Chrysanthemum Parthenium Extract

Chrysanthemum Parthenium Extract and pregnancy

Not Recommended

• Absorbed into the body
• Hormone disruptor

Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) is a botanical extract with anti-inflammatory properties used in skincare. However, feverfew has historically been used as an herbal medicine, including for menstrual regulation. Oral feverfew is contraindicated during pregnancy according to herbal medicine references, as it may stimulate the uterus and has been associated with uterine contraction. While topical absorption is lower than oral ingestion, the extent of systemic absorption from topical application is not well-studied. Many obstetricians and herbalists recommend avoiding feverfew during pregnancy due to its traditional use in affecting menstruation and theoretical uterine effects, particularly in the third trimester. Due to the lack of safety data on topical use during pregnancy and concerns about the oral form, many pregnant women choose to avoid products containing feverfew extract. Alternative soothing ingredients like colloidal oatmeal or allantoin are available without these theoretical concerns.

Chrysanthemum Parthenium Extract and breastfeeding

Safe to Use

• Passes into breast milk

Information on topical feverfew use during breastfeeding is limited. The oral form is sometimes cautioned against during lactation due to insufficient safety data and potential transfer to breast milk. Topical application in cosmetics would result in minimal systemic absorption compared to oral use. However, because feverfew contains bioactive compounds including parthenolides, and transfer to milk cannot be completely ruled out, some lactation consultants suggest caution. Many dermatologists consider topical use in skincare products to be low risk during breastfeeding given the minimal absorption. Women who are concerned may prefer alternative soothing ingredients until after weaning, though topical use is likely safe.

Chrysanthemum Parthenium Extract and postpartum

Safe to Use

For postpartum women who are not breastfeeding, feverfew extract in skincare products is safe to use. It provides anti-inflammatory and soothing benefits that may be helpful for irritated or sensitive postpartum skin. The ingredient can help calm redness and inflammation without concerns about milk transfer or hormonal effects in non-breastfeeding mothers. Some individuals may still experience allergic reactions if sensitive to Asteraceae plants.

Chrysanthemum Parthenium Extract and trying to conceive

Caution Advised

• Hormone disruptor

Due to feverfew's traditional use in herbal medicine for menstrual regulation and the precautions around pregnancy, some fertility specialists suggest avoiding oral feverfew when trying to conceive. The relevance of topical cosmetic use to fertility is unclear. While topical absorption is minimal, women actively trying to conceive may prefer to discontinue feverfew-containing products as a precautionary measure, particularly given its known uterine effects in oral form. Alternative soothing ingredients are available without these theoretical concerns.

Chrysanthemum Parthenium Extract and PCOS

Safe to Use

Feverfew extract provides anti-inflammatory benefits that may be helpful for inflammatory skin conditions sometimes associated with PCOS, such as acne. There is no evidence that topical feverfew affects hormone levels or PCOS symptoms. The ingredient's soothing and anti-inflammatory properties can support skin health in women with PCOS without interfering with hormonal balance or metabolic management. Women with PCOS can safely use skincare products containing feverfew extract. The main consideration is individual sensitivity to the botanical, rather than any PCOS-specific concerns.

Chrysanthemum Parthenium Extract and general use

Safe to Use

• Common allergen

Feverfew extract is valued in skincare for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It contains parthenolides and other compounds that help calm irritated skin and reduce redness. The main concern with topical feverfew is potential for allergic contact dermatitis, particularly in individuals sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae family (which includes ragweed, chrysanthemums, and daisies). Patch testing may be advisable for those with known plant allergies. For the general population without plant sensitivities, feverfew extract is considered a beneficial soothing ingredient in cosmetics. It's particularly useful in products formulated for sensitive or reactive skin.

Everything else flagged for the same profiles

• Flagged in pregnancy
• Flagged in trying to conceive

Related ingredients

Ingredients suggested in place of Chrysanthemum Parthenium Extract, each one with its own page here.

• Colloidal Oatmeal
• Allantoin
• Bisabolol

Ingredients that raise the same concerns.

• PropylparabenHormone disruptor, Passes into breast milk, Common allergen
• Lavandula Angustifolia OilHormone disruptor, Passes into breast milk, Common allergen
• OctocryleneHormone disruptor, Passes into breast milk, Common allergen
• Benzophenone-3Hormone disruptor, Passes into breast milk, Common allergen
• Arnica Montana Flower ExtractHormone disruptor, Passes into breast milk, Common allergen
• Pelargonium Graveolens OilHormone disruptor, Passes into breast milk, Common allergen

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 15 September 2026.