Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum

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.

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.

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

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.

Dipropylene glycol is used as a solvent and carrier in cosmetics; topical exposure is low and it has no known pregnancy or breastfeeding concerns at cosmetic concentrations.

A glucose-derived humectant and conditioning ingredient. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that methyl gluceth-20 is safe as used in cosmetics; reviewed skin testing did not indicate sensitisation. No pregnancy-specific concern was identified for normal topical cosmetic exposure.

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

Betaine is a humectant/osmolyte used to support hydration and reduce irritation potential in formulas; it is considered low concern with no known pregnancy or breastfeeding risks in topical cosmetic use.

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.

Humectant and preservative booster. Considered safe for cosmetic use with low systemic exposure.

Solvent and humectant used to improve texture and ingredient solubility. Low systemic exposure expected from topical cosmetic use.

A humectant that helps skin and hair retain water. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that hydroxyethyl urea is safe in current cosmetic use when formulated to be non-irritating; reproductive and developmental data reviewed for the assessment did not identify a pregnancy-specific concern from normal topical exposure.

A red or brown algae-derived ingredient used for skin conditioning, hydration or texture. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that Laminaria japonica extract and the assessed Chondrus crispus ingredients are safe in current practices of use and concentration. Seaweed allergy remains possible in a susceptible person.

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.

A fruit, seed or food-plant extract used for skin conditioning and antioxidant support. No pregnancy-specific signal was identified for the low topical exposure expected from a finished cosmetic. Direct pregnancy studies are generally unavailable, and botanical allergy remains possible.

Botanical skin-conditioning ingredient used in soothing and barrier-support formulas. Reviewed cosmetic safety sources support current cosmetic use when formulated to be non-sensitising, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific topical concern identified in the material reviewed.

Hydrogenated emulsifier used to support skin barrier feel. Not associated with pregnancy-specific concerns.

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.

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

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.

An ethoxylated fatty alcohol used as an emulsifier, surfactant or solubiliser. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that these named alkyl PEG ethers are safe in current practices when formulated to be non-irritating. Manufacturing controls should limit residual ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane.

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

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

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.

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.

Preservative booster and skin-conditioning agent. Considered safe for cosmetic use with low systemic exposure when used as intended.

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.

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.

Short plant-derived carbohydrate chains used for skin conditioning and formula support. Cosmetic safety reviewers assessed fructooligosaccharides with plant polysaccharide gums and concluded that the group is safe in current practices. No pregnancy-specific concern was identified for normal topical cosmetic exposure.

Film-forming polysaccharide used for soothing and hydration support. Reviewed cosmetic safety sources support normal topical use, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific topical signal identified in the material reviewed.

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.

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.

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.

Vitamin E antioxidant used to protect oils and support the skin barrier. Not associated with pregnancy-specific concerns at cosmetic exposure.

A non-live bacterial fermentation lysate used for skin conditioning. It is not the same as applying live bacteria. Available cosmetic safety information and the nature of the processed material do not identify a pregnancy-specific concern for normal topical exposure.

A terpene alcohol used for skin conditioning and soothing. Cosmetic safety reviewers reaffirmed bisabolol as safe at current cosmetic concentrations, and reproductive and developmental testing did not identify adverse effects. Bisabolol can increase skin penetration, so formulators should consider the safety of other ingredients in the same product.

Ubiquinone, also called coenzyme Q10, is an antioxidant and skin-conditioning ingredient. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review concluded that ubiquinone ingredients are safe in current cosmetic use; no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern is identified for normal topical exposure.