Ingredient
Backhousia Citriodora Leaf Oil
Backhousia Citriodora Leaf Oil is flagged for pregnancy. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body and irritant.
- Lemon Myrtle Oil
- Lemon Myrtle Leaf Oil
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
- 3 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Backhousia Citriodora Leaf Oil and pregnancy
Caution Advised
- Absorbed into the body
- Irritant
Backhousia Citriodora Leaf Oil (Lemon Myrtle Oil) is an essential oil high in citral, used primarily for fragrance in cosmetics. Essential oils are concentrated volatile compounds that can penetrate skin more readily than many other cosmetic ingredients. There is limited specific data on topical use of Lemon Myrtle Oil during pregnancy. However, many aromatherapists and healthcare providers recommend caution with essential oils during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester, due to their potential for systemic absorption and concentrated nature. Essential oils high in specific compounds like citral may have theoretical concerns, though these are based on animal studies or aromatherapy guidelines rather than cosmetic use data. The main concern is not proven harm but rather lack of safety data combined with increased skin absorption potential. ACOG does not provide specific guidance on individual essential oils in cosmetics, but notes that pregnant women should be cautious with concentrated aromatherapy oils. Many dermatologists recommend that pregnant women limit exposure to fragrance oils, particularly in leave-on products, choosing fragrance-free options when possible. The concentration in cosmetics is typically much lower than in aromatherapy, but some practitioners still advise caution as a precautionary approach.
Backhousia Citriodora Leaf Oil and breastfeeding
Safe to Use
- Irritant
Backhousia Citriodora Leaf Oil is an essential oil used for fragrance in cosmetics. When used in typical cosmetic concentrations, the amount absorbed systemically is minimal, though essential oils have greater penetration than many other cosmetic ingredients. There is no specific data on transfer of Lemon Myrtle Oil components to breast milk. The primary concern is avoiding application directly on the breast area where the infant could ingest it through breastfeeding or skin contact. The high citral content makes this oil potentially irritating if transferred to infant skin or ingested. The AAD and lactation consultants generally consider fragrance oils in cosmetics acceptable for breastfeeding mothers when used on areas away from the breast. However, products applied to the chest area or hands (which frequently touch the baby) should be chosen more carefully. Most practitioners recommend avoiding application of strongly fragranced products on or near the breasts.
Backhousia Citriodora Leaf Oil and postpartum
Safe to Use
- Irritant
- Common allergen
Backhousia Citriodora Leaf Oil can be used by postpartum women not breastfeeding with the same considerations as the general population. The ingredient may provide antioxidant benefits along with its primary function as a natural fragrance. Postpartum skin may be more sensitive due to hormonal changes, so essential oils like Lemon Myrtle should be patch tested before regular use. Those with sensitive skin or a history of fragrance reactions may wish to choose fragrance-free alternatives during the postpartum period when skin can be more reactive.
Backhousia Citriodora Leaf Oil and trying to conceive
Safe to Use
Backhousia Citriodora Leaf Oil used in cosmetics has no known effects on fertility or conception. While aromatherapy guidelines sometimes recommend caution with essential oils when trying to conceive, these recommendations typically apply to concentrated aromatherapy use rather than cosmetic concentrations. Women trying to conceive can use products containing this essential oil in typical cosmetic formulations. Some may choose to switch to pregnancy-safe alternatives as a precautionary measure once actively trying, but this is not medically necessary based on available evidence for cosmetic use.
Backhousia Citriodora Leaf Oil and PCOS
Safe to Use
Backhousia Citriodora Leaf Oil is used primarily for fragrance and has no known effects on androgen levels, insulin sensitivity, or other hormonal factors relevant to PCOS. It does not interfere with PCOS management or treatment. Women with PCOS can use products containing this essential oil without hormonal concerns. However, those with PCOS-related sensitive or reactive skin should be aware of its potential for irritation, as with any fragrance ingredient. From a PCOS-specific standpoint, this ingredient is neutral. The decision to use it should be based on personal fragrance preferences and individual skin sensitivity rather than PCOS-related concerns.
Backhousia Citriodora Leaf Oil and general use
Safe to Use
- Irritant
- Common allergen
- Increases sun sensitivity
Backhousia Citriodora Leaf Oil, commonly known as Lemon Myrtle Oil, is an essential oil derived from an Australian native plant. It has a strong lemon scent due to its high citral content (typically 90-98%) and is used in cosmetics primarily as a natural fragrance and for its antimicrobial properties. The main concerns are skin irritation and allergic reactions, particularly in individuals with sensitive skin. Citral, the primary component, is a known fragrance allergen that can cause contact dermatitis and photosensitivity in some people. Essential oils in general are more likely to cause reactions than synthetic fragrances due to their complex mixture of compounds. However, when used in typical cosmetic concentrations (usually well below 1%), most people tolerate it without issues. The EU Cosmetics Regulation requires citral to be listed on labels when present above 0.001% in leave-on products or 0.01% in rinse-off products due to its allergenic potential. IFRA (International Fragrance Association) provides recommended usage levels for citral-containing oils. For the general population, this ingredient is considered safe when used within recommended concentrations, though those with sensitive skin or known fragrance allergies should patch test or avoid it.
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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