Ailanthus Altissima Bark Extract

Ailanthus Altissima Bark Extract and pregnancy

Caution Advised

• Absorbed into the body

Ailanthus Altissima Bark Extract is derived from the Tree of Heaven, a plant with a long history in traditional medicine. In cosmetics, it's used for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. The bark contains various bioactive compounds including quassinoids, alkaloids, and flavonoids. The concern during pregnancy stems from traditional medicine warnings about internal use of Ailanthus during pregnancy. In traditional Chinese medicine, the plant is sometimes used to induce menstruation and is contraindicated during pregnancy when taken orally. While topical use in cosmetics involves much lower doses and different absorption, there is insufficient data on whether the bioactive compounds can be absorbed through skin in amounts that could affect pregnancy. Quassinoids have been studied for various biological activities, but pregnancy-specific safety data for topical application is lacking. Due to the ingredient's traditional contraindications and lack of pregnancy-specific safety data, many healthcare providers recommend a precautionary approach. If you're using a product with this extract, consider whether it's essential or if you can switch to better-studied botanical alternatives during pregnancy. Products with this ingredient as a minor component (near the end of the ingredient list) pose less concern than those with higher concentrations.

Ailanthus Altissima Bark Extract and breastfeeding

Safe to Use

For breastfeeding mothers, topical use of Ailanthus Altissima Bark Extract in cosmetics poses minimal concern. The bioactive compounds in the extract are unlikely to be absorbed systemically in significant amounts from topical application. There is no evidence that compounds from this botanical enter breast milk through cosmetic use. The traditional medicine concerns relate to oral consumption, not topical application. As with any cosmetic ingredient, avoid applying products containing this extract directly to the nipple area or wash thoroughly before breastfeeding as a general precaution. While specific breastfeeding safety data is limited, the low systemic absorption from topical use and lack of documented concerns in lactation literature suggest this ingredient can be used with standard precautions during breastfeeding.

Ailanthus Altissima Bark Extract and postpartum

Safe to Use

For postpartum women not breastfeeding, Ailanthus Altissima Bark Extract can be used with standard precautions. The anti-inflammatory properties may help with skin sensitivity or irritation that some women experience postpartum. As with any botanical extract, watch for signs of individual sensitivity such as redness or itching. If you have sensitive skin or a history of plant allergies, patch test products containing this ingredient before regular use.

Ailanthus Altissima Bark Extract and trying to conceive

Caution Advised

For women trying to conceive, the same precautionary approach as early pregnancy is appropriate. Given the traditional medicine contraindications for pregnancy and the lack of specific safety data, consider using better-studied alternatives during the preconception period. While the risk from topical cosmetic use is likely low, many healthcare providers suggest avoiding ingredients with any pregnancy concerns when actively trying to conceive, since you may become pregnant while using the product.

Ailanthus Altissima Bark Extract and PCOS

Safe to Use

Ailanthus Altissima Bark Extract has no known hormonal activity relevant to PCOS. Its primary cosmetic benefits are anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which could potentially benefit skin affected by hormonal acne or inflammation. The ingredient does not affect androgen levels, insulin sensitivity, or other metabolic factors associated with PCOS. There is no evidence of interaction with PCOS medications such as metformin, spironolactone, or hormonal birth control. Women with PCOS can use products containing this extract, though as with any botanical ingredient, individual tolerance may vary. The anti-inflammatory properties might be beneficial for managing skin inflammation associated with PCOS.

Ailanthus Altissima Bark Extract and general use

Safe to Use

• Common allergen
• Irritant

For the general population, Ailanthus Altissima Bark Extract is generally safe when used in properly formulated cosmetic products. The extract contains quassinoids, which have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in laboratory studies. These compounds may help soothe irritated skin and protect against environmental stressors. The main consideration for general users is potential for allergic contact dermatitis. The fresh plant is known to cause skin reactions in some individuals, and while cosmetic extracts are processed differently, sensitive individuals may still react. People with known allergies to plants in the Simaroubaceae family or those with sensitive skin should patch test products containing this ingredient. The ingredient is relatively uncommon in Western cosmetics but appears in some K-beauty and natural skincare products. If you experience any irritation, redness, or itching after using a product with this extract, discontinue use. Overall, when used in moderate amounts in cosmetic formulations, it poses low risk for most users.

Everything else flagged for the same profiles

• Flagged in pregnancy
• Flagged in trying to conceive

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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.