Ingredient
Chelidonium Majus Extract
Chelidonium Majus Extract is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding and general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body.
- Greater Celandine Extract
- Celandine Extract
- Swallow-wort Extract
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
- 3 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 3 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Chelidonium Majus Extract and pregnancy
Caution Advised
- Absorbed into the body
Chelidonium Majus Extract contains several bioactive alkaloids including sanguinarine, chelidonine, and berberine. These compounds have cytotoxic and antimicrobial properties and are traditionally used in herbal preparations for skin conditions like warts and viral infections. While topical absorption is generally limited, the alkaloids in greater celandine can penetrate skin, particularly on compromised or irritated areas. Oral consumption of Chelidonium majus is contraindicated during pregnancy due to potential hepatotoxicity and concerns about alkaloid effects on fetal development. Although topical cosmetic use involves much lower systemic exposure than oral intake, some herbalists and naturopathic practitioners recommend avoiding this botanical during pregnancy as a precautionary measure due to insufficient safety data. There are no specific regulatory guidelines from ACOG regarding topical Chelidonium majus in cosmetics, largely because it's not commonly used in mainstream cosmetic products. Given the known toxicity of its alkaloid constituents and the lack of pregnancy-specific safety data, many healthcare providers suggest that pregnant women choose alternative botanical ingredients with better-established safety profiles. The ingredient's irritation potential is also a concern during pregnancy when skin can be more sensitive.
Chelidonium Majus Extract and breastfeeding
Caution Advised
- Passes into breast milk
The alkaloids in Chelidonium Majus Extract, particularly berberine and sanguinarine, are lipophilic compounds that could theoretically transfer to breast milk if absorbed systemically. While topical cosmetic application results in minimal systemic absorption compared to oral use, the toxicity of these alkaloids raises theoretical concerns. Oral berberine supplements are contraindicated during breastfeeding due to potential effects on infant bilirubin metabolism and risk of kernicterus in newborns. While the amount absorbed from topical cosmetic use would be significantly lower, the lack of safety data and the known toxicity of the constituent alkaloids lead many lactation consultants and dermatologists to recommend avoiding this botanical during breastfeeding. There are safer botanical alternatives available that provide similar skincare benefits without the alkaloid-related concerns. Breastfeeding mothers should consider using products with ingredients that have better-established safety profiles.
Chelidonium Majus Extract and postpartum
Safe to Use
- Irritant
For postpartum women not breastfeeding, the primary concern with Chelidonium Majus Extract is its potential for skin irritation and contact sensitization. Postpartum skin can be more sensitive due to hormonal fluctuations, making reactions more likely. While there are no specific postpartum contraindications for this ingredient beyond breastfeeding concerns, the irritation potential and limited cosmetic benefits make it a less-than-ideal choice compared to gentler botanical alternatives.
Chelidonium Majus Extract and trying to conceive
Safe to Use
While oral consumption of Chelidonium majus is not recommended for women trying to conceive due to potential toxicity concerns, topical use in cosmetics involves minimal systemic absorption. There is no documented evidence linking topical cosmetic use of this extract to fertility issues. Women trying to conceive may choose to avoid this ingredient as a precautionary measure given its alkaloid content, though the risk from topical cosmetic use is considered low. Switching to products with better-studied botanicals may provide peace of mind during the preconception period.
Chelidonium Majus Extract and PCOS
Safe to Use
Chelidonium Majus Extract does not have known effects on hormonal pathways relevant to PCOS, including androgen production, insulin sensitivity, or reproductive function. The alkaloids in this extract work through different mechanisms unrelated to endocrine function. Women with PCOS can use products containing this ingredient from a hormonal perspective, though the general irritation concerns apply. Those with PCOS-related sensitive skin may want to avoid this ingredient due to its irritating alkaloid content. There are no specific PCOS-related contraindications for this ingredient, though more soothing botanicals would typically be preferred for PCOS-associated skin concerns.
Chelidonium Majus Extract and general use
Caution Advised
- Irritant
- Common allergen
Chelidonium Majus Extract is a controversial botanical ingredient in cosmetics due to its alkaloid content, particularly sanguinarine and berberine. While traditionally used in folk medicine for warts and skin lesions, its inclusion in cosmetic products raises safety concerns due to the cytotoxic nature of these compounds. The extract can cause significant skin irritation, allergic contact dermatitis, and sensitization reactions. Sanguinarine is particularly concerning as it has been associated with cellular damage and has been removed from oral healthcare products in many countries due to toxicity concerns. In cosmetics, the concentration is typically low, but sensitive individuals may still experience adverse reactions. Many dermatologists and cosmetic chemists question the risk-benefit profile of including this ingredient in skincare products, as there are numerous safer botanical alternatives that provide antimicrobial and skin-conditioning benefits without the alkaloid-related concerns. The general public should be aware of potential irritation and allergic reactions, and those with sensitive skin should avoid products containing this extract.
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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