Apium Graveolens Seed Oil

Apium Graveolens Seed Oil and pregnancy

Caution Advised

• Absorbed into the body
• Hormone disruptor

Celery seed oil is an essential oil extracted from Apium graveolens seeds, used in cosmetics for fragrance. Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that can be absorbed through the skin. While specific pregnancy studies on topical celery seed oil are limited, essential oils in general raise concerns during pregnancy due to their chemical complexity and potential for systemic absorption. Some compounds in celery seed oil have been traditionally associated with uterine stimulation in herbal medicine, though evidence for topical cosmetic use is unclear. The oil contains various bioactive compounds including phthalides and furanocoumarins that have not been adequately studied for safety in pregnancy. Many aromatherapists and healthcare providers recommend caution with essential oils during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester when organ development occurs. While small amounts in cosmetic formulations are likely less concerning than concentrated use, the limited safety data for this specific oil during pregnancy warrants a cautious approach.

Apium Graveolens Seed Oil and breastfeeding

Safe to Use

• Common allergen

Celery seed oil is used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics. While specific breastfeeding safety data is limited, topical essential oil use typically results in minimal systemic absorption when used in cosmetic formulations. There are no specific warnings about celery seed oil and breastfeeding from major medical organizations. Topical application in cosmetics is generally considered to result in minimal transfer to breast milk. The primary concern would be potential skin irritation or allergic reactions in the mother, rather than infant exposure. Most dermatologists consider essential oils in cosmetic concentrations acceptable during breastfeeding, though individual sensitivity should be considered. Using products on areas away from where the infant feeds further minimizes any theoretical exposure risk.

Apium Graveolens Seed Oil and postpartum

Safe to Use

• Common allergen

Celery seed oil functions as a fragrance ingredient and contains antioxidant compounds that may provide mild skin-protective benefits. For postpartum women not breastfeeding, the primary considerations are the same as for the general population. The oil may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals and contains photosensitizing compounds that can increase sun sensitivity. These concerns are standard for many essential oils but are not specific to the postpartum period. Women recovering from pregnancy may have more sensitive skin temporarily, so patch testing new fragranced products is advisable.

Apium Graveolens Seed Oil and trying to conceive

Safe to Use

Celery seed oil is used for fragrance in cosmetics. While there is limited specific data on fertility effects, topical use of essential oils in cosmetic concentrations is generally considered low-risk for women trying to conceive. There are no documented fertility concerns with topical celery seed oil use in cosmetic products. Women may choose to avoid it during the two-week wait period if they prefer to follow pregnancy precautions, but this is a personal choice rather than a medical recommendation. The conservative approach would be to treat the post-ovulation phase as early pregnancy.

Apium Graveolens Seed Oil and PCOS

Safe to Use

Celery seed oil is a fragrance ingredient with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. There is no evidence that it affects androgen levels, insulin sensitivity, or other hormonal factors relevant to PCOS. The antioxidant compounds in celery seed oil may provide mild benefits for skin inflammation, which can be helpful for women with PCOS who experience acne or skin irritation. However, these benefits are modest and the primary function in cosmetics is fragrance rather than treatment. Women with PCOS can use products containing celery seed oil without concern for hormonal interference. The main consideration is individual skin sensitivity, as some women with PCOS have reactive skin that may respond to fragrance ingredients.

Apium Graveolens Seed Oil and general use

Safe to Use

• Common allergen
• Increases sun sensitivity

Celery seed oil is an essential oil used primarily for fragrance in cosmetic products. It contains various bioactive compounds including antioxidants that may provide minor skin benefits, though its primary function is scent rather than active treatment. The main concerns with celery seed oil are potential allergic reactions and photosensitivity. Like many essential oils and fragrance ingredients, it can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. The oil contains furanocoumarins, compounds that can increase skin's sensitivity to UV radiation, potentially leading to phototoxic reactions if exposed to sunlight after application. For most people, celery seed oil in cosmetic concentrations is well-tolerated. Those with sensitive skin, fragrance allergies, or sun sensitivity should exercise caution. Using products containing this ingredient in the evening or ensuring adequate sun protection during the day can minimize photosensitivity risks.

Everything else flagged for the same profiles

• Flagged in pregnancy

Related ingredients

Ingredients that raise the same concerns.

• Lavandula Hybrida OilIncreases sun sensitivity, Hormone disruptor, Common allergen
• Ocimum Basilicum OilIncreases sun sensitivity, Hormone disruptor, Common allergen
• Juniperus Communis Fruit OilIncreases sun sensitivity, Hormone disruptor, Common allergen
• Foeniculum Vulgare Fruit ExtractIncreases sun sensitivity, Hormone disruptor, Common allergen
• Thymus Vulgaris OilIncreases sun sensitivity, Hormone disruptor, Common allergen
• EtocryleneIncreases sun sensitivity, Hormone disruptor, Common allergen

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.