La Roche-Posay
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+
Low risk75/100
La Roche-Posay
Effaclar Duo+M
Some ingredients carry a low-risk flag. Read the formulation context before deciding.
34 of 35 ingredients rated1 not assessed
Is it suitable during pregnancy?
MamaSkin rates the recorded formula for La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M as Low risk (72/100). Review the ingredient context and any manual-review explanation before deciding.
Why this rating?
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 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.
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
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid is a salicylic-acid derivative, not salicylic acid itself. CIR reassessed its corrected ketone identity separately and found the evidence insufficient because impurity and phototoxicity questions remained. Low Risk is precautionary; these data gaps do not demonstrate pregnancy harm. Avoid irritated or damaged skin and use sun protection. There is no validated pregnancy-safe percentage for this derivative.
Sources: https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/capryl122019FAR.pdf
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/
hydroxyethoxyphenyl butanone
Not assessed
No matched ingredient rating is available yet. Not assessed does not mean safe or unsafe.
Show all 35 ingredients
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
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 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
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
Full recorded ingredient list
2-oleamido-1,3-octadecanediol, acrylamide/sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer, ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate, capryloyl salicylic acid, caprylyl glycol, citric acid, dimethicone, glycerin, glyceryl stearate se, hydroxyethoxyphenyl butanone, isocetyl stearate, isohexadecane, isopropyl lauroyl sarcosinate, maltodextrin, mannose, myristyl myristate, niacinamide, oryza sativa starch, parfum, pentylene glycol, piroctone olamine, poloxamer 338, polysorbate 80, potassium cetyl phosphate, propanediol, punica granatum pericarp extract, salicylic acid, silica, sodium hydroxide, sorbitan oleate, trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, vitreoscilla ferment, water, xanthan gum, zinc pca
Ingredient ratings refreshed 1 October 2026. Formulas vary by market and can change. Always compare with your packaging.
Questions about this assessment
Why does La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M have a Low risk rating?
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. 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 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 or unrated entries are marked Not assessed in grey; missing evidence does not establish safety.
Does this assessment apply to my La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M?
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.
