EltaMD
EltaMD UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44
Low risk72/100
EltaMD
UV Active Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+
Sunscreens
Some ingredients carry a low-risk flag. Read the formulation context before deciding.
34 of 34 ingredients rated
Is it suitable during pregnancy?
MamaSkin rates the recorded formula for EltaMD UV Active Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+ as Low risk (79/100). Review the ingredient context and any manual-review explanation before deciding.
Why this rating?
The recorded formula includes 1 ingredient entry with a risk flag: Dimethicone (Low risk). These are ingredient-level flags; they do not replace the stored product assessment or account for every formulation detail.
34 of 34 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.
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
Zinc Oxide 19%
No known risks
Mineral ingredient used as a UV filter and skin protectant in many creams and mineral sunscreens. For typical topical use, systemic absorption is very low and it is generally considered acceptable in pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you prefer a cautious approach, avoid inhaling loose powders or spray formats.
Sources: General dermatology/obstetric guidance commonly lists mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide) as acceptable in pregnancy; exposure route considerations for powders/sprays.
Titanium Dioxide 4%
No known risks
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.
Sources: EFSA opinion on titanium dioxide as food additive E171 (ingestion context); SCCS opinions on titanium dioxide in cosmetics (including inhalation/nano considerations); general dermatology guidance on mineral sunscreens in pregnancy.
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
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)
Show all 34 ingredients
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
No known risks
Coconut-derived emollient ester used as a lightweight skin-conditioning ingredient. Reviewed cosmetic ingredient references do not identify a pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern for normal topical use.
Sources: CIR cosmetic ingredient safety references for alkyl esters/emollient esters; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
Ethyl Macadamiate
No known risks
A plant-derived fixed oil or lipid used as an emollient and skin-conditioning ingredient. Cosmetic safety review focuses on oxidation, irritation, impurities and source allergy; no pregnancy-specific reproductive or developmental hazard was identified for normal topical exposure.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Plant-Derived Fatty Acid Oils as Used in Cosmetics; European Commission CosIng ingredient inventory.
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
Sorbitan Olivate
No known risks
Olive-derived sorbitan ester used as an emulsifier and skin-conditioning ingredient. Reviewed cosmetic safety references do not identify a pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern for normal topical use.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Sorbitan Esters as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate
No known risks
A polyglycerin fatty-acid ester used as an emulsifier, dispersant or emollient. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that the assessed family of 274 polyglyceryl fatty acid esters 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 Polyglyceryl Fatty Acid Esters as Used in Cosmetics https://www.cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/safety-assessment-polyglyceryl-fatty-acid-esters-used-cosmetics-1
C15-19 Alkane
No known risks
A purified hydrocarbon emollient or volatile carrier used for slip and light texture. Related cosmetic hydrocarbon and isoparaffin assessments support use in current practices. Normal dermal exposure is not associated with a pregnancy-specific signal; volatile products should be used with ordinary ventilation.
Sources: CIR: Isoparaffins safety assessment, IJT 31(Suppl. 3), 2012; CIR: hydrocarbon polymers and cosmetic hydrocarbon assessments; CIR December 2025 Quick Reference Table https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/QRT-Update-Dec2025.pdf
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
No known risks
Inert synthetic emollient used as a glossing and occlusive agent. 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 Polyene Group as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
Sodium Chloride
No known risks
Sodium chloride is used to adjust viscosity and texture in formulations; topical cosmetic use is considered low concern with no known pregnancy or breastfeeding risks.
Sources: CIR; EU/UK Cosmetics Regulation
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
No known risks
Silane coating and dispersion aid used on pigments and mineral particles. 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 Alkoxyl Alkyl Silanes as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
Silica
No known risks
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.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Silica and Silicates 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)
Glyceryl Behenate
No known risks
A glycerin fatty-acid ester used as an emollient, emulsifier or preservative-support ingredient. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that the assessed glyceryl esters are safe in current cosmetic practices.
Sources: CIR: Glyceryl ester conclusions; December 2025 Quick Reference Table https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/QRT-Update-Dec2025.pdf
Hydroxyacetophenone
No known risks
Hydroxyacetophenone is used as an antioxidant and preservative-support ingredient; it is generally considered low concern in topical cosmetic use with no known pregnancy or breastfeeding risks at typical concentrations.
Sources: CIR; EU/UK Cosmetics Regulation
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
No known risks
Polymeric dispersing agent used to keep pigments and mineral filters evenly suspended. Low systemic exposure is expected from topical cosmetic use, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern identified.
Sources: CIR cosmetic ingredient safety references for polymeric fatty acid derivatives; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
Polyglyceryl-2 Isostearate
No known risks
polyglyceryl-2 isostearate 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
Disteardimonium Hectorite
No known risks
Mineral-derived organoclay thickener and suspension agent used in creams, makeup and sunscreens. It is expected to have low systemic exposure from topical use, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern identified in reviewed cosmetic references.
Sources: CIR cosmetic ingredient safety references for hectorite/quaternium hectorite ingredients; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
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
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)
Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters
No known risks
A hydrolysed jojoba wax ester used for conditioning and texture. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that hydrolyzed jojoba esters are safe in current practices of use and concentration.
Sources: CIR: Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters final assessment, September 2008; December 2025 Quick Reference Table https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/QRT-Update-Dec2025.pdf
Xanthan Gum
No known risks
Natural polysaccharide thickener used for stability and texture. Not associated with pregnancy-specific concerns.
Sources: European cosmetics regulatory framework
Sclerotium Gum
No known risks
Microbial polysaccharide thickener used to build viscosity and form a soft film on skin. 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
Lecithin
No known risks
Emulsifier and skin-conditioning ingredient composed of phospholipids. Not associated with pregnancy-specific concerns.
Sources: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (US)
Pullulan
No known risks
A large polysaccharide produced by fermentation and used as a film former, binder and texture ingredient. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that microbial polysaccharide gums, including pullulan, are safe in current cosmetic use. Its large molecular size limits skin penetration, and no pregnancy-specific concern is identified for normal topical exposure.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Microbial Polysaccharide Gums https://cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/safety-assessment-microbial-polysaccharide-gums-used-cosmetics
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
No known risks
Chelating ingredient used to improve formula stability by binding trace metals. Reviewed cosmetic ingredient references do not identify a pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern for normal topical use.
Sources: CIR cosmetic ingredient safety references for chelating agents; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
Jojoba Esters
No known risks
Jojoba-derived wax esters used as emollients, texture agents and skin-conditioning ingredients. Reviewed cosmetic ingredient references do not identify a pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern for normal topical use.
Sources: CIR cosmetic ingredient safety references for jojoba-derived ingredients/wax esters; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
Polygonum Aviculare Extract
No known risks
polygonum aviculare extract 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
Malic Acid
No known risks
A naturally occurring hydroxy dicarboxylic acid used mainly to adjust pH, support exfoliation or condition skin. No pregnancy-specific systemic concern was identified for normal topical cosmetic exposure. At sufficiently high concentration or low pH, hydroxy acids can sting, irritate skin and increase sensitivity to other irritants; those local effects depend on the finished formulation rather than indicating reproductive toxicity.
Sources: CIR: Amended Safety Assessment of Malic Acid and Sodium Malate https://www.cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/amended-safety-assessment-malic-acid-and-sodium-malate-used-cosmetics; CIR assessments of alpha-hydroxy acids as used in cosmetics; European Commission CosIng ingredient inventory for Malic Acid and Tartaric Acid.
Potassium Sorbate
No known risks
Preservative widely used in foods and cosmetics. Considered safe at regulated concentrations with low systemic exposure from topical use.
Sources: Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (EU); European cosmetics regulatory framework
Sodium Benzoate
No known risks
Preservative widely used in foods and cosmetics. Considered safe at regulated concentrations with low systemic exposure from topical use.
Sources: Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (EU); European cosmetics regulatory framework
Full recorded ingredient list
Zinc Oxide 19%, Titanium Dioxide 4%, Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Ethyl Macadamiate, Glycerin, Sorbitan Olivate, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, C15-19 Alkane, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Sodium Chloride, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Silica, Tocopherol, Glyceryl Behenate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Polyglyceryl-2 Isostearate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Xanthan Gum, Dimethicone, Sclerotium Gum, Lecithin, Pullulan, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Jojoba Esters, Polygonum Aviculare Extract, Malic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate
Ingredient ratings refreshed 1 October 2026. Formulas vary by market and can change. Always compare with your packaging.
Questions about this assessment
Why does EltaMD UV Active Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+ have a Low risk rating?
The recorded formula includes 1 ingredient entry with a risk flag: Dimethicone (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.
Is the MamaSkin score a measure of SPF or sun protection?
No. The score and risk band describe MamaSkin's pregnancy-focused ingredient screening of this recorded formula. They do not measure SPF, UVA protection, water resistance or whether you have applied enough sunscreen. Use the protection and application instructions on your exact packaging, and review the ingredient flags separately.
Has every ingredient in EltaMD UV Active Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+ been assessed?
34 of 34 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 EltaMD UV Active Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+?
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.
