Paula's Choice
Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster
Low risk71/100
Paula's Choice
2% BHA Lotion Exfoliant
Exfoliators
Some ingredients carry a low-risk flag. Read the formulation context before deciding.
25 of 25 ingredients rated
Is it suitable during pregnancy?
MamaSkin rates the recorded formula for Paula's Choice 2% BHA Lotion Exfoliant 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: Salicylic Acid (Low risk), Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract (Low risk), Dimethicone (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.
25 of 25 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 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.
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
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/
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Low risk
Pregnancy concerns around licorice are based mainly on high oral glycyrrhizin intake, which has been linked to shorter gestation and cortisol-related effects in offspring; by contrast, licorice root extracts have been assessed as safe as used in cosmetics, so routine topical skincare exposure fits a cautious low-risk classification.
Sources: CIR: Cosmetic safety assessment covering Glycyrrhiza glabra-derived ingredients https://cir-reports.cir-safety.org/view-attachment/?id=49a63435-8e74-ec11-8943-0022482f06a6
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
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
Show all 25 ingredients
Butylene Glycol
No known risks
Solvent and humectant commonly used in leave-on products. Not associated with pregnancy-specific concerns at cosmetic exposure levels.
Sources: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (US); Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (EU)
Polysorbate 20
No known risks
Nonionic surfactant and solubiliser used to disperse oils and fragrance. 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 Polysorbates as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
Cetyl Alcohol
No known risks
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)
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
No known risks
Polymer thickener used to stabilise emulsions. Large-molecule ingredient with low systemic absorption.
Sources: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (US); Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (EU)
Cyclopentasiloxane
No known risks
Silicone emollient and solvent used to improve slip and spreadability. No known pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern in normal topical cosmetic use based on reviewed cosmetic safety sources. Spray or aerosol formats may warrant extra caution because inhalation/local lung exposure concerns have been raised for those uses.
Sources: SCCS: Cyclopentasiloxane (D5) in cosmetic products; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
Sorbitan Stearate
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
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
No known risks
Camellia sinensis (green tea) leaf extract is used as an antioxidant botanical; topical cosmetic use is considered low concern with no known pregnancy or breastfeeding risks, though rare sensitivities are possible.
Sources: CIR; EU/UK Cosmetics Regulation
Lauric Acid
No known risks
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
Allantoin
No known risks
Allantoin is a soothing skin protectant commonly used to help reduce irritation and support comfort, with no known pregnancy or breastfeeding concerns in topical cosmetic use.
Sources: CIR; EU/UK Cosmetics Regulation
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
Avena Sativa Kernel Extract
No known risks
An oat kernel extract used for skin conditioning and soothing. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that Avena sativa kernel extract and most assessed oat-derived ingredients are safe in current practices of use and concentration when formulated to be non-sensitising and manufactured with appropriate impurity controls. Oat allergy or contact sensitivity can occur in susceptible people, but no pregnancy-specific concern was identified for normal topical cosmetic exposure.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Avena sativa (Oat)-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics https://cir-reports.cir-safety.org/view-attachment/?id=947dbaa1-8e74-ec11-8943-0022482f06a6
Epilobium Angustifolium Extract
No known risks
epilobium angustifolium 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
Xanthan Gum
No known risks
Natural polysaccharide thickener used for stability and texture. Not associated with pregnancy-specific concerns.
Sources: European cosmetics regulatory framework
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate
No known risks
A mineral silicate used to thicken and suspend ingredients. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that silicates are safe in current practices when formulated to be non-irritating, but naturally sourced silicates lack enough evidence for products that may be incidentally inhaled. It is not expected to be meaningfully absorbed through skin.
Sources: CIR: Final amended silicates conclusion, December 2021 https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/PMA_December_2021.pdf
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
No known risks
Solubilizer and emulsifier used to disperse oils and fragrance components in cosmetic formulas. Reviewed cosmetic safety sources support normal topical use, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern identified.
Sources: CIR cosmetic ingredient safety references for PEG castor oil derivatives; 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
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
Disodium EDTA
No known risks
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.
Sources: CIR; EU/UK Cosmetics Regulation
Ethylhexylglycerin
No known risks
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)
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)
Full recorded ingredient list
Water, Butylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Cetyl Alcohol, Salicylic Acid, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Cyclopentasiloxane, Sorbitan Stearate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Lauric Acid, Allantoin, Glycerin, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Epilobium Angustifolium Extract, Dimethicone, Xanthan Gum, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Hexylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol
Ingredient ratings refreshed 1 October 2026. Formulas vary by market and can change. Always compare with your packaging.
Questions about this assessment
Why does Paula's Choice 2% BHA Lotion Exfoliant have a Low risk rating?
The recorded formula includes 4 ingredient entries with risk flags: Salicylic Acid (Low risk), Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract (Low risk), Dimethicone (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. The product score is a stored assessment, not a clinical safety guarantee.
Has every ingredient in Paula's Choice 2% BHA Lotion Exfoliant been assessed?
25 of 25 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 Paula's Choice 2% BHA Lotion Exfoliant?
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.
