Acorus Calamus Root Extract

Acorus Calamus Root Extract and pregnancy

Not Recommended

• Known teratogen
• Absorbed into the body

Acorus calamus (sweet flag) root extract comes from a plant traditionally used in herbal medicine but now known to contain β-asarone, a compound with concerning toxicological properties. While used for fragrance in some cosmetics, this botanical extract has raised safety red flags in scientific literature. According to toxicological studies, β-asarone found in acorus calamus has shown teratogenic and embryotoxic effects in animal studies. While topical absorption is generally lower than oral intake, the FDA banned this ingredient from foods in 1968 due to carcinogenicity and toxicity concerns. During pregnancy, when fetal development is most vulnerable, exposure to compounds with known toxic and potentially teratogenic properties should be avoided as a precautionary measure, even in cosmetic applications. The EU Cosmetics Regulation restricts acorus calamus in cosmetics, and many dermatologists and obstetricians recommend avoiding this ingredient during pregnancy. Given that it's used primarily for fragrance rather than therapeutic benefit, and safer alternatives exist, pregnant women should choose products without this extract to eliminate any potential risk to fetal development.

Acorus Calamus Root Extract and breastfeeding

Not Recommended

• Passes into breast milk
• Infant exposure

Acorus calamus root extract contains β-asarone, a compound with documented toxicity concerns including potential carcinogenicity and liver toxicity. While specific studies on transfer into breast milk are lacking, the compound's toxicological profile raises concerns for breastfed infants. The AAD and toxicology experts generally recommend avoiding ingredients with known toxic properties during breastfeeding, particularly when they serve non-essential functions like fragrance. While topical absorption is limited, β-asarone can be absorbed through skin, and given its fat-soluble nature and toxicity concerns, there is theoretical risk of trace amounts reaching breast milk and exposing the infant. Most healthcare providers recommend avoiding acorus calamus extract while breastfeeding as a precautionary measure. Since this ingredient serves primarily as a fragrance component, not a therapeutic one, and safer alternatives are widely available, it's prudent to choose products without this extract during the breastfeeding period.

Acorus Calamus Root Extract and postpartum

Caution Advised

• Carcinogen concern

Acorus calamus root extract contains β-asarone, which has raised toxicological concerns including potential carcinogenic effects in animal studies. While postpartum women not breastfeeding don't have infant exposure concerns, the ingredient's own safety profile remains questionable. For postpartum use when not breastfeeding, the concerns are the same as for the general population—primarily the long-term safety of repeated exposure to β-asarone. While occasional use in cosmetics with low concentrations might pose minimal risk, there are many safer fragrance options available. Given that postpartum skin can be more sensitive and the body is recovering from pregnancy, choosing ingredients with clearer safety profiles is advisable.

Acorus Calamus Root Extract and trying to conceive

Not Recommended

• Fertility effects
• Builds up in tissue

Acorus calamus root extract contains β-asarone, which has shown toxic effects in animal studies. When trying to conceive, it's advisable to minimize exposure to ingredients with concerning toxicological profiles, as the preconception period is important for optimizing health before pregnancy. While specific studies on fertility effects are lacking, the documented toxicity of β-asarone and its potential for bioaccumulation suggest it's prudent to avoid this ingredient when trying to conceive. Since you may become pregnant at any time when TTC, and this ingredient is contraindicated during pregnancy, discontinuing use beforehand is the safest approach. The ingredient serves only a fragrance function, so avoiding it doesn't sacrifice any therapeutic skincare benefits.

Acorus Calamus Root Extract and PCOS

Caution Advised

Acorus calamus root extract is primarily used for fragrance in cosmetics but contains β-asarone, a compound with toxicological concerns. For individuals with PCOS, there are no specific hormonal interactions or concerns beyond the general safety questions about this ingredient. There is no evidence that acorus calamus extract affects androgen levels, insulin sensitivity, or other PCOS-related hormonal factors. However, the general toxicity concerns about β-asarone apply regardless of PCOS status. For individuals with PCOS, the primary consideration is the same as for the general population—whether to use products containing an ingredient with documented toxicity concerns. Since PCOS doesn't change the risk-benefit profile of this ingredient, and safer fragrance options exist, many dermatologists would recommend alternatives, particularly for products used daily or in sensitive areas.

Acorus Calamus Root Extract and general use

Caution Advised

• Carcinogen concern

Acorus calamus root extract is used primarily as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, but it contains β-asarone, a compound that has raised significant safety concerns. Different varieties of the plant contain vastly different levels of this compound, with Asian varieties containing much higher concentrations than North American varieties. The FDA banned calamus from food use in 1968 after animal studies showed that β-asarone could cause liver tumors and other toxic effects. The EU restricts calamus oil in cosmetics. While cosmetic use involves lower exposure than oral consumption, and topical absorption is limited, repeated exposure to a potentially carcinogenic compound remains a concern for some toxicologists and dermatologists. For general consumers, the decision to use products with acorus calamus extract depends on individual risk tolerance. Some argue that low concentrations in cosmetics pose minimal risk, while others prefer to avoid ingredients with any carcinogenic potential. Given that this ingredient serves primarily a fragrance function and many safer alternatives exist, conservative consumers may choose to avoid it, particularly in products used daily or over large body areas.

Everything else flagged for the same profiles

• Flagged in pregnancy
• Flagged in breastfeeding
• Flagged in trying to conceive
• Flagged in postpartum
• Flagged in PCOS

Related ingredients

Ingredients that raise the same concerns.

• Symphytum Officinale Leaf ExtractCarcinogen concern, Known teratogen, Builds up in tissue
• 1-NaphtholCarcinogen concern, Known teratogen, Builds up in tissue
• DimethylacrylamideCarcinogen concern, Known teratogen, Builds up in tissue
• Basic Green 4Carcinogen concern, Known teratogen, Builds up in tissue
• Saussurea Lappa Root ExtractCarcinogen concern, Known teratogen, Builds up in tissue
• Linoleamide DEACarcinogen concern, Known teratogen, Builds up in tissue

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 15 September 2026.