Ingredient
Artemisia Absinthium Extract
Artemisia Absinthium Extract is flagged for pregnancy and breastfeeding. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body.
- Wormwood Extract
- Absinthe Extract
- Common Wormwood
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
- 2 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 2 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Artemisia Absinthium Extract and pregnancy
Caution Advised
- Absorbed into the body
Artemisia Absinthium Extract, commonly known as wormwood extract, is a botanical ingredient used in cosmetics for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The plant contains thujone, a compound that has neurotoxic properties when consumed in high amounts. While ingested wormwood is contraindicated during pregnancy due to potential uterine stimulant effects and thujone's neurotoxicity, specific data on topical use in cosmetics is limited. The concentration of thujone in cosmetic products is much lower than in oral preparations, and topical absorption through intact skin is minimal. However, due to wormwood's known effects when taken internally and the theoretical risk of absorption, many healthcare providers recommend caution. ACOG does not specifically address topical wormwood extract, but the known risks of oral wormwood during pregnancy lead most practitioners to recommend avoiding unnecessary exposure. While the risk from cosmetic use appears low, the limited safety data and presence of bioactive compounds suggest a precautionary approach is warranted, particularly during the first trimester.
Artemisia Absinthium Extract and breastfeeding
Caution Advised
- Passes into breast milk
Artemisia Absinthium Extract contains thujone and other volatile compounds that are known to pass into breast milk when the herb is consumed orally. Thujone can be neurotoxic to infants even in small amounts. While topical cosmetic use involves much lower concentrations and minimal systemic absorption compared to oral consumption, specific studies on topical wormwood extract during breastfeeding are lacking. Due to the theoretical risk of thujone transfer to breast milk even from topical application, and the known dangers of thujone exposure to infants, most healthcare providers recommend avoiding wormwood-containing products while breastfeeding. The AAD and lactation consultants generally advise avoiding herbs with known toxicity concerns during breastfeeding when safer alternatives are available. Given the documented risks of thujone to infants and the availability of many alternative botanical extracts, a conservative approach is recommended.
Artemisia Absinthium Extract and postpartum
Safe to Use
Artemisia Absinthium Extract can be used with minimal concern in postpartum women who are not breastfeeding. The ingredient may provide anti-inflammatory benefits for skin recovering from pregnancy-related changes. For women not breastfeeding, there are no specific postpartum contraindications to topical wormwood extract in cosmetics. However, individuals with sensitive skin should be aware of potential irritation from this botanical ingredient.
Artemisia Absinthium Extract and trying to conceive
Safe to Use
Artemisia Absinthium Extract used topically in cosmetics has no documented impact on fertility or conception when applied to the skin. While oral wormwood consumption is not recommended when trying to conceive, topical cosmetic use involves minimal systemic absorption. Some women prefer to transition to pregnancy-safe skincare when actively trying to conceive. While topical wormwood extract in cosmetics likely poses minimal risk, switching to alternatives may provide peace of mind given the lack of specific safety data and the known concerns with oral consumption.
Artemisia Absinthium Extract and PCOS
Safe to Use
Artemisia Absinthium Extract is a botanical ingredient with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that may be beneficial for managing inflammatory skin conditions associated with PCOS, such as acne. There is no evidence that topical wormwood extract affects hormone levels or interferes with PCOS management when used in cosmetic products. The ingredient does not have known estrogenic or androgenic activity that would impact hormonal balance. Women with PCOS can safely use cosmetic products containing artemisia absinthium extract. The anti-inflammatory properties may actually be helpful for managing acne or skin inflammation common in PCOS, though individuals with sensitive skin should monitor for any irritation.
Artemisia Absinthium Extract and general use
Safe to Use
- Common allergen
- Irritant
Artemisia Absinthium Extract, derived from the wormwood plant, is used in cosmetics for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. The plant contains various bioactive compounds including thujone, flavonoids, and phenolic acids that contribute to its skin benefits. The main concern for general use is potential skin irritation or allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. The bitter compounds and volatile oils in wormwood can cause mild irritation in some people. However, the concentrations used in cosmetics are generally well-tolerated by most users and are far lower than the levels that cause toxicity from oral consumption. Topical wormwood extract in cosmetics is permitted in both the EU and US. When used as directed in cosmetic formulations, it has a reasonable safety profile. It's most commonly found in products targeting oily or acne-prone skin due to its antimicrobial properties.
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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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