula. Discuss alternatives with your healthcare professional.
51 of 51 ingredients rated
Is it suitable during pregnancy?
MamaSkin rates the recorded formula for COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream as High risk (26/100). This is not a pregnancy-safe recommendation. Discuss alternatives with a qualified healthcare professional.
Why this rating?
The recorded formula includes 4 ingredient entries with risk flags: Retinol (High risk), BHT (Medium risk), 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.
51 of 51 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.
Retinol
High risk
Vitamin A derivative. Systemic retinoids are known teratogens, and topical retinoids are avoided during pregnancy due to class-wide risk and limited safety margins. Avoid use during pregnancy regardless of formulation.
Sources: EMA: Updated measures for pregnancy prevention during retinoid use https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/updated-measures-pregnancy-prevention-during-retinoid-use; FDA: Pregnancy and Lactation Labeling Rule https://www.fda.gov/drugs/labeling-information-drug-products/questions-and-answers-pregnancy-and-lactation-labeling-rule
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
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
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
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
Show all 51 ingredients
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
No known risks
Common emollient derived from fatty acids and glycerin. Used to soften skin and improve texture without pregnancy-specific concerns.
Sources: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (US); Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (EU)
Propanediol
No known risks
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)
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
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
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)
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
No known risks
Butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter is an emollient/occlusive that supports the skin barrier; topical use is considered low concern with no known pregnancy or breastfeeding risks.
Sources: CIR; EU/UK Cosmetics Regulation
Panthenol
No known risks
Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) is used for soothing and barrier support and is generally well tolerated, with no known pregnancy or breastfeeding concerns in topical cosmetic use.
Sources: CIR; EU/UK Cosmetics Regulation
Trehalose
No known risks
Sugar-derived humectant used to help bind water and improve skin feel. Reviewed cosmetic ingredient references do not identify a pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern for normal topical cosmetic use.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Monosaccharides, Disaccharides, and Related Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
Glycine Soja Oil
No known risks
Plant-derived emollient oil used to soften skin and support formula texture. Reviewed cosmetic safety sources support current cosmetic use, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific topical concern identified in the material reviewed.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Soy-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
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)
Glyceryl Polymethacrylate
No known risks
A high-molecular-weight moisturising and texture polymer. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that glyceryl polymethacrylate is safe in current cosmetic practices. Dermal absorption of the intact polymer is expected to be limited, and residual monomers should be controlled.
Sources: CIR: Final safety assessment of Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, June 2022; December 2025 Quick Reference Table https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/QRT-Update-Dec2025.pdf
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
No known risks
Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil is a common emollient rich in fatty acids and is generally well tolerated, with no known pregnancy or breastfeeding concerns in topical cosmetic use.
Sources: CIR; EU/UK Cosmetics Regulation
Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate
No known risks
An ester of polyglycerin and stearic acid used as an emulsifier and skin-conditioning ingredient. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that polyglyceryl fatty acid esters, including Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, are safe in current cosmetic use when formulated to be non-irritating.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Polyglyceryl Fatty Acid Esters https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/PGlyFE092016FR.pdf
Hydrogenated Lecithin
No known risks
Hydrogenated emulsifier used to support skin barrier feel. Not associated with pregnancy-specific concerns.
Sources: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (US)
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
No known risks
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
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)
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
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)
Sodium Sulfite
No known risks
An antioxidant and reducing agent used to protect formula stability. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that sodium sulfite is safe in current practices. Sulfite-sensitive users may still experience irritation or allergy.
Sources: CIR: Sodium Sulfite conclusion; December 2025 Quick Reference Table https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/QRT-Update-Dec2025.pdf
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)
Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
No known risks
A plant-part extract used for skin conditioning, soothing, fragrance or antioxidant support. No pregnancy-specific systemic signal was identified for normal topical cosmetic exposure. This assessment does not extend to essential oils, oral herbal products or medicinal doses, and botanical sensitivity remains possible.
Sources: European Commission CosIng ingredient inventory; CIR botanical safety framework and relevant plant-derived ingredient assessments; peer-reviewed cosmetic-use literature.
Allantoin
No known risks
Allantoin is a soothing skin protectant commonly used to help reduce irritation and support comfort, with no known pregnancy or breastfeeding concerns in topical cosmetic use.
Sources: CIR; EU/UK Cosmetics Regulation
Glyceryl Caprylate
No known risks
Emollient, co-emulsifier and preservative-support ingredient used in topical cosmetics. Reviewed cosmetic ingredient references do not identify a pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern for normal topical use.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Monoglyceryl Monoesters as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
Oryza Sativa Bran Wax
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
Tocotrienols
No known risks
A naturally occurring or derivative biomolecule used for conditioning, hydration or formula support. No pregnancy-specific reproductive or developmental hazard was identified for normal topical cosmetic exposure; oral or therapeutic dosing is outside this classification.
Sources: European Commission CosIng ingredient inventory; peer-reviewed biochemical and cosmetic-use literature; relevant CIR protein, peptide and biological-source safety assessments.
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
Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
No known risks
An emulsifier built from polyglycerin, methyl glucose and stearic-acid components, used to stabilise creams and improve texture. Exact pregnancy-specific data are limited. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that related methyl glucose esters and polyglyceryl fatty-acid esters are safe in current cosmetic use when formulated to be non-irritating. No pregnancy-specific topical concern was identified by applying those related-group assessments to ordinary cosmetic exposure.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Methyl Glucose Polyethers and Esters https://www.cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/safety-assessment-methyl-glucose-polyethers-and-esters-used-cosmetics; CIR: Safety Assessment of Polyglyceryl Fatty Acid Esters https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/PGlyFE092016FR.pdf
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
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
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)
Adenosine
No known risks
Skin-conditioning ingredient commonly used in leave-on skincare. 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 Adenosine Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
Sorbitan Isostearate
No known risks
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
Elaeis Guineensis Oil
No known risks
A plant-derived fatty oil or butter used mainly as an emollient, conditioning ingredient or texture agent. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that the assessed plant-derived fatty acid oils are safe in current practices of use and concentration. This conclusion applies to cosmetic-grade fixed oils rather than similarly named volatile essential oils. Seed or food allergy may still matter for a susceptible person.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Plant-Derived Fatty Acid Oils as Used in Cosmetics https://cir-reports.cir-safety.org/view-attachment/?id=ad62ac6b-8e74-ec11-8943-0022482f06a6
Beta-Carotene
No known risks
A colour additive used in cosmetics. FDA lists caramel and beta-carotene as permitted cosmetic colour additives, including for eye-area and general cosmetic use, subject to applicable identity, purity and manufacturing requirements. No pregnancy-specific concern was identified from normal topical cosmetic exposure.
Sources: FDA: Color Additives Permitted for Use in Cosmetics https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredient-names/color-additives-permitted-use-cosmetics; 21 CFR Part 73.
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
Lauric 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
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
No known risks
A stable ether derivative of vitamin C used as an antioxidant and brightening ingredient. Pregnancy-specific topical studies are limited, but no pregnancy-specific contraindication was identified in the reviewed literature. Published case reports describe allergic contact dermatitis, so local sensitivity remains possible and this classification should not be read as proof that irritation cannot occur.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Ethers of Ascorbic Acid https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/ethers_of_ascorbate.pdf; PubMed: 3-O-ethyl-L-ascorbic acid topical delivery https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31517290/; PubMed: allergic contact dermatitis case report https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24846587/
Ascorbic Acid
No known risks
Vitamin C antioxidant used to support brightness and photoprotection; functions as an antioxidant/pH adjuster in cosmetic formulas. No pregnancy-specific contraindications are identified for topical cosmetic use.
Sources: CIR (Ascorbic Acid); PubMed (NLM)
Glutathione
No known risks
An antioxidant peptide naturally present in the body and used in topical products for skin conditioning and tone. Clinical studies and systematic reviews report generally good tolerance of topical glutathione, although evidence for cosmetic benefits remains limited. No pregnancy-specific topical signal was identified.
Sources: PubMed: Systematic Review of the Efficacy and Safety of Topical Glutathione in Dermatology https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41416233/; PubMed: topical oxidized glutathione clinical trial https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25378941/
Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil
No known risks
This plant-derived fatty oil or butter is used as an emollient and skin-conditioning ingredient. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review concluded that assessed plant-derived fatty acid oils are safe as used in cosmetics; individual plant allergy and ingredient purity remain practical considerations.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Plant-Derived Fatty Acid Oils https://cir-reports.cir-safety.org/view-attachment/?id=ad62ac6b-8e74-ec11-8943-0022482f06a6
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
1,2-Hexanediol
No known risks
1,2-Hexanediol is commonly used as a solvent and preservative booster; topical exposure is low and it has no known pregnancy or breastfeeding concerns at cosmetic concentrations, though very sensitive skin may occasionally react.
Sources: CIR; EU/UK Cosmetics Regulation
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
No known risks
Humectant and skin-conditioning ingredient in the hyaluronate family. Reviewed cosmetic safety sources support current cosmetic use, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific topical concern identified in the material reviewed.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Hyaluronates as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
No known risks
Crosslinked hyaluronate humectant used to support hydration at the skin surface. Reviewed cosmetic safety sources support normal topical use, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific topical signal identified.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Hyaluronates as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
Hyaluronic Acid
No known risks
High-water-binding humectant used to support hydration at the skin surface. 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 Hyaluronates as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
No known risks
Modified hyaluronate humectant and skin-conditioning ingredient. Reviewed cosmetic safety sources support topical hyaluronate ingredients, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern identified for normal cosmetic use.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Hyaluronates as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
Full recorded ingredient list
Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propanediol, Glycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Panthenol, Trehalose, Glycine Soja Oil, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Dimethicone, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Glyceryl Stearate, Polysilicone-11, Sodium Sulfite, Tocopherol, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Allantoin, Glyceryl Caprylate, Oryza Sativa Bran Wax, Retinol, Tocotrienols, Stearic Acid, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Palmitic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Sorbitan Isostearate, Elaeis Guineensis Oil, BHT, Beta-Carotene, Myristic Acid, Lauric Acid, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Glutathione, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Ingredient ratings refreshed 1 October 2026. Formulas vary by market and can change. Always compare with your packaging.
Questions about this assessment
Why does COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream have a High risk rating?
The recorded formula includes 4 ingredient entries with risk flags: Retinol (High risk), BHT (Medium risk), 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. The product score is a stored assessment, not a clinical safety guarantee.
Does a barrier-care product name establish pregnancy suitability?
No. This recorded formula contains Panthenol or Madecassoside, but a barrier-care claim does not establish the assessment of all its other ingredients. Read the individual ingredient evidence and any manual-review explanation, and compare the recorded list with your packaging.
Has every ingredient in COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream been assessed?
51 of 51 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 COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream?
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.
