Ingredient

Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract

Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract is flagged for pregnancy and trying to conceive. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body.

By Team TruvaLast checked

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
2 of 6
Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
Irritancy
1 of 5
Higher means more likely to sting or redden
PregnancyCAUTION

Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract and pregnancy

Caution Advised

Coix lacryma-jobi ma-yuen seed extract, also known as Job's tears or adlay seed extract, is a botanical ingredient used in cosmetics for brightening and anti-inflammatory benefits. It has been used traditionally in Asian herbal medicine for various purposes. While topical cosmetic use has not been extensively studied in pregnancy, traditional medicine literature suggests caution with coix seed during pregnancy due to its historical use to promote menstruation and potential uterine-stimulating properties when consumed internally. Though topical absorption is significantly lower than oral ingestion, some practitioners recommend avoiding this ingredient during pregnancy as a precautionary measure due to limited safety data specific to topical use in pregnant women. No major regulatory body has issued specific guidance on topical coix extract during pregnancy, reflecting the limited research in this area. Given the theoretical concerns from traditional medicine use and absence of robust safety data for topical pregnancy use, many healthcare providers suggest choosing alternative brightening ingredients with better-established pregnancy safety profiles.

BreastfeedingSAFE

Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract and breastfeeding

Safe to Use

Coix lacryma-jobi ma-yuen seed extract is a botanical ingredient used topically for brightening and soothing properties. When applied to skin in cosmetic formulations, it has minimal systemic absorption. There is no specific evidence that topical application of coix seed extract affects breast milk or poses risks to breastfed infants. The concerns associated with oral consumption during pregnancy (potential uterine effects) are not relevant to breastfeeding, and topical use results in negligible systemic absorption. Traditional medicine practices have not documented concerns with external application during lactation. No dermatological organizations have issued warnings against topical coix extract during breastfeeding. The ingredient is considered acceptable for breastfeeding mothers when used in cosmetic products, with standard precautions to avoid applying directly to breast tissue before breastfeeding.

PostpartumSAFE

Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract and postpartum

Safe to Use

Coix lacryma-jobi ma-yuen seed extract offers brightening and hydrating benefits that can be helpful for postpartum skin concerns, including pigmentation changes and dullness. The ingredient is gentle and suitable for sensitive postpartum skin. Postpartum women not breastfeeding can safely use products containing coix seed extract without restrictions. The ingredient's brightening properties may help address melasma or other pregnancy-related pigmentation concerns.

Trying to ConceiveCAUTION

Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract and trying to conceive

Caution Advised

Coix lacryma-jobi ma-yuen seed extract has traditional associations with menstrual regulation when consumed internally. While topical cosmetic use involves minimal systemic absorption, some practitioners suggest caution when actively trying to conceive due to limited safety data. Given the theoretical concerns from traditional medicine and the critical nature of the conception period, women trying to conceive may prefer to choose alternative brightening ingredients with more established safety profiles. Once pregnancy is confirmed or ruled out for the cycle, the decision can be reassessed.

PCOSSAFE

Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract and PCOS

Safe to Use

Coix lacryma-jobi ma-yuen seed extract is a botanical ingredient known for its brightening and anti-inflammatory properties. For women with PCOS, these benefits can help address hyperpigmentation and inflammation-related skin concerns. There is no evidence that topical coix seed extract affects hormone levels or interferes with androgen metabolism. The ingredient works through topical mechanisms without systemic hormonal effects. Some traditional medicine literature suggests potential benefits for metabolic concerns, though this relates to internal consumption rather than topical use. The extract's anti-inflammatory and brightening properties may be beneficial for managing acne scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation common in PCOS, while being gentle enough for regular use.

General UseSAFE

Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract and general use

Safe to Use

Coix lacryma-jobi ma-yuen seed extract, known as Job's tears or adlay seed extract, is a botanical ingredient increasingly popular in Asian beauty products for brightening, hydrating, and anti-inflammatory benefits. It contains beneficial compounds including coixenolide and polysaccharides. The extract has a favorable safety profile for topical use with minimal irritation potential. Traditional use in skincare and modern cosmetic applications support its tolerability across skin types. As with any botanical extract, individuals with grain or grass allergies should perform patch testing, though allergic reactions are uncommon. The ingredient is approved for use in cosmetics in both the EU and US without specific restrictions. It's particularly valued in formulations targeting dull skin, hyperpigmentation, and sensitivity.

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Provenance

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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