VeriMomShould I Avoid 2-hydroxyethyl picramic acid During Pregnancy? | VeriMom
Reviewed by VeriMom Editorial Team · Last reviewed
ECHA regulatory hazard statements
- •H361F
Products containing 2-hydroxyethyl picramic acid — check your shelf
These products list 2-hydroxyethyl picramic acid on their INCI. If one is in your routine, consider swapping it during pregnancy.
What to use instead
Pregnancy-safe ingredients that serve a similar function:
Pregnancy-safe products to use instead
Products built around the safer ingredients above, scored "no known risks" or "low risk".
Sources & references
Authoritative references used to score this ingredient.
Pregnancy-Safe Alternatives to 2-hydroxyethyl picramic acid | VeriMom
Ingredients — Pregnancy-Safe Ingredients Database — 28,000+ Ingredients Rated
See also
FAQ
- Is 2-hydroxyethyl picramic acid safe during pregnancy?
- ECHA lists a harmonised CLP classification for 2-hydroxyethyl picramic acid (Index No. 604-056-00-2, CAS 99610-72-7) including H361f (suspected of damaging fertility), which per EU harmonised CLP guidance is a Category 2 reproductive hazard (supports h=2). Peer-review/regulatory assessments (SCCS/CIR/IMAP/TGA summaries) report animal data and testicular effects, indicating a demonstrated reproductive mechanism (m=2). Topical exposure from hair-dye use is low but measurable (SCCS evaluated on-head limits such as 0.6% and concluded risk mainly from sensitisation), so exposure for pregnant adults from cosmetic use is assessed as low but measurable (e=1).
- Is 2-hydroxyethyl picramic acid safe while breastfeeding?
- Harmonised CLP H361f applies; regulatory reviews cite reproductive toxicity in animals (m=2) and harmonised classification carries to concerns for breastfeeding parents. Topical cosmetic use gives low but measurable exposure (SCCS on-head limits), so e=1 for lactating adults. There are no specific data showing transfer into breastmilk identified in the reviewed sources (data gap).
- Is 2-hydroxyethyl picramic acid safe for baby skin?
- Hazard (H361f harmonised) and reported animal reproductive/testicular effects justify h=2 for infant-related concern under the requested scoring system. Mechanistic evidence from animal reproductive toxicology supports m=2. Because infant skin (0–3 yr) has a higher surface‑area:weight and an immature barrier, exposure score is increased by +1 relative to adults (adult e=1 → infant e=2) where topically applied products or accidental exposure could occur. No infant-specific absorption studies were found. (See data gaps.)
- How does VeriMom score 2-hydroxyethyl picramic acid?
- VeriMom scores 2-hydroxyethyl picramic acid at 20/100 (high risk) based on EU CosIng status, ECHA hazard classifications, and peer-reviewed PubMed studies. Our scoring pipeline is fully transparent.
- What are pregnancy-safe alternatives to 2-hydroxyethyl picramic acid?
- See our curated list of pregnancy-safe alternatives to 2-hydroxyethyl picramic acid based on similar function and a no-known-risks safety band.
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Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Safety scores are based on publicly available data and may not reflect all risks. Always consult your healthcare provider before using any product during pregnancy or breastfeeding.