Ingredient
Convallaria Majalis Bulb/Root Extract
Convallaria Majalis Bulb/Root Extract is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to conceive, postpartum, PCOS and general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body and fetal development.
- Lily of the Valley Extract
- Convallaria Extract
- May Lily 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
- 6 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 1 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Convallaria Majalis Bulb/Root Extract and pregnancy
Not Recommended
- Absorbed into the body
- Fetal development
Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) contains cardiac glycosides, potent compounds that affect heart function and are toxic in even small amounts. While cosmetic extracts contain lower concentrations than the whole plant, these bioactive compounds can potentially be absorbed through the skin. The cardiac glycosides in Convallaria majalis (including convallatoxin and convallamarin) pose theoretical risks during pregnancy due to potential effects on both maternal and fetal cardiovascular systems. Although specific studies on topical cosmetic use during pregnancy are lacking, the known toxicity of this plant and its active compounds warrants a conservative approach. Medical toxicology sources classify Convallaria majalis as a poisonous plant to be avoided during pregnancy. Given the presence of potent bioactive compounds and the lack of safety data for pregnancy, most medical professionals would recommend avoiding cosmetic products containing Lily of the Valley extract during pregnancy. The theoretical risks outweigh any cosmetic benefits, particularly when safer botanical alternatives are readily available.
Convallaria Majalis Bulb/Root Extract and breastfeeding
Not Recommended
- Passes into breast milk
- Infant exposure
The cardiac glycosides present in Lily of the Valley extract raise concerns for breastfeeding mothers due to the potential for systemic absorption and transfer to breast milk. While topical cosmetic use involves lower exposure than ingestion, these are potent compounds that warrant caution. Cardiac glycosides are known to transfer into breast milk when present in the maternal system, and infant exposure to even small amounts could theoretically affect the baby's cardiovascular system. The lack of specific safety studies on topical Convallaria majalis extract during lactation, combined with the known toxicity of the plant, supports a precautionary avoidance approach. Lactation consultants and toxicology experts would recommend avoiding products containing Lily of the Valley extract while breastfeeding. The theoretical risk to the breastfed infant, even if small, is unnecessary given the availability of safer cosmetic ingredients.
Convallaria Majalis Bulb/Root Extract and postpartum
Caution Advised
- Absorbed into the body
For postpartum women not breastfeeding, the concerns about Lily of the Valley extract relate to its inherent toxicity rather than infant exposure. The cardiac glycosides in this plant extract can potentially be absorbed through the skin and affect cardiovascular function. While cosmetic formulations use diluted extracts, and serious toxicity from topical application is unlikely, the presence of bioactive compounds that affect heart rhythm and function suggests caution. Postpartum women may have cardiovascular changes during recovery, making exposure to cardioactive compounds undesirable. Most dermatologists would recommend choosing products with safer botanical ingredients.
Convallaria Majalis Bulb/Root Extract and trying to conceive
Not Recommended
- Absorbed into the body
Women trying to conceive should avoid Lily of the Valley extract using the same precautionary principle applied to pregnancy. Since conception timing is often uncertain, and the first trimester (when fetal organs form) begins before most women know they're pregnant, avoiding potentially problematic ingredients is the safest approach. While there's no specific evidence that Convallaria majalis extract affects fertility, the presence of cardioactive glycosides and the recommendation to avoid this plant during pregnancy logically extends to the preconception period. Reproductive endocrinologists generally advise treating the TTC period as if pregnant when it comes to potentially harmful exposures.
Convallaria Majalis Bulb/Root Extract and PCOS
Caution Advised
Lily of the Valley extract does not have specific implications for PCOS, as its bioactive compounds (cardiac glycosides) don't interact with androgen levels or insulin sensitivity. However, the general safety concerns about this ingredient apply to women with PCOS as well. The primary consideration is the same as for the general population: the presence of potentially toxic compounds that can affect cardiovascular function. Women with PCOS don't face unique risks from this ingredient, but the general recommendation to choose safer alternatives applies. Given that PCOS management often involves multiple medications that may affect cardiovascular function (like metformin or certain hormonal treatments), avoiding additional exposure to cardioactive botanical compounds is prudent, even though direct interactions are unlikely from cosmetic use.
Convallaria Majalis Bulb/Root Extract and general use
Caution Advised
- Common allergen
- Irritant
For the general population, Lily of the Valley extract in cosmetics presents moderate concerns due to its cardiac glycoside content. While cosmetic formulations use diluted extracts and serious toxicity is rare from topical application, the presence of bioactive compounds that can affect heart function warrants caution. The extract can cause skin irritation and allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. More concerning is the theoretical risk of systemic absorption of cardiac glycosides, particularly with repeated use or application to large body surface areas. People with cardiovascular conditions should be especially cautious. Many cosmetic chemists and dermatologists question the necessity of using this ingredient when safer botanical alternatives exist. The EU monitors ingredients from plants containing cardiac glycosides, and some manufacturers choose to avoid Convallaria majalis due to safety concerns. Consumers may want to opt for products using safer fragrance and botanical ingredients.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
Related ingredients
Ingredients suggested in place of Convallaria Majalis Bulb/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 .
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