VeriMomShould I Avoid methoxyethanol During Pregnancy? | VeriMom
Reviewed by VeriMom Editorial Team · Last reviewed
ECHA regulatory hazard statements
- •H360FD
Products containing methoxyethanol — check your shelf
These products list methoxyethanol 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 methoxyethanol | VeriMom
Ingredients — Pregnancy-Safe Ingredients Database — 28,000+ Ingredients Rated
See also
FAQ
- Is methoxyethanol safe during pregnancy?
- 2‑Methoxyethanol (CAS 109‑86‑4, EGME) has a harmonised EU classification for reproductive toxicity (Repr. 1B / H360FD) and multiple animal studies (rats, mice) showing fetal/developmental effects and teratogenicity; it is metabolised to methoxyacetic acid which mediates these effects. (ECHA substance & CLP background; rat developmental studies). Sources: ECHA substance profile and CLP background (harmonised Repr.1B/H360FD) and peer‑reviewed animal studies (PubMed). (https://echa.europa.eu/substance-information/-/substanceinfo/100.003.377; https://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/aade66ad-5922-8029-d9a5-ea38c1bc25f3; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2755424/).
- Is methoxyethanol safe while breastfeeding?
- The hazard to reproduction/lactation is supported by harmonised classification and animal data; metabolism to methoxyacetic acid is a demonstrated mechanism. Systemic absorption is required for milk transfer; for cosmetic topical use systemic exposure is expected to be low but measurable, so breastfeeding exposure is possible if systemic absorption occurs (regulatory/animal data indicate systemic toxicity after inhalation/oral/dermal routes). (ECHA; IRIS/occupational reviews). (https://echa.europa.eu/substance-information/-/substanceinfo/100.003.377; https://cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/iris/iris_documents/documents/subst/0525_summary.pdf; https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/83-112/default.html).
- Is methoxyethanol safe for baby skin?
- Hazard and mechanism are the same (harmonised reprotoxic classification and demonstrated metabolite‑mediated effects). Dermal/topical exposure on infant skin results in higher exposure ranking than adults because infant skin has higher surface‑area‑to‑weight and an immature barrier; therefore exposure score is increased by +1 (adult e=1 → baby e=2). Regulatory/animal evidence supports systemic developmental toxicity; avoid use on infant skin. (ECHA; occupational reviews; IRIS). (https://echa.europa.eu/substance-information/-/substanceinfo/100.003.377; https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/83-112/default.html; https://cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/iris/iris_documents/documents/subst/0525_summary.pdf).
- How does VeriMom score methoxyethanol?
- VeriMom scores methoxyethanol 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 methoxyethanol?
- See our curated list of pregnancy-safe alternatives to methoxyethanol 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.