Ingredient
Chelidonine
Chelidonine is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to conceive, postpartum, PCOS and general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body and fetal development.
- Chelidonium Alkaloid
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
- 6 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 4 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Chelidonine and pregnancy
Not Recommended
- Absorbed into the body
- Fetal development
Chelidonine is a toxic alkaloid derived from greater celandine (Chelidonium majus). It has antimicrobial and keratolytic properties but also significant toxicity concerns. The compound can be absorbed through the skin, especially if applied to damaged or compromised skin barriers. There is insufficient safety data on chelidonine use during pregnancy, but the compound's known hepatotoxicity and cytotoxic properties present theoretical risks to fetal development. The European Medicines Agency has documented cases of severe liver damage from celandine-containing products. Plant alkaloids can cross the placental barrier, and given chelidonine's toxicity profile, exposure during pregnancy could potentially affect fetal development. While specific guidelines from ACOG are not available for this rare cosmetic ingredient, the general medical recommendation is to avoid topical products containing plant alkaloids with known systemic toxicity during pregnancy. Most obstetricians and dermatologists would advise pregnant women to avoid cosmetics containing chelidonine due to the lack of safety data and known toxic properties of the compound.
Chelidonine and breastfeeding
Not Recommended
- Absorbed into the body
- Infant exposure
Chelidonine is a plant alkaloid with documented hepatotoxicity and cytotoxic effects. While data on its transfer into breast milk is not available, alkaloids are generally lipophilic compounds that can be distributed throughout body tissues and potentially secreted in breast milk. The European Medicines Agency's warnings about liver toxicity from celandine-containing products suggest that systemically absorbed chelidonine poses health risks. Given the potential for skin absorption and the serious nature of reported adverse effects, there is theoretical concern about infant exposure through breast milk or direct skin contact during feeding. Due to the compound's known toxicity and lack of safety data in breastfeeding, healthcare providers would recommend avoiding cosmetic products containing chelidonine while breastfeeding. The risk-benefit analysis strongly favors avoidance, as there are many safer alternatives for any intended cosmetic benefit.
Chelidonine and postpartum
Not Recommended
- Irritant
Chelidonine carries significant skin irritation risks and has documented hepatotoxicity when systemically absorbed. For postpartum women not breastfeeding, the primary concerns are the compound's irritant properties and potential systemic toxicity. The postpartum period often involves skin sensitivity and hormonal changes that could increase susceptibility to irritation. Given chelidonine's strong irritant profile and the availability of safer alternatives for any cosmetic purpose, postpartum women should avoid products containing this alkaloid regardless of breastfeeding status.
Chelidonine and trying to conceive
Not Recommended
- Absorbed into the body
Chelidonine's hepatotoxicity and cytotoxic properties raise concerns about use when trying to conceive. While specific fertility studies are lacking, the compound's systemic toxicity could theoretically affect overall health in ways that might impact conception. Women trying to conceive are advised to minimize exposure to compounds with known systemic toxicity. Given chelidonine's documented adverse effects and the availability of safer cosmetic alternatives, avoiding this ingredient before conception is a prudent precautionary measure.
Chelidonine and PCOS
Not Recommended
- Irritant
Chelidonine is a plant alkaloid with no demonstrated benefits for PCOS-related skin concerns. While it has antimicrobial properties that might theoretically help with acne, its significant irritant and toxic properties make it unsuitable for cosmetic use. Women with PCOS often have sensitive, acne-prone skin that is already prone to inflammation. Using chelidonine could exacerbate skin irritation and inflammation without providing meaningful benefits. The compound has no known effects on hormonal balance, androgen levels, or other metabolic aspects of PCOS. For PCOS-related acne or skin concerns, numerous safer and more effective alternatives exist. Dermatologists treating PCOS patients would not recommend products containing chelidonine due to its unfavorable risk-benefit profile.
Chelidonine and general use
Not Recommended
- Irritant
- Common allergen
Chelidonine is a toxic alkaloid from greater celandine that has been explored for antimicrobial and keratolytic applications in cosmetics, though it is rarely used in commercial products due to safety concerns. The European Medicines Agency has issued warnings about Chelidonium majus products following reports of severe hepatotoxicity, including cases requiring liver transplantation. While most documented cases involve oral consumption, topical application can cause significant skin irritation, chemical burns, and allergic contact dermatitis. The compound's cytotoxic properties and potential for systemic absorption make it unsuitable for routine cosmetic use. While not explicitly banned in cosmetics, chelidonine is considered a high-risk ingredient by safety experts. Reputable cosmetic manufacturers typically avoid using it due to liability concerns and the availability of safer alternatives. Consumers should avoid products listing chelidonine or Chelidonium majus extract high in the ingredient list.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
Related ingredients
Ingredients suggested in place of Chelidonine, each one with its own page here.
Ingredients that raise the same concerns.
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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