Safety score
Pregnancy-focused assessment
One or more ingredients have a low-risk flag in MamaSkin's current assessment. Review the notes and your own circumstances.
Formula and assessment check
Ingredient safety review updated 19 May 2026. Product formulas can change, so compare the ingredients shown here with the packaging you have.
Report a formula mismatchMamaSkin assessment · 19 May 2026
MamaSkin currently classifies Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizing Cream with Squalane as Low risk, with a stored score of 74/100. This is a precautionary classification, not an unqualified pregnancy-safe recommendation. Read the ingredient context and any manual-review explanation below.
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.
33 of 35 ingredient entries on this page have a recorded score, evidence summary and source text. 2 entries do not have all of those fields. Unmatched entries retain the default No known risks label but are not independently assessed here; missing evidence does not establish safety.
See how the listed formula falls across MamaSkin's pregnancy-focused risk bands.
32
No known risks
3
Low risk
0
Medium risk
0
High risk
Ingredients with a higher risk flag appear first, followed by the rest of the formula.
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 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 is a beta-hydroxy acid used for exfoliation and as a preservative. Exposure depends on concentration, product category, treated area, frequency, skin condition and inhalation or oral potential. Current SCCS assessments support specified cosmetic uses and restrictions; ordinary limited-area low-strength topical use is not equivalent to a professional peel, large-area leave-on treatment or oral salicylate exposure. MamaSkin retains Low Risk with those route and exposure qualifications.
Sources: SCCS/1646/22: Final Opinion on Salicylic Acid https://health.ec.europa.eu/latest-updates/sccs-final-opinion-salicylic-acid-2023-06-09_en; SCCS follow-up on children's exposure https://health.ec.europa.eu/publications/sccs-opinion-salicylic-acid-cas-no-69-72-7-ec-no-200-712-3-childrens-exposure_en
Water (aqua) is the purified solvent used as the base of many cosmetics. MamaSkin classifies plain water as No known risks for normal topical use. Cosmetic water quality must be controlled to prevent contamination; this entry does not cover botanical waters or establish the safety of the finished formula.
Sources: Personal Care Products Council, CosmeticsInfo: Water https://www.cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredient/water/; FDA: Cosmetic Ingredient Names (Water/Aqua identity) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-labeling/cosmetic-ingredient-names
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
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)
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
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
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)
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
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
Avocado-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
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)
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)
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
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
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 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
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
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)
Polymer thickener and stabiliser used in creams and sunscreens. Low systemic exposure expected.
Sources: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (US); Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (EU)
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
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
Natural polysaccharide thickener used for stability and texture. Not associated with pregnancy-specific concerns.
Sources: European cosmetics regulatory framework
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)
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
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)
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
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.
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
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
Plant extract used for antioxidant or soothing properties. Unlike essential oils, cosmetic extracts are not highly concentrated and are used at low levels. Safety concerns associated with essential oil use do not generally apply to cosmetic extracts.
Sources: General cosmetic safety references for botanical extracts and exposure route considerations; essential oil literature discusses concentrated volatile forms rather than dilute extracts.
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
Formulations can change without notice. For the most accurate result, compare this list with your packaging and scan the exact ingredient label in MamaSkin when you repurchase.
33 of 35 ingredient entries on this page have a recorded score, evidence summary and source text. 2 entries do not have all of those fields. Unmatched entries retain the default No known risks label but are not independently assessed here; missing evidence does not establish safety.
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.
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.
The risk band is the primary conclusion. The score adds detail within that band and should not be used to compare products as if a one-point difference were clinically meaningful.
MamaSkin provides pregnancy-focused information, not medical advice. Your midwife, GP, pharmacist or dermatologist should take priority when your circumstances differ from typical cosmetic use.
