La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M by La Roche-Posay
La Roche-Posay

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M

General Moisturizersmoisturisers

Safety score

Pregnancy-focused assessment

Low Risk72/100
Higher concernLower concern

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 7 January 2026. Product formulas can change, so compare the ingredients shown here with the packaging you have.

Report a formula mismatch

MamaSkin assessment · 7 January 2026

Is La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M suitable during pregnancy?

MamaSkin currently classifies La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M as Low risk, with a stored score of 72/100. This is a precautionary classification, not an unqualified pregnancy-safe recommendation. Read the ingredient context and any manual-review explanation below.

What does the ingredient evidence show?

The recorded formula includes 4 ingredient entries with risk flags: capryloyl salicylic acid (Low risk), dimethicone (Low risk), parfum (Low risk), plus others listed in the breakdown. These are ingredient-level flags; they do not replace the stored product assessment or account for every formulation detail.

34 of 35 ingredient entries on this page have a recorded score, evidence summary and source text. 1 entry does 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.

Ingredient breakdown

See how the listed formula falls across MamaSkin's pregnancy-focused risk bands.

31

No known risks

4

Low risk

0

Medium risk

0

High risk

Ingredients

Ingredients with a higher risk flag appear first, followed by the rest of the formula.

Parfum

Low 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.

Sources: SCCS: Fragrance allergens in cosmetic products https://health.ec.europa.eu/latest-updates/sccs-new-opinion-fragrance-allergens-cosmetic-products-2012-07-31_en

Capryloyl Salicylic Acid

Low Risk

Salicylate derivative used in cosmetics; low-strength topical use has low systemic absorption and is generally considered low risk in pregnancy. Avoid high-strength peels/large-area use.

Sources: MotherToBaby: Topical acne treatments including salicylic acid https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK582985/

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

Show all (35)

Salicylic Acid

Low Risk

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

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.

Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer

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 practices. Residual monomers should be controlled during manufacture.

Sources: CIR: Acryloyldimethyltaurate Polymers final assessment, April 2017; December 2025 Quick Reference Table https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/QRT-Update-Dec2025.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

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)

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

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 Stearate Se

No Known Risks

Self-emulsifying form of glyceryl stearate used to stabilize creams and lotions. Reviewed cosmetic safety sources support normal topical use, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern identified.

Sources: CIR cosmetic ingredient safety references for glyceryl stearate and self-emulsifying emulsifiers; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory

Hydroxyethoxyphenyl Butanone

No Known Risks

Isocetyl Stearate

No Known Risks

isocetyl stearate is a cosmetic emollient, ester or lipid-derived formulation aid. Relevant family evidence supports normal cosmetic use with irritation, sensitisation and purity qualifications retained where applicable. No pregnancy-specific concern was identified for ordinary topical exposure.

Sources: CIR assessments of cosmetic esters, fatty acids and fatty acid salts https://www.cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/safety-assessment-fatty-acids-fatty-acid-salts-used-cosmetics; European Commission CosIng

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

Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate

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.

Maltodextrin

No Known Risks

Polysaccharide carrier and bulking agent used for texture and delivery support. 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 Polysaccharide Gums as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory

Mannose

No Known Risks

A sugar, polysaccharide or related carbohydrate used for hydration, texture or formula support. No reproductive or developmental concern was identified for normal topical cosmetic exposure.

Sources: European Commission CosIng ingredient inventory; CIR safety assessments of saccharides and naturally derived polymers as used in cosmetics.

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

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

Oryza Sativa Starch

No Known Risks

A plant-derived carbohydrate polymer or modified starch used to thicken, stabilise or condition a formula. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that the supported plant polysaccharide gums and derivatives are safe in current practices of use and concentration. Loose powders should still be used without deliberately inhaling airborne particles.

Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Plant Polysaccharide Gums as Used in Cosmetics https://www.cir-safety.org/panelbook/safety-assessment-plant-polysaccharide-gums-used-cosmetics

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)

Piroctone Olamine

No Known Risks

Piroctone Olamine is an antimicrobial and anti-dandruff ingredient. European scientific review supports restricted cosmetic use in rinse-off and other products at specified concentrations. No pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific hazard was identified for normal topical use within those restrictions.

Sources: EU SCCNFP: Opinion concerning Piroctone Olamine https://ec.europa.eu/health/ph_risk/committees/sccp/documents/out162_en.pdf; EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex V; European Commission CosIng ingredient inventory.

Poloxamer 338

No Known Risks

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.

Sources: CIR polymer safety assessments and Quick Reference Table https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/QRT-Update-Dec2025.pdf; European Commission CosIng ingredient inventory

Polysorbate 80

No Known Risks

Nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer used to disperse oils in cosmetic formulas. 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

Potassium Cetyl Phosphate

No Known Risks

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.

Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Alkyl Phosphates https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/alkyl%20phosphates_0.pdf

Propanediol

No Known Risks

Solvent and humectant used to improve texture and ingredient solubility. Low systemic exposure expected from topical cosmetic use.

Sources: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (US); Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (EU)

Punica Granatum Pericarp Extract

No Known Risks

punica granatum pericarp extract is a botanical-derived cosmetic conditioning ingredient. The reviewed identity is not a concentrated 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://www.cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/quick-reference-table-december-2025; European Commission CosIng

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

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

Sorbitan Oleate

No Known Risks

This sorbitan fatty-acid ester is an emulsifier that helps oil and water phases remain mixed. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review concluded that sorbitan esters are safe in current cosmetic use; occasional contact reactions remain possible in sensitive users.

Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Sorbitan Esters as Used in Cosmetics https://www.cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/safety-assessment-sorbitan-esters-used-cosmetics

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

Vitreoscilla Ferment

No Known Risks

vitreoscilla ferment is a fermentation-derived or microbial lysate cosmetic conditioning material. The assessment applies to the defined non-live cosmetic ingredient rather than live organisms or oral supplements. No pregnancy-specific concern was identified for normal topical use; formulation purity and sensitivity remain relevant.

Sources: CIR assessments of microbial polysaccharides, fermentation-derived and lysate cosmetic ingredients; CIR Quick Reference Table https://www.cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/quick-reference-table-december-2025

Water

No Known Risks

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

Xanthan Gum

No Known Risks

Natural polysaccharide thickener used for stability and texture. Not associated with pregnancy-specific concerns.

Sources: European cosmetics regulatory framework

Zinc Pca

No Known Risks

A zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid used for skin conditioning, oil-control and antimicrobial support. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that the assessed zinc salts are safe in current cosmetic practices of use and concentration when formulated to be non-irritating. Zinc is an essential nutrient, but this entry assesses the low topical exposure from a finished cosmetic rather than supplements or medicinal doses. No pregnancy-specific topical concern was identified.

Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Zinc Salts as Used in Cosmetics https://www.cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/safety-assessment-zinc-salts-used-cosmetics-1; CIR 146th Expert Panel Meeting final report record https://www.cir-safety.org/meeting/146th-cir-expert-panel-meeting

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.

Questions about this assessment

Has every ingredient in La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M been assessed?

34 of 35 ingredient entries on this page have a recorded score, evidence summary and source text. 1 entry does 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.

Does this assessment apply to the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M I have?

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.

How to use this assessment

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.

Read the full methodology