Ingredient
Cinnamomum Camphora Leaf Oil
Cinnamomum Camphora Leaf Oil is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to conceive, postpartum and general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body and fetal development.
- Camphor Tree Leaf Oil
- Camphor Oil
- Ho Wood Oil
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
- 5 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 3 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Cinnamomum Camphora Leaf Oil and pregnancy
Not Recommended
- Absorbed into the body
- Fetal development
Cinnamomum Camphora Leaf Oil is an essential oil derived from camphor tree leaves, containing camphor and other volatile compounds. It's used in cosmetics for fragrance and purported antimicrobial properties. Camphor is known to cross the placental barrier and can be absorbed through the skin, particularly when used in higher concentrations or on large surface areas. According to ACOG and multiple obstetric guidelines, camphor-containing products should be avoided during pregnancy due to potential neurotoxicity and fetal harm. Animal studies have shown that camphor exposure during pregnancy can affect fetal development. While topical cosmetic use involves lower concentrations than medicinal products, the compound's ability to be absorbed systemically and cross the placenta makes it a concern throughout pregnancy. The EU Cosmetics Regulation restricts camphor concentrations in products, but many healthcare providers recommend that pregnant women avoid camphor entirely, including essential oils containing it. The FDA does not specifically regulate cosmetic use, but camphor is recognized as having reproductive concerns. Alternative fragrance ingredients or essential oils without camphor should be used instead.
Cinnamomum Camphora Leaf Oil and breastfeeding
Not Recommended
- Passes into breast milk
- Infant exposure
Cinnamomum Camphora Leaf Oil contains camphor and other volatile compounds that can be absorbed through skin, particularly with repeated application or use on large areas. Camphor is lipophilic and can accumulate in fatty tissues. According to lactation safety resources, camphor can pass into breast milk and poses risks to breastfed infants, including potential neurotoxicity. Even topical application can result in systemic absorption sufficient to transfer into milk. The National Library of Medicine's LactMed database notes concerns about camphor exposure in breastfeeding. Essential oils containing camphor should be avoided during breastfeeding, particularly near the breast area. Many lactation consultants and pediatricians recommend avoiding products containing camphor oil while breastfeeding. If the product is used on areas away from the breast, minimal use on small surface areas may pose lower risk, but safer alternatives are strongly preferred. Never apply near the breast area or where an infant might come into contact with the product.
Cinnamomum Camphora Leaf Oil and postpartum
Caution Advised
- Irritant
Cinnamomum Camphora Leaf Oil can be irritating to sensitive postpartum skin. While there are no specific breastfeeding concerns for non-breastfeeding mothers, postpartum skin is often more reactive due to hormonal changes. If using this ingredient postpartum, be aware of increased skin sensitivity and potential for irritation. The oil's strong fragrance and camphor content make it less ideal for postpartum skin that may already be compromised. Consider gentler alternatives if experiencing sensitivity.
Cinnamomum Camphora Leaf Oil and trying to conceive
Not Recommended
- Builds up in tissue
Given that camphor-containing products are contraindicated in pregnancy and camphor can accumulate in fatty tissues, women actively trying to conceive should discontinue use of products containing Cinnamomum Camphora Leaf Oil as a precautionary measure. While there is no specific evidence that topical camphor affects fertility, discontinuing use before conception ensures no exposure during the critical early weeks of pregnancy when fetal organ development begins and pregnancy may not yet be detected. Most obstetricians recommend establishing a pregnancy-safe skincare routine before conception.
Cinnamomum Camphora Leaf Oil and PCOS
Safe to Use
- Irritant
Cinnamomum Camphora Leaf Oil has no known hormonal effects relevant to PCOS. However, women with PCOS who have sensitive or acne-prone skin may find the oil irritating, potentially worsening skin concerns. There is no evidence that camphor oil affects androgen levels, insulin sensitivity, or other PCOS-related hormonal pathways. The primary concern is skin irritation rather than hormonal interference. If you have PCOS-related acne or sensitive skin, you may want to avoid products with this essential oil as it can be irritating and potentially trigger breakouts in some individuals. There are less irritating alternatives for fragrance and skincare benefits.
Cinnamomum Camphora Leaf Oil and general use
Caution Advised
- Irritant
- Common allergen
Cinnamomum Camphora Leaf Oil is an essential oil containing camphor, linalool, eucalyptol, and other volatile compounds. It's used in cosmetics primarily for fragrance, with some products claiming antimicrobial or soothing properties. The oil can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and contact dermatitis. It contains multiple known allergens that must be labeled on EU cosmetic products. When used in higher concentrations or on large surface areas, camphor can be absorbed systemically and potentially cause toxicity, though this is rare with properly formulated cosmetics. The oil may also cause photosensitivity in some individuals. The EU Cosmetics Regulation restricts camphor concentrations (4.5% maximum in leave-on products), and the oil's allergenic components must be listed. IFRA (International Fragrance Association) has established usage guidelines for camphor oil due to safety concerns. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) notes that camphor oil should be used with caution and within established concentration limits. People with sensitive skin, eczema, or known fragrance allergies should avoid this ingredient.
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 .
One ingredient is the easy case.
A label has thirty of them. Truva reads the whole list at once and answers for the profile you set: pregnancy, breastfeeding, postpartum, trying to conceive, PCOS, or general use.
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