Kiehl's
Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate
High risk26/100
Kiehl's
Ultra Facial Moisturizing Cream with Squalane
Some ingredients carry a low-risk flag. Read the formulation context before deciding.
35 of 35 ingredients rated
Is it suitable during pregnancy?
MamaSkin rates the recorded formula for Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizing Cream with Squalane 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: Dimethicone (Low risk), Phenoxyethanol (Low risk), Salicylic Acid (Low risk). These are ingredient-level flags; they do not replace the stored product assessment or account for every formulation detail.
35 of 35 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
Salicylic Acid
Low risk
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) used for acne, exfoliation and preservation. Common over-the-counter acne strengths are 0.5-2%, including 0.5%, 1% and 2%; the FDA lists this acne-treatment range. Pregnancy guidance distinguishes these topical products from oral salicylates and strong peels. MotherToBaby reports that ACOG allows over-the-counter topical salicylic acid during pregnancy when needed. Only a small amount of topical acne treatment usually reaches the bloodstream through intact skin; exposure can increase with damaged skin, frequent use or treatment of large areas. Direct salicylic-acid-specific pregnancy data remain limited. MamaSkin's Low Risk rating is a dose-and-use precaution, not evidence that ordinary low-strength skincare causes fetal harm or a recommendation to avoid every BHA product. Use as directed on limited areas of intact skin. Discuss strengths above 2%, chemical peels, wart/corn removers, large-area treatment or use under occlusion with your clinician before use during pregnancy. The American Academy of Dermatology specifically advises discussing and limiting higher-strength salicylic acid above 2%. Percentage alone does not establish safety: formulation, area, frequency and skin condition also matter. General cosmetic-use limits are not pregnancy-specific safety thresholds.
Sources: https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/topical-acne-treatments-pregnancy/; https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/pregnancy-skin-care; https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/omuf/monographs/OTC%20Monograph_M006-Topical%20Acne%20drug%20products%20for%20OTC%20Human%20Use%2011.23.2021.pdf; https://health.ec.europa.eu/publications/salicylic-acid-cas-no-69-72-7-ec-no-200-712-3_en; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK500675/
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 35 ingredients
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)
Bis-Peg-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
No known risks
An ethoxylated silicone used as a humectant, emulsifier and skin-conditioning ingredient. Cosmetic safety assessments of PEG-modified silicones support current topical uses, with low expected absorption of the intact material and control of manufacturing impurities.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of PEG/PPG-modified silicones, including methyl ether dimethicones; CIR December 2025 Quick Reference Table https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/QRT-Update-Dec2025.pdf
Sucrose Stearate
No known risks
A sugar-derived fatty-acid ester used as an emulsifier and emollient. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that the assessed sucrose fatty acid esters, including sucrose stearate, are safe in current practices of use and concentration. No pregnancy-specific concern was identified for normal topical exposure.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Sucrose Fatty Acid Esters as Used in Cosmetics, IJT 40(Suppl. 2), 2021; December 2025 Quick Reference Table https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/QRT-Update-Dec2025.pdf
Stearyl Alcohol
No known risks
Fatty alcohol used as an emollient and stabiliser. Not associated with pregnancy-specific concerns at cosmetic exposure.
Sources: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (US); Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (EU)
Peg-8 Stearate
No known risks
PEG-8 stearate is a polyethylene-glycol ester of stearic acid. 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
Myristyl Myristate
No known risks
A fatty-acid ester used mainly for emollience, slip and formula texture. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that the assessed alkyl esters are 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 Alkyl Esters as Used in Cosmetics https://cir-reports.cir-safety.org/view-attachment/?id=b34bc38f-8e74-ec11-8943-0022482f06a6
Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil / Apricot Kernel Oil
No known risks
This plant-derived fatty oil or butter is used as an emollient and skin-conditioning ingredient. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review concluded that assessed plant-derived fatty acid oils are safe as used in cosmetics; individual plant allergy and ingredient purity remain practical considerations.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Plant-Derived Fatty Acid Oils https://cir-reports.cir-safety.org/view-attachment/?id=ad62ac6b-8e74-ec11-8943-0022482f06a6
Persea Gratissima Oil / Avocado Oil
No known risks
Avocado oil and Persea gratissima oil name the same fixed plant oil, not avocado fruit extract or an essential oil. Cosmetic fixed-oil assessment and ordinary topical exposure support No Known Risks; direct pregnancy studies are limited. Use cosmetic-grade oil with controlled impurities. Avocado allergy or local irritation may matter for susceptible users.
Sources: https://cir-reports.cir-safety.org/view-attachment/?id=ad62ac6b-8e74-ec11-8943-0022482f06a6
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)
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)
Oryza Sativa Bran Oil / Rice Bran Oil
No known risks
This plant-derived fatty oil or butter is used as an emollient and skin-conditioning ingredient. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review concluded that assessed plant-derived fatty acid oils are safe as used in cosmetics; individual plant allergy and ingredient purity remain practical considerations.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Plant-Derived Fatty Acid Oils https://cir-reports.cir-safety.org/view-attachment/?id=ad62ac6b-8e74-ec11-8943-0022482f06a6
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil / Olive Fruit Oil
No known risks
Olive-derived emollient oil used for skin conditioning and barrier feel. Normal topical cosmetic use has no known pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern identified in reviewed cosmetic references.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Plant-Derived Fatty Acid Oils as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
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
Stearic Acid
No known risks
Stearic acid is a fatty acid used to stabilise emulsions and improve texture; it is considered low concern in topical cosmetics with no known pregnancy or breastfeeding risks at typical concentrations.
Sources: CIR; EU/UK Cosmetics Regulation
Palmitic Acid
No known risks
Fatty acid used as an emollient, cleansing-support and texture ingredient. It is not associated with pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concerns in normal topical cosmetic use.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Fatty Acids and Fatty Acid Salts as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
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)
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
No known risks
Polymer thickener and stabiliser used in creams and sunscreens. Low systemic exposure expected.
Sources: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (US); Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (EU)
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
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil / Sweet Almond Oil
No known risks
Exact formatting/common-name variant of prunus amygdalus dulcis oil; it inherits the canonical scientific assessment. Sweet almond-derived emollient oil used for skin conditioning and barrier feel. Normal topical cosmetic use has no known pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern; users with almond or nut sensitivities should follow personal tolerance.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Plant-Derived Fatty Acid Oils as Used in Cosmetics; 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
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)
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
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)
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
Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract
No known risks
A processed cosmetic ferment, extract or fermentation-derived material used for conditioning, moisturising or formula support. It is not equivalent to applying an unspecified live culture. Available cosmetic safety assessments do not identify a pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific hazard for normal topical use, assuming appropriate identity, preservation and microbial-quality controls.
Sources: CIR safety assessments and strategy documents for Yeast-Derived Ingredients, Lactobacillus Ferment Ingredients and cosmetic microbial fermentation products; European Commission CosIng ingredient inventory.
Myristic Acid
No known risks
This naturally occurring fatty acid is used for emolliency, cleansing support or texture. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review concluded that assessed fatty acids are safe in current cosmetic use when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing; some can increase penetration of other formula ingredients.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Fatty Acids and Fatty Acid Salts as Used in Cosmetics https://cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/safety-assessment-fatty-acids-fatty-acid-salts-used-cosmetic
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
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
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract / Rosemary Leaf Extract
No known risks
The Latin and English names in this label both describe rosemary leaf extract; it is not rosemary essential oil or oral herbal medicine. No pregnancy-specific harm has been identified from ordinary formulated topical use; direct pregnancy and exact-extract dermal studies are limited. The assessment applies to the named leaf preparation, with cosmetic purity, non-irritating formulation and local-allergy precautions.
Sources: https://www.cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/safety-assessment-rosmarinus-officinalis-rosemary-derived-ingredients-used-cosmetics, https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/Botanical%20Decision%20Tree%20CIR%20June%202012%202.pdf
Citric Acid.
No known risks
pH adjuster used in small amounts to maintain product stability. Not associated with pregnancy-specific concerns.
Sources: Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (EU); European cosmetics regulatory framework
Full recorded ingredient list
Aqua / Water, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Squalane, Bis-Peg-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Sucrose Stearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Peg-8 Stearate, Myristyl Myristate, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil / Apricot Kernel Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Persea Gratissima Oil / Avocado Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Oryza Sativa Bran Oil / Rice Bran Oil, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil / Olive Fruit Oil, Chlorphenesin, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Carbomer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil / Sweet Almond Oil, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Tocopherol, Glycine Soja Oil / Soybean Oil, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Myristic Acid, Hydroxypalmitoyl Sphinganine, Salicylic Acid, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil / Sunflower Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract / Rosemary Leaf Extract, Citric Acid.
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 Ultra Facial Moisturizing Cream with Squalane have a Low risk rating?
The recorded formula includes 3 ingredient entries with risk flags: Dimethicone (Low risk), Phenoxyethanol (Low risk), Salicylic 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.
Has every ingredient in Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizing Cream with Squalane been assessed?
35 of 35 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 Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizing Cream with Squalane?
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.
