Should I Avoid ethoxyethanol During Pregnancy? | VeriMom

What to use instead

Pregnancy-safe ingredients that serve a similar function:

FAQ

Is ethoxyethanol safe during pregnancy?

2‑Ethoxyethanol (CAS 110‑80‑5) has a harmonised CLP classification for reproductive toxicity (H360: may damage fertility or the unborn child), which by your rules warrants h=3. Animal and mechanistic literature on ethylene glycol ethers (metabolism to alkoxyacetic acids causing embryotoxicity/hematotoxicity) supports a demonstrated mechanism (m=2). Dermal absorption is measurable in humans (in vitro human skin ~1/3 rat absorption), so topical exposure is low but measurable (e=1). (ECHA harmonised CLP; PubMed mechanistic and dermal absorption studies).

Is ethoxyethanol safe while breastfeeding?

Harmonised classification (H360) and animal evidence of developmental/reproductive toxicity justify h=3 for lactation context under your priority rules even though specific human milk transfer data are limited. Mechanistic data showing bioactive metabolites are produced systemically support m=2. For cosmetic topical use, systemic absorption is low but measurable so milk exposure via topical use is possible but expected to be low (e=1).

Is ethoxyethanol safe for baby skin?

Hazard (h=3) is driven by the harmonised H360 reproductive/developmental classification and animal teratogenicity data; no infant‑specific data reduce that hazard. Mechanistic evidence remains demonstrated (m=2). Exposure is increased for infants due to higher surface‑area‑to‑weight and immature barrier; since adult topical absorption is measurable (adult e=1) apply the +1 adjustment for baby skin → e=2. Note: infant dermal‑specific toxicity studies are lacking, so exposure/practical risk will depend on concentration and formulation.

How does VeriMom score ethoxyethanol?

VeriMom scores ethoxyethanol 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 ethoxyethanol?

See our curated list of pregnancy-safe alternatives to ethoxyethanol based on similar function and a no-known-risks safety band.