Is Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane Safe During Pregnancy? (Updated 2026 Guide)
Updated September 9, 2026
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane
Kiehl'S
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane receives a C grade, so it is a use with caution choice during pregnancy rather than an unrestricted recommendation. Salicylic acid and phenoxyethanol carry caution flags, but these do not establish harm from ordinary facial application; concentration, skin condition, and amount used matter.
You can use this, but maybe don't make it your everyday go to. Not the end of the world if you've used it. Consult your OBGYN or midwife if you have concerns.
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What Ingredients Are in Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane?
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane has 35 ingredients. We flagged 2 ingredients to use with caution.
CAUTION
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative commonly used in cosmetics and skincare products to prevent microbial growth and extend shelf life. Phenoxyethanol warrants caution because direct pregnancy data are limited, although regulated cosmetic concentrations are generally low systemic risk and nipple area infant ingestion is a separate exposure.
salicylic acid
CAUTION
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid commonly used in skincare to exfoliate the skin, unclog pores, and treat acne. Low dose topical salicylic acid use is generally low concern in pregnancy, but this cream's concentration is unknown and high strength, large area, broken skin, or occlusive use needs caution.
palmitic acid
LIKELY SAFE
Palmitic acid is a common saturated fatty acid found in palm oil, animal fats, and various plant oils, often used in cosmetics and industrial applications. Palmitic acid is rated likely safe, and findings about dietary saturated fat or elevated blood levels do not establish pregnancy harm from ordinary facial application.
tocopherol
LIKELY SAFE
Tocopherol is a form of vitamin E commonly used as an antioxidant in skincare and cosmetic products. Topical tocopherol is likely safe with minimal expected systemic exposure during normal cosmetic use, and high dose oral vitamin E concerns should not be extrapolated to facial cream.
aqua water
SAFE
Aqua, or water, is a clear, colorless, and essential liquid that serves as the primary solvent in many cosmetic and skincare formulations. Water used as the base of a facial cream is not a pregnancy concern in normal topical use, although finished product preservation and cleanliness still matter.
citric acid
SAFE
Citric acid is a natural organic acid commonly used as a preservative and flavor enhancer in food and beverages. Citric acid is generally compatible with pregnancy in ordinary topical cosmetics, although stronger or lower pH formulations can irritate and direct pregnancy studies are limited.
dimethicone
SAFE
Dimethicone is a silicone based polymer commonly used in skincare and cosmetic products to provide a smooth, silky feel and create a protective barrier on the skin. Dimethicone has very low expected absorption during normal topical use, supporting low pregnancy concern despite limited direct pregnancy data.
glycerin
SAFE
Glycerin is a colorless, odorless, and sweet tasting humectant commonly used in skincare products to attract and retain moisture in the skin. Glycerin is generally compatible with pregnancy in normal topical cosmetic use, where systemic exposure is expected to be low.
glycine soja oil soybean oil
SAFE
Soybean oil is compatible with pregnancy in normal topical cosmetic use despite limited direct pregnancy data, with soy allergy and irritation remaining separate considerations.
olea europaea fruit oil olive fruit oil
SAFE
Olive oil is generally compatible with pregnancy in normal topical cosmetics, though direct pregnancy safety data are limited and concentrated oil irritation findings do not directly describe this cream.
sucrose stearate
SAFE
Sucrose stearate is a natural emulsifier derived from sugar and stearic acid, commonly used to stabilize and blend oil- and water based ingredients in cosmetics and food products. Sucrose stearate is rated safe for topical use, but the supporting pregnancy assessment concerns sucrose and is indirect for this derivative.
acrylates c10 30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer
SAFE
This ingredient is unflagged, but its pregnancy safety in topical use has not been established by an ingredient specific review here.
bis peg 18 methyl ether dimethyl silane
SAFE
This ingredient is unflagged, which does not establish reviewed pregnancy safety for topical exposure.
carbomer
SAFE
Carbomer is a synthetic, water soluble polymer used as a thickening, stabilizing, and emulsifying agent in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations. Carbomer is a cosmetic thickener that is unflagged here, rather than individually established as pregnancy safe for topical use.
cetyl alcohol
SAFE
Cetyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol commonly used as an emollient, thickener, and emulsifier in skincare and cosmetic products. Cetyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol used for moisturizing and texture, but its unflagged status is not an individual topical pregnancy safety assessment.
chlorphenesin
SAFE
Chlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative and muscle relaxant commonly used in cosmetics and topical products to inhibit microbial growth. Chlorphenesin is unflagged for this facial cream, while a warning involving it with phenoxyethanol concerned infant ingestion from nipple cream during nursing, not ordinary facial use in pregnancy.
ethylhexylglycerin
SAFE
Ethylhexylglycerin is a skin conditioning agent and preservative booster commonly used in cosmetics to enhance product stability and provide mild antimicrobial benefits. Ethylhexylglycerin is a preservative booster and skin conditioning ingredient whose unflagged status does not establish individual pregnancy safety.
glyceryl stearate
SAFE
Glyceryl stearate is a moisturizing and emulsifying agent derived from glycerin and stearic acid, commonly used in skincare products to help blend oil and water based ingredients. Glyceryl stearate helps moisturize and blend the cream, but it is unflagged rather than individually reviewed for pregnancy safety.
helianthus annuus seed oil sunflower seed oil
SAFE
Helianthus annuus seed oil, commonly known as sunflower seed oil, is a lightweight, nourishing oil rich in vitamin E, often used in skincare and cooking. Sunflower seed oil is unflagged in this cream, but that does not establish an individual pregnancy safety assessment for topical use.
hydroxypalmitoyl sphinganine
SAFE
Hydroxypalmitoyl sphinganine is a bioactive lipid derivative that functions as a skin barrier repair agent and has moisturizing and soothing properties in skincare formulations. This moisturizing, barrier supporting ingredient is unflagged rather than individually established as pregnancy safe for topical use.
myristic acid
SAFE
Myristic acid is a saturated fatty acid commonly used in cosmetics and soap making for its cleansing and emulsifying properties. Myristic acid is a cosmetic fatty acid whose unflagged status does not establish reviewed pregnancy safety for skin application.
myristyl myristate
SAFE
Myristyl myristate is unflagged, but an ingredient specific pregnancy assessment for topical use is not established here.
oryza sativa bran oil rice bran oil
SAFE
Rice bran oil is unflagged in this formula, which is not confirmation of individually reviewed topical pregnancy safety.
peg 8 stearate
SAFE
PEG 8 stearate is unflagged, but that status does not establish pregnancy safety for topical exposure.
persea gratissima oil avocado oil
SAFE
Avocado oil (Persea gratissima oil) is a nourishing, rich, and moisturizing oil derived from ripe avocados, commonly used in skincare and haircare products. Avocado oil is a moisturizing ingredient that is unflagged here, rather than individually reviewed for topical pregnancy safety.
prunus amygdalus dulcis oil sweet almond oil
SAFE
Sweet almond oil is unflagged in this cream, but that does not establish an ingredient specific pregnancy safety assessment.
prunus armeniaca kernel oil apricot kernel oil
SAFE
Apricot kernel oil is unflagged for this formula, not individually established as pregnancy safe for topical use.
pseudoalteromonas ferment extract
SAFE
Pseudoalteromonas ferment extract is a marine derived ingredient known for its skin soothing, antioxidant, and anti aging properties, often used in skincare formulations. This skin conditioning extract is unflagged, but its cosmetic function does not establish pregnancy safety for topical use.
rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract rosemary leaf extract
SAFE
Rosemary leaf extract is unflagged in this facial cream, without an ingredient specific topical pregnancy safety assessment.
sodium hydroxide
SAFE
Sodium hydroxide is a highly caustic, white, solid compound commonly used as a strong base in cleaning, manufacturing, and chemical processes. Sodium hydroxide is unflagged here, and hazards of the concentrated raw chemical do not establish pregnancy risk from the finished facial cream.
squalane
SAFE
Squalane is a lightweight, stable, and moisturizing oil derived from plant sources or shark liver that helps hydrate and protect the skin. Squalane is a moisturizing ingredient with no flag in this assessment, but that is not confirmation of individually reviewed pregnancy safety.
stearic acid
SAFE
Stearic acid is a naturally occurring saturated fatty acid commonly used as an emulsifier and thickening agent in cosmetics and skincare products. Stearic acid is a cosmetic fatty acid that is unflagged rather than individually reviewed for topical pregnancy safety.
stearyl alcohol
SAFE
Stearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol commonly used as an emollient, thickener, and stabilizer in skincare and cosmetic formulations. Stearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol used for moisturizing and texture, with unflagged status rather than an individual pregnancy safety assessment.
trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate
SAFE
Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate is a chelating agent used in skincare and cosmetic products to bind and neutralize metal ions, enhancing stability and efficacy. This formula stabilizing chelating ingredient is unflagged, which does not establish individually reviewed pregnancy safety.
xanthan gum
SAFE
Xanthan gum is a natural thickening and stabilizing agent derived from fermented sugars, commonly used in gluten free baking and food processing. Xanthan gum is unflagged here, but its general ingredient description does not establish pregnancy safety for topical exposure.
Answering Your Questions
How much Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane is safe during pregnancy?
If you choose to use it, apply only enough to form a thin layer on intact facial skin, following the label. Avoid broken or irritated skin and covering the cream with an occlusive dressing; there is no established product specific pregnancy amount.
Can you use Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane daily while pregnant?
Follow the label rather than adding frequent extra applications. If you want to use it regularly alongside salicylic acid treatments or exfoliants, ask your clinician to review the combined routine because this cream's ingredient concentrations are not established here.
Why does Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane receive a C grade?
Its C grade comes from ingredient based scoring, with caution flags for phenoxyethanol and salicylic acid and likely safe ratings for palmitic acid and tocopherol. This is not a measured risk of pregnancy complications: normal topical vitamin E is low concern, and dietary or circulating palmitic acid findings do not establish harm from facial cream. Ingredients without flags are not necessarily individually reviewed for pregnancy safety.
Can I use this cream while breastfeeding?
Facial application is a different exposure from applying cream where your baby could swallow it. Do not use it on the nipple or areola, and keep treated skin away from your baby's mouth. The phenoxyethanol and chlorphenesin nipple cream warning concerned infant oral exposure, not ordinary maternal facial use; it does not establish breastfeeding safety for this complete formula.
What alternatives should I look for during pregnancy?
Look for a straightforward moisturizer without salicylic acid or phenoxyethanol if you want to avoid this cream's two caution flagged ingredients. Glycerin and dimethicone are examples of moisturizing ingredients with supportive normal topical use assessments, but check the entire formula rather than choosing by one ingredient or brand.
Is the squalane in this cream safe during pregnancy?
Squalane is a moisturizing ingredient and is not flagged in this formula's assessment. However, an unflagged result is not a pregnancy specific safety review, and squalane alone cannot determine whether the complete cream is suitable for you.
Does Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane contain retinol?
Retinol is not listed in the formula assessed for this page. The C grade reflects other ingredients, so the absence of retinol does not remove the caution rating. Check your own packaging to make sure you have the same formula.
Does salicylic acid mean I must avoid this cream during pregnancy?
Not automatically: directed low dose topical salicylic acid use is generally considered low concern during pregnancy. Caution increases with high concentrations, large treated areas, broken skin, or occlusion, and this cream's salicylic acid concentration is not established here. Oral salicylate warnings should not be treated as evidence about ordinary facial application.
What Are Pregnancy Safe Alternatives to Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane?
Here are some solid alternatives. Everything below has an A or B grade, meaning no flagged ingredients in our database.
| Grade | Product | Brand | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | The Dewy Skin Cream 5 Ml | Tatcha | face cream |
| A | Avene Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Skin Barrier Face Cream | Avene | face cream |
| A | Avene Hydrance Light Cream 40 Ml | Avene | face cream |
| A | Cosrx Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream (3.52 Oz.) | Cosrx | face cream |
Are Other Kiehl'S Products Safe During Pregnancy?
We looked at 10 other Kiehl'S products. 3 are pregnancy safe (A or B grade), while 7 need a closer look.
| Grade | Product | Type |
|---|---|---|
| A | Daily Refining Milk-Peel Gentle Exfoliating Toner 6.8 Oz | toner |
| B+ | Crème De Corps Refill Pouch (1 L / 33.8 Fl Oz) | body lotion |
| B+ | Dermatologist Solutions Centella Sensitive Facial Cleanser | facial cleanser |
| C | Creamy Eye Treatment With Avocado .25 Oz | eye cream |
How Does Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane Compare to Other Face Creams?
We graded 1,117 Face Creams for pregnancy safety. Here's how they stack up:
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane earns a C grade, placing it among the majority of Face Creams. Only 2% of products in this category get an A grade, so it pays to choose carefully.
How Do We Score Products for Pregnancy Safety?
We analyze each product's ingredients and category to flag known risks and provide cautionary notices for general category safety concerns.
A - Safe
Excellent choice! All ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy.
What to do: Use with confidence.
B - Likely Safe
Pretty much safe with very minimal risk. Some ingredients may have limited pregnancy studies, but no significant safety concerns have been identified.
What to do: Use with confidence.
C - Limit
Contains ingredients with some pregnancy considerations. Research shows these ingredients may have limited safety data, potential for minor hormonal effects, or require caution based on animal studies.
What to do: Use sparingly and consider safer alternatives when available.
D - Caution
Similar to C grade but contains multiple cautionary ingredients. The combination increases overall concern.
What to do: Try to avoid if that makes you feel better. If you've already used it, no need to panic.
F - Avoid
Contains an ingredient Pregnancy Safe recommends avoiding during pregnancy. This may reflect an established risk or a precaution based on limited evidence; check the ingredient guidance and exposure context.
What to do: Do not use during pregnancy. If you've already used it, don't worry - contact your OBGYN if concerned.
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