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Is honey safe during pregnancy?

Reviewed by · Last reviewed

Pregnancy-Safe Ingredients Database — 28,000+ Ingredients Rated
honey
NO KNOWN RISKS
100
/100
0

Pregnancy-safe products containing honey

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Sources & references

Authoritative references used to score this ingredient.

Frequently asked questions

Is honey safe during pregnancy?
Honey (INCI: Mel, CAS 8028-66-8) is reviewed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel and CIR’s safety assessment of honey-derived ingredients does not identify reproductive or developmental hazards for topical cosmetic use; ECHA’s substance page for honey shows no harmonised CLP reproductive classifications. No SCCS harmonised or H360/H361 flags were found in ECHA records or CIR assessment. Referenced sources: CIR safety assessment and ECHA substance entry. ([cir-safety.org](https://www.cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/safety-assessment-honey-ingredients-used-cosmetics?utm_source=openai))
Is honey safe while breastfeeding?
No evidence from CIR, ECHA, or the peer-reviewed literature indicates honey used topically in cosmetics poses reproductive or lactation hazards or systemic effects that would contraindicate use during breastfeeding. Honey’s use in cosmetics is primarily topical and CIR concluded honey-derived ingredients are safe as used; no mechanistic or clinical data indicate transfer via breastmilk from topical cosmetic use. ([cir-safety.org](https://www.cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/safety-assessment-honey-ingredients-used-cosmetics?utm_source=openai))
Is honey safe for baby skin?
No evidence of infant-specific reproductive or developmental toxicity in the reviewed sources. However, because infant skin (0–3 y) has a higher absorption potential, exposure score is increased by +1 relative to adults: honey itself is not classified as systemically hazardous but topical use on infant skin can increase measurable exposure; additionally the CIR assessment and EWG note possible allergic/contact reactions in some individuals (rare). No infant-specific systemic hazard studies were identified. ([cir-safety.org](https://www.cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/safety-assessment-honey-ingredients-used-cosmetics?utm_source=openai))
How does VeriMom score honey?
VeriMom scores honey at 100/100 (no known risks) 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 honey?
See our curated list of pregnancy-safe alternatives to honey 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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