The Ordinary
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Low risk75/100
The Ordinary
Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
Some ingredients carry a low-risk flag. Read the formulation context before deciding.
17 of 17 ingredients rated
Is it suitable during pregnancy?
MamaSkin rates the recorded formula for The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% as Low risk (71/100). Review the ingredient context and any manual-review explanation before deciding.
Why this rating?
The recorded formula includes 5 ingredient entries with risk flags: Dimethicone (Low risk), Azelaic Acid (Low risk), Polysilicone-11 (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.
17 of 17 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.
Triethanolamine
Low risk
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.
Sources: CIR: Triethanolamine ingredient safety information https://www.cir-safety.org/ingredient/triethanolamine
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
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
Azelaic Acid
Low risk
Azelaic acid is used topically for acne and pigmentation. MotherToBaby reports that ACOG lists OTC azelaic acid among ingredients that can be used during pregnancy if needed. Product information for 20% azelaic acid states that adequate controlled pregnancy studies are lacking, reports reassuring animal data and estimates about 3.6% absorption after a single topical dose. MamaSkin retains Low Risk while avoiding a categorical “pregnancy-safe” claim.
Sources: MotherToBaby: Topical Acne Treatments https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK582985/, Skinoren 20% cream product information https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/285/smpc
Polysilicone-11
Low risk
A crosslinked silicone elastomer used as a film former and texture ingredient. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that Polysilicone-11 is safe in current cosmetic use. MamaSkin classifies it as low risk for consistency with the existing silicone-polymer policy and because cosmetic-grade manufacturing should control residual starting materials, rather than because of a known pregnancy-specific contraindication.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Polysilicone-11 as Used in Cosmetics https://www.cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/safety-assessment-polysilicone-11-used-cosmetics
Show all 17 ingredients
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
Isodecyl Neopentanoate
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
Dimethicone/Bis-Isobutyl PPG-20 Crosspolymer
No known risks
The published CIR assessment includes the exact crosslinked silicone identity in its safe-as-used conclusion.
Sources: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1091581814524963
Dimethyl Isosorbide
No known risks
A solvent or preservative-support ingredient used to dissolve actives and stabilise a formula. No reproductive or pregnancy-specific signal was identified for the low concentrations used in finished topical cosmetics. Solvents can still increase local irritation or the delivery of other formula ingredients.
Sources: European Commission CosIng ingredient inventory; European Chemicals Agency substance information; published dermal and cosmetic-use data for dimethyl isosorbide, phenylpropanol and benzyl glycol.
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
No known risks
Large polymer thickener, stabilizer and texture ingredient used in gels, creams and sunscreens. Systemic exposure from topical cosmetic use is expected to be low, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern identified in reviewed cosmetic references.
Sources: CIR cosmetic ingredient safety references for acrylates copolymers; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
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
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)
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
Isoceteth-20
No known risks
isoceteth-20 is used as a cosmetic surfactant, emulsifier or conditioning agent. Relevant cosmetic-safety assessments support use when formulated to be non-irritating and with appropriate impurity controls. Local skin or eye irritation is possible at higher concentrations, but no pregnancy-specific concern was identified for normal topical or rinse-off use.
Sources: CIR safety assessments of alkyl PEG ethers, N-acyl taurates, fatty amidopropyl amines and related cosmetic surfactants https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/taurat122015FR.pdf; CIR Quick Reference Table https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/QRT-Update-Dec2025.pdf
Polysorbate 60
No known risks
Nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer used to help oil and water phases mix. 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
Ethoxydiglycol
No known risks
A glycol ether used as a cosmetic solvent and delivery aid. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that ethoxydiglycol is safe as used in cosmetics, with low toxicity in the reviewed exposure data. It is distinct from ethoxyethanol, which has a different and less favourable safety assessment.
Sources: CIR: Final Report on Butylene Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Ethoxydiglycol and Dipropylene Glycol; CIR Quick Reference Table https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/qrt-r.pdf
Chlorphenesin
No known risks
Preservative used to help protect formulas from microbial growth. Reviewed cosmetic safety sources support present cosmetic use; no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific topical concern was identified in the material reviewed, although some users may still notice local irritation or sensitivity.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Chlorphenesin as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
Full recorded ingredient list
Water, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Dimethicone, Azelaic Acid, Dimethicone/Bis-Isobutyl PPG-20 Crosspolymer, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polysilicone-11, Isohexadecane, Tocopherol, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Isoceteth-20, Polysorbate 60, Triethanolamine, Ethoxydiglycol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin
Ingredient ratings refreshed 1 October 2026. Formulas vary by market and can change. Always compare with your packaging.
Questions about this assessment
Why does The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% have a Low risk rating?
The recorded formula includes 5 ingredient entries with risk flags: Dimethicone (Low risk), Azelaic Acid (Low risk), Polysilicone-11 (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.
Is this assessment based only on the azelaic acid?
No. Azelaic Acid appears in the recorded ingredient list, but this page shows the finished product's stored assessment and the available ratings for its other ingredients too. An assessment of one headline ingredient does not establish the suitability of every formula containing it.
Has every ingredient in The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% been assessed?
17 of 17 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 The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%?
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.
