Ingredient
Mipa-Borate
Mipa-Borate is flagged for pregnancy, trying to conceive, breastfeeding, postpartum, PCOS and general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is fetal development and hormone disruptor.
- MIPA-Borate
- Monoisopropanolamine Borate
- 1-Propanamine borate
Verdict by profile
Truva checks every ingredient against six profiles. Jump to any of them for the full assessment.
- Strongest verdict
- Not Recommended
- Its verdict for pregnancy, the profile this one is worst in
- Profiles flagged
- 6 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 2 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Mipa-Borate and pregnancy
Not Recommended
- Fetal development
- Hormone disruptor
- Absorbed into the body
MIPA-Borate is a boron-containing compound used to control product viscosity. Boron compounds, including boric acid and borates, have been extensively studied for reproductive effects. The boron component can be absorbed through the skin and accumulate in the body. According to the SCCS, animal studies have demonstrated that boron compounds cause reproductive toxicity, including effects on fetal development and male fertility at high doses. The EU has classified boric acid and borates as Category 1B reproductive toxicants, meaning they are presumed to cause harm to human reproduction. ECHA states that boron compounds may damage fertility and the unborn child. While cosmetic concentrations are lower than those causing effects in animal studies, the EU applies the precautionary principle by restricting these compounds, especially during pregnancy. Due to the known reproductive toxicity of boron compounds, most dermatologists and obstetricians recommend pregnant women avoid products containing borates. The EU's classification as a Category 1B reproductive toxicant and restrictions on use reflect serious concerns about developmental effects. ACOG generally advises avoiding ingredients with known reproductive toxicity during pregnancy.
Mipa-Borate and breastfeeding
Not Recommended
- Passes into breast milk
- Infant exposure
MIPA-Borate contains boron, which can be absorbed through the skin and distributed throughout the body. Boron is excreted primarily through urine but can also appear in breast milk when maternal exposure is high. Studies have shown that boron from maternal diet or environmental exposure can transfer to breast milk. While boron is an essential trace element at very low levels, excessive infant exposure is concerning. The EU's restriction of borates in products for children under 3 years reflects concerns about boron toxicity in young children. Infants have immature kidney function and may not efficiently excrete boron, leading to potential accumulation. Healthcare providers generally recommend breastfeeding women avoid topical products with borates, especially leave-on formulations that may result in repeated exposure. The SCCS emphasizes that boron absorption from cosmetics should be minimized in vulnerable populations, including breastfeeding mothers. Alternative viscosity controllers without reproductive toxicity concerns are widely available.
Mipa-Borate and postpartum
Caution Advised
- Hormone disruptor
- Absorbed into the body
For postpartum women not breastfeeding, MIPA-Borate still presents concerns due to boron's classification as a reproductive toxicant. While not immediately planning pregnancy, the body's ability to accumulate boron means exposure should be limited. The EU's Category 1B classification for reproductive toxicity applies regardless of immediate pregnancy status. Women of reproductive age should generally minimize exposure to known reproductive toxicants. If planning to conceive again in the future, avoiding boron compounds is advisable as they can accumulate in tissues.
Mipa-Borate and trying to conceive
Not Recommended
- Fertility effects
- Hormone disruptor
- Builds up in tissue
For women trying to conceive, MIPA-Borate should be avoided due to boron's classification as a Category 1B reproductive toxicant by the EU. Animal studies have shown that boron compounds can affect fertility and early embryonic development. Boron accumulates in the body over time, so limiting exposure before conception is important. Fertility specialists generally recommend avoiding known reproductive toxicants when trying to conceive. The SCCS and ECHA both emphasize that boron compounds may damage fertility. While cosmetic exposure is lower than doses causing effects in animals, the precautionary principle strongly applies when actively trying to conceive. Stopping use before conception attempts allows time for any accumulated boron to clear from the body.
Mipa-Borate and PCOS
Caution Advised
- Interferes with hormones
Women with PCOS have existing hormonal imbalances, and while boron compounds primarily affect reproductive development rather than adult hormone levels, the endocrine-disrupting potential remains a concern. PCOS involves complex hormonal regulation, and minimizing exposure to compounds with any endocrine activity is generally advisable. No specific studies have examined boron compound effects in women with PCOS. However, the general reproductive toxicity and hormone-related effects documented in animal studies suggest caution. Boron can affect steroid hormone metabolism at high doses. Given PCOS is a hormone-sensitive condition and boron compounds are classified reproductive toxicants, many healthcare providers recommend women with PCOS choose alternative products. The endocrine-disrupting potential, even if not fully characterized for PCOS specifically, warrants a cautious approach.
Mipa-Borate and general use
Caution Advised
- Endocrine disruptor
- Absorbed into the body
MIPA-Borate is a boron-containing viscosity controller used in various cosmetic formulations. Boron compounds have been extensively studied due to concerns about reproductive toxicity, leading to regulatory restrictions in many regions. The SCCS has concluded that boron compounds can be absorbed through the skin and have shown reproductive effects in animal studies. The EU classifies boric acid and borates as Category 1B reproductive toxicants, presumed harmful to human reproduction. While cosmetic use involves lower concentrations than those causing toxicity in animal studies, cumulative exposure from multiple products is a concern. For the general population, especially women of reproductive age and children, regulatory bodies recommend limiting exposure to boron compounds. The EU restricts concentrations and prohibits use in products for young children. Consumers can easily find alternative products using other viscosity controllers without reproductive toxicity concerns. Men and post-menopausal women face lower risks, but the EU's classification suggests all consumers should minimize unnecessary exposure.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
Related ingredients
Ingredients suggested in place of Mipa-Borate, each one with its own page here.
Ingredients that raise the same concerns.
Where this came from
Truva summarises published guidance from bodies including ACOG, the FDA, the EU SCCS and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review. It has no access to your medical history and it is not a substitute for your doctor, dermatologist or midwife. These assessments have not been reviewed by a clinician, and nothing here is a diagnosis or a prescription. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or being treated for PCOS, take the ingredient list to the person looking after you.
Assessment last pulled from the ingredient database on .
One ingredient is the easy case.
A label has thirty of them. Truva reads the whole list at once and answers for the profile you set: pregnancy, breastfeeding, postpartum, trying to conceive, PCOS, or general use.
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