Ingredient
Cinnamomum Camphora Leaf Extract
Cinnamomum Camphora Leaf Extract is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding and trying to conceive. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body and fetal development.
- Camphor Leaf Extract
- Camphor Tree Leaf Extract
- Cinnamomum camphora extract
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
- 3 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 3 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Cinnamomum Camphora Leaf Extract and pregnancy
Not Recommended
- Absorbed into the body
- Fetal development
- Known teratogen
Cinnamomum camphora leaf extract is derived from the camphor tree and contains camphor, a volatile terpenoid compound known for its characteristic cooling and aromatic properties. This extract is sometimes used in cosmetics for its antimicrobial and refreshing effects. The primary concern with this ingredient during pregnancy is the camphor content. Camphor is readily absorbed through the skin and can cross the placental barrier. According to multiple sources including published case reports, excessive camphor exposure during pregnancy has been associated with fetal toxicity and potential developmental concerns. While cosmetic concentrations are lower than medicinal preparations, the absorption potential remains a concern. The volatile nature of camphor means it can be absorbed not only through skin but also through inhalation. Studies have shown that camphor can accumulate in fetal tissues. Many obstetricians and dermatologists recommend avoiding camphor-containing products during pregnancy as a precautionary measure. While the EU allows regulated amounts of camphor in cosmetics, most medical professionals advise pregnant women to choose camphor-free alternatives given the established mechanism of placental transfer and potential fetal exposure. ACOG does not have specific guidelines on topical camphor use, but the general medical consensus favors avoidance during pregnancy.
Cinnamomum Camphora Leaf Extract and breastfeeding
Not Recommended
- Infant exposure
- Absorbed into the body
- Passes into breast milk
Cinnamomum camphora leaf extract contains camphor, which is readily absorbed through the skin and can enter the bloodstream. This creates concerns for breastfeeding mothers due to potential transfer to breast milk and direct infant exposure. Camphor can be detected in breast milk following maternal absorption. While the amount transferred depends on the concentration and extent of application, even small amounts may pose risks to breastfed infants. Babies have immature metabolic systems and are particularly vulnerable to camphor toxicity. Symptoms of camphor exposure in infants can include irritability, seizures in severe cases, and respiratory distress. Additionally, products containing camphor applied to the chest or areas near where an infant nurses create direct exposure risks through skin contact or inhalation. The AAD and pediatric organizations generally recommend that breastfeeding mothers avoid camphor-containing products, particularly on areas that may come in contact with the infant. Some sources note that products with low concentrations applied to areas away from the breast may pose lower risk, but most lactation consultants and pediatricians advise choosing camphor-free alternatives to eliminate any potential infant exposure.
Cinnamomum Camphora Leaf Extract and postpartum
Safe to Use
- Irritant
For postpartum women who are not breastfeeding, cinnamomum camphora leaf extract carries primarily irritation concerns rather than systemic safety issues. The cooling and anti-inflammatory properties may provide benefits for some skin concerns. The main consideration is individual sensitivity, as camphor can be irritating to some skin types, particularly if postpartum hormonal changes have affected skin sensitivity. Patch testing is advisable, and the product should be avoided on broken or compromised skin. When used appropriately in cosmetic formulations at regulated concentrations, this ingredient poses low systemic risk for non-breastfeeding postpartum women.
Cinnamomum Camphora Leaf Extract and trying to conceive
Caution Advised
- Builds up in tissue
While cinnamomum camphora leaf extract has no known direct effects on fertility, women trying to conceive should consider that this ingredient is rated as high-risk for pregnancy. Given that conception may occur at any time during the TTC period, and that early pregnancy is a critical developmental window, it's prudent to avoid ingredients that would be problematic in pregnancy. Many doctors recommend establishing a pregnancy-safe skincare routine before actively trying to conceive. Since camphor-containing products should be avoided during pregnancy due to placental transfer concerns, women in the TTC phase may choose to discontinue use of products containing this extract as a precautionary approach.
Cinnamomum Camphora Leaf Extract and PCOS
Safe to Use
Cinnamomum camphora leaf extract has no known hormonal activity or endocrine-disrupting properties. The camphor and other compounds in this extract work through entirely different mechanisms and do not interact with androgens, estrogen, or insulin pathways. For women with PCOS who may experience oily skin or acne, this extract's antimicrobial and oil-controlling properties may provide benefits. However, individuals with sensitive or inflamed acne should be cautious, as the camphor content can be irritating to some skin types. From a hormonal and metabolic perspective, this ingredient poses no concerns for women with PCOS. The primary consideration is skin sensitivity rather than any interaction with PCOS pathophysiology.
Cinnamomum Camphora Leaf Extract and general use
Safe to Use
- Irritant
- Can sensitise skin
Cinnamomum camphora leaf extract is derived from the camphor tree and contains camphor along with various other volatile compounds and terpenes. It provides a characteristic cooling sensation and is valued in cosmetics for its aromatic, antimicrobial, and refreshing properties. The extract has been used in traditional medicine and personal care products for centuries. The main concerns with this ingredient relate to its potential for skin irritation and sensitization, particularly in individuals with sensitive skin or at higher concentrations. Camphor is absorbed through the skin and can cause irritation to the skin and mucous membranes. Some individuals may experience allergic reactions or contact dermatitis with repeated use. The cooling sensation, while pleasant to many, is actually a form of mild irritation. People with asthma or respiratory sensitivities should be cautious with products containing this aromatic extract. Camphor is regulated in cosmetics by both EU and US authorities. The EU Cosmetics Regulation sets maximum concentrations for camphor in various product types (up to 11% in certain oral products, lower limits for skin products). The FDA regulates camphor as both a cosmetic ingredient and an active drug ingredient depending on concentration and claims. When used at regulated concentrations in cosmetic formulations, the ingredient is considered safe for the general adult population without pregnancy or breastfeeding considerations.
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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