Ingredient
Bursera Graveolens Wood Oil
Bursera Graveolens Wood Oil is flagged for pregnancy. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body.
- Palo Santo Oil
- Holy Wood 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
- 2 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Bursera Graveolens Wood Oil and pregnancy
Caution Advised
- Absorbed into the body
Bursera graveolens wood oil is an essential oil derived from Palo Santo wood, used for its aromatic properties in skincare and cosmetic products. Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that can penetrate the skin barrier. While specific pregnancy studies on Palo Santo oil are limited, many aromatherapists and obstetricians recommend caution with essential oils during pregnancy due to their potent bioactive compounds and potential for systemic absorption. Some essential oils have been associated with uterine stimulation or hormonal effects, though data specific to Bursera graveolens is lacking. The concentrated nature of essential oils means small amounts can have significant physiological effects. There is no explicit guidance from ACOG or the FDA prohibiting this specific essential oil during pregnancy. However, many healthcare providers suggest avoiding or minimizing exposure to non-essential fragrance ingredients during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester when organ development occurs. Given the lack of safety data and the general concerns around essential oils in pregnancy, a cautious approach is warranted.
Bursera Graveolens Wood Oil and breastfeeding
Safe to Use
Bursera graveolens wood oil is used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetic products. When applied topically in cosmetic formulations, the amount that would reach systemic circulation and transfer to breast milk is expected to be minimal. There is no specific evidence suggesting that topical use of Palo Santo oil in cosmetic products poses risks to breastfed infants. The primary concern with essential oils during breastfeeding relates to direct application near the breast or nipple area where the infant could ingest it, or potential skin irritation to the mother that could affect breastfeeding comfort. Most dermatologists consider fragrance ingredients in standard cosmetic products acceptable during breastfeeding when used as directed. Avoid applying products containing this or other essential oils directly to the breast area, and ensure hands are washed before handling the infant if products have been recently applied.
Bursera Graveolens Wood Oil and postpartum
Safe to Use
- Common allergen
Bursera graveolens wood oil can be used in cosmetic products during the postpartum period for non-breastfeeding individuals. The main consideration is potential for skin sensitivity, which may be heightened during the postpartum period due to hormonal changes. Postpartum skin can experience increased sensitivity and reactivity. If you have not used products containing this essential oil before, consider patch testing before full application. The fragrance may provide aromatherapeutic benefits that some find relaxing, though individual responses vary.
Bursera Graveolens Wood Oil and trying to conceive
Safe to Use
Bursera graveolens wood oil has no documented effects on fertility or conception. While some essential oils have shown hormonal activity in laboratory studies, there is no specific evidence that topical use of Palo Santo oil in cosmetic products affects reproductive function. The conservative approach during preconception is similar to early pregnancy—minimizing exposure to unnecessary chemicals when possible. However, the use of this fragrance ingredient in standard cosmetic products is not known to impact fertility or create risks that would necessitate avoidance when trying to conceive.
Bursera Graveolens Wood Oil and PCOS
Safe to Use
Bursera graveolens wood oil is a fragrance ingredient with no known effects on androgen levels, insulin sensitivity, or other hormonal pathways relevant to PCOS. There is no evidence suggesting it interferes with PCOS symptoms or hormone balance. The primary consideration for individuals with PCOS is the same as for the general population—potential for allergic reaction or skin irritation. Some individuals with PCOS may have more reactive skin due to hormonal fluctuations, but this is not specific to this ingredient. This essential oil can be safely used by individuals with PCOS in standard cosmetic formulations. There are no known interactions with PCOS medications or treatments.
Bursera Graveolens Wood Oil and general use
Safe to Use
- Common allergen
- Irritant
Bursera graveolens wood oil (Palo Santo oil) is an essential oil used primarily for its woody, slightly sweet fragrance in cosmetic and personal care products. It's valued in aromatherapy and natural product formulations. As with all essential oils and fragrance ingredients, there is potential for allergic contact dermatitis or skin sensitization in susceptible individuals. Essential oils are complex mixtures of volatile compounds that can trigger reactions. The concentration used in cosmetic products is typically much lower than pure essential oil, which reduces but does not eliminate this risk. The EU Cosmetics Regulation requires allergen labeling for certain fragrance components when present above threshold levels. While generally considered safe for use in cosmetics at appropriate concentrations, individuals with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies may wish to avoid or patch test products containing this ingredient.
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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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