VeriMomIs hydroxyacetophenone safe during pregnancy?
CIR’s safety assessment (Cosmetic Ingredient Review, 2022 draft/final) concluded hydroxyacetophenone (p‑hydroxyacetophenone; CAS 99‑93‑4) is safe as used in cosmetics and found no reproductive/developmental hazard at use‑relevant exposures (NOAELs in animal studies reported but no reproductive signal at cosmetic exposures). No harmonised CLP reproductive classifications (H360/H361) were found on ECHA; company CLP notifications list general irritation/acute hazards but not reproductive classification. ([cir-safety.org](https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/Hydroxyacetophenone.pdf))
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Frequently asked questions
- Is hydroxyacetophenone safe during pregnancy?
- CIR’s safety assessment (Cosmetic Ingredient Review, 2022 draft/final) concluded hydroxyacetophenone (p‑hydroxyacetophenone; CAS 99‑93‑4) is safe as used in cosmetics and found no reproductive/developmental hazard at use‑relevant exposures (NOAELs in animal studies reported but no reproductive signal at cosmetic exposures). No harmonised CLP reproductive classifications (H360/H361) were found on ECHA; company CLP notifications list general irritation/acute hazards but not reproductive classification. ([cir-safety.org](https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/Hydroxyacetophenone.pdf))
- Is hydroxyacetophenone safe while breastfeeding?
- There are no authoritative safety assessments (CIR/SCCS/harmonised CLP) indicating reproductive/lactation hazards or breast‑milk transfer for hydroxyacetophenone; available toxicology (CIR review, ECHA dossiers, and literature) does not identify specific lactation/breastfeeding risks at cosmetic use levels. No peer‑reviewed human lactation studies were identified. ([cir-safety.org](https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/Hydroxyacetophenone.pdf))
- Is hydroxyacetophenone safe for baby skin?
- Hazard and mechanism remain not indicated by CIR/ECHA (h=0,m=0). Adult exposure was judged negligible for reproductive hazard in authoritative reviews; however, infant skin has a higher surface‑area:weight ratio and an immature barrier, so exposure scoring for baby skin is increased by +1 per your rules (adult e=0 → baby e=1) in absence of data proving zero dermal absorption. CIR found no reproductive concerns and performed dermal irritation/sensitization assessments but did not provide human dermal‑absorption data sufficient to demonstrate zero absorption. ([cir-safety.org](https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/Hydroxyacetophenone.pdf))
- How does VeriMom score hydroxyacetophenone?
- VeriMom scores hydroxyacetophenone 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 hydroxyacetophenone?
- See our curated list of pregnancy-safe alternatives to hydroxyacetophenone 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.