La Roche-Posay +M Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel by La Roche-Posay
La Roche-Posay

+M Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel

Face Cleansers

74/100
Low risk

Pregnancy-focused rating

Some ingredients carry a low-risk flag. Read the formulation context before deciding.

20 of 20 ingredients rated

Is it suitable during pregnancy?

MamaSkin rates the recorded formula for La Roche-Posay +M Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel 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: Sodium Laureth Sulfate (Low risk), Phenoxyethanol (Low risk), Parfum (Low risk). These are ingredient-level flags; they do not replace the stored product assessment or account for every formulation detail.

20 of 20 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 products

Ingredient 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.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate

Low risk

Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) is a cleansing surfactant used mainly in rinse-off products. CIR concluded sodium and ammonium laureth sulfate safe in current cosmetics when formulations are non-irritating; skin and eye irritation is the main identified concern. The review does not identify a pregnancy-specific restriction for normal cosmetic use. MamaSkin retains Low Risk, with extra care for sensitive or damaged skin.

Sources: CIR: Final report on sodium and ammonium laureth sulfate https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20634505/

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

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

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

PEG-8

No known risks

A small polyethylene glycol used as a humectant and solvent. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that PEG-8 is safe at current cosmetic concentrations, but PEG ingredients should not be used on damaged skin and manufacturing impurities must be controlled. No pregnancy-specific concern was identified for compliant topical use.

Sources: CIR: Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Polyethylene Glycols https://cir-reports.cir-safety.org/view-attachment/?id=0ca16b53-8e74-ec11-8943-0022482f06a6

Show all 20 ingredients

Coco-Betaine

No known risks

A cleansing and foam-supporting surfactant made from coconut-derived fatty chains. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that alkyl betaines, including coco-betaine, are safe in current practices when formulated to be non-irritating. Surfactant-containing products may still sting eyes or irritated skin.

Sources: CIR: Quick Reference Table conclusion for Coco-Betaine and alkyl betaines https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/sq-fix_2.pdf

Hexylene Glycol

No known risks

Solvent and humectant used to improve texture and ingredient solubility in topical cosmetics. Reviewed cosmetic ingredient references do not identify a pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern for normal topical use.

Sources: CIR cosmetic ingredient safety references for alkane diols/glycols; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory

Sodium Chloride

No known risks

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.

Sources: CIR; EU/UK Cosmetics Regulation

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

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

PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate

No known risks

A glucose-derived emulsifier or emollient. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that the assessed methyl glucose ethers and esters are safe in current practices of use and concentration.

Sources: CIR: Methyl Glucose Ethers and Esters conclusion, IJT 35(Suppl. 2), 2016; December 2025 Quick Reference Table https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/QRT-Update-Dec2025.pdf

Sodium Citrate

No known risks

Buffering and chelating ingredient used to control pH and formulation stability. 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 Citric Acid, Inorganic Citrate Salts, and Alkyl Citrate Esters 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

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

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

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

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)

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)

Sodium Benzoate

No known risks

Preservative widely used in foods and cosmetics. Considered safe at regulated concentrations with low systemic exposure from topical use.

Sources: Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (EU); European cosmetics regulatory framework

Full recorded ingredient list

Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, PEG-8, Coco-Betaine, Hexylene Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Punica Granatum Pericarp Extract, Zinc PCA, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hydroxide, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Maltodextrin, Pentylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum

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 +M Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel have a Low risk rating?

The recorded formula includes 3 ingredient entries with risk flags: Sodium Laureth Sulfate (Low risk), Phenoxyethanol (Low risk), Parfum (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 La Roche-Posay +M Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel been assessed?

20 of 20 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 La Roche-Posay +M Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel?

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.