Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Clearing Serum

Pregnancy concerns around licorice are based mainly on high oral glycyrrhizin intake, which has been linked to shorter gestation and cortisol-related effects in offspring; by contrast, licorice root extracts have been assessed as safe as used in cosmetics, so routine topical skincare exposure fits a cautious low-risk classification.

Sources: CIR: Cosmetic safety assessment covering Glycyrrhiza glabra-derived ingredients https://cir-reports.cir-safety.org/view-attachment/?id=49a63435-8e74-ec11-8943-0022482f06a6

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) used for acne, exfoliation and preservation. Common over-the-counter acne strengths are 0.5-2%, including 0.5%, 1% and 2%; the FDA lists this acne-treatment range. Pregnancy guidance distinguishes these topical products from oral salicylates and strong peels. MotherToBaby reports that ACOG allows over-the-counter topical salicylic acid during pregnancy when needed. Only a small amount of topical acne treatment usually reaches the bloodstream through intact skin; exposure can increase with damaged skin, frequent use or treatment of large areas. Direct salicylic-acid-specific pregnancy data remain limited. MamaSkin's Low Risk rating is a dose-and-use precaution, not evidence that ordinary low-strength skincare causes fetal harm or a recommendation to avoid every BHA product. Use as directed on limited areas of intact skin. Discuss strengths above 2%, chemical peels, wart/corn removers, large-area treatment or use under occlusion with your clinician before use during pregnancy. The American Academy of Dermatology specifically advises discussing and limiting higher-strength salicylic acid above 2%. Percentage alone does not establish safety: formulation, area, frequency and skin condition also matter. General cosmetic-use limits are not pregnancy-specific safety thresholds.

Sources: https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/topical-acne-treatments-pregnancy/; https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/pregnancy-skin-care; https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/omuf/monographs/OTC%20Monograph_M006-Topical%20Acne%20drug%20products%20for%20OTC%20Human%20Use%2011.23.2021.pdf; https://health.ec.europa.eu/publications/salicylic-acid-cas-no-69-72-7-ec-no-200-712-3_en; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK500675/

Glycyrrhetinic Acid is a biologically active licorice-derived constituent used for soothing and skin conditioning. High oral licorice exposure is discouraged during pregnancy, but this does not establish equivalent risk from normal topical cosmetic exposure. MamaSkin applies a precautionary Low Risk classification for consistency with its existing licorice-root and glycyrrhizate policy.

Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Glycyrrhetinic Acid and Glycyrrhetinate ingredients https://cir-reports.cir-safety.org/view-attachment/?id=49a63435-8e74-ec11-8943-0022482f06a6; NIH ODS: Dietary Supplements and Life Stages - Pregnancy https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Pregnancy-HealthProfessional/; existing MamaSkin licorice-family policy.

No matched ingredient rating is available yet. Not assessed does not mean safe or unsafe.

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

Volatile emollient/solvent used for slip, quick-dry texture and makeup wear. Reviewed cosmetic ingredient references support normal topical use, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific topical concern identified.

Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Isoparaffins as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory

A yeast-derived ferment, filtrate or extract used for skin conditioning. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that cosmetic ingredients derived from the reviewed yeast species are safe in current practices; this record applies to the standardized cosmetic INCI material, not an unspecified live culture.

Sources: CIR: Yeast-derived ingredients final assessment, June 2024; Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate conclusion; December 2025 Quick Reference Table https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/QRT-Update-Dec2025.pdf

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)

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

A stable vitamin C derivative used as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning ingredient. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review concluded that ascorbyl glucoside is safe in current cosmetic use; normal topical exposure does not identify a pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern.

Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Ascorbyl Glucoside and Sodium Ascorbyl Glucoside https://www.cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/safety-assessment-ascorbyl-glucoside-and-sodium-ascorbyl-glucoside-used-cosmetics

A cosmetic functional ingredient used for conditioning, texture or formula support. Available cosmetic-use information did not identify a reproductive or developmental hazard from normal topical exposure.

Sources: European Commission CosIng ingredient inventory; relevant CIR cosmetic safety assessments and peer-reviewed cosmetic-use literature.

An amino-sugar derivative used for skin conditioning and hydration. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that acetyl glucosamine is 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 Glucosamine Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics https://www.cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/safety-assessment-glucosamine-ingredients-used-cosmetics-1

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

Sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid salt) is used for hydration and cushioning, with very low systemic absorption from topical use and no known pregnancy or breastfeeding concerns at cosmetic concentrations.

Sources: CIR; EU/UK Cosmetics Regulation

Lightweight emollient used to support the skin barrier. Not associated with pregnancy-specific concerns at cosmetic exposure levels.

Sources: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (US); Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (EU)

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

A sunflower seed extract used mainly for skin conditioning. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that the supported Helianthus annuus-derived ingredients are safe in current cosmetic practices of use and concentration. A person with sunflower allergy may still react, but no pregnancy-specific concern was identified for normal topical exposure.

Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Helianthus annuus-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/Helianthus%20annuus.pdf

For ordinary topical cosmetic use, no pregnancy-specific harm has been established for trametes versicolor extract. Licensed oral mushroom warning does not transfer to topical extract. Health Canada licensed oral Trametes product asks pregnancy/breastfeeding consultation; this cannot be imposed on a cosmetic extract without route/dose evidence. Direct human gestational studies and finished-product constituent levels are limited; oral, medicinal, and concentrated preparations are not covered.

Sources: https://health-products.canada.ca/lnhpd-bdpsnh/info?licence=80124697

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.

A rice-derived extract or wax used for skin conditioning, absorbency or texture. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that the assessed Oryza sativa-derived ingredients are safe in current cosmetic practices. Rice allergy remains possible in a susceptible person.

Sources: CIR: Rice-derived ingredients conclusions, IJT 25(Suppl. 2), 2006; December 2025 Quick Reference Table https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/QRT-Update-Dec2025.pdf

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.

A cucumber fruit extract used for skin conditioning. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that Cucumis sativus-derived ingredients are safe in current cosmetic practices of use and concentration when formulated to avoid sensitisation. No pregnancy-specific concern was identified for normal topical cosmetic exposure, although irritation or allergy to a botanical-containing formula remains possible.

Sources: CIR: Final Safety Assessment of Cucumis sativus (Cucumber)-Derived Ingredients https://cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/final-safety-assessment-cucumis-sativus-cucumber-derived-ingredients

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

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)

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

propylene glycol dicaprate is a cosmetic emollient, ester or lipid-derived formulation aid. Related safety assessments support normal cosmetic use, with irritation and penetration-enhancement qualifications retained where relevant. No pregnancy-specific concern was identified for ordinary topical exposure.

Sources: CIR safety assessments of polyglyceryl fatty acid esters, propylene glycol esters, saccharide esters and related cosmetic esters https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/PGlyFE092016FR.pdf; European Commission CosIng

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)

A fatty amidoamine used mainly to condition hair. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that fatty acid amidopropyl dimethylamines are safe when formulated to be non-sensitising, with residual DMAPA and nitrosamine formation controlled. Developmental studies did not identify developmental toxicity at the tested dermal doses.

Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Fatty Acid Amidopropyl Dimethylamines as Used in Cosmetics https://cir-reports.cir-safety.org/view-attachment?id=da9dc889-8e74-ec11-8943-0022482f06a6

A phospholipid or phospholipid derivative used for skin conditioning and delivery systems. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that the assessed phospholipids, including phosphatidylcholine and lysolecithin, are safe in current practices.

Sources: CIR: Phospholipids conclusion, IJT 39(Suppl. 2), 2020; December 2025 Quick Reference Table https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/QRT-Update-Dec2025.pdf

This sorbitan fatty-acid ester is an emulsifier that helps oil and water phases remain mixed. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review concluded that sorbitan esters are safe in current cosmetic use; occasional contact reactions remain possible in sensitive users.

Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Sorbitan Esters as Used in Cosmetics https://www.cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/safety-assessment-sorbitan-esters-used-cosmetics

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

Nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer used to disperse oils in cosmetic formulas. 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

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

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

pH adjuster and buffer used to stabilise formulations. 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 Tromethamine as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory

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

A high-molecular-weight polymer used to thicken and stabilise formulas. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that acryloyldimethyltaurate polymers are safe in current practices. Residual monomers should be controlled during manufacture.

Sources: CIR: Acryloyldimethyltaurate Polymers final assessment, April 2017; December 2025 Quick Reference Table https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/QRT-Update-Dec2025.pdf

Polymer thickener used to stabilise emulsions. Large-molecule ingredient with low systemic absorption.

Sources: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (US); Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (EU)

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

A stable vitamin C derivative used for antioxidant and skin-conditioning effects. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that magnesium ascorbyl phosphate is safe in current practices of use and concentration.

Sources: CIR: Ascorbyl ingredients conclusion, IJT 24(Suppl. 2), 2005; December 2025 Quick Reference Table https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/QRT-Update-Dec2025.pdf

Buffering and chelating ingredient used to control pH and formulation stability. 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 Citric Acid, Inorganic Citrate Salts, and Alkyl Citrate Esters as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory

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

A large polyamide powder used for slip, texture and oil absorption. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that Nylon-12 is safe in current cosmetic use; human testing at the maximum reviewed concentration did not indicate irritation or sensitization. Avoid deliberately inhaling loose powder or using it through an airbrush system.

Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Nylon Polymers https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/nylon_build.pdf; CIR findings announcement https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/March%20postmeeting%20announcement%20-revised.pdf