Ingredient
Apium Graveolens Root/Seed Extract
Apium Graveolens Root/Seed Extract is flagged for pregnancy. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body and hormone disruptor.
- Celery Root Extract
- Celery Seed 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
- 1 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 1 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Apium Graveolens Root/Seed Extract and pregnancy
Caution Advised
- Absorbed into the body
- Hormone disruptor
Apium Graveolens (celery) Root/Seed Extract contains various bioactive compounds including psoralens, apigenin, and essential oils. While celery as a food is safe during pregnancy, concentrated extracts may contain higher levels of compounds with pharmacological activity. Traditional medicine has historically used celery seed extracts as an emmenagogue (to stimulate menstruation) and there is some evidence that high doses of celery seed oil can stimulate uterine contractions. While topical cosmetic use involves much lower exposure than medicinal oral doses, the presence of bioactive compounds warrants caution. Some herbalists recommend avoiding concentrated celery seed extracts during pregnancy due to these traditional uses. No major regulatory agency has issued specific warnings about topical celery extract during pregnancy, but the traditional medicinal uses and lack of safety studies on pregnant women lead many healthcare providers to recommend avoiding concentrated extracts as a precautionary measure. The photosensitizing psoralens present also increase skin sensitivity during pregnancy.
Apium Graveolens Root/Seed Extract and breastfeeding
Safe to Use
Apium Graveolens Root/Seed Extract used topically in cosmetics presents minimal concern for breastfeeding mothers. While celery is sometimes cited as a galactagogue (milk production stimulant) when consumed as food, topical application of the extract in skincare products results in much lower systemic exposure. The main consideration with this ingredient during breastfeeding is the photosensitizing effect from psoralens, which could make skin more sensitive to sun damage. There is no documented evidence of compounds from topical celery extract transferring into breast milk in amounts that would affect breastfed infants. No medical organizations have issued specific warnings against topical use during breastfeeding. The ingredient can generally be used safely, though sun protection is advised due to the photosensitizing properties.
Apium Graveolens Root/Seed Extract and postpartum
Safe to Use
- Increases sun sensitivity
Apium Graveolens Root/Seed Extract can be used safely by postpartum women who are not breastfeeding. The antioxidant properties may provide some benefits for skin health during this period. The primary consideration is the photosensitizing effect of psoralens in the extract, which requires diligent sun protection. Otherwise, there are no specific contraindications for postpartum use.
Apium Graveolens Root/Seed Extract and trying to conceive
Safe to Use
Apium Graveolens Root/Seed Extract used topically in cosmetics is unlikely to affect fertility or conception. While oral celery seed extracts in high doses have traditional uses related to menstruation, topical cosmetic applications involve much lower exposure. Women trying to conceive can generally use products containing this extract without concern, though some may choose to be cautious given the traditional medicinal uses of oral celery seed preparations. Most fertility specialists do not flag topical celery extracts as concerning.
Apium Graveolens Root/Seed Extract and PCOS
Safe to Use
Apium Graveolens Root/Seed Extract contains antioxidant compounds that may benefit skin health in women with PCOS. There is no evidence that the topical use of this extract affects hormonal balance or insulin sensitivity. Some research suggests that celery extracts have anti-inflammatory properties, which could be beneficial for inflammatory skin conditions often associated with PCOS. The ingredient does not appear to have androgenic or estrogenic activity that would negatively impact PCOS. This ingredient is considered safe for women with PCOS. The main consideration is using appropriate sun protection due to the photosensitizing properties of the extract.
Apium Graveolens Root/Seed Extract and general use
Safe to Use
- Increases sun sensitivity
- Common allergen
Apium Graveolens Root/Seed Extract provides antioxidant benefits in skincare formulations. It contains vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds that can support skin health. The primary concern with this ingredient is its photosensitizing potential due to naturally occurring psoralens (furocoumarins). These compounds can increase skin's sensitivity to UV radiation, potentially leading to sunburn or pigmentation issues if adequate sun protection is not used. Individuals with known celery allergies or sensitivities to plants in the Apiaceae family should also be cautious. According to the SCCS, furocoumarins in cosmetic products can pose risks, particularly when used in leave-on products without adequate sun protection. Users should apply broad-spectrum sunscreen when using products containing this extract. Allergic reactions are possible but relatively uncommon.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
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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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