Is potassium hydroxide safe during pregnancy?
Reviewed by VeriMom Editorial Team · Last reviewed
Pregnancy-Safe Ingredients Database — 28,000+ Ingredients Rated
potassium hydroxide
NO KNOWN RISKS100
/100
0









Pregnancy-safe products containing potassium hydroxide

Garnier
Garnier Skin Naturals Hyaluronic Aloe Foam
100/100

Fancl
Fancl BC Facial Washing Cream - 90g
100/100

Rustic art
Rustic art Geranium Charcoal Face Wash Concentrate
100/100

Deluxe Shea Butter
Deluxe Shea Butter African Black Soap
100/100

Fancl
Fancl Facial Washing Liquid - 60ml
100/100

Fancl
Fancl Facial Washing Liquid
100/100

Meissner Tremonia
Meissner Tremonia Pots Of Milk Shaving Soap
100/100

Shea Terra Organics
Shea Terra Organics Rose Hips Black Soap Deep Pore Facial Wash
100/100

Unknown
Tesco paracetamol suspension
100/100

Natur planet
Natur planet Beldi Black Soap
100/100
Related ingredients
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Sources & references
Authoritative references used to score this ingredient.
Frequently asked questions
- Is potassium hydroxide safe during pregnancy?
- Potassium hydroxide is harmonised classified for acute toxicity and skin corrosion (ECHA Annex VI: H302, H314) but there is no harmonised reproductive classification (H360/H361) nor published CIR or SCCS opinion identifying reproductive or developmental hazards. It is a strong caustic base that acts locally; no credible evidence indicates reproductive toxicity from topical cosmetic use (sources: ECHA Annex VI, PubChem GHS entries).
- Is potassium hydroxide safe while breastfeeding?
- No data indicating reproductive or lactation-specific toxicity; main hazard is local corrosivity/irritation rather than systemic reproductive effects. No harmonised reproductive classifications or SCCS/CIR warnings regarding breast-feeding (sources: ECHA Annex VI, PubChem).
- Is potassium hydroxide safe for baby skin?
- No evidence of reproductive hazard for infants, so hazard (h) and mechanism (m) remain 0. However, because KOH is a strong corrosive agent (ECHA Annex VI H314) and infant skin has an immature barrier and higher surface-area-to-weight, potential for local damage and greater percutaneous uptake is higher; therefore exposure score is raised by +1 for baby skin. Primary risk for infants is topical corrosion/irritation rather than developmental toxicity (sources: ECHA Annex VI, PubChem GHS).
- How does VeriMom score potassium hydroxide?
- VeriMom scores potassium hydroxide 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 potassium hydroxide?
- See our curated list of pregnancy-safe alternatives to potassium hydroxide 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.