Dr. Althea
Dr. Althea Gentle Vitamin C Serum
No known risks99/100
Dr. Althea
Vitamin C Boosting Serum
Serums
This formula needs extra consideration during pregnancy. Review the flagged ingredients with your healthcare professional.
43 of 43 ingredients rated
Is it suitable during pregnancy?
MamaSkin rates the recorded formula for Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum as Medium risk (58/100). Discuss the flagged ingredients with a qualified healthcare professional before using this formula during pregnancy.
Why this rating?
The recorded formula includes 2 ingredient entries with risk flags: Alpha-Arbutin (Medium risk), Tranexamic Acid (Low risk). These are ingredient-level flags; they do not replace the stored product assessment or account for every formulation detail.
43 of 43 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.
Alpha-Arbutin
Medium risk
Alpha-arbutin is a skin-brightening ingredient that inhibits tyrosinase and can be viewed as a glycosylated hydroquinone. The central safety signal is potential hydroquinone release/contamination plus systemic exposure from dermal absorption and aggregate exposure across multiple product types. Pregnancy-specific human outcome data for topical cosmetic exposure are limited; the medium-risk signal is hydroquinone-related concern and uncertainty rather than a robust pregnancy-specific safety dataset.
Sources: SCCS/1642/22: Alpha-arbutin and beta-arbutin in cosmetics https://health.ec.europa.eu/publications/safety-alpha-arbutin-and-beta-arbutin-cosmetic-products_en
Tranexamic Acid
Low risk
Synthetic lysine analogue used topically for melasma and hyperpigmentation; inhibits plasmin activity and downstream melanogenesis. Topical formulations (≈2–5%) show low systemic absorption and no reported teratogenic effects, but pregnancy-specific data remain limited. Many sources regard it as pregnancy-safe or acceptable, while some advise cautious use or deferral until after pregnancy due to limited evidence.
Sources: PubMed: Topical tranexamic acid dermatology literature https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=topical+tranexamic+acid+melasma+safety
Hippophae Rhamnoides Water
No known risks
hippophae rhamnoides water is a botanical-derived cosmetic conditioning ingredient. The reviewed identity is not a concentrated essential oil or an oral herbal preparation. Available cosmetic evidence and expected topical exposure did not identify a pregnancy-specific contraindication, although botanical irritation or allergy remains possible.
Sources: CIR ingredient-specific and botanical-family safety assessments; CIR Quick Reference Table https://www.cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/quick-reference-table-december-2025; European Commission CosIng
Centella Asiatica Leaf Water
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.
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
Show all 43 ingredients
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)
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
Dipropylene Glycol
No known risks
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.
Sources: CIR; EU/UK Cosmetics Regulation
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
Methyl Gluceth-20
No known risks
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.
Sources: CIR: Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Methyl Gluceth-10 and Methyl Gluceth-20 https://cir-reports.cir-safety.org/view-attachment?id=fb9dc889-8e74-ec11-8943-0022482f06a6
Methylpropanediol
No known risks
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.
Sources: CIR cosmetic ingredient safety references for alkane diols; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
Betaine
No known risks
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.
Sources: CIR; EU/UK Cosmetics Regulation
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
Pentylene Glycol
No known risks
Humectant and preservative booster. Considered safe for cosmetic use with low systemic exposure.
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)
Hydroxyethyl Urea
No known risks
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.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Hydroxyethyl Urea https://www.cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/safety-assessment-hydroxyethyl-urea-used-cosmetics-0
Laminaria Japonica Extract
No known risks
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.
Sources: CIR: Laminaria Japonica Extract final report, September 2019; Chondrus Crispus ingredients final report, September 2021; December 2025 Quick Reference Table https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/QRT-Update-Dec2025.pdf
Eclipta Prostrata Leaf 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.
Ficus Carica Fruit Extract
No known risks
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.
Sources: European Commission CosIng ingredient inventory; CIR botanical safety framework and relevant fruit-derived ingredient assessments; peer-reviewed cosmetic and phytochemical literature for the named plants.
Centella Asiatica Extract
No known risks
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.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Centella asiatica-derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
Hydrogenated Lecithin
No known risks
Hydrogenated emulsifier used to support skin barrier feel. Not associated with pregnancy-specific concerns.
Sources: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (US)
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
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)
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/
C12-14 Pareth-12
No known risks
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.
Sources: CIR: Alkyl PEG/PPG Ethers conclusions, including C11-15 Pareth-7, C12-14 Pareth-12, Octyldodeceth-16 and Ceteareth-12; 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)
Xanthan Gum
No known risks
Natural polysaccharide thickener used for stability and texture. Not associated with pregnancy-specific concerns.
Sources: European cosmetics regulatory framework
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
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
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
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
Fructooligosaccharides
No known risks
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.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Plant Polysaccharide Gums as Used in Cosmetics https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/plpogu092014slr.pdf
Beta-Glucan
No known risks
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.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Microbial Polysaccharide Gums as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
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)
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
Ceramide NP
No known risks
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
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)
Bifida Ferment Lysate
No known risks
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.
Sources: CIR yeast and bacterial ferment strategy and safety assessments; European Commission CosIng ingredient inventory for Bifida Ferment Lysate.
Bisabolol
No known risks
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.
Sources: CIR: Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Bisabolol https://cir-reports.cir-safety.org/view-attachment/?id=6fcf160b-8e74-ec11-8943-0022482f06a6; CIR re-review material https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/bisabolol.pdf
Ubiquinone
No known risks
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.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Ubiquinone Ingredients https://www.cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/safety-assessment-ubiquinone-ingredients-used-cosmetics-0
Hydroxydecyl Ubiquinone
No known risks
The official CIR quick-reference record identifies the exact ingredient as safe under its final assessment.
Sources: https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/QRT-Update-Dec2025.pdf
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
Hippophae Rhamnoides Water, Centella Asiatica Leaf Water, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Water, Methyl Gluceth-20, Methylpropanediol, Betaine, Tranexamic Acid, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Propanediol, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract, Ficus Carica Fruit Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Carbomer, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, C12-14 Pareth-12, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, Tromethamine, Panthenol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Fructooligosaccharides, Beta-Glucan, Ascorbic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramide NP, Alpha-Arbutin, Tocopherol, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Bisabolol, Ubiquinone, Hydroxydecyl Ubiquinone, 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 Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum have a Medium risk rating?
The recorded formula includes 2 ingredient entries with risk flags: Alpha-Arbutin (Medium risk), Tranexamic Acid (Low risk). 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 this assessment cover oral or prescribed tranexamic acid?
No. Tranexamic Acid is listed in this recorded topical cosmetic. Its ingredient entry and this product score do not assess oral medication, injections or the suitability of a prescribed treatment. Read the formula-specific rating here and discuss prescribed medicines separately with your healthcare professional.
Has every ingredient in Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum been assessed?
43 of 43 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 Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum?
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.
