Shop by concern
Acne and breakouts
Acne treatments take time. It can be several weeks to a few months before you see a difference, so stick with one rather than switching.
Ingredients that help
- Salicylic acid
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Adapalene, a retinoid sold without a prescription from age 12
What dermatologists recommend
- Wash gently, up to twice a day and after sweating, using your fingertips.
- Use gentle, alcohol-free products, and skip astringents, toners, and scrubs, which can dry and irritate skin.
- Don't pick or pop pimples.
- Use a non-comedogenic, broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher sunscreen.
- See a dermatologist if acne hasn't improved after a few months of over-the-counter treatment.
Sources: American Academy of Dermatology, “Acne: Tips for managing”; American Academy of Dermatology, “A dermatologist's guide to skincare from growing up to glowing up”; US FDA, “Topical retinoid acne treatment approved for OTC use”. General information, not medical advice.
Products for acne and breakouts
6,346 products, most popular first. Picked because their key ingredients help with this; we can't see amounts, so check each product's page.
Kids: Use with careTeens: Use with care
Salicylic acid / BHA: Salicylic Acid. ACOG says over-the-counter salicylic acid products may be used if needed, but absorption rises with frequent use or large areas; avoid high-strength peels (MotherToBaby/ACOG, Bozzo et al. 2011).
Aqua, Sodium Citrate, Niacinamide, Centella Asiatica Extract, 4-Terpineol, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Xylityl Phosphate, Glycerin, Gluconolactone, Xylitol, Propanediol, Sodium Levulinate, Salicylic Acid, Glyceryl Caprylate, Sodium Anisate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Trideceth-9, Sodium Gluconate, Calcium Gluconate, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Methylpropanediol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Hydroxide
Sensitive skin: essential oils, niacinamide Why?
- essential oils: Plant oils such as tea tree, lavender, citrus peel, and peppermint. Natural, but a common cause of irritation and allergies, especially on sensitive or broken skin.
- niacinamide: A popular, well-tolerated ingredient that can cause redness or flushing for a few people, especially at high strengths.
These flags don't affect the pregnancy rating. They point out the ingredients most likely to make skincare sting, itch, or cause a rash. If your skin is sensitive, or one of them has bothered you before, you may want to skip the product or patch-test it first. Most people use them without a problem.
How we flag ingredientsKids: Use with careTeens: Use with care
Salicylic acid / BHA: Salicylic Acid. ACOG says over-the-counter salicylic acid products may be used if needed, but absorption rises with frequent use or large areas; avoid high-strength peels (MotherToBaby/ACOG, Bozzo et al. 2011).
Aqua, Decyl Glucoside, Coco-Glucoside, Lauryl Glucoside, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Glycerin, Benzyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 20, Dehydroacetic Acid, Betaine Anhydrous, Vaccinium Myrtillus (Bilberry) Fruit Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract, Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract, Terminalia Ferdinandiana (Kakadu Plum) Fruit Extract, Davidsonia Jerseyana (Davidson Plum) Fruit Extract, Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Alcohol (Part Of The Natural Flavour)**, Barosma Betulina Leaf Oil (Bucha Leaves Oil), Ethyl Butyrate, Raspberry Ketone, Artemisia Pallens Flower Oil (Davana Oil)
Sensitive skin: no common irritants flagged
Kids: Use with careTeens: Use with care
Salicylic acid / BHA: capryloyl salicylic acid. ACOG says over-the-counter salicylic acid products may be used if needed, but absorption rises with frequent use or large areas; avoid high-strength peels (MotherToBaby/ACOG, Bozzo et al. 2011).
Water, Methyl Gluceth-20, Squalane, BG, Glycerin, Ethanol, Pentylene Glycol, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Ascorbic Acid, Glutathione, Ceramide NP, Ceramide APCeramide NG, hydroxypropyltrimonium hyaluronate, allantoin, centella asiatica extract, tea tree leaf oil, biotin, riboflavin, 3-laurylglyceryl ascorbate, capryloyl salicylic acid, shankYak root extract, sodium tocopheryl phosphate, 1,2-hexanediol, AMP, caprylyl glycol, carbomer, xanthan gum, Coptis chinensis rhizome extract, stearic acid, glyceryl stearate, stearoyaltySodium glutamate, sorbitol, palmitic acid, phytosterols, propanediol, behenyl alcohol, sodium polyacrylate, beeswax, gold, hydrogenated lecithin, phenoxyethanol, fragrance, methylparaben
Sensitive skin: fragrance, essential oils, alcohol denat. Why?
- fragrance: Fragrance or parfum, and scent ingredients listed by name, such as linalool and limonene. The most common cause of skincare allergies; worth avoiding if you have eczema, rosacea, or very sensitive skin.
- essential oils: Plant oils such as tea tree, lavender, citrus peel, and peppermint. Natural, but a common cause of irritation and allergies, especially on sensitive or broken skin.
- alcohol denat.: Denatured alcohol, which helps products feel light and dry fast but can dry out or sting dry and sensitive skin. Fatty alcohols like cetyl alcohol are different and aren't flagged.
These flags don't affect the pregnancy rating. They point out the ingredients most likely to make skincare sting, itch, or cause a rash. If your skin is sensitive, or one of them has bothered you before, you may want to skip the product or patch-test it first. Most people use them without a problem.
How we flag ingredientsKids: Use with careTeens: Teen-friendly
Water, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ceratonia Siliqua Gum, Chondrus Crispus Powder, Glyceryl Stearate, Butylene Glycol, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Cellulose Gum, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Polyacrylate, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Glyceryl Caprylate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Polysorbate 20, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Fragrance, Trideceth-6, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Extract, Disodium EDTA
Sensitive skin: fragrance Why?
- fragrance: Fragrance or parfum, and scent ingredients listed by name, such as linalool and limonene. The most common cause of skincare allergies; worth avoiding if you have eczema, rosacea, or very sensitive skin.
These flags don't affect the pregnancy rating. They point out the ingredients most likely to make skincare sting, itch, or cause a rash. If your skin is sensitive, or one of them has bothered you before, you may want to skip the product or patch-test it first. Most people use them without a problem.
How we flag ingredientsKids: Use with careTeens: Use with care
Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Rosa Moschata Seed Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Cetearyl Glucoside, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Linalool, Limonene
Sensitive skin: fragrance, essential oils Why?
- fragrance: Fragrance or parfum, and scent ingredients listed by name, such as linalool and limonene. The most common cause of skincare allergies; worth avoiding if you have eczema, rosacea, or very sensitive skin.
- essential oils: Plant oils such as tea tree, lavender, citrus peel, and peppermint. Natural, but a common cause of irritation and allergies, especially on sensitive or broken skin.
These flags don't affect the pregnancy rating. They point out the ingredients most likely to make skincare sting, itch, or cause a rash. If your skin is sensitive, or one of them has bothered you before, you may want to skip the product or patch-test it first. Most people use them without a problem.
How we flag ingredientsKids: Use with careTeens: Use with care
Salicylic acid / BHA: Salicylic Acid. ACOG says over-the-counter salicylic acid products may be used if needed, but absorption rises with frequent use or large areas; avoid high-strength peels (MotherToBaby/ACOG, Bozzo et al. 2011).
Water, Glycolic Acid, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Glycerin, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Caprylyl Glycol, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Althaea Officinalis Root Extract, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Levulinate, Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Anisate, T-Butyl Alcohol, Parfum (Fragrance), Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Microcitrus Australasica Fruit Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Ci 17200 (D&C Red N°33)
Sensitive skin: fragrance, niacinamide Why?
- fragrance: Fragrance or parfum, and scent ingredients listed by name, such as linalool and limonene. The most common cause of skincare allergies; worth avoiding if you have eczema, rosacea, or very sensitive skin.
- niacinamide: A popular, well-tolerated ingredient that can cause redness or flushing for a few people, especially at high strengths.
These flags don't affect the pregnancy rating. They point out the ingredients most likely to make skincare sting, itch, or cause a rash. If your skin is sensitive, or one of them has bothered you before, you may want to skip the product or patch-test it first. Most people use them without a problem.
How we flag ingredientsKids: Use with careTeens: Teen-friendly
Salicylic acid / BHA: Salicylic Acid. ACOG says over-the-counter salicylic acid products may be used if needed, but absorption rises with frequent use or large areas; avoid high-strength peels (MotherToBaby/ACOG, Bozzo et al. 2011).
Aqua, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Lauryl Glucoside, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Salicylic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Inulin, Sodium Lactate, Saccharide Isomerate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Centipeda Cunninghamii Extract, Citrus Australasica Fruit Extract, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Sodium Citrate, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Ci 19140/Yellow 5, Cl 42090 Blue 1
Sensitive skin: no common irritants flagged
Kids: Use with careTeens: Teen-friendly
Salicylic acid / BHA: Salicylic Acid. ACOG says over-the-counter salicylic acid products may be used if needed, but absorption rises with frequent use or large areas; avoid high-strength peels (MotherToBaby/ACOG, Bozzo et al. 2011).
Aqua Water, Kaolin, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Glycerin, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Fomes Officinalis (Mushroom) Extract, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Salicylic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Decyl Glucoside, Niacinamide, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sodium Hydroxide, Cellulose Gum, Ci 77288 Chromium Oxide Greens, Maltodextrin, Bixa Orellana Seed Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Citric Acid, Inulin, Zinc Oxide, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Centipeda Cunninghamii Extract, Citrus Australasica Fruit Extract, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate
Sensitive skin: niacinamide Why?
- niacinamide: A popular, well-tolerated ingredient that can cause redness or flushing for a few people, especially at high strengths.
These flags don't affect the pregnancy rating. They point out the ingredients most likely to make skincare sting, itch, or cause a rash. If your skin is sensitive, or one of them has bothered you before, you may want to skip the product or patch-test it first. Most people use them without a problem.
How we flag ingredientsKids: Use with careTeens: Teen-friendly
Salicylic acid / BHA: Salicylic Acid. ACOG says over-the-counter salicylic acid products may be used if needed, but absorption rises with frequent use or large areas; avoid high-strength peels (MotherToBaby/ACOG, Bozzo et al. 2011).
Aqua/Water/Eau, Glycerin, Propylheptyl Caprylate, Sorbitan Stearate, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Fomes Officinalis (Mushroom) Extract/Fomes Officinalis Extract, Glycol Palmitate, Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid, Centipeda Cunninghamii Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Citrus Australasica Fruit Extract, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract/Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract, Inulin, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Bixa Orellana Seed Extract, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil/Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Palmitic Acid, Sodium Starch Octenylsuccinate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cellulose, Cetearyl Glucoside, Maltodextrin, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Glycol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Zinc Sulfate, Pyridoxine Hcl, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid
Sensitive skin: niacinamide Why?
- niacinamide: A popular, well-tolerated ingredient that can cause redness or flushing for a few people, especially at high strengths.
These flags don't affect the pregnancy rating. They point out the ingredients most likely to make skincare sting, itch, or cause a rash. If your skin is sensitive, or one of them has bothered you before, you may want to skip the product or patch-test it first. Most people use them without a problem.
How we flag ingredientsKids: Use with careTeens: Teen-friendly
Salicylic acid / BHA: Salicylic Acid. ACOG says over-the-counter salicylic acid products may be used if needed, but absorption rises with frequent use or large areas; avoid high-strength peels (MotherToBaby/ACOG, Bozzo et al. 2011).
Aqua (Water), Sucrose, Glycerin, Coco-Glucoside, Propanediol, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water*, Rosa Damascena Flower Water*, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Melissa Officinalis Flower/Leaf/Stem Water*, Citric Acid, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sucrose Laurate, Parfum (Fragrance), Sodium Benzoate, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Phytate, Linalool, Limonene, Benzyl Alcohol, Arginine, Alcohol
Sensitive skin: fragrance, alcohol denat. Why?
- fragrance: Fragrance or parfum, and scent ingredients listed by name, such as linalool and limonene. The most common cause of skincare allergies; worth avoiding if you have eczema, rosacea, or very sensitive skin.
- alcohol denat.: Denatured alcohol, which helps products feel light and dry fast but can dry out or sting dry and sensitive skin. Fatty alcohols like cetyl alcohol are different and aren't flagged.
These flags don't affect the pregnancy rating. They point out the ingredients most likely to make skincare sting, itch, or cause a rash. If your skin is sensitive, or one of them has bothered you before, you may want to skip the product or patch-test it first. Most people use them without a problem.
How we flag ingredientsKids: Use with careTeens: Teen-friendly
Salicylic acid / BHA: Salicylic Acid. ACOG says over-the-counter salicylic acid products may be used if needed, but absorption rises with frequent use or large areas; avoid high-strength peels (MotherToBaby/ACOG, Bozzo et al. 2011).
Isopropyl Palmitate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil/Sunflower Seed Oil, Glycerin, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water*, Propanediol, Sucrose Laurate, Sucrose Palmitate, Parfum/Fragrance, Salicylic Acid, Aqua/Water, Tocopherol, Sodium Hydroxide, Linalool, Limonene, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Salicylate, Citric Acid
Sensitive skin: fragrance Why?
- fragrance: Fragrance or parfum, and scent ingredients listed by name, such as linalool and limonene. The most common cause of skincare allergies; worth avoiding if you have eczema, rosacea, or very sensitive skin.
These flags don't affect the pregnancy rating. They point out the ingredients most likely to make skincare sting, itch, or cause a rash. If your skin is sensitive, or one of them has bothered you before, you may want to skip the product or patch-test it first. Most people use them without a problem.
How we flag ingredientsKids: Use with careTeens: Use with care
Salicylic acid / BHA: Salicylic Acid. ACOG says over-the-counter salicylic acid products may be used if needed, but absorption rises with frequent use or large areas; avoid high-strength peels (MotherToBaby/ACOG, Bozzo et al. 2011).
Essential oil often flagged in pregnancy: Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil / Rosemary Leaf Oil *. NHS maternity guidance says not to use clary sage before 37 weeks, and European regulators say not to use rosemary oil medicines in pregnancy. That advice isn't about the small amounts in skincare, and evidence of harm is limited.
Aqua/Water, Mentha Piperita Leaf Water / Peppermint Leaf Water *, Alcohol Denat, Dicaprylyl Ether, Mica, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-3 Dicitrate/Stearate, Cera Alba / Beeswax *, Benzyl Alcohol, Propanediol, Parfum/Fragrance, Arginine, Linalool, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil *, Limonene, Citral, Salicylic Acid, Citronellol, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil / Rosemary Leaf Oil *, Menthol, CI 77288/Chromium Oxide Greens, Mentha Piperita Oil / Peppermint Oil *, Geraniol, Satureja Montana Oil/Satureja Montana Oil *, Ci 77891/Titanium Dioxide, Eugenol, Tocopherol, Cymbopogon Nardus Oil / Citronella Oil *, Eugenia Caryophyllus Flower Oil/Clove Flower Oil *, Nepeta Cataria Oil *, Origanum Heracleoticum Flower Oil *, Thymus Vulgaris Flower/Leaf Oil, Thyme Flower/Leaf Oil *, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Oil *, Benzyl Benzoate
Sensitive skin: fragrance, essential oils, alcohol denat. Why?
- fragrance: Fragrance or parfum, and scent ingredients listed by name, such as linalool and limonene. The most common cause of skincare allergies; worth avoiding if you have eczema, rosacea, or very sensitive skin.
- essential oils: Plant oils such as tea tree, lavender, citrus peel, and peppermint. Natural, but a common cause of irritation and allergies, especially on sensitive or broken skin.
- alcohol denat.: Denatured alcohol, which helps products feel light and dry fast but can dry out or sting dry and sensitive skin. Fatty alcohols like cetyl alcohol are different and aren't flagged.
These flags don't affect the pregnancy rating. They point out the ingredients most likely to make skincare sting, itch, or cause a rash. If your skin is sensitive, or one of them has bothered you before, you may want to skip the product or patch-test it first. Most people use them without a problem.
How we flag ingredientsKids: Use with careTeens: Use with care
Salicylic acid / BHA: Salicylic Acid. ACOG says over-the-counter salicylic acid products may be used if needed, but absorption rises with frequent use or large areas; avoid high-strength peels (MotherToBaby/ACOG, Bozzo et al. 2011).
Essential oil often flagged in pregnancy: Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil/Rosemary Leaf Oil*. NHS maternity guidance says not to use clary sage before 37 weeks, and European regulators say not to use rosemary oil medicines in pregnancy. That advice isn't about the small amounts in skincare, and evidence of harm is limited.
Aqua (Water), Mentha Piperita Leaf Water/Peppermint Leaf Water*, Alcohol Denat, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Octyldodecanol, Glycerin, Silica, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Behenyl Behenate, Arachidyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Arginine, Salicylic Acid, Capryloyl Glycine, Arachidyl Glucoside, Parfum (Fragrance), Potassium Sorbate, Linalool, Xanthan Gum, Limonene, Sodium Phytate, Cymbopogon Flexuosus Oil*, Citral*, Citronellol, Geraniol, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil/Rosemary Leaf Oil*, Mentha Piperita Oil/Peppermint Oil*, Satureja Montana Oil*, Eugenol, Benzyl Benzoate, Cymbopogon Nardus Oil/Citronella Oil*, Eugenia Caryophyllus Flower Oil, Clove Flower Oil*, Nepeta Cataria Oil*, Origanum Heracleoticum Flower Oil, Thymus Vulgaris Oil, Thyme Flower/Leaf Oil*, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Oil*, Citric Acid, Tocopherol, Alcohol
Sensitive skin: fragrance, essential oils, alcohol denat. Why?
- fragrance: Fragrance or parfum, and scent ingredients listed by name, such as linalool and limonene. The most common cause of skincare allergies; worth avoiding if you have eczema, rosacea, or very sensitive skin.
- essential oils: Plant oils such as tea tree, lavender, citrus peel, and peppermint. Natural, but a common cause of irritation and allergies, especially on sensitive or broken skin.
- alcohol denat.: Denatured alcohol, which helps products feel light and dry fast but can dry out or sting dry and sensitive skin. Fatty alcohols like cetyl alcohol are different and aren't flagged.
These flags don't affect the pregnancy rating. They point out the ingredients most likely to make skincare sting, itch, or cause a rash. If your skin is sensitive, or one of them has bothered you before, you may want to skip the product or patch-test it first. Most people use them without a problem.
How we flag ingredientsKids: Use with careTeens: Use with care
Salicylic acid / BHA: Salicylic Acid. ACOG says over-the-counter salicylic acid products may be used if needed, but absorption rises with frequent use or large areas; avoid high-strength peels (MotherToBaby/ACOG, Bozzo et al. 2011).
Aqua/Water, Dicaprylyl Ether, Glycerin, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil/Sunflower Seed Oil, Sodium Chloride, Pentylene Glycol, Propanediol, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil/Olive Fruit Oil, Limonene, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil/Orange Peel Oil, Salicylic Acid, Tocopherol, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil, Bergamot Peel Oil, Citrus Limon Peel Oil/Lemon Peel Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Decyl Glucoside, Linalool, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Oil/Bitter Orange Flower Oil, Citronellol, Citral, Geraniol, Thymus Vulgaris Flower/Leaf Oil-Thyme Flower/Leaf Oil, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Oil, Citric Acid, Arginine
Sensitive skin: fragrance, essential oils Why?
- fragrance: Fragrance or parfum, and scent ingredients listed by name, such as linalool and limonene. The most common cause of skincare allergies; worth avoiding if you have eczema, rosacea, or very sensitive skin.
- essential oils: Plant oils such as tea tree, lavender, citrus peel, and peppermint. Natural, but a common cause of irritation and allergies, especially on sensitive or broken skin.
These flags don't affect the pregnancy rating. They point out the ingredients most likely to make skincare sting, itch, or cause a rash. If your skin is sensitive, or one of them has bothered you before, you may want to skip the product or patch-test it first. Most people use them without a problem.
How we flag ingredientsKids: Use with careTeens: Teen-friendly
Salicylic acid / BHA: Salicylic Acid. ACOG says over-the-counter salicylic acid products may be used if needed, but absorption rises with frequent use or large areas; avoid high-strength peels (MotherToBaby/ACOG, Bozzo et al. 2011).
Aqua/Water, Rosa Damascena Flower Water*, Propanediol, Alcohol** Denat, Dicaprylyl Ether, Mica, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-3 Dicitrate/Stearate, Cera Alba / Beeswax*, Benzyl Alcohol, Parfum/Fragrance, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xanthan Gum, Geraniol, Citronellol, Linalool, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Menthol, Ci 77007/Ultramarines, Limonene, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Ci 77491/Iron Oxide, Ci 77891/Titanium Dioxide, Eugenol, Citral, Silica, Arginine, Citric Acid, Tocopherol, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide
Sensitive skin: fragrance Why?
- fragrance: Fragrance or parfum, and scent ingredients listed by name, such as linalool and limonene. The most common cause of skincare allergies; worth avoiding if you have eczema, rosacea, or very sensitive skin.
These flags don't affect the pregnancy rating. They point out the ingredients most likely to make skincare sting, itch, or cause a rash. If your skin is sensitive, or one of them has bothered you before, you may want to skip the product or patch-test it first. Most people use them without a problem.
How we flag ingredientsKids: Use with careTeens: Use with care
Salicylic acid / BHA: Salicylic Acid. ACOG says over-the-counter salicylic acid products may be used if needed, but absorption rises with frequent use or large areas; avoid high-strength peels (MotherToBaby/ACOG, Bozzo et al. 2011).
Essential oil often flagged in pregnancy: Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil/Rosemary Leaf Oil. NHS maternity guidance says not to use clary sage before 37 weeks, and European regulators say not to use rosemary oil medicines in pregnancy. That advice isn't about the small amounts in skincare, and evidence of harm is limited.
Aqua, Satureja Montana Flower/Leaf/Stem Water, Mentha Piperita Leaf Water/Peppermint Leaf Water, Alcohol Denat, Glycerin, Arginine, Propanediol, Lactic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Salicylic Acid, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xanthan Gum, Parfum, Citric Acid, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil, Citral, Adenosine, Linalool, Fagus Sylvatica Bud Extract, Limonene, Geraniol, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil/Rosemary Leaf Oil, Satureja Montana Oil, Mentha Piperita Oil/Peppermint Oil, Citronellol, Benzoic Acid, Eugenol, Cymbopogon Nardus Oil/Citronella Oil, Sorbic Acid, Eugenia Caryophyllus Flower Oil/Clove Flower Oil, Nepeta Cataria Oil, Origanum Heracleoticum Flower Oil, Thymus Vulgaris Flower/Leaf Oil, Thyme Flower/Leaf Oil, Biosaccharide Gum-6, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Oil
Sensitive skin: fragrance, essential oils, alcohol denat. Why?
- fragrance: Fragrance or parfum, and scent ingredients listed by name, such as linalool and limonene. The most common cause of skincare allergies; worth avoiding if you have eczema, rosacea, or very sensitive skin.
- essential oils: Plant oils such as tea tree, lavender, citrus peel, and peppermint. Natural, but a common cause of irritation and allergies, especially on sensitive or broken skin.
- alcohol denat.: Denatured alcohol, which helps products feel light and dry fast but can dry out or sting dry and sensitive skin. Fatty alcohols like cetyl alcohol are different and aren't flagged.
These flags don't affect the pregnancy rating. They point out the ingredients most likely to make skincare sting, itch, or cause a rash. If your skin is sensitive, or one of them has bothered you before, you may want to skip the product or patch-test it first. Most people use them without a problem.
How we flag ingredientsKids: Use with careTeens: Teen-friendly
Salicylic acid / BHA: Salicylic Acid. ACOG says over-the-counter salicylic acid products may be used if needed, but absorption rises with frequent use or large areas; avoid high-strength peels (MotherToBaby/ACOG, Bozzo et al. 2011).
Aqua (Water), Lauryl Glucoside, Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Glycerin, Bellis Perennis (Daisy) Flower Extract*, Betaine, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Coco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Salicylic Acid, Enantia Chlorantha Bark Extract, Alcohol*, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract*, Levulinic Acid, Oleanolic Acid, Disodium Phosphate, Tocopherol, Sodium Levulinate, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate, Lecithin, Potassium Chloride, Potassium Phosphate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Potassium Sorbate, Parfum (Fragrance)**, Linalool**, Limonene**, Citral**
Sensitive skin: fragrance Why?
- fragrance: Fragrance or parfum, and scent ingredients listed by name, such as linalool and limonene. The most common cause of skincare allergies; worth avoiding if you have eczema, rosacea, or very sensitive skin.
These flags don't affect the pregnancy rating. They point out the ingredients most likely to make skincare sting, itch, or cause a rash. If your skin is sensitive, or one of them has bothered you before, you may want to skip the product or patch-test it first. Most people use them without a problem.
How we flag ingredientsKids: Use with careTeens: Teen-friendly
Salicylic acid / BHA: Salicylic Acid. ACOG says over-the-counter salicylic acid products may be used if needed, but absorption rises with frequent use or large areas; avoid high-strength peels (MotherToBaby/ACOG, Bozzo et al. 2011).
Water, Butylene Glycol, Ethoxydiglycol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Dipropylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid, Propanediol, Squalane, Zinc Pca, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Hydroxide, Bisabolol, Chlorphenesin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Disodium EDTA, Xanthan Gum, Maltodextrin, Glycerin, 10-Hydroxydecanoic Acid, Sebacic Acid, Benzophenone-4, Biosaccharide Gum-2, Hydrolyzed Algin, 1,10-Decanediol, Zinc Sulfate, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ci 14700, Citric Acid
Sensitive skin: niacinamide Why?
- niacinamide: A popular, well-tolerated ingredient that can cause redness or flushing for a few people, especially at high strengths.
These flags don't affect the pregnancy rating. They point out the ingredients most likely to make skincare sting, itch, or cause a rash. If your skin is sensitive, or one of them has bothered you before, you may want to skip the product or patch-test it first. Most people use them without a problem.
How we flag ingredientsKids: Use with careTeens: Teen-friendly
Salicylic acid / BHA: Salicylic Acid. ACOG says over-the-counter salicylic acid products may be used if needed, but absorption rises with frequent use or large areas; avoid high-strength peels (MotherToBaby/ACOG, Bozzo et al. 2011).
Chemical sunscreen filter with limited pregnancy data: Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Octocrylene, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane. Not known to harm a pregnancy but not well studied, and absorbed into the bloodstream in FDA studies; mineral filters (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) stay on the skin and are a lower-absorption choice (MotherToBaby, Matta et al. 2020).
Aqua (Water), Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Octocrylene, Butylene Glycol, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol (Nano), Propylene Glycol, Isoamyl p-Methoxycinnamate, Nylon-12, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Xanthan Gum, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Polysorbate 20, Decyl Glucoside, Disodium EDTA, Triethylene Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Silica, Titanium Dioxide, Tocopheryl Acetate, Dextrin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Boswellia Serrata Extract, Honey Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Himanthalia Elongata Extract, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Benzoate
Sensitive skin: niacinamide Why?
- niacinamide: A popular, well-tolerated ingredient that can cause redness or flushing for a few people, especially at high strengths.
These flags don't affect the pregnancy rating. They point out the ingredients most likely to make skincare sting, itch, or cause a rash. If your skin is sensitive, or one of them has bothered you before, you may want to skip the product or patch-test it first. Most people use them without a problem.
How we flag ingredientsKids: Use with careTeens: Use with care
Talc, Mica, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Squalane, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Magnesium Stearate, Kaolin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Silica, Triisostearin PEG-6 Esters, Hydroxyapatite, Dimethiconol Stearate, Dimethicone, Methicone, Quartz, Polysilicone-11, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Sodium Starch Octenylsuccinate, Hydrated Silica, Butylene Glycol, Aqua (Water), Acrylates/C12-22 Alkyl Methacrylate Copolymer, Centella Asiatica Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Extract, Lauryl Laurate, Sodium Hydroxide, Zinc Sulfate, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Chlorphenesin, BHT, Ci 77120, Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77947 (Zinc Oxide), Ci 77491 (Iron Oxides), Ci 77492 (Iron Oxides), Ci 77499 (Iron Oxides)
Sensitive skin: essential oils Why?
- essential oils: Plant oils such as tea tree, lavender, citrus peel, and peppermint. Natural, but a common cause of irritation and allergies, especially on sensitive or broken skin.
These flags don't affect the pregnancy rating. They point out the ingredients most likely to make skincare sting, itch, or cause a rash. If your skin is sensitive, or one of them has bothered you before, you may want to skip the product or patch-test it first. Most people use them without a problem.
How we flag ingredientsKids: Use with careTeens: Use with care
Salicylic acid / BHA: Salicylic Acid. ACOG says over-the-counter salicylic acid products may be used if needed, but absorption rises with frequent use or large areas; avoid high-strength peels (MotherToBaby/ACOG, Bozzo et al. 2011).
Talc, Cyclopentasiloxane, Silica, Zinc Oxide, Caprylyl Glycol, Magnesium Carbonate, Ci 77007, Ci 19140, Nylon-12, BHT, Butylene Glycol, Water, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Salicylic Acid, Centella Asiatica Extract, Polysorbate 80, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Ascorbic Acid, Beeswax, Benzalkonium Chloride, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Glycerin, Isomerized Safflower Acid, Kaolin, Maltodextrin, Palmitic Acid, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Phenoxyethanol, Zinc Sulfate
Sensitive skin: essential oils Why?
- essential oils: Plant oils such as tea tree, lavender, citrus peel, and peppermint. Natural, but a common cause of irritation and allergies, especially on sensitive or broken skin.
These flags don't affect the pregnancy rating. They point out the ingredients most likely to make skincare sting, itch, or cause a rash. If your skin is sensitive, or one of them has bothered you before, you may want to skip the product or patch-test it first. Most people use them without a problem.
How we flag ingredientsKids: Use with careTeens: Use with care
Salicylic acid / BHA: Salicylic Acid. ACOG says over-the-counter salicylic acid products may be used if needed, but absorption rises with frequent use or large areas; avoid high-strength peels (MotherToBaby/ACOG, Bozzo et al. 2011).
Aqua, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Glycerin, Palm Kernelamide Methyl Mea, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Phenoxyethanol, Coco-Betaine, Sodium Chloride, PEG-150 Distearate, Coco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Sodium Sulfate, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Citrate, Disodium EDTA, Methylethanolamine, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Chloroxylenol, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Butylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Tocopherol, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate, Polysorbate 20, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Polysorbate 80, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Clay, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Isomerized Safflower Acid, Palmitic Acid, Maltodextrin, Silica, Cera Alba, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Benzalkonium Chloride, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Ascorbic Acid, Zinc Sulfate
Sensitive skin: essential oils Why?
- essential oils: Plant oils such as tea tree, lavender, citrus peel, and peppermint. Natural, but a common cause of irritation and allergies, especially on sensitive or broken skin.
These flags don't affect the pregnancy rating. They point out the ingredients most likely to make skincare sting, itch, or cause a rash. If your skin is sensitive, or one of them has bothered you before, you may want to skip the product or patch-test it first. Most people use them without a problem.
How we flag ingredientsKids: Use with careTeens: Use with care
Salicylic acid / BHA: Salicylic Acid. ACOG says over-the-counter salicylic acid products may be used if needed, but absorption rises with frequent use or large areas; avoid high-strength peels (MotherToBaby/ACOG, Bozzo et al. 2011).
Talc, Cyclopentasiloxane, Silica, Zinc Oxide, Caprylyl Glycol, Magnesium Carbonate, Ci 77007, Ci 19140, Nylon-12, BHT, Butylene Glycol, Water, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Fea Line) Leaf Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Salicylic Acid, Centella Asiatica Extract, Polysorbate 80, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Ascorbic Acid, Beeswax, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Hea Butter), Benzalkonium Chloride, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Glycerin, Isomerized Safflower Acid, Tripeptide-5, Phenoxyethanol, Zinc Sulfate
Sensitive skin: essential oils Why?
- essential oils: Plant oils such as tea tree, lavender, citrus peel, and peppermint. Natural, but a common cause of irritation and allergies, especially on sensitive or broken skin.
These flags don't affect the pregnancy rating. They point out the ingredients most likely to make skincare sting, itch, or cause a rash. If your skin is sensitive, or one of them has bothered you before, you may want to skip the product or patch-test it first. Most people use them without a problem.
How we flag ingredientsKids: Use with careTeens: Teen-friendly
Aqua, Polysorbate 20, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, Gluconolactone, Aminomethyl Propanol, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water, Sodium Chloride, Propanediol, Succinic Acid, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, 1-2 Hexanediol, Artemisia Capillaris Leaf Water, Glycerin, DMDM Hydantoin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Opuntia Coccinellifera Fruit Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Methyl Diisopropyl Propionamide, Butylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Gellan Gum, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Phenoxyethanol, Chondrus Crispus Powder, Zinc Chloride, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract, Thymus Vulgaris Extract, 2-Aminobutanol, Agar, Pvm/Ma Copolymer, Lecithin, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract, Malva Sylvestris Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Echinacea Purpurea Extract, Setaria Italica Seed Extract, Benzyl Alcohol, Ethylhexyl-Glycerin, Bakuchiol, Magnolia Grandiflora Leaf Extract, Dehydroacetic Acid, Tocopherol, Squalane, Ci 77891, Ci 77007, Ci 77360
Sensitive skin: no common irritants flagged
Kids: Use with careTeens: Teen-friendly
Salicylic acid / BHA: Salicylic Acid. ACOG says over-the-counter salicylic acid products may be used if needed, but absorption rises with frequent use or large areas; avoid high-strength peels (MotherToBaby/ACOG, Bozzo et al. 2011).
Aqua, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Water, Annona Cherimola Fruit Extract, Isopentyldiol, Centella Asiatica Extract, PEG-8, Phenoxyethanol, Salicylic Acid, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Aminomethyl Propanol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, 1,3-Butylene glycol, Pentane - 1,2-Diol, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Isostearamidopropyl Ethyldimonium Ethosulfate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Citrate, 1.2 Hexanediol, Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Phenylpropanol, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Propylene Glycol, Citric Acid, 2-Aminobutanol, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis(Licorice) Root Extract, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil
Sensitive skin: no common irritants flagged
Kids: Use with careTeens: Use with care
Salicylic acid / BHA: Salicylic Acid. ACOG says over-the-counter salicylic acid products may be used if needed, but absorption rises with frequent use or large areas; avoid high-strength peels (MotherToBaby/ACOG, Bozzo et al. 2011).
Aqua, Glycerin, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Butylene Glycol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Allantoin, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water, Salicylic Acid, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Ceratonia Siliqua Seed Extract, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Carbomer, Aminomethyl Propanol, PEG-8, 1,2-Hexanediol, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Fragrance (Parfum) Components, Finished Fragrances, Isostearamidopropyl Ethyldimonium Ethosulfate, Pentylene Glycol, Methyl Diisopropyl Propionamide, 2-Aminobutanol, Propylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate
Sensitive skin: fragrance, essential oils Why?
- fragrance: Fragrance or parfum, and scent ingredients listed by name, such as linalool and limonene. The most common cause of skincare allergies; worth avoiding if you have eczema, rosacea, or very sensitive skin.
- essential oils: Plant oils such as tea tree, lavender, citrus peel, and peppermint. Natural, but a common cause of irritation and allergies, especially on sensitive or broken skin.
These flags don't affect the pregnancy rating. They point out the ingredients most likely to make skincare sting, itch, or cause a rash. If your skin is sensitive, or one of them has bothered you before, you may want to skip the product or patch-test it first. Most people use them without a problem.
How we flag ingredientsKids: Use with careTeens: Teen-friendly
Salicylic acid / BHA: Salicylic Acid. ACOG says over-the-counter salicylic acid products may be used if needed, but absorption rises with frequent use or large areas; avoid high-strength peels (MotherToBaby/ACOG, Bozzo et al. 2011).
Aqua, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Kaolin, Glycerin, Propanediol, Quartz, Niacinamide, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Potassium Sorbate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Powder, Xanthan Gum, Annona Cherimola Fruit Extract, Butylene Glycol, 1.2-Hexanediol, Charcoal Powder, C13-14 Isoparaffin, DMDM Hydantoin, Prunus Armeniaca Seed Powder, Titanium Dioxide, Allantoin, Tocopherol, Laureth-7, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Acacia Senegal Gum, Salicylic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Oleth-10, Polysorbate 60, Glutathione, Sodium Citrate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Phenylpropanol, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Simethicone, Citric Acid, Ci 75810
Sensitive skin: niacinamide Why?
- niacinamide: A popular, well-tolerated ingredient that can cause redness or flushing for a few people, especially at high strengths.
These flags don't affect the pregnancy rating. They point out the ingredients most likely to make skincare sting, itch, or cause a rash. If your skin is sensitive, or one of them has bothered you before, you may want to skip the product or patch-test it first. Most people use them without a problem.
How we flag ingredientsKids: Use with careTeens: Use with care
Salicylic acid / BHA: Salicylic Acid. ACOG says over-the-counter salicylic acid products may be used if needed, but absorption rises with frequent use or large areas; avoid high-strength peels (MotherToBaby/ACOG, Bozzo et al. 2011).
Arbutin (releases hydroquinone in skin): Alpha-Arbutin. Can release small amounts of hydroquinone on the skin, and there's no human pregnancy data, so a 2022 review makes no recommendation yet (Putra et al. 2022, SCCS 2023).
Aqua, Niacinamide, Gluconolactone, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Glycolic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Allantoin, Salicylic Acid, Centella Asiatica Extract, Alpha-Arbutin, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance (Parfum), Xanthan Gum, Aminomethyl Propanol, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ci 19140, Ci 16255, Pentylene Glycol
Sensitive skin: fragrance, niacinamide Why?
- fragrance: Fragrance or parfum, and scent ingredients listed by name, such as linalool and limonene. The most common cause of skincare allergies; worth avoiding if you have eczema, rosacea, or very sensitive skin.
- niacinamide: A popular, well-tolerated ingredient that can cause redness or flushing for a few people, especially at high strengths.
These flags don't affect the pregnancy rating. They point out the ingredients most likely to make skincare sting, itch, or cause a rash. If your skin is sensitive, or one of them has bothered you before, you may want to skip the product or patch-test it first. Most people use them without a problem.
How we flag ingredientsKids: Use with careTeens: Teen-friendly
Salicylic acid / BHA: Salicylic Acid. ACOG says over-the-counter salicylic acid products may be used if needed, but absorption rises with frequent use or large areas; avoid high-strength peels (MotherToBaby/ACOG, Bozzo et al. 2011).
Aqua, Alcohol Denat, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Bambusa Arundinacea Stem Powder, Isopentyldiol, Charcoal Powder, Allantoin, Butyrospermum Parkii Seedcake Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Salicylic Acid, Tocopherol, Zinc Pca, Butylene Glycol, Gellan Gum, Parfum, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Sodium Gluconate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate, Sodium Sulfate
Sensitive skin: fragrance, alcohol denat. Why?
- fragrance: Fragrance or parfum, and scent ingredients listed by name, such as linalool and limonene. The most common cause of skincare allergies; worth avoiding if you have eczema, rosacea, or very sensitive skin.
- alcohol denat.: Denatured alcohol, which helps products feel light and dry fast but can dry out or sting dry and sensitive skin. Fatty alcohols like cetyl alcohol are different and aren't flagged.
These flags don't affect the pregnancy rating. They point out the ingredients most likely to make skincare sting, itch, or cause a rash. If your skin is sensitive, or one of them has bothered you before, you may want to skip the product or patch-test it first. Most people use them without a problem.
How we flag ingredientsKids: Use with careTeens: Use with care
Aqua, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Oleyl Erucate, Dicaprylyl Ether, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Allantoin, Beta-Sitosterol, Glycine Soja Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Panthenol, Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract, Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Caprylate, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate, Limonene, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Xanthan Gum
Sensitive skin: fragrance, essential oils Why?
- fragrance: Fragrance or parfum, and scent ingredients listed by name, such as linalool and limonene. The most common cause of skincare allergies; worth avoiding if you have eczema, rosacea, or very sensitive skin.
- essential oils: Plant oils such as tea tree, lavender, citrus peel, and peppermint. Natural, but a common cause of irritation and allergies, especially on sensitive or broken skin.
These flags don't affect the pregnancy rating. They point out the ingredients most likely to make skincare sting, itch, or cause a rash. If your skin is sensitive, or one of them has bothered you before, you may want to skip the product or patch-test it first. Most people use them without a problem.
How we flag ingredientsKids: Use with careTeens: Teen-friendly
Salicylic acid / BHA: Salicylic Acid. ACOG says over-the-counter salicylic acid products may be used if needed, but absorption rises with frequent use or large areas; avoid high-strength peels (MotherToBaby/ACOG, Bozzo et al. 2011).
Cellulose Gum, Gelatin, Polyisobutene, Butylene Glycol, Diethylhexyl Adipate, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Vinyl Caprolactam/Vp/Dimethylaminoethyl Methacrylate Copolymer
Sensitive skin: no common irritants flagged
Kids: Use with careTeens: Use with care
Essential oil often flagged in pregnancy: Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Extract. NHS maternity guidance says not to use clary sage before 37 weeks, and European regulators say not to use rosemary oil medicines in pregnancy. That advice isn't about the small amounts in skincare, and evidence of harm is limited.
Chondrus Crispus Extract, Water, Alcohol, Brassica Oleracea Capitata (Cabbage) Leaf Extract, Glacial Water, Streptococcus Thermophilus Ferment, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Agave Tequilana Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract, Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Extract, Hyacinthus Orientalis (Hyacinth) Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Borago Officinalis Extract, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract, Illicium Verum (Anise) Fruit Extract, (-)-alpha-bisabolol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Menthol, Niacinamide, Betaine, Panthenol, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
Sensitive skin: essential oils, alcohol denat., niacinamide Why?
- essential oils: Plant oils such as tea tree, lavender, citrus peel, and peppermint. Natural, but a common cause of irritation and allergies, especially on sensitive or broken skin.
- alcohol denat.: Denatured alcohol, which helps products feel light and dry fast but can dry out or sting dry and sensitive skin. Fatty alcohols like cetyl alcohol are different and aren't flagged.
- niacinamide: A popular, well-tolerated ingredient that can cause redness or flushing for a few people, especially at high strengths.
These flags don't affect the pregnancy rating. They point out the ingredients most likely to make skincare sting, itch, or cause a rash. If your skin is sensitive, or one of them has bothered you before, you may want to skip the product or patch-test it first. Most people use them without a problem.
How we flag ingredientsKids: Use with careTeens: Teen-friendly
Salicylic acid / BHA: Salicylic Acid. ACOG says over-the-counter salicylic acid products may be used if needed, but absorption rises with frequent use or large areas; avoid high-strength peels (MotherToBaby/ACOG, Bozzo et al. 2011).
Sea Water, Alcohol Denat, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Water, C12-14 Alketh-12, Sodium Citrate, Caprylyl Glycol, Menthol, Polysorbate 20, Fragrance, Salicylic Acid, Panthenol, Cocodimonium Hydroxypropyl, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Allantoin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Piroctone Olamine, Disodium Edta, Prunus Mume Fruit Extract, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Oenothera Biennis (Evening, Primrose) Flower Extract, Glutamine, Lysine Hcl, Tryptophan, Serine, Phenylalanine, Ornithine, Methionine, Arginine Hcl, Leucine, Threonine, Tyrosine, Glycine, Valine, Carnitine, Proline, Histidine Hcl, Glutamic Acid, Citrulline, Cysteine Hcl, Alanine, Isoleucine, Aspartic Acid
Sensitive skin: fragrance, alcohol denat. Why?
- fragrance: Fragrance or parfum, and scent ingredients listed by name, such as linalool and limonene. The most common cause of skincare allergies; worth avoiding if you have eczema, rosacea, or very sensitive skin.
- alcohol denat.: Denatured alcohol, which helps products feel light and dry fast but can dry out or sting dry and sensitive skin. Fatty alcohols like cetyl alcohol are different and aren't flagged.
These flags don't affect the pregnancy rating. They point out the ingredients most likely to make skincare sting, itch, or cause a rash. If your skin is sensitive, or one of them has bothered you before, you may want to skip the product or patch-test it first. Most people use them without a problem.
How we flag ingredientsKids: Use with careTeens: Teen-friendly
Fragrance ingredient banned in the EU (Lilial): Butylphenyl Methylpropional. The EU banned butylphenyl methylpropional from cosmetics in March 2022 and classifies it as toxic to reproduction: it may impair fertility and is suspected of harming an unborn child. Older formulas and products sold elsewhere may still list it (EU Regulation 2021/1902).
Snail Secretion Filtrate (820, 000 Ppm), Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Olivate, Water, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Sorbitan Olivate, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Prunella Vulgaris Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Extract, Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract, Honey Extract, Bambusa Vulgaris Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract, Propolis Extract, Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Pentylene Glycol, Carbomer, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Sodium Polyacrylate, Polysorbate 80, Sorbitan Oleate, Betaine, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Tocopheryl Acetate, Adenosine, Squalane, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Arginine, Ethyl Hexanediol, Glyceryl Caprylate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Isohexadecane, Fragrance, Butylphenyl Methylpropional
Sensitive skin: fragrance, snail mucin Why?
- fragrance: Fragrance or parfum, and scent ingredients listed by name, such as linalool and limonene. The most common cause of skincare allergies; worth avoiding if you have eczema, rosacea, or very sensitive skin.
- snail mucin: Snail secretion filtrate and other snail-derived ingredients. Flagged for people who react to it, or who avoid animal-derived ingredients.
These flags don't affect the pregnancy rating. They point out the ingredients most likely to make skincare sting, itch, or cause a rash. If your skin is sensitive, or one of them has bothered you before, you may want to skip the product or patch-test it first. Most people use them without a problem.
How we flag ingredientsKids: Use with careTeens: Teen-friendly
Fragrance ingredient banned in the EU (Lilial): Butylphenyl Methylpropional. The EU banned butylphenyl methylpropional from cosmetics in March 2022 and classifies it as toxic to reproduction: it may impair fertility and is suspected of harming an unborn child. Older formulas and products sold elsewhere may still list it (EU Regulation 2021/1902).
Snail Secretion Filtrate (205,000 Ppm), Butylene Glycol, Glycereth-26, Methyl Gluceth-20, Dipropylene Glycol, Water, Propanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Carbomer, Betaine, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Prunella Vulgaris Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Extract, Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract, Honey Extract, Bambusa Vulgaris Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract, Propolis Extract, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Adenosine, Sodium Polyacrylate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Disodium EDTA, Pentylene Glycol, Arginine, Fragrance, Butylphenyl Methylpropional
Sensitive skin: fragrance, snail mucin Why?
- fragrance: Fragrance or parfum, and scent ingredients listed by name, such as linalool and limonene. The most common cause of skincare allergies; worth avoiding if you have eczema, rosacea, or very sensitive skin.
- snail mucin: Snail secretion filtrate and other snail-derived ingredients. Flagged for people who react to it, or who avoid animal-derived ingredients.
These flags don't affect the pregnancy rating. They point out the ingredients most likely to make skincare sting, itch, or cause a rash. If your skin is sensitive, or one of them has bothered you before, you may want to skip the product or patch-test it first. Most people use them without a problem.
How we flag ingredientsKids: Use with careTeens: Teen-friendly
Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Citrus Unshiu (Satsuma Mandarin) Peel Extract, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Extract, Beta-Glucan, Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan) Powder, Ceratonia Siliqua (Carob) Gum, Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba (Guar) Gum, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Hyaluronate, Algae Extract, Glucose, Colloidal Gold (100Ppm 0.1%), Diamond Powder, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Leaf Extract, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus (Tasmanian Blue Gum) Leaf Extract, Collagen, Glycine Max (Soybean) Phytoplacenta Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Fragrance, Royal Jelly, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Callus Culture Extract, Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Callus Culture Extract, Caviar Extract, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Disodium EDTA, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Tin Oxide (Ci 77861), Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Red Iron Oxide (Ci 77491), Pearl Powder, Snail Secretion Filtrate
Sensitive skin: fragrance, snail mucin Why?
- fragrance: Fragrance or parfum, and scent ingredients listed by name, such as linalool and limonene. The most common cause of skincare allergies; worth avoiding if you have eczema, rosacea, or very sensitive skin.
- snail mucin: Snail secretion filtrate and other snail-derived ingredients. Flagged for people who react to it, or who avoid animal-derived ingredients.
These flags don't affect the pregnancy rating. They point out the ingredients most likely to make skincare sting, itch, or cause a rash. If your skin is sensitive, or one of them has bothered you before, you may want to skip the product or patch-test it first. Most people use them without a problem.
How we flag ingredientsSkin quiz · 4 questions
Working on more than one thing?
The skin quiz matches ingredients and products to up to three concerns at once, for the age and skin type.
- 1. Face, body, or hair
- 2. Age
- 3. What to fix
- 4. Skin type