Cetaphil
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
No known risks99/100
Cetaphil
Moisturizing Cream
Some ingredients carry a low-risk flag. Read the formulation context before deciding.
23 of 23 ingredients rated
Is it suitable during pregnancy?
MamaSkin rates the recorded formula for Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream 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: Dimethicone (Low risk), Phenoxyethanol (Low risk). These are ingredient-level flags; they do not replace the stored product assessment or account for every formulation detail.
23 of 23 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
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
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
Petrolatum
No known risks
Highly refined petrolatum (petroleum jelly) is a skin protectant/occlusive with minimal dermal penetration; safety depends on refining/PAH impurity controls and cosmetic/medical grades meet established standards.
Sources: USP White Petrolatum monograph (2021); Petry et al., Food and Chemical Toxicology (2017); PubMed (dermatology review)
Show all 23 ingredients
Dicaprylyl Ether
No known risks
A lightweight fatty ether used as an emollient and spreading agent. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that dicaprylyl ether is safe in current cosmetic use; reviewed developmental testing did not identify maternal or fetal toxicity and skin absorption was low. Safety for airbrush delivery was not established.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Fatty Ethers https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/FR_FattyEthers_122022.pdf
Glyceryl Stearate
No known risks
Emulsifier and emollient used to stabilise creams and lotions. Not associated with pregnancy-specific concerns at cosmetic exposure.
Sources: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (US); Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (EU)
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)
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
No known risks
Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil is a common emollient rich in fatty acids and is generally well tolerated, with no known pregnancy or breastfeeding concerns in topical cosmetic use.
Sources: CIR; EU/UK Cosmetics Regulation
PEG-30 Stearate
No known risks
A PEG–fatty-acid emulsifier included in a published cosmetic-use assessment. Related very high dietary doses impaired offspring survival and lactation in rats; that does not establish harm from the much smaller ordinary topical exposure. No pregnancy-specific concern is identified at non-irritating cosmetic use.
Sources: https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/PEG%20Stearates.pdf
Panthenol
No known risks
Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) is used for soothing and barrier support and is generally well tolerated, with no known pregnancy or breastfeeding concerns in topical cosmetic use.
Sources: CIR; EU/UK Cosmetics Regulation
Niacinamide
No known risks
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is widely used for barrier support and tone/texture benefits, and is generally considered safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding when used topically at cosmetic concentrations.
Sources: CIR; EU/UK Cosmetics Regulation
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
No known risks
Sweet almond-derived emollient oil used for skin conditioning and barrier feel. Normal topical cosmetic use has no known pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern; users with almond or nut sensitivities should follow personal tolerance.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Plant-Derived Fatty Acid Oils as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
Tocopheryl Acetate
No known risks
Tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E derivative) is used as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning ingredient; it is considered low concern in topical use with no known pregnancy or breastfeeding risks at cosmetic concentrations.
Sources: CIR; EU/UK Cosmetics Regulation
Pantolactone
No known risks
A vitamin B ingredient or derivative used for skin or hair conditioning. These vitamins are normal nutrients and no pregnancy-specific concern was identified for the small topical exposure expected from a finished cosmetic. This assessment does not replace guidance about oral supplements or therapeutic doses.
Sources: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements vitamin fact sheets https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/list-all/; CIR: Panthenol, Pantothenic Acid and Derivatives safety assessment https://www.cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/safety-assessment-panthenol-pantothenic-acid-and-derivatives-used-cosmetics-1
Dimethiconol
No known risks
A high-molecular-weight silicone polymer used for film forming, smoothing and skin or hair conditioning. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review concluded that Dimethiconol and its assessed derivatives are safe in current cosmetic use. Its polymeric nature limits skin penetration, and available evidence does not identify a pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern for normal topical exposure.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Dimethiconol and its Esters and Reaction Products; International Journal of Toxicology 36(Suppl. 3):31-50 (2017) https://cir-safety.org/ingredient/dimethiconol
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
No known risks
Polymer thickener and stabiliser used in creams and sunscreens. Low systemic exposure expected.
Sources: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (US); Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (EU)
Carbomer
No known risks
Polymer thickener used to create gel textures. Large-molecule ingredient with negligible systemic absorption.
Sources: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (US); Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (EU)
Propylene Glycol
No known risks
Propylene glycol is a common solvent and humectant with a long history of use; it is not considered a pregnancy or breastfeeding concern in topical cosmetics, though some individuals may experience irritation in leave-on products.
Sources: CIR; EU/UK Cosmetics Regulation
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
Benzyl Alcohol
No known risks
Benzyl alcohol is used as a preservative and fragrance component in cosmetics; it is not a pregnancy-specific concern at typical topical exposure, but it can be irritating or sensitising for some individuals, particularly in leave-on products.
Sources: CIR; EU/UK Cosmetics Regulation; toxicology reviews
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
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
Full recorded ingredient list
Water, Glycerin, Petrolatum, Dicaprylyl Ether, Dimethicone, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, PEG-30 Stearate, Panthenol, Niacinamide, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Pantolactone, Dimethiconol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Carbomer, Propylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Benzyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid
Ingredient ratings refreshed 15 October 2026. Formulas vary by market and can change. Always compare with your packaging.
Questions about this assessment
Why does Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream have a Low risk rating?
The recorded formula includes 2 ingredient entries with risk flags: Dimethicone (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.
Does the niacinamide rating cover every ingredient in this product?
No. Niacinamide appears in the recorded formula, but its individual rating applies to that ingredient, not automatically to the whole product. Check the other ingredient ratings, any grey Not assessed entries and the stored product assessment. A niacinamide percentage or a product name is not a substitute for checking the full list.
Has every ingredient in Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream been assessed?
23 of 23 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 Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream?
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.
