Ingredient
Apium Graveolens Leaf Extract
Apium Graveolens Leaf Extract is flagged for pregnancy, postpartum and general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is increases sun sensitivity and common allergen.
- Celery Leaf Extract
- Celery Extract
- Smallage Extract
Verdict by profile
Truva checks every ingredient against six profiles. Jump to any of them for the full assessment.
- Strongest verdict
- Caution Advised
- Its verdict for pregnancy, the profile this one is worst in
- Profiles flagged
- 3 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 3 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Apium Graveolens Leaf Extract and pregnancy
Caution Advised
- Increases sun sensitivity
- Common allergen
Apium graveolens (celery) leaf extract is used in cosmetics primarily for fragrance and antioxidant properties. The extract contains psoralens (furanocoumarins), particularly bergapten, which are photosensitizing compounds. It also contains flavonoids, vitamins, and volatile oils that contribute to its cosmetic properties. The main concern during pregnancy is the photosensitizing effect of psoralens, which can cause severe skin reactions when exposed to sunlight. Pregnant women are already at increased risk for melasma (pregnancy mask) and skin pigmentation changes due to hormonal fluctuations. Using a photosensitizing ingredient could significantly worsen these conditions. Celery extract applied topically and exposed to UV light can cause phytophotodermatitis, resulting in burns, blistering, and long-lasting hyperpigmentation. Additionally, some individuals may have allergic reactions to celery compounds, and pregnancy can alter immune responses and skin sensitivity. While there's no evidence that topical celery extract causes fetal harm, dermatologists generally advise pregnant women to avoid photosensitizing botanicals due to the increased pigmentation risk. If you're using a product with celery extract during pregnancy, apply only at night, use rigorous sun protection during the day (SPF 50+), and monitor for any skin reactions. Consider switching to non-photosensitizing alternatives for the duration of pregnancy.
Apium Graveolens Leaf Extract and breastfeeding
Safe to Use
- Increases sun sensitivity
- Common allergen
Celery leaf extract contains psoralens that cause photosensitivity, as well as antioxidant flavonoids and vitamins. The main concern for breastfeeding mothers is the photosensitizing effect rather than transfer to breast milk. Psoralens are not systemically absorbed in significant amounts through intact skin, and even if minimal absorption occurred, there's no evidence of milk transfer affecting infants. The primary consideration is photosensitivity for the mother herself. If applied to the chest area, there's also a theoretical concern about infant contact with residue, though the risk is minimal if the product is fully absorbed and the area is clean. Allergic reactions to celery compounds could occur regardless of breastfeeding status. Breastfeeding mothers can use celery extract in cosmetics with appropriate precautions: avoid application near the breast/nipple area, use strict sun protection, and apply only at night if possible. The AAD notes that photosensitizing botanicals require careful use with sun protection regardless of lactation status.
Apium Graveolens Leaf Extract and postpartum
Caution Advised
- Increases sun sensitivity
Celery leaf extract provides antioxidant and soothing benefits that could support postpartum skin recovery. However, the psoralens in the extract cause photosensitivity, which is problematic for postpartum women who may still have melasma or other pigmentation changes from pregnancy. The photosensitizing effect can worsen existing pigmentation issues if adequate sun protection isn't used consistently. Since many postpartum women are dealing with sleep deprivation and may not maintain strict skincare routines, a photosensitizing ingredient could be more risky than beneficial. Alternative antioxidant and soothing ingredients without photosensitivity concerns are generally preferred for postpartum skin care.
Apium Graveolens Leaf Extract and trying to conceive
Safe to Use
- Increases sun sensitivity
Celery leaf extract has no known effects on fertility, hormone levels, or reproductive health. The extract can be used topically by women trying to conceive without concerns about conception or early pregnancy. The compounds in celery extract are primarily antioxidants and fragrance components without hormonal activity. The only significant concern is photosensitivity, which affects all users equally regardless of fertility status. Women TTC should use appropriate sun protection if using celery extract-containing products. Since celery extract poses no reproductive risks, it doesn't need to be discontinued when trying to conceive or if conception occurs, though the photosensitizing properties may make it worth reconsidering during pregnancy.
Apium Graveolens Leaf Extract and PCOS
Safe to Use
- Increases sun sensitivity
Celery leaf extract contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that may benefit PCOS-related skin issues like acne and inflammation. The extract has no known hormonal activity and doesn't interact with androgen or insulin pathways affected in PCOS. The primary consideration is photosensitivity from psoralens. Women with PCOS who experience post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne should be particularly cautious, as photosensitizing ingredients can worsen pigmentation. If using products with celery extract, strict sun protection is essential. The extract can be safely used by women with PCOS if appropriate sun protection measures are followed. However, non-photosensitizing antioxidants may be better choices for those prone to hyperpigmentation. Celery extract has no impact on PCOS hormonal status or metabolic features.
Apium Graveolens Leaf Extract and general use
Caution Advised
- Increases sun sensitivity
- Common allergen
Apium graveolens leaf extract provides antioxidant, soothing, and fragrance benefits in cosmetics. The extract contains vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, and volatile oils. However, it also contains psoralens (furanocoumarins), particularly bergapten, which are potent photosensitizers. The primary safety concern is phytophotodermatitis—severe skin reactions when psoralen-containing products are exposed to UV light. This can cause immediate burning, redness, and blistering, followed by deep, long-lasting hyperpigmentation. Celery handlers and bartenders commonly experience this reaction. The extract can also cause allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals, particularly those with birch pollen allergy or oral allergy syndrome. Repeated exposure to psoralens with UV light may increase skin cancer risk over time, according to the SCCS. If using products containing celery extract, apply only at night and use broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen during the day. Avoid sun exposure for 24-48 hours after application. Discontinue use at least one week before beach vacations or significant sun exposure. Individuals with photosensitivity conditions, those taking photosensitizing medications, or those with fair skin should avoid this ingredient. Patch testing is recommended. The SCCS advises caution with psoralen-containing botanical extracts in cosmetics.
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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 .
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