The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density by The Ordinary
The Ordinary

Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density

Hair Loss

74/100
Low risk

Pregnancy-focused rating

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

36 of 36 ingredients rated

Is it suitable during pregnancy?

MamaSkin rates the recorded formula for The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density 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: Lactic Acid (Low risk), Gluconolactone (Low risk), Phenoxyethanol (Low risk). These are ingredient-level flags; they do not replace the stored product assessment or account for every formulation detail.

36 of 36 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.

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

Lactic Acid

Low risk

Endogenous alpha-hydroxy acid and humectant; at modest cosmetic concentrations (≈5% and below, and generally <10%) topical lactic acid is considered compatible with pregnancy. Main risks are local irritation and increased photosensitivity rather than systemic toxicity or fetal effects.

Sources: MotherToBaby: Topical acne treatments in pregnancy and breastfeeding https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK582985/

Gluconolactone

Low risk

Polyhydroxy acid (PHA) used as a gentle exfoliant/humectant; generally less irritating than AHAs due to lower penetration. Considered safe as used in cosmetics, with no pregnancy-specific contraindications identified at topical cosmetic concentrations.

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

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)

Show all 36 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)

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

Caffeine

No known risks

Methylxanthine used in cosmetics (e.g., de-puffing/firming and antioxidant support). No pregnancy-specific contraindications are identified for topical cosmetic use.

Sources: CIR (Methylxanthines); PubMed (NLM)

Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1

No known risks

Synthetic peptide derivative used in topical hair/scalp and skin-conditioning formulas. Available cosmetic ingredient references do not identify a pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern for normal topical cosmetic use.

Sources: Schagen SK. Topical Peptide Treatments with Effective Anti-Aging Results. Cosmetics. 2017;4(2):16. doi:10.3390/cosmetics4020016; EU CosIng / INCI cosmetic ingredient references.

Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3

No known risks

Synthetic acetylated peptide used in topical cosmetic hair/scalp and skin-conditioning formulas. Available cosmetic ingredient references do not identify a pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern for normal topical cosmetic use.

Sources: Schagen SK. Topical Peptide Treatments with Effective Anti-Aging Results. Cosmetics. 2017;4(2):16. doi:10.3390/cosmetics4020016; EU CosIng / INCI cosmetic ingredient references.

Larix Europaea Wood Extract

No known risks

larix europaea wood 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

Pisum Sativum Extract

No known risks

A botanical extract, juice or water used primarily for skin conditioning, moisturising, soothing or antioxidant support. Direct pregnancy studies of the named cosmetic material were not identified. No reproductive or developmental hazard was identified for normal topical exposure to a compliant finished cosmetic; oral herbal or medicinal use is outside this classification.

Sources: European Commission CosIng ingredient inventory; Cosmetic Ingredient Review botanical safety-assessment framework and relevant plant-family assessments. No ingredient-specific human pregnancy study of normal topical cosmetic use was identified.

Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract

No known risks

A Chinese skullcap root extract used for skin conditioning and antioxidant effects. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that the root extract is safe in current practices of use and concentration; this conclusion does not extend to the generic whole-plant or sprout extracts, for which evidence was insufficient. No pregnancy-specific concern was identified for normal topical cosmetic exposure.

Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Scutellaria baicalensis-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics https://cir-reports.cir-safety.org/view-attachment/?id=12155820-bce2-80f8-bd06-353ba20e5877

Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract

No known risks

A botanical extract, juice or water used primarily for skin conditioning, moisturising, soothing or antioxidant support. Direct pregnancy studies of the named cosmetic material were not identified. No reproductive or developmental hazard was identified for normal topical exposure to a compliant finished cosmetic; oral herbal or medicinal use is outside this classification.

Sources: European Commission CosIng ingredient inventory; Cosmetic Ingredient Review botanical safety-assessment framework and relevant plant-family assessments. No ingredient-specific human pregnancy study of normal topical cosmetic use was identified.

Glycine Soja Germ Extract

No known risks

glycine soja germ 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

Trifolium Pratense Flower Extract

No known risks

Red clover flower extract may contain isoflavones with oestrogen-like activity when consumed as a concentrated supplement. Oral supplement cautions are not evidence of a hazard from the much smaller topical exposure in a finished cosmetic. No pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific risk from normal topical cosmetic use was identified.

Sources: NCCIH: Red Clover https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/red-clover; European Commission CosIng ingredient inventory. No ingredient-specific topical pregnancy studies were identified.

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

Apigenin

No known risks

No pregnancy-specific harm has been identified for ordinary, correctly formulated topical cosmetic use of apigenin. This is a bounded defined cosmetic chemical assessment; direct pregnancy studies of the exact material are limited and oral, medicinal, damaged-skin or aerosol exposure is not included.

Sources: https://health.ec.europa.eu/publications/sccs-notes-guidance-testing-cosmetic-ingredients-and-their-safety-evaluation-12th-revision_en

Oleanolic Acid

No known risks

A plant-derived triterpenoid used for skin conditioning and antioxidant support. No pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific hazard was identified for normal topical cosmetic exposure. Direct ingredient-specific pregnancy studies were not identified, so this assessment does not extend to oral supplements or medicinal use.

Sources: European Commission CosIng ingredient inventory; Cosmetic Ingredient Review botanical safety-assessment framework and relevant ingredient-family assessments. No ingredient-specific human pregnancy study of normal topical cosmetic use was identified.

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

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

Calcium Gluconate

No known risks

The calcium salt of gluconic acid, used mainly as a skin-conditioning or formulation-support ingredient. Cosmetic safety reviewers included calcium gluconate in their assessment of monosaccharides, disaccharides and related ingredients and concluded that the reviewed ingredients are safe in current cosmetic use. No pregnancy-specific concern is identified for normal topical exposure.

Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Monosaccharides, Disaccharides, and Related Ingredients https://www.cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/safety-assessment-monosaccharides-disaccharides-and-related-ingredients-used-cosme-0

Zinc Chloride

No known risks

A soluble zinc salt used for formula support, oral-care functions or antimicrobial and astringent effects. Zinc is an essential nutrient, but concentrated Zinc Chloride can be irritating or corrosive. CIR concluded that the assessed zinc salts are safe in current cosmetic practices when formulated to be non-irritating. No pregnancy-specific concern was identified for the small topical exposure expected from a finished cosmetic.

Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Zinc Salts as Used in Cosmetics https://www.cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/safety-assessment-zinc-salts-used-cosmetics-0; European Commission CosIng ingredient inventory.

Dextran

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

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

Hydroxyethylcellulose

No known risks

Cellulose-derived thickener used to build viscosity and improve texture. Reviewed cosmetic safety sources support normal topical use, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific topical signal identified in the material reviewed.

Sources: CIR Quick Reference Table / ingredient status (Hydroxyethylcellulose, Final Report 03/2009); EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory

Xanthan Gum

No known risks

Natural polysaccharide thickener used for stability and texture. Not associated with pregnancy-specific concerns.

Sources: European cosmetics regulatory framework

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)

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.

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

PPG-26-Buteth-26

No known risks

A polyether surfactant and solubiliser. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that PPG-26-Buteth-26 is safe in current cosmetic practices when formulated to be non-irritating and manufacturing impurities are controlled. This conclusion applies to this assessed ingredient rather than every lower-molecular-weight related polyether.

Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of PPG-Buteths, PPG-Buteth-PEGs and PPG-Buteths-IPDI Copolymers https://cir-reports.cir-safety.org/view-attachment/?id=737fc8b6-8d74-ec11-8943-0022482f06a6

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

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 Metabisulfite

No known risks

An antioxidant and reducing agent used to protect cosmetic formulas and hair-colour systems. Sulfites can cause irritation or hypersensitivity in susceptible people, especially with inhalation exposure, but no pregnancy-specific hazard is identified for normal topical cosmetic use.

Sources: CIR ingredient record and safety assessment: Sodium Metabisulfite https://cir-safety.org/ingredient/sodium-metabisulfite

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

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, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Caffeine, Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3, Larix Europaea Wood Extract, Pisum Sativum Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Glycine Soja Germ Extract, Trifolium Pratense Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Apigenin, Oleanolic Acid, Arginine, Glycine, Calcium Gluconate, Zinc Chloride, Lactic Acid, Gluconolactone, Dextran, Maltodextrin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Xanthan Gum, Pentylene Glycol, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Polysorbate 20, PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Sodium Metabisulfite, Sodium Benzoate, 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 Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density have a Low risk rating?

The recorded formula includes 3 ingredient entries with risk flags: Lactic Acid (Low risk), Gluconolactone (Low risk), Phenoxyethanol (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 The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density been assessed?

36 of 36 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 Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density?

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.