EltaMD
EltaMD UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44
Low risk72/100
EltaMD
UV Restore Broad-Spectrum SPF 40
SPF
Some ingredients carry a low-risk flag. Read the formulation context before deciding.
32 of 32 ingredients rated
Is it suitable during pregnancy?
MamaSkin rates the recorded formula for EltaMD UV Restore Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 as Low risk (74/100). Review the ingredient context and any manual-review explanation before deciding.
Why this rating?
The recorded formula includes 3 ingredient entries with risk flags: Butyloctyl Salicylate (Low risk), Phenoxyethanol (Low risk), Dimethicone (Low risk). These are ingredient-level flags; they do not replace the stored product assessment or account for every formulation detail.
32 of 32 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
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
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Low risk
Butyloctyl salicylate is a salicylate ester that the CIR panel considered safe as used in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating. Available safety data support low dermal toxicity, and at typical cosmetic use levels the expected systemic salicylate exposure from topical application is far below oral salicylate exposure, which fits a low-risk classification.
Sources: MotherToBaby: Topical acne treatments including salicylic acid https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK582985/
Titanium Dioxide
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.
Zinc Oxide
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.
Show all 32 ingredients
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
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
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)
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.
Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate
No known risks
A glucose-derived emulsifier or emollient. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that the assessed methyl glucose ethers and esters are safe in current practices of use and concentration.
Sources: CIR: Methyl Glucose Ethers and Esters conclusion, IJT 35(Suppl. 2), 2016; December 2025 Quick Reference Table https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/QRT-Update-Dec2025.pdf
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
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)
PEG-100 Stearate
No known risks
Emulsifier used to stabilize creams and lotions. Reviewed cosmetic safety sources support use of PEG stearates in cosmetics, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern identified for normal topical use.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of PEG Stearates as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate
No known risks
peg-20 methyl glucose sesquistearate is used as a cosmetic surfactant, emulsifier or conditioning agent. Relevant cosmetic-safety assessments support use when formulated to be non-irritating and with appropriate impurity controls. Local skin or eye irritation is possible at higher concentrations, but no pregnancy-specific concern was identified for normal topical or rinse-off use.
Sources: CIR safety assessments of alkyl PEG ethers, N-acyl taurates, fatty amidopropyl amines and related cosmetic surfactants https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/taurat122015FR.pdf; CIR Quick Reference Table https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/QRT-Update-Dec2025.pdf
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
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
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
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
Saccharide Isomerate
No known risks
Humectant saccharide complex used to improve surface hydration and reduce transepidermal water loss. 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 Saccharide Humectants / Saccharide Isomerate, etc.; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
Xanthan Gum
No known risks
Natural polysaccharide thickener used for stability and texture. Not associated with pregnancy-specific concerns.
Sources: European cosmetics regulatory framework
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract
No known risks
zingiber officinale (ginger) root extract is a botanical-derived cosmetic conditioning ingredient. The reviewed identity is not an 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://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/QRT-Update-Dec2025.pdf; European Commission CosIng
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
Squalane
No known risks
Lightweight emollient used to support the skin barrier. Not associated with pregnancy-specific concerns at cosmetic exposure levels.
Sources: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (US); Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (EU)
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)
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
No known risks
A lipid-soluble ester of vitamin C used as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning ingredient. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review concluded that tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate is safe in current cosmetic use, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern identified for normal topical exposure.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Ethers and Esters of Ascorbic Acid https://www.cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/safety-assessment-ethers-and-esters-ascorbic-acid-used-cosmetics-0
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
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
Mica
No known risks
Mineral platelet used to add shimmer and improve texture in makeup and skincare. Very low dermal absorption in typical topical use and 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 inert minerals/pigments; exposure route considerations for powders/sprays.
Polysorbate 60
No known risks
Nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer used to help oil and water phases mix. Reviewed cosmetic safety sources support normal topical use, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific topical signal identified.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Polysorbates as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
Ethylene/Methacrylate Copolymer
No known risks
Ethylene/Methacrylate Copolymer: A polymer included in CIR's amended assessment for non-irritating cosmetics. Large polymer size and control of residual monomers are relevant to exposure. This rating does not apply to free acrylate monomers, uncured nail systems or deliberate inhalation of powder. No pregnancy-specific harm has been identified for ordinary topical cosmetic use; direct human pregnancy data are limited.
Sources: https://cir-reports.cir-safety.org/view-attachment?id=c3a1aad1-8c74-ec11-8943-0022482f06a6,https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/QRT-Update-Dec2025.pdf
Full recorded ingredient list
Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Water, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Silica, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Phenoxyethanol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Glycerin, Glyceryl Behenate, Saccharide Isomerate, Xanthan Gum, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Squalane, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sclerotium Gum, Lecithin, Pullulan, Dimethicone, Mica, Polysorbate 60, Ethylene/Methacrylate Copolymer
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 Restore Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 have a Low risk rating?
The recorded formula includes 3 ingredient entries with risk flags: Butyloctyl Salicylate (Low risk), Phenoxyethanol (Low risk), 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 Restore Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 been assessed?
32 of 32 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 Restore Broad-Spectrum SPF 40?
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.
