VeriMomHIGH RISK
Should I Avoid potassium borate During Pregnancy? | VeriMom
Reviewed by VeriMom Editorial Team · Last reviewed
ECHA regulatory hazard statements
- •H360FD
- •H361
- •H361D
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".
Unknown
100schmidts here now
L'Occitane
100L´Occitane Powder To-mousse Facial Exfoliator
Sustain Yourself
100Sustain Yourself Natural Deodorant
Bitamin
100Bitamin Natural Deodorant N'orange
Mew mew tweet
100Mew mew tweet Cedar Spruce Baking Soda Free
Avero
100Avero Solid Deodorant
Avril
99Déodorant baume
HappySoaps
99Happysoaps Neutraal
Laura Mercier
99Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum Spf 20 - Oil Free
Woohoo
99Woohoo Deodorant & Anti-Chafe Stick
Sources & references
Authoritative references used to score this ingredient.
Pregnancy-Safe Alternatives to potassium borate | VeriMom
Ingredients — Pregnancy-Safe Ingredients Database — 28,000+ Ingredients Rated
See also
FAQ
- Is potassium borate safe during pregnancy?
- Boron-containing borates break down to boric acid which is classified for reproductive toxicity (Repr.1B, H360FD) in CLP/Annex VI and has repeated animal developmental/reproductive effects; therefore reproductive hazard for pregnancy is confirmed (H360 → h=3). Mechanistic evidence includes demonstrated developmental toxicity in animal studies (reduced fetal weight, malformations) and systemic distribution of boron after exposure. Dermal cosmetic exposures give low but measurable systemic uptake. ([health.ec.europa.eu](https://health.ec.europa.eu/publications/safety-boron-compounds-cosmetic-products_en))
- Is potassium borate safe while breastfeeding?
- Because borates produce boric acid (Repr.1B H360FD) and boron can distribute in body fluids (some studies report boron in milk), agencies advise precaution for lactation. Animal studies show postnatal effects after maternal exposure; human milk data are limited but detectable boron has been measured in human milk. Systemic absorption from topical cosmetic use is generally low but not zero. ([health.ec.europa.eu](https://health.ec.europa.eu/publications/safety-boron-compounds-cosmetic-products_en))
- Is potassium borate safe for baby skin?
- Regulatory authorities treat borates/boric acid as reproductive/developmental hazards and EU cosmetic rules specifically restrict/ban borates for products intended for or used on children under 3 years. Infant skin has higher absorption (immature barrier and higher surface-area-to-weight) so exposure score is increased by +1 versus adult. The SCCS concluded borates hydrolyse to boric acid and the restrictions for boric acid should apply to borates. ([health.ec.europa.eu](https://health.ec.europa.eu/publications/safety-boron-compounds-cosmetic-products_en))
- How does VeriMom score potassium borate?
- VeriMom scores potassium borate 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 potassium borate?
- See our curated list of pregnancy-safe alternatives to potassium borate based on similar function and a no-known-risks safety band.
Check your own skincare
Paste any product's ingredient list into our free checker and see every ingredient scored against EU regulatory data and peer-reviewed research.
Open the pregnancy-safe ingredient checkerCheck every label in 2 seconds
Get VeriMom free — scan any product and see the pregnancy safety score instantly.
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.