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HIGH RISK

Should I Avoid methyl pyrrolidone During Pregnancy? | VeriMom

Reviewed by · Last reviewed

ECHA regulatory hazard statements

  • H360D

Products containing methyl pyrrolidone — check your shelf

These products list methyl pyrrolidone 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 methyl pyrrolidone | VeriMom

IngredientsPregnancy-Safe Ingredients Database — 28,000+ Ingredients Rated

See also

FAQ

Is methyl pyrrolidone safe during pregnancy?
ECHA has a harmonised CLP classification H360D (May damage the unborn child) for N‑methyl‑2‑pyrrolidone (CAS 872‑50‑4), which is legally binding in the EU; multiple animal studies report reproductive/developmental toxicity (reduced fetal viability, malformations, developmental delays). These regulatory and animal data drive a confirmed reproductive hazard. ([echa.europa.eu](https://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/355b86c1-5a0f-f104-0931-8ffdce4e1cbd?utm_source=openai))
Is methyl pyrrolidone safe while breastfeeding?
Because NMP is harmonised as H360D (may damage the unborn child) and animal data show reproductive/developmental effects, the conservative interpretation for lactation is high hazard (h=3); studies and registrations indicate systemic absorption and metabolites detected in biological matrices, supporting demonstrated systemic exposure and plausible transfer into milk. Regulatory classification and animal reproductive data are the principal bases. ([echa.europa.eu](https://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/355b86c1-5a0f-f104-0931-8ffdce4e1cbd?utm_source=openai))
Is methyl pyrrolidone safe for baby skin?
Harmonised H360D and animal developmental toxicity justify h=3 for infant risk characterization. NMP is a small, water‑miscible solvent with measurable dermal absorption in occupational/SDS data and is systemically bioavailable, so infant exposure via topical application is increased (exposure score +1 for baby skin). Animal developmental studies and biomonitoring papers support systemic distribution. ([echa.europa.eu](https://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/355b86c1-5a0f-f104-0931-8ffdce4e1cbd?utm_source=openai))
How does VeriMom score methyl pyrrolidone?
VeriMom scores methyl pyrrolidone at 13/100 (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 methyl pyrrolidone?
See our curated list of pregnancy-safe alternatives to methyl pyrrolidone 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.

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