Ingredient
Artemisia Annua Leaf Extract
Artemisia Annua Leaf Extract is flagged for pregnancy, trying to conceive and breastfeeding. The concern behind the strongest flag is fetal development.
- Sweet Wormwood Extract
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Verdict by profile
Truva checks every ingredient against six profiles. Jump to any of them for the full assessment.
- Strongest verdict
- Not Recommended
- Its verdict for pregnancy, the profile this one is worst in
- Profiles flagged
- 3 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 1 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Artemisia Annua Leaf Extract and pregnancy
Not Recommended
- Fetal development
Artemisia annua (sweet wormwood) is a plant containing artemisinin, a compound widely studied for its antimalarial properties. In cosmetics, the leaf extract is used for antimicrobial and antioxidant benefits, though at much lower concentrations than medicinal preparations. While oral artemisinin-based medications are contraindicated in the first trimester of pregnancy due to potential embryotoxicity observed in animal studies, topical cosmetic use involves minimal systemic absorption. However, the WHO and medical organizations recommend avoiding artemisinin compounds during the first trimester due to concerns about fetal development, particularly during organogenesis. Although cosmetic extracts contain much lower artemisinin levels than medications, and topical absorption is limited compared to oral administration, most healthcare providers recommend precautionary avoidance during pregnancy. ACOG does not provide specific guidance on topical Artemisia annua in cosmetics, but given the established concerns about oral artemisinin in pregnancy, many obstetricians and dermatologists advise pregnant women to avoid products containing this ingredient. The precautionary principle suggests choosing alternative antimicrobial and antioxidant ingredients with established pregnancy safety profiles.
Artemisia Annua Leaf Extract and breastfeeding
Caution Advised
- Passes into breast milk
Artemisia annua extract contains artemisinin and related compounds. While topical application results in much lower systemic absorption compared to oral medications, there is limited research on the transfer of artemisinin from topically applied cosmetics into breast milk. Oral artemisinin-based antimalarial drugs are generally avoided during breastfeeding in the first months of an infant's life due to theoretical concerns about infant exposure. While cosmetic topical use involves significantly less systemic absorption than oral medication, the lack of specific safety data for topical use during lactation means healthcare providers typically recommend caution. Given the absence of breastfeeding safety data for topical Artemisia annua and the known concerns about oral artemisinin compounds, most dermatologists and lactation consultants suggest postponing use or choosing alternative antimicrobial and antioxidant ingredients until after weaning.
Artemisia Annua Leaf Extract and postpartum
Safe to Use
For postpartum women who are not breastfeeding, Artemisia annua extract in cosmetics poses minimal concern. The antimicrobial and antioxidant properties can be beneficial for skin health, particularly if dealing with postpartum acne or inflammation. Without the concern of transfer to an infant through breast milk, topical use of products containing this extract is acceptable. The ingredient's anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects may help address common postpartum skin concerns including breakouts, inflammation, and sensitivity.
Artemisia Annua Leaf Extract and trying to conceive
Not Recommended
- Fetal development
For women trying to conceive, the same precautionary approach as early pregnancy is strongly recommended. Since the timing of conception is unknown and artemisinin compounds are contraindicated in the first trimester due to potential effects on early fetal development, it's advisable to avoid products containing Artemisia annua extract during the TTC period. Most doctors recommend treating the preconception period similarly to pregnancy when it comes to ingredients with known reproductive concerns. Given the established cautions about artemisinin in early pregnancy, women trying to conceive should choose alternative antimicrobial and antioxidant ingredients with established safety profiles.
Artemisia Annua Leaf Extract and PCOS
Safe to Use
Artemisia annua leaf extract has no known hormonal effects and is safe for women with PCOS. There is no evidence that topical application affects androgen levels, insulin sensitivity, or other PCOS-related hormonal factors. The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of the extract may actually be beneficial for PCOS-related skin concerns, particularly acne and inflammation. Many women with PCOS struggle with inflammatory skin conditions, and artemisia's antimicrobial effects can help manage breakouts without hormonal interference. Women with PCOS can use skincare products containing Artemisia annua extract without concern. The ingredient's antimicrobial properties make it particularly suitable for managing acne-prone skin common in PCOS.
Artemisia Annua Leaf Extract and general use
Safe to Use
- Common allergen
Artemisia annua leaf extract is an emerging ingredient in cosmetics, valued for its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. The plant has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, and modern cosmetic applications focus on its skin-beneficial compounds for managing acne, inflammation, and oxidative stress. For the general adult population (non-pregnant, non-breastfeeding), topical use of Artemisia annua extract in cosmetics is considered safe. The concentrations used in skincare are much lower than therapeutic doses of artemisinin used in malaria treatment. As with any botanical extract, some individuals may experience allergic reactions, particularly those sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae family. Patch testing is recommended for sensitive individuals. Artemisia annua extract is permitted in cosmetics in the EU and US. While oral artemisinin-based medications have specific medical indications and precautions, cosmetic topical use at typical concentrations is not associated with significant adverse effects for healthy, non-pregnant adults. The ingredient's favorable safety profile for general use, combined with its beneficial properties, makes it increasingly popular in skincare formulations targeting acne and aging.
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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