EltaMD
EltaMD UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44
Low risk72/100
EltaMD
UV Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF 41
Sunscreens
Some ingredients carry a low-risk flag. Read the formulation context before deciding.
23 of 23 ingredients rated
Is it suitable during pregnancy?
MamaSkin rates the recorded formula for EltaMD UV Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF 41 as Low risk (75/100). Review the ingredient context and any manual-review explanation before deciding.
Why this rating?
The recorded formula includes 2 ingredient entries with risk flags: Phenoxyethanol (Low risk), Hydrogen Dimethicone (Low risk). These are ingredient-level flags; they do not replace the stored product assessment or account for every formulation detail.
23 of 23 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.
Phenoxyethanol
Low risk
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.
Sources: SCCS/1575/16: Phenoxyethanol opinion https://health.ec.europa.eu/publications/phenoxyethanol_en
Hydrogen Dimethicone
Low risk
This ingredient is a silicone polymer documented within CIR's broader dimethicone and substituted-methicone family assessment. CIR concluded the reviewed ingredients safe as used when formulated to be non-irritating to skin and eyes. This is family-level cosmetic evidence, not ingredient-specific human pregnancy evidence for every derivative. MamaSkin therefore retains Low Risk without claiming negligible absorption for this individual ingredient.
Sources: CIR: Dimethicone and substituted-methicone polymer assessment https://cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/safety-assessment-dimethicone-methicone-and-substituted-methicone-polymers-used-cosm
Zinc Oxide 9%
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 7%
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
Show all 23 ingredients
Isopropyl Palmitate
No known risks
This emollient ester improves slip and skin feel. Cosmetic Ingredient Review assessments support use in current cosmetic concentrations when formulated to be non-irritating; topical use is not identified as a pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern. Some alkyl esters can increase penetration of other formula ingredients.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Alkyl Esters as Used in Cosmetics https://cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/safety-assessment-alkyl-esters-used-cosmetics
Ethylhexyl Stearate
No known risks
A fatty-acid ester used as an emollient and spreading agent. Cosmetic safety reviewers included ethylhexyl stearate in the alkyl ester group and concluded that the group is safe in current practices when formulated to be non-irritating. No pregnancy-specific concern was identified for normal topical use.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Alkyl Esters as Used in Cosmetics https://cir-reports.cir-safety.org/view-attachment/?id=b34bc38f-8e74-ec11-8943-0022482f06a6
Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate
No known risks
A cosmetic ester or glyceride used mainly for emollience, texture, dispersion or emulsification. The relevant fatty-acid, glyceryl, sorbitan, polyglyceryl and related ester safety assessments support use in current cosmetic practices. No pregnancy-specific hazard signal was identified for normal topical exposure; local irritation remains formulation-dependent.
Sources: CIR safety assessments of Fatty Acid Esters, Glyceryl Esters, Sorbitan Fatty Acid Esters, Polyglyceryl Fatty Acid Esters and Monoalkylglycol Dialkyl Acid Esters; CIR December 2025 Quick Reference Table https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/QRT-Update-Dec2025.pdf; European Commission CosIng ingredient inventory.
Alumina
No known risks
An insoluble aluminum oxide mineral used as an absorbent, abrasive, bulking agent and surface treatment. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review concluded that alumina is safe in current cosmetic use. Normal topical exposure does not identify a pregnancy-specific concern; avoid deliberately inhaling loose powders or airbrush products.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Alumina and Aluminum Hydroxide https://www.cir-safety.org/panelbook/safety-assessment-alumina-and-aluminum-hydroxide-used-cosmetics
Polyacrylate-13
No known risks
A high-molecular-weight acrylic polymer used to thicken, stabilise or form a film. Dermal absorption of the intact polymer is expected to be limited. Cosmetic polymer assessments support normal topical use when residual monomers are appropriately controlled.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessments of Acrylates Copolymers and Crosspolymers as Used in Cosmetics; European Commission CosIng ingredient inventory.
Polyisobutene
No known risks
A large, mostly insoluble polymer used as a binder, film former and texture ingredient. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that polyisobutene is safe in current cosmetic use; slow absorption and reproductive data on related polybutene do not indicate a pregnancy-specific concern from normal topical exposure.
Sources: CIR: Final Report on Polyisobutene and Hydrogenated Polyisobutene https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/polyene.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
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
Oleth-3 Phosphate
No known risks
A long-chain phosphate emulsifier. Structure-specific read-across supports ordinary nonirritating topical formulations without an identified pregnancy concern. Contact allergy has been reported in an individual using hair wax.
Sources: https://www.crodabeauty.com/en-gb/products/product/106-crodafos_1_o3a, https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1091581812444141, https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/alkpht092014FR.pdf, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9385523/
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
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
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)
Carnosine
No known risks
A naturally occurring dipeptide used as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning ingredient. Topical cosmetic exposure is low, and available peptide safety literature does not identify a pregnancy-specific concern. This entry does not assess oral carnosine supplements or zinc-carnosine medicines.
Sources: PubMed: framework for safety evaluation of peptides in cosmetics https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13054063/; PubMed literature on topical carnosine.
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)
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
Polysorbate 20
No known risks
Nonionic surfactant and solubiliser used to disperse oils and fragrance. 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 Polysorbates as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
Zingiber Officinale Root Extract
No known risks
A ginger root extract used mainly for skin conditioning and fragrance support. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that the assessed Zingiber officinale root-derived ingredients are safe in current practices when formulated to be non-sensitising. This topical cosmetic conclusion should not be read as advice about ingesting concentrated ginger supplements.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Zingiber officinale (Ginger)-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics https://www.cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/safety-assessment-zingiber-officinale-ginger-%E2%80%93-derived-ingredients-used-cosmetics-0
Iron Oxides
No known risks
Pigment family used to provide red, yellow and black colour in makeup and tinted skincare. Insoluble mineral pigments with very low dermal absorption in typical topical use. Generally considered acceptable in pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you prefer a cautious approach, avoid inhaling loose powders or sprays.
Sources: General cosmetic ingredient safety references for insoluble mineral pigments; exposure route considerations for powders/sprays.
Full recorded ingredient list
Zinc Oxide 9%, Titanium Dioxide 7%, Water, Isopropyl Palmitate, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Alumina, Polyacrylate-13, Phenoxyethanol, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Polyisobutene, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Oleth-3 Phosphate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Bisabolol, Tocopherol, Carnosine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sorbitan Isostearate, Polysorbate 20, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Iron Oxides
Ingredient ratings refreshed 15 October 2026. Formulas vary by market and can change. Always compare with your packaging.
Questions about this assessment
Why does EltaMD UV Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF 41 have a Low risk rating?
The recorded formula includes 2 ingredient entries with risk flags: Phenoxyethanol (Low risk), Hydrogen 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 Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF 41 been assessed?
23 of 23 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 Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF 41?
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.
