La Roche-Posay Anthelios Airlicium+ Fluid SPF 50

Ethylhexyl salicylate (octisalate) is an organic UV-B filter with measurable topical absorption. A CIR review records a rat oral reproductive/developmental study with dose-related post-implantation loss and smaller litters at 80 and 250 mg/kg/day (NOAEL 25 mg/kg/day); those repeated oral doses do not model intact-skin cosmetic exposure. The same review found relatively low human-skin permeability and concluded ethylhexyl salicylate safe in the assessed cosmetic uses. A ToxCast-to-human-exposure comparison found the most sensitive in-vitro endocrine response at about 16.5 micromolar versus about 0.023 micromolar maximal-use human plasma exposure, roughly 700-fold lower. FDA still requests additional sunscreen safety data, and pregnancy-outcome data are limited; MotherToBaby reports no proven increased pregnancy risk. MamaSkin therefore uses Low Risk to surface absorption and the evidence gap without treating remote high-dose animal findings as proof that typical topical use should be avoided.

Triethanolamine (TEA) is an alkanolamine used as a pH adjuster and surfactant in cosmetics. The main practical concerns are skin/eye irritation at higher concentrations and the potential formation of nitrosamines if formulated with nitrosating agents (a formulation/impurity-control issue). It is not a typical pregnancy-specific concern at cosmetic use levels; overall risk is primarily local irritation/sensitisation in susceptible users.

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.

Umbrella term for an undisclosed fragrance blend. It’s not usually a pregnancy-specific concern at normal cosmetic use levels, but the exact components and concentrations aren’t fully disclosed on the label, so we score it more conservatively. If you prefer maximum transparency (or you’re sensitive to fragrance compounds), choose fragrance-free/unscented products.

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.

Water (Aqua) is the standard purified water used as a cosmetic solvent. It has no pregnancy-specific risk in normal topical use.

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.

Alkyl benzoate emollient used in cosmetics; available cosmetic safety assessments do not indicate pregnancy-specific concerns with routine topical use.

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.

Modern broad-spectrum UV filter (often known as Tinosorb S). It has a high molecular weight and is formulated to remain mainly in the outer skin layers, with very low systemic absorption at cosmetic use levels. EU regulatory assessments and independent risk–benefit reviews have evaluated this filter as safe up to 10% in sunscreens, with no specific reproductive or developmental toxicity signals identified in animals or humans at permitted concentrations.

UV filter used in sunscreens and day products to help absorb UVB radiation. Reviewed cosmetic safety and regulatory sources support current cosmetic use within applicable concentration limits, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific topical concern identified in the material reviewed.

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.

Humectant and preservative booster. Considered safe for cosmetic use with low systemic exposure.

A modified starch used to absorb oil, improve texture and reduce greasiness. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that aluminum starch octenylsuccinate is safe as used. Earlier inhalation uncertainty was addressed by particle-size information indicating that the cosmetic ingredient is not expected to be respirable; loose powders and sprays should nevertheless be used without deliberately inhaling them. No pregnancy-specific concern was identified for normal cosmetic exposure.

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.

An alkyl phosphate surfactant and emulsifier used to stabilise creams, sunscreens and makeup. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that the assessed alkyl phosphates, including potassium cetyl phosphate, are safe in current practices of use and concentration when formulated to be non-irritating. Dermal penetration is expected to be limited, and no pregnancy-specific concern is identified for normal topical cosmetic exposure.

A large, pre-formed acrylic polymer used for texture, film formation and oil absorption. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that methyl methacrylate crosspolymer is safe in current cosmetic use, based partly on the safety of closely characterized PMMA medical materials. Good manufacturing practice should minimize residual monomer.

Hybrid particulate UV filter (often referred to as Tinosorb M or Bisoctrizole). It behaves more like an inorganic, microfine filter, forming a film on the skin surface with minimal percutaneous absorption. EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) opinions on both conventional and nano forms support its safe use in dermally applied cosmetic products up to 10% under current conditions of use, with main caution relating to inhalation of spray products rather than systemic toxicity from normal topical application.

A large polyamide powder used for slip, texture and oil absorption. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that Nylon-12 is safe in current cosmetic use; human testing at the maximum reviewed concentration did not indicate irritation or sensitization. Avoid deliberately inhaling loose powder or using it through an airbrush system.

Propylene glycol is a common solvent and humectant with a long history of use; it is not considered a pregnancy or breastfeeding concern in topical cosmetics, though some individuals may experience irritation in leave-on products.

Inert wax/structuring ingredient used to add body, stability and texture to cosmetics. Normal topical use is expected to have low systemic exposure, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern identified in reviewed cosmetic references.

Organic UVA filter used in sunscreens, also known as Ecamsule or Mexoryl SX. Cosmetic safety and regulatory sources support use within applicable concentration limits, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific topical concern identified in the sources reviewed.

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.

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.

Emulsifier and emollient used to stabilise creams and lotions. Not associated with pregnancy-specific concerns at cosmetic exposure.

A surface-modified silica used to thicken oils and improve texture. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that silica silylate is safe in current practices when the final product is not irritating or sensitising to the respiratory tract. Avoid deliberately inhaling loose or airborne powder.

Organic UVA/UVB filter used in sunscreens, also known as Mexoryl XL. Cosmetic safety and regulatory sources support use within applicable concentration limits, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific topical concern identified in the sources reviewed.

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.

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.

poloxamer 338 is a cosmetic polymer or polymeric formulation aid. The reviewed material is distinct from any free reactive monomers; systemic dermal absorption is expected to be limited by molecular size when manufactured with appropriate impurity controls. No pregnancy-specific concern was identified for normal cosmetic use, although products should be formulated to avoid irritation.

Mineral opacifier, absorbent and pigment-coating ingredient used in makeup, sunscreens and skin care. Low systemic exposure is expected from normal topical cosmetic use, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern identified in reviewed cosmetic references.

Fatty alcohol used as an emollient and stabiliser. Not associated with pregnancy-specific concerns at cosmetic exposure.

Vitamin E antioxidant used to protect oils and support the skin barrier. Not associated with pregnancy-specific concerns at cosmetic exposure.

Humectant and preservative booster used to support product stability. Low systemic exposure expected from topical cosmetic use.

Polyglycerin fatty-acid ester used as an emulsifier and solubilizer. Reviewed cosmetic safety references do not identify a pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern for normal topical cosmetic use.

Solvent and humectant commonly used in leave-on products. Not associated with pregnancy-specific concerns at cosmetic exposure levels.

Disodium EDTA is a chelating agent used to improve formula stability and performance; it is considered low concern in topical cosmetic use, with no known pregnancy or breastfeeding risks at typical concentrations.

This cellulose or modified-cellulose polymer is used as a thickener, film former or stabilizer. Cosmetic Ingredient Review data indicate that cellulose polymers do not appreciably penetrate skin and are safe in current cosmetic use, with at most minimal irritation reported.

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.

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.

A fragrance ingredient, solvent and fixative that also occurs naturally in some essential oils. It is a labelled fragrance allergen and may irritate or sensitise susceptible users, but no pregnancy-specific concern is identified for normal topical cosmetic exposure.