The Ordinary
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum
Low risk76/100
The Ordinary
Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Toners
Some ingredients carry a low-risk flag. Read the formulation context before deciding.
42 of 42 ingredients rated
Is it suitable during pregnancy?
MamaSkin rates the recorded formula for The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution as Low risk (75/100). Review the ingredient context and any manual-review explanation before deciding.
Why this rating?
The recorded formula includes 2 ingredient entries with risk flags: Glycolic Acid (Low risk), Triethanolamine (Low risk). These are ingredient-level flags; they do not replace the stored product assessment or account for every formulation detail.
42 of 42 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
Glycolic Acid
Low risk
Alpha-hydroxy acid exfoliant. Listed by MotherToBaby as a common OTC topical acne ingredient used during pregnancy; when used as directed, OTC topical acne treatments are not expected to increase pregnancy complications. For consumer cosmetics, safety guidance commonly frames AHAs as safe at ≤10% (with appropriate pH and daily sun protection). Avoid high-strength/professional peels during pregnancy.
Sources: MotherToBaby: Topical acne treatments in pregnancy and breastfeeding https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK582985/
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
Rosa Damascena Flower Water
No known risks
A rose flower distillate used for fragrance and skin conditioning. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that Rosa damascena-derived ingredients, including flower water, are safe in current practices when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitising. Natural fragrance allergens can still affect sensitive users.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Rosa damascena-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/FR_RosaDamascena_032022.pdf
Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water
No known risks
A botanical extract, plant water or plant juice used for conditioning, soothing or antioxidant support. Direct pregnancy studies of this exact cosmetic material were not identified, but no reproductive or developmental hazard was identified for normal topical exposure. Oral herbal or medicinal use is outside this classification.
Sources: European Commission CosIng ingredient inventory; CIR botanical safety framework and relevant plant-derived ingredient assessments; no ingredient-specific human pregnancy study of normal topical cosmetic use was identified.
Show all 42 ingredients
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water
No known risks
A botanical extract or plant water used for conditioning, soothing or antioxidant support. Direct pregnancy studies of this exact cosmetic material were not identified, but no reproductive or developmental hazard was identified for normal topical exposure. Oral herbal or medicinal use is outside this classification.
Sources: European Commission CosIng; CIR botanical safety framework and relevant plant-family assessments; no ingredient-specific human pregnancy study of normal topical cosmetic use was identified.
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)
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
Aminomethyl Propanol
No known risks
An alkanolamine used mainly to adjust product pH. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that aminomethyl propanol is safe in current cosmetic use at the reviewed concentrations. Formulators should control secondary-amine impurities and should not combine it with nitrosating agents. No pregnancy-specific concern is identified for normal use of a properly formulated finished cosmetic.
Sources: CIR: Final Amended Report on the Safety Assessment of Aminomethyl Propanol and Aminomethyl Propanediol https://cir-reports.cir-safety.org/view-attachment/?id=62ee6359-8e74-ec11-8943-0022482f06a6
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
No known risks
A botanical root extract used as a skin-conditioning and antioxidant ingredient. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that Panax root-derived ingredients are safe in current practices of use and concentration. The assessment considered the biological activity of ginsenosides and available reproductive and developmental information; ordinary topical cosmetic exposure was not identified as a pregnancy-specific concern. Botanical irritation or allergy remains possible.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Panax spp. Root-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics https://cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/safety-assessment-panax-spp-root-derived-ingredients-used-cosmetics
Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract
No known risks
No pregnancy-specific harm is established for ordinary topical cosmetic exposure to tasmannia lanceolata fruit/leaf extract. Polygodial/irritation and possible constituent variation, no reproductive endpoint. Direct human pregnancy data and the exact finished-product concentration are limited; this does not assess oral or medicinal-strength use.
Aspartic Acid
No known risks
This naturally occurring alpha-amino acid is used for humectancy and skin or hair conditioning. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review found alpha-amino acids safe in current cosmetic use; the low concentrations and limited dermal uptake are not expected to create a pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of alpha-Amino Acids as Used in Cosmetics https://www.cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/safety-assessment-%CE%B1-amino-acids-used-cosmetics
Alanine
No known risks
Amino acid used as a humectant and skin/hair-conditioning support ingredient. Reviewed cosmetic safety sources support normal topical use, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific topical signal identified.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of alpha-Amino Acids as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
Glycine
No known risks
Amino acid used as a humectant and skin/hair-conditioning support ingredient. Reviewed cosmetic safety sources support normal topical use, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific topical signal identified.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of alpha-Amino Acids as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
Serine
No known risks
Amino acid used as a humectant and skin/hair-conditioning support ingredient. Reviewed cosmetic safety sources support normal topical use, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific topical signal identified.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of alpha-Amino Acids as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
Valine
No known risks
This naturally occurring alpha-amino acid is used for humectancy and skin or hair conditioning. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review found alpha-amino acids safe in current cosmetic use; the low concentrations and limited dermal uptake are not expected to create a pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of alpha-Amino Acids as Used in Cosmetics https://www.cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/safety-assessment-%CE%B1-amino-acids-used-cosmetics
Isoleucine
No known risks
This naturally occurring alpha-amino acid is used for humectancy and skin or hair conditioning. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review found alpha-amino acids safe in current cosmetic use; the low concentrations and limited dermal uptake are not expected to create a pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of alpha-Amino Acids as Used in Cosmetics https://www.cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/safety-assessment-%CE%B1-amino-acids-used-cosmetics
Proline
No known risks
Amino acid used as a humectant and skin/hair-conditioning support ingredient. Reviewed cosmetic safety sources support normal topical use, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific topical signal identified.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of alpha-Amino Acids as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
Threonine
No known risks
Amino acid used as a humectant and skin/hair-conditioning support ingredient. Reviewed cosmetic safety sources support normal topical use, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific topical signal identified.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of alpha-Amino Acids as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
Histidine
No known risks
This naturally occurring alpha-amino acid is used for humectancy and skin or hair conditioning. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review found alpha-amino acids safe in current cosmetic use; the low concentrations and limited dermal uptake are not expected to create a pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of alpha-Amino Acids as Used in Cosmetics https://www.cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/safety-assessment-%CE%B1-amino-acids-used-cosmetics
Phenylalanine
No known risks
This naturally occurring alpha-amino acid is used for humectancy and skin or hair conditioning. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review found alpha-amino acids safe in current cosmetic use; the low concentrations and limited dermal uptake are not expected to create a pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of alpha-Amino Acids as Used in Cosmetics https://www.cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/safety-assessment-%CE%B1-amino-acids-used-cosmetics
Glutamic Acid
No known risks
This naturally occurring alpha-amino acid is used for humectancy and skin or hair conditioning. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review found alpha-amino acids safe in current cosmetic use; the low concentrations and limited dermal uptake are not expected to create a pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of alpha-Amino Acids as Used in Cosmetics https://www.cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/safety-assessment-%CE%B1-amino-acids-used-cosmetics
Arginine
No known risks
Amino acid used as a humectant, skin-conditioning agent, and pH-adjusting support ingredient. 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 α-Amino Acids as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
PCA
No known risks
Pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, a natural-moisturising-factor component used as a humectant. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that PCA and its salts are safe in current practices, but they should not be used in formulations where N-nitroso compounds can form. No pregnancy-specific concern was identified for compliant topical use.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of PCA and Its Salts as Used in Cosmetics https://www.cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/safety-assessment-pca-2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic-acid-and-its-salts-used-cosmetics-0
Sodium PCA
No known risks
Natural-moisturising-factor humectant that helps bind water in the stratum corneum. 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 PCA and Its Salts as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
Sodium Lactate
No known risks
Humectant and buffer that also forms part of the skin's natural moisturising factor. Reviewed cosmetic safety sources support topical cosmetic use; irritation and sun-sensitivity considerations relate more to formula context than to pregnancy-specific risk.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Alpha Hydroxy Acids as Used in Cosmetics; CIR: PCA and Its Salts as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
Fructose
No known risks
This sugar or sugar alcohol is used as a humectant and skin-conditioning ingredient. Cosmetic Ingredient Review assessments support these saccharides in current cosmetic use, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern identified for normal topical exposure.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Monosaccharides Disaccharides and Related Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics https://cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/safety-assessment-monosaccharides-disaccharides-and-related-ingredients-used-cosmeti
Glucose
No known risks
Simple sugar used as a humectant and skin-conditioning support ingredient. Reviewed cosmetic ingredient references do not identify a pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern for normal topical cosmetic use.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Monosaccharides, Disaccharides, and Related Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
Sucrose
No known risks
This sugar or sugar alcohol is used as a humectant and skin-conditioning ingredient. Cosmetic Ingredient Review assessments support these saccharides in current cosmetic use, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern identified for normal topical exposure.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Monosaccharides Disaccharides and Related Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics https://cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/safety-assessment-monosaccharides-disaccharides-and-related-ingredients-used-cosmeti
Urea
No known risks
A naturally occurring component of skin moisturizing factors, used in cosmetics as a humectant and at higher concentrations as a keratolytic. Ordinary cosmetic use does not identify a pregnancy-specific concern. Higher-strength products may sting or irritate damaged skin. Urea itself is distinct from formaldehyde-releasing preservatives such as imidazolidinyl urea and diazolidinyl urea.
Sources: CIR ingredient record: Urea https://cir-safety.org/ingredient/urea; EU CosIng cosmetic ingredient inventory: Urea
Hexyl Nicotinate
No known risks
Hexyl nicotinate is a nicotinic-acid ester used for a local skin-warming or vasodilating effect. Human skin experiments show that the compound can act locally and that penetration depends on the skin barrier; they are not pregnancy studies. No pregnancy-specific harm has been identified from ordinary, low-level topical cosmetic use, so this is a qualified No Known Risks assessment rather than a claim of proven gestational safety. It is not interchangeable with niacinamide or oral niacin. Redness or irritation may occur; avoid high-strength medicinal rubefacient use or application to broken skin.
Sources: https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/205342,https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19291064/
Dextrin
No known risks
Starch-derived polysaccharide used as a binder, film former and texture support ingredient. Reviewed cosmetic ingredient references do not identify a pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern for normal topical use.
Sources: CIR cosmetic ingredient safety references for polysaccharides/starch-derived ingredients; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
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
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
Gellan Gum
No known risks
A high-molecular-weight carbohydrate gum produced by microbial fermentation and used for hydration, texture or film formation. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that the assessed microbial polysaccharide gums are safe in current practices of use and concentration. Dermal absorption of the intact polymers is expected to be limited.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Microbial Polysaccharide Gums as Used in Cosmetics https://cir-reports.cir-safety.org/view-attachment/?id=c052d083-8e74-ec11-8943-0022482f06a6
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
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
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
Potassium Sorbate
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
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
1,2-Hexanediol
No known risks
1,2-Hexanediol is commonly used as a solvent and preservative booster; topical exposure is low and it has no known pregnancy or breastfeeding concerns at cosmetic concentrations, though very sensitive skin may occasionally react.
Sources: CIR; EU/UK Cosmetics Regulation
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, Glycolic Acid, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, Triethanolamine, Aminomethyl Propanol, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Aspartic Acid, Alanine, Glycine, Serine, Valine, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Glutamic Acid, Arginine, PCA, Sodium PCA, Sodium Lactate, Fructose, Glucose, Sucrose, Urea, Hexyl Nicotinate, Dextrin, Citric Acid, Polysorbate 20, Gellan Gum, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Sodium Chloride, Hexylene Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, 1,2-Hexanediol, 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 The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution have a Low risk rating?
The recorded formula includes 2 ingredient entries with risk flags: Glycolic Acid (Low risk), Triethanolamine (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.
Does this glycolic acid assessment also cover professional peels?
No. Glycolic Acid appears in this recorded cosmetic formula. The score does not establish suitability for a stronger peel, a different concentration or a professional treatment. Concentration, formulation and how a product is used matter; compare your packaging with this full ingredient list and read the recorded Glycolic Acid evidence below.
Has every ingredient in The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution been assessed?
42 of 42 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 Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution?
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.
