Kiehl's
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizing Cream with Squalane
Low risk74/100
Kiehl's
Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum
Higher-risk ingredients are flagged in this formula. Discuss alternatives with your healthcare professional.
42 of 43 ingredients rated1 not assessed
Is it suitable during pregnancy?
MamaSkin rates the recorded formula for Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum as High risk (26/100). This is not a pregnancy-safe recommendation. Discuss alternatives with a qualified healthcare professional.
Why this rating?
The recorded formula includes 2 ingredient entries with risk flags: Retinol (High risk), Phenoxyethanol. (Low risk). These are ingredient-level flags; they do not replace the stored product assessment or account for every formulation detail.
42 of 43 ingredient entries on this page have a recorded score, evidence summary and source text. 1 entry does not have all of those fields. Unmatched or unrated entries are marked Not assessed in grey; missing evidence does not establish safety.
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.
Retinol
High risk
Vitamin A derivative. Systemic retinoids are known teratogens, and topical retinoids are avoided during pregnancy due to class-wide risk and limited safety margins. Avoid use during pregnancy regardless of formulation.
Sources: EMA: Updated measures for pregnancy prevention during retinoid use https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/updated-measures-pregnancy-prevention-during-retinoid-use; FDA: Pregnancy and Lactation Labeling Rule https://www.fda.gov/drugs/labeling-information-drug-products/questions-and-answers-pregnancy-and-lactation-labeling-rule
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
Ci 40800 / Beta-Carotene
Not assessed
No matched ingredient rating is available yet. Not assessed does not mean safe or unsafe.
Aqua / 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
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
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)
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)
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
Cetyl Alcohol
No known risks
Fatty alcohol used to improve texture and skin feel. Considered safe for cosmetic use without pregnancy-specific concerns.
Sources: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (US); Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (EU)
Isohexadecane
No known risks
Low-viscosity isoparaffin emollient used for slip and lightweight texture. 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 Isoparaffins as Used in Cosmetics / CIR Quick Reference Table (Isohexadecane); EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
Isononyl Isononanoate
No known risks
Emollient ester used for lightweight slip and a dry skin feel in makeup and skin care. Reviewed cosmetic ingredient references do not identify a pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern for normal topical cosmetic use.
Sources: CIR cosmetic ingredient safety references for alkyl esters/emollient esters; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
Diisopropyl Sebacate
No known risks
An ester of a dicarboxylic acid used as an emollient, solvent or texture agent. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that the assessed alkyl dicarboxylic acid esters are safe in current practices of use and concentration. No pregnancy-specific concern was identified for normal topical exposure.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Alkyl Dicarboxylic Acid Esters as Used in Cosmetics https://cir-reports.cir-safety.org/view-attachment/?id=d8d3785f-8e74-ec11-8943-0022482f06a6
2-Oleamido-1,3-Octadecanediol
No known risks
A cosmetic functional ingredient used for conditioning, texture or formula support. Available cosmetic-use information did not identify a reproductive or developmental hazard from normal topical exposure.
Sources: European Commission CosIng ingredient inventory; relevant CIR cosmetic safety assessments and peer-reviewed cosmetic-use literature.
4-T-Butylcyclohexanol
No known risks
Available evidence for this substance and its closely related category included negative developmental and genetic-toxicity findings. The remaining evidence gaps do not establish a known pregnancy risk from normal topical use.
Sources: https://echa.europa.eu/substance-information/-/substanceinfo/100.002.434, https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/13464/7/1, https://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyPURL.cgi?Dockey=P101E5KO.txt
Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester
No known risks
Synthetic acetylated peptide ester used in topical soothing, skin-conditioning and anti-aging cosmetic formulas. Available cosmetic ingredient references do not identify a pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern for normal topical cosmetic use.
Sources: Schagen SK. Topical Peptide Treatments with Effective Anti-Aging Results. Cosmetics. 2017;4(2):16. doi:10.3390/cosmetics4020016; EU CosIng / INCI cosmetic ingredient references.
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
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
Hydroxypalmitoyl Sphinganine
No known risks
Hydroxypalmitoyl sphinganine is a skin-conditioning sphingolipid derivative. CIR lists this exact ingredient as safe in current cosmetic use; no pregnancy-specific hazard was identified for ordinary topical exposure. Direct human pregnancy studies of this exact ingredient were not identified; the rating applies to normal topical cosmetic use.
Sources: https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/QRT-Update-Dec2025.pdf
Lauroyl Lysine
No known risks
Amino-acid-derived conditioning and slip ingredient used especially in powders and colour cosmetics. 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 Amino Acid Alkyl Amides as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
Octyldodecanol
No known risks
Fatty alcohol emollient used to improve spreadability and reduce drag. Reviewed cosmetic safety sources support normal topical use, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific topical signal identified in the material reviewed.
Sources: CIR ingredient status / report data sheet for Octyldodecanol; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
No known risks
Antioxidant and stabilizer used to protect cosmetic formulas from oxidation. Reviewed cosmetic ingredient references do not identify a pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern for normal topical cosmetic use.
Sources: CIR cosmetic ingredient safety references for hindered phenolic antioxidants; 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
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
Sodium Hydroxide
No known risks
pH adjuster used in very small quantities to balance formulations. Not associated with pregnancy-specific concerns.
Sources: Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (EU); European cosmetics regulatory framework
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
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)
Dicaprylyl Ether
No known risks
A lightweight fatty ether used as an emollient and spreading agent. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that dicaprylyl ether is safe in current cosmetic use; reviewed developmental testing did not identify maternal or fetal toxicity and skin absorption was low. Safety for airbrush delivery was not established.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Fatty Ethers https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/FR_FattyEthers_122022.pdf
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
No known risks
A high-molecular-weight polymer used to thicken and stabilise formulas. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that acryloyldimethyltaurate polymers are safe in current cosmetic practices. Absorption of the finished polymer is expected to be limited, with residual monomers controlled during manufacture.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Acryloyldimethyltaurate Polymers as Used in Cosmetics; final report April 2017 https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/QRT-Update-Dec2025.pdf
Behenyl Alcohol
No known risks
Long-chain fatty alcohol used as an emollient and thickener. This is not the same concern profile as simple drying alcohols; reviewed cosmetic safety sources support normal topical use.
Sources: CIR: Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Isostearyl Alcohol, Myristyl Alcohol, and Behenyl Alcohol; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
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)
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)
Cetearyl Alcohol
No known risks
Fatty alcohol used as an emollient and thickener. Not the same as drying alcohols and not associated with pregnancy-specific concerns.
Sources: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (US); Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (EU)
Cetearyl Glucoside
No known risks
Sugar-based emulsifier used to stabilise creams and lotions. Reviewed cosmetic safety sources support topical cosmetic use; the relevant practical caveat is formulation irritation potential rather than a pregnancy-specific concern.
Sources: CIR: Decyl Glucoside and Other Alkyl Glucosides as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
Glycine Soja Oil / Soybean Oil
No known risks
Exact formatting/common-name variant of glycine soja oil; it inherits the canonical scientific assessment. Plant-derived emollient oil used to soften skin and support formula texture. 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 Soy-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil / Sunflower Seed Oil
No known risks
Exact formatting/common-name variant of helianthus annuus seed oil; it inherits the canonical scientific assessment. Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil is a common emollient rich in fatty acids and is generally well tolerated, with no known pregnancy or breastfeeding concerns in topical cosmetic use.
Sources: CIR; EU/UK Cosmetics Regulation
Hydroxyethylcellulose
No known risks
Cellulose-derived thickener used to build viscosity and improve texture. Reviewed cosmetic safety sources support normal topical use, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific topical signal identified in the material reviewed.
Sources: CIR Quick Reference Table / ingredient status (Hydroxyethylcellulose, Final Report 03/2009); 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)
Phenethyl Alcohol
No known risks
A fragrance component and preservative-support ingredient. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that phenethyl alcohol is safe in cosmetic products at concentrations up to 1%. It can still irritate or sensitise some users, but no pregnancy-specific concern was identified at reviewed cosmetic exposure.
Sources: CIR: Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Phenethyl Alcohol https://cir-reports.cir-safety.org/view-attachment/?id=e4ce160b-8e74-ec11-8943-0022482f06a6
Poloxamer 188
No known risks
poloxamer 188 is a cosmetic polymer, silicone derivative or film-forming formulation aid. Systemic dermal absorption is expected to be limited for the finished high-molecular-weight material, subject to residual-monomer and impurity controls. No pregnancy-specific concern was identified for normal topical use.
Sources: CIR silicone, vinyl-polymer and cosmetic-copolymer safety assessments; CIR Quick Reference Table https://www.cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/quick-reference-table-december-2025.
Polycaprolactone
No known risks
A large, nonvolatile polyester used as a cosmetic film/textural ingredient. Its polymer architecture and ordinary external exposure support no identified pregnancy concern; direct pregnancy data are limited. This assessment does not cover injected fillers, implants or specialised transdermal drug carriers.
Sources: https://www.fda.gov/media/158492/download?attachment=, https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/HDIply062016FR.pdf
Sorbitan Laurate
No known risks
A sorbitol-derived fatty-acid ester used as an emulsifier and texture agent. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that sorbitan fatty-acid esters, including sorbitan laurate, are safe in current practices of use and concentration. No pregnancy-specific concern was identified for normal topical exposure.
Sources: CIR: Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Sorbitan Fatty Acid Esters; CIR ingredient record and Quick Reference Table https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/QRT-Update-Dec2025.pdf
Steareth-100
No known risks
steareth-100 is a cosmetic formulation, mineral, sugar-derived or organic-acid ingredient. Available identity, use and related safety evidence did not identify a pregnancy-specific concern for normal topical cosmetic exposure. Cosmetic-grade purity and ordinary irritation precautions remain applicable.
Sources: CIR ingredient and related-family safety assessments; CIR Quick Reference Table https://www.cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/quick-reference-table-december-2025; European Commission CosIng
Chlorphenesin
No known risks
Preservative used to help protect formulas from microbial growth. Reviewed cosmetic safety sources support present cosmetic use; no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific topical concern was identified in the material reviewed, although some users may still notice local irritation or sensitivity.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Chlorphenesin as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
Full recorded ingredient list
Aqua / Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Cetyl Alcohol, Isohexadecane, Isononyl Isononanoate, Diisopropyl Sebacate, 2-Oleamido-1,3-Octadecanediol, 4-T-Butylcyclohexanol, Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester, Adenosine, Ceramide Np, Hydroxypalmitoyl Sphinganine, Lauroyl Lysine, Octyldodecanol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hydroxide, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Retinol, Tocopherol, Dicaprylyl Ether, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Behenyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Carbomer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Glycine Soja Oil / Soybean Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil / Sunflower Seed Oil, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Lecithin, Phenethyl Alcohol, Poloxamer 188, Polycaprolactone, Sorbitan Laurate, Steareth-100, Ci 40800 / Beta-Carotene, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol.
Ingredient ratings refreshed 15 October 2026. Formulas vary by market and can change. Always compare with your packaging.
Questions about this assessment
Why does Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum have a High risk rating?
The recorded formula includes 2 ingredient entries with risk flags: Retinol (High risk), Phenoxyethanol. (Low risk). These are ingredient-level flags; they do not replace the stored product assessment or account for every formulation detail. Incomplete ingredient documentation does not establish safety; see the coverage answer and grey entries below.
Does the niacinamide rating cover every ingredient in this product?
No. Niacinamide appears in the recorded formula, but its individual rating applies to that ingredient, not automatically to the whole product. Check the other ingredient ratings, any grey Not assessed entries and the stored product assessment. A niacinamide percentage or a product name is not a substitute for checking the full list.
Has every ingredient in Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum been assessed?
42 of 43 ingredient entries on this page have a recorded score, evidence summary and source text. 1 entry does not have all of those fields. Unmatched or unrated entries are marked Not assessed in grey; missing evidence does not establish safety.
Does this assessment apply to my Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose 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.
