Ingredient
Cymbopogon Flexuosus Oil
Cymbopogon Flexuosus Oil is flagged for pregnancy and trying to conceive. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body.
- Lemongrass Oil
- East Indian Lemongrass Oil
- Cochin Lemongrass Oil
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
- 3 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Cymbopogon Flexuosus Oil and pregnancy
Caution Advised
- Absorbed into the body
Cymbopogon Flexuosus Oil, commonly known as lemongrass oil, is an essential oil used in cosmetics for fragrance and antimicrobial properties. Essential oils contain volatile organic compounds that can be absorbed through the skin and have higher systemic absorption than many cosmetic ingredients. While specific human pregnancy studies on topical lemongrass oil are limited, aromatherapy guidelines generally advise caution with essential oils during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. Some animal studies suggest that high doses of lemongrass constituents may have uterine-stimulating effects, though these studies used doses far higher than cosmetic exposure. The concern with essential oils during pregnancy relates to their potential for systemic absorption and biological activity. Many aromatherapists and some obstetricians recommend avoiding or limiting essential oil use during pregnancy due to insufficient safety data. While regulatory bodies like the FDA have not specifically prohibited lemongrass oil in cosmetics during pregnancy, the general medical consensus is to use essential oils cautiously, particularly in leave-on products or higher concentrations. If you choose to use products containing this ingredient, ensure it is in low concentrations and consider consulting your healthcare provider.
Cymbopogon Flexuosus Oil and breastfeeding
Safe to Use
- Irritant
Lemongrass oil is an essential oil with aromatic compounds that can be absorbed through the skin. While essential oils have some systemic absorption, the amounts used in cosmetics are typically low enough that transfer to breast milk is minimal. There is limited specific data on lemongrass oil and breastfeeding. However, topical cosmetic use is generally considered lower risk than oral consumption or concentrated aromatherapy use. The main concern would be applying the product near the breast area where an infant could ingest it, or potential skin irritation if the baby comes in contact with treated skin. Most lactation consultants and dermatologists consider essential oils in cosmetic concentrations to be acceptable during breastfeeding, provided they are not applied directly to the breast or nipple area. If using products with lemongrass oil, avoid application near areas where your baby's mouth will contact.
Cymbopogon Flexuosus Oil and postpartum
Safe to Use
- Irritant
- Common allergen
For postpartum women not breastfeeding, lemongrass oil presents mainly dermatological concerns rather than systemic ones. The oil can provide antioxidant benefits but may cause irritation or sensitivity, especially if postpartum hormonal changes have made skin more reactive. If you have sensitive skin or are experiencing postpartum skin changes, patch test products containing essential oils first. The irritation and allergen potential are the primary considerations rather than any hormonal or reproductive concerns.
Cymbopogon Flexuosus Oil and trying to conceive
Caution Advised
- Absorbed into the body
Lemongrass oil falls into a gray area for women trying to conceive. While there's insufficient evidence of harm, the same theoretical concerns that apply during early pregnancy also apply when you might be pregnant but not yet aware of it. Some fertility specialists recommend avoiding essential oils or using them minimally during the conception period as a precautionary measure, given the limited safety data. If you're actively trying to conceive, you may want to limit use of products with essential oils or choose fragrance-free alternatives.
Cymbopogon Flexuosus Oil and PCOS
Safe to Use
Lemongrass oil has no known effects on hormones related to PCOS, including androgens or insulin. The ingredient does not interfere with PCOS management or medications. Women with PCOS may benefit from the antioxidant properties of lemongrass oil, though they should be aware of the irritation potential, particularly if they have sensitive or acne-prone skin that may be more reactive. There are no contraindications for using lemongrass oil with PCOS. The main considerations are the same as for the general population—potential for skin irritation and photosensitivity.
Cymbopogon Flexuosus Oil and general use
Safe to Use
- Irritant
- Common allergen
- Increases sun sensitivity
Lemongrass oil is a common cosmetic ingredient valued for its fresh scent and antimicrobial properties. However, it contains citral, which is a known contact allergen that can cause sensitization reactions in some individuals. The main concerns for general users are skin irritation, allergic reactions, and photosensitivity. Citral can oxidize when exposed to air, becoming more irritating over time. Products containing lemongrass oil should be stored properly and used within their recommended timeframe. The oil may also increase sun sensitivity, so sun protection is advisable when using products containing this ingredient. The SCCS has evaluated citral in cosmetics and notes sensitization potential. The EU requires allergen labeling for essential oils containing citral above certain concentrations. Most people can use lemongrass oil in cosmetic concentrations without problems, but those with sensitive skin or known essential oil allergies should exercise caution.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
Related ingredients
Ingredients suggested in place of Cymbopogon Flexuosus Oil, 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