Cetaphil
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
No known risks99/100
Cetaphil
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Sunscreens
Some ingredients carry a low-risk flag. Read the formulation context before deciding.
38 of 39 ingredients rated1 not assessed
Is it suitable during pregnancy?
MamaSkin rates the recorded formula for Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 50 as Low risk (74/100). Review the ingredient context and any manual-review explanation before deciding.
Why this rating?
The recorded formula includes 4 ingredient entries with risk flags: Butyloctyl Salicylate (Low risk), Cetyl Dimethicone (Low risk), Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate (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.
38 of 39 ingredient entries on this page have a recorded score, evidence summary and source text. 1 entry does not have all of those fields. Unmatched or unrated entries are marked Not assessed in grey; missing evidence does not establish safety.
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
Cetyl Dimethicone
Low risk
This ingredient is a silicone polymer included in CIR's dimethicone, methicone and substituted-methicone family assessment. CIR concluded the reviewed ingredients safe as used when formulated to be non-irritating to skin and eyes. This is family-level cosmetic evidence, not ingredient-specific human pregnancy evidence for every derivative. MamaSkin therefore retains Low Risk without claiming negligible absorption for this individual ingredient.
Sources: CIR: Amended safety assessment of dimethicone and related methicone polymers https://cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/amended-safety-assessment-dimethicone-methicone-and-substituted-methicone-polymers-2
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Low risk
A purified glycyrrhizic-acid salt used as a soothing and skin-conditioning ingredient. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that dipotassium glycyrrhizate is safe in current cosmetic use and noted poor dermal absorption. MamaSkin nevertheless applies a cautious low-risk classification for consistency with the existing licorice family because high oral glycyrrhizin exposure has pregnancy-related concerns; this is not a topical contraindication.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Glycyrrhizic Acid and Derivatives https://cir-reports.cir-safety.org/view-attachment/?id=49a63435-8e74-ec11-8943-0022482f06a6
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Low risk
Butyloctyl salicylate is a salicylate ester that the CIR panel considered safe as used in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating. Available safety data support low dermal toxicity, and at typical cosmetic use levels the expected systemic salicylate exposure from topical application is far below oral salicylate exposure, which fits a low-risk classification.
Sources: MotherToBaby: Topical acne treatments including salicylic acid https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK582985/
Dimethicone PEG-8 Laurate
Not assessed
No matched ingredient rating is available yet. Not assessed does not mean safe or unsafe.
Show all 39 ingredients
Titanium Dioxide 9%
No known risks
Inorganic mineral pigment and, in some products, a mineral UV filter. For typical topical use in creams, lotions and makeup, systemic absorption is expected to be very low. Most concerns discussed in the literature relate to ingestion (food additive E171) or inhalation exposure from fine powders/sprays, and to specific nanoparticle characterisation. For routine topical cosmetic use, it is generally considered acceptable in pregnancy and breastfeeding; if you prefer a cautious approach, avoid inhaling loose powders or sprays.
Sources: EFSA opinion on titanium dioxide as food additive E171 (ingestion context); SCCS opinions on titanium dioxide in cosmetics (including inhalation/nano considerations); general dermatology guidance on mineral sunscreens in pregnancy.
Zinc Oxide 7%
No known risks
Mineral ingredient used as a UV filter and skin protectant in many creams and mineral sunscreens. For typical topical use, systemic absorption is very low and it is generally considered acceptable in pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you prefer a cautious approach, avoid inhaling loose powders or spray formats.
Sources: General dermatology/obstetric guidance commonly lists mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide) as acceptable in pregnancy; exposure route considerations for powders/sprays.
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
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
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
No known risks
A high-molecular-weight acrylate polymer used for film formation, texture or suspension. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that the assessed acrylates copolymers are safe in current practices when formulated to be non-irritating. Finished-polymer absorption is expected to be limited, and residual monomers should be controlled during manufacture.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Acrylates Copolymers as Used in Cosmetics https://cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/safety-assessment-acrylates-copolymers-used-cosmetics
Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters
No known risks
Olive oil polyglyceryl-6 esters are transesterified olive-oil fatty-acid esters, not olive leaf extract. CIR includes this exact name among polyglyceryl fatty-acid esters found safe in current cosmetic use when formulated to be non-irritating. Direct human pregnancy studies of this exact ingredient were not identified; the rating applies to normal topical cosmetic use.
Sources: https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/PGlyFE092016FR.pdf
Sorbitan Olivate
No known risks
Olive-derived sorbitan ester used as an emulsifier and skin-conditioning ingredient. Reviewed cosmetic safety references do not identify a pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern for normal topical use.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Sorbitan Esters as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate
No known risks
A fatty-acid lactylate used as an emulsifier and surfactant. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that sodium stearoyl lactylate is safe in current practices when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitising.
Sources: CIR: Lactylates conclusion, IJT 43(Suppl. 4), 2024; December 2025 Quick Reference Table https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/QRT-Update-Dec2025.pdf
Vp/Eicosene Copolymer
No known risks
A film-forming vinyl polymer used for water resistance and product hold. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that vinylpyrrolidone polymers, including VP/eicosene copolymer, are safe in current practices when residual monomers are appropriately controlled. Rare contact allergy has been reported with this ingredient family.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Vinylpyrrolidone Polymers as Used in Cosmetics https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/vinylp122018final.pdf
Cetearyl Alcohol
No known risks
Fatty alcohol used as an emollient and thickener. Not the same as drying alcohols and not associated with pregnancy-specific concerns.
Sources: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (US); Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (EU)
Cetearyl Olivate
No known risks
Emollient ester/emulsifier used to improve skin feel and stabilise emulsions. Reviewed cosmetic safety sources support topical cosmetic use; the relevant practical caveat is formulation irritation potential rather than a pregnancy-specific concern.
Sources: CIR: Amended Safety Assessment of Alkyl Esters as Used in Cosmetics; CIR Quick Reference Table (Cetearyl Olivate); EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
Cetyl Palmitate
No known risks
A waxy fatty-acid ester used as an emollient and texture agent. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that cetyl palmitate and the wider alkyl-ester group are safe in current practices of use; finished formulas should 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
Sorbitan Palmitate
No known risks
A sorbitol-derived surfactant or emulsifier used to blend oil and water phases. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that the named sorbitan esters are safe in current practices, with non-irritating formulation conditions where specified.
Sources: CIR: Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate, Sorbitan Palmitate and Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate conclusions; December 2025 Quick Reference Table https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/QRT-Update-Dec2025.pdf
Ceramide NP
No known risks
Skin-identical barrier lipid used to support the stratum corneum and reduce dryness. 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 Ceramides as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
Ceramide AP
No known risks
Skin-identical barrier lipid used to support barrier function and reduce dryness. 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 Ceramides as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
Ceramide EOP
No known risks
Skin-identical barrier lipid used to support barrier structure and reduce dryness. 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 Ceramides as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
Cholesterol
No known risks
Skin-conditioning lipid used in barrier-support formulas, often alongside ceramides and fatty acids. Normal topical cosmetic use has no known pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern identified in reviewed cosmetic references.
Sources: CIR cosmetic ingredient safety references for cholesterol and related sterols; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
Phytosphingosine
No known risks
Skin-conditioning lipid used in barrier-support formulas, commonly alongside ceramides and cholesterol. Reviewed cosmetic ingredient references do not identify a pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern for normal topical use.
Sources: CIR cosmetic ingredient safety references for sphingolipids/skin-conditioning lipids; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
No known risks
Humectant and skin-conditioning ingredient in the hyaluronate family. Reviewed cosmetic safety sources support current cosmetic use, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific topical concern identified in the material reviewed.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Hyaluronates as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
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
Bisabolol
No known risks
A terpene alcohol used for skin conditioning and soothing. Cosmetic safety reviewers reaffirmed bisabolol as safe at current cosmetic concentrations, and reproductive and developmental testing did not identify adverse effects. Bisabolol can increase skin penetration, so formulators should consider the safety of other ingredients in the same product.
Sources: CIR: Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Bisabolol https://cir-reports.cir-safety.org/view-attachment/?id=6fcf160b-8e74-ec11-8943-0022482f06a6; CIR re-review material https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/bisabolol.pdf
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)
Xanthan Gum
No known risks
Natural polysaccharide thickener used for stability and texture. Not associated with pregnancy-specific concerns.
Sources: European cosmetics regulatory framework
Aluminum Hydroxide
No known risks
Mineral opacifier, absorbent and pigment-coating ingredient used in makeup, sunscreens and skin care. Low systemic exposure is expected from normal topical cosmetic use, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern identified in reviewed cosmetic references.
Sources: CIR cosmetic ingredient safety references for alumina/aluminum hydroxide ingredients; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
No known risks
An emulsifier and surfactant made from lauric and lactic-acid components. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that alkyl lactyl lactates, including sodium lauroyl lactylate, are safe in current practices when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitising. No pregnancy-specific concern was identified for normal cosmetic use.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Alkyl Lactyl Lactates as Used in Cosmetics https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/alkylL062019final.pdf
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)
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
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
Stearic Acid
No known risks
Stearic acid is a fatty acid used to stabilise emulsions and improve texture; it is considered low concern in topical cosmetics with no known pregnancy or breastfeeding risks at typical concentrations.
Sources: CIR; EU/UK Cosmetics Regulation
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
No known risks
Silane coating and dispersion aid used on pigments and mineral particles. 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 Alkoxyl Alkyl Silanes as Used in Cosmetics; 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
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
Capryloyl Glycine
No known risks
An amino-acid-derived surfactant or conditioning ingredient. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that amino acid alkyl amides are safe in current cosmetic practices when formulated to be non-irritating. Manufacturing and formulation should control nitrosamine formation where relevant.
Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Amino Acid Alkyl Amides as Used in Cosmetics https://www.cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/safety-assessment-amino-acid-alkyl-amides-used-cosmetics-0
Undecylenoyl Glycine
No known risks
undecylenoyl glycine is 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, but no pregnancy-specific concern was identified for normal topical or rinse-off use.
Sources: CIR assessments of alkyl PEG/PPG ethers, amino-acid surfactants, sulfosuccinates and related conditioning agents; CIR Quick Reference Table https://www.cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/quick-reference-table-december-2025
Full recorded ingredient list
Titanium Dioxide 9%, Zinc Oxide 7%, Water, Isohexadecane, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Cetyl Dimethicone, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters, Sorbitan Olivate, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Vp/Eicosene Copolymer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Olivate, Cetyl Palmitate, Sorbitan Palmitate, Dimethicone PEG-8 Laurate, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Cholesterol, Phytosphingosine, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Bisabolol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Propanediol, Xanthan Gum, Aluminum Hydroxide, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Carbomer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Disodium EDTA, Stearic Acid, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Citric Acid, Maltodextrin, Phenoxyethanol, Capryloyl Glycine, Undecylenoyl Glycine
Ingredient ratings refreshed 1 October 2026. Formulas vary by market and can change. Always compare with your packaging.
Questions about this assessment
Why does Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 50 have a Low risk rating?
The recorded formula includes 4 ingredient entries with risk flags: Butyloctyl Salicylate (Low risk), Cetyl Dimethicone (Low risk), Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate (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. Incomplete ingredient documentation does not establish safety; see the coverage answer and grey entries below.
Is the MamaSkin score a measure of SPF or sun protection?
No. The score and risk band describe MamaSkin's pregnancy-focused ingredient screening of this recorded formula. They do not measure SPF, UVA protection, water resistance or whether you have applied enough sunscreen. Use the protection and application instructions on your exact packaging, and review the ingredient flags separately.
Has every ingredient in Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 50 been assessed?
38 of 39 ingredient entries on this page have a recorded score, evidence summary and source text. 1 entry does not have all of those fields. Unmatched or unrated entries are marked Not assessed in grey; missing evidence does not establish safety.
Does this assessment apply to my Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 50?
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.
