Ingredient
Coleus Barbatus Root Extract
Coleus Barbatus Root Extract is flagged for pregnancy and trying to conceive. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body and hormone disruptor.
- Coleus Forskohlii Root Extract
- Plectranthus Barbatus Extract
- Forskolin
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
Coleus Barbatus Root Extract and pregnancy
Caution Advised
- Absorbed into the body
- Hormone disruptor
Coleus barbatus root extract contains forskolin, a compound that affects cellular signaling pathways by increasing cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels. In cosmetics, it's used for its anti-inflammatory and potential skin-conditioning properties. While topical absorption is expected to be minimal, forskolin has been studied for its effects on various physiological processes including smooth muscle relaxation and hormone regulation. Some animal studies suggest oral forskolin may affect uterine contractions and hormone levels, though human data is extremely limited. There are no specific studies on topical use during pregnancy, creating uncertainty about safety. No regulatory body has issued specific guidance on topical coleus extract during pregnancy. Many obstetricians recommend a cautious approach with herbal extracts that have bioactive compounds and limited pregnancy data. If you choose to use products containing this ingredient, consult with your healthcare provider, especially given the theoretical concerns about hormonal and uterine effects.
Coleus Barbatus Root Extract and breastfeeding
Safe to Use
When applied topically in skincare products, coleus barbatus extract is unlikely to result in significant systemic absorption or transfer to breast milk. The molecular structure and typical cosmetic concentrations suggest minimal risk to breastfed infants. There is no published data on this ingredient's transfer to breast milk or effects on lactation. However, the topical route of administration and the ingredient's use in leave-on cosmetic products (rather than ingestion) makes clinically significant exposure to the breastfed infant highly unlikely. No specific warnings exist from AAD or other medical bodies regarding topical use during breastfeeding. The lack of data combined with low systemic exposure from topical application suggests this ingredient poses minimal concern for breastfeeding mothers.
Coleus Barbatus Root Extract and postpartum
Safe to Use
Coleus barbatus root extract can be beneficial for postpartum skin concerns due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may help soothe skin irritation and support skin recovery during the postpartum period. Without pregnancy or breastfeeding considerations, this ingredient poses no specific concerns for postpartum women. Its traditional use and modern cosmetic applications suggest it's well-tolerated for general skincare purposes including addressing inflammation and supporting skin health during recovery.
Coleus Barbatus Root Extract and trying to conceive
Caution Advised
- Hormone disruptor
When trying to conceive, many healthcare providers recommend taking a cautious approach to ingredients with bioactive compounds that affect cellular signaling pathways. While topical coleus extract is likely to have minimal systemic effects, the forskolin content and its theoretical effects on hormone pathways warrant consideration. Given the lack of specific safety data for women trying to conceive and the theoretical concerns about hormonal effects, some fertility specialists may recommend avoiding or limiting exposure to this ingredient. However, topical use in cosmetics is unlikely to pose significant risk compared to oral supplementation. If you're actively trying to conceive, discuss with your healthcare provider whether you should continue using products containing this ingredient.
Coleus Barbatus Root Extract and PCOS
Safe to Use
Coleus barbatus extract contains forskolin, which has been studied for metabolic effects and may have anti-inflammatory properties beneficial for PCOS-related skin concerns. Some research suggests potential benefits for insulin sensitivity, though most data comes from oral supplementation studies rather than topical use. The anti-inflammatory properties of this extract may help manage acne and skin inflammation commonly experienced by women with PCOS. While oral forskolin has been investigated for metabolic effects, topical application in cosmetics is unlikely to have systemic hormonal impacts. There is no evidence that topical use of coleus extract negatively affects hormone levels in women with PCOS. The ingredient may actually provide benefits for inflammatory skin conditions without causing hormonal disruption when used in typical cosmetic formulations.
Coleus Barbatus Root Extract and general use
Safe to Use
For the general population, coleus barbatus root extract is considered safe for topical use in cosmetic products. It provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits that can support overall skin health and address various skin concerns. The ingredient has a history of use in traditional medicine and modern cosmetics without significant adverse effects reported. Most people tolerate it well, though as with any botanical extract, there is a small possibility of allergic reaction in sensitive individuals. This extract is not restricted or flagged by major regulatory bodies including the FDA and EU Cosmetics Regulation. It's generally recognized as safe for use in skincare formulations at concentrations typically found in cosmetic products.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
Related ingredients
Ingredients suggested in place of Coleus Barbatus Root Extract, each one with its own page here.
Ingredients that raise the same concerns.
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.
Download on theApp Store