Ingredient
Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Leaf/Stem Extract
Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Leaf/Stem Extract is flagged for pregnancy, trying to conceive and general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body and common allergen.
- Camel Grass Extract
- Lemongrass Extract
- Palmarosa Grass Extract
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
- 3 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 3 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Leaf/Stem Extract and pregnancy
Caution Advised
- Absorbed into the body
- Common allergen
Cymbopogon schoenanthus extract is derived from an aromatic grass in the lemongrass family and contains essential oils with fragrance and antimicrobial properties. It's used in cosmetics for scent and preservation benefits. Lemongrass-family essential oils have traditionally been avoided during pregnancy in aromatherapy due to concerns about uterine stimulation and potential effects on pregnancy, though these cautions are based primarily on concentrated essential oil use rather than diluted cosmetic applications. The essential oil components can be absorbed through skin, and pregnancy increases skin permeability. While no specific studies have shown harm from topical cosmetic use, the lack of safety data combined with the presence of bioactive volatile compounds leads many healthcare providers to recommend caution. ACOG does not specifically address this ingredient, but the general guidance for pregnant women is to minimize exposure to essential oils and fragrant botanical extracts when possible, especially in the first trimester. Many obstetricians and midwives advise avoiding lemongrass-related products during pregnancy as a precautionary measure. Women who choose to use products containing this ingredient should opt for low concentrations and avoid large surface area applications.
Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Leaf/Stem Extract and breastfeeding
Safe to Use
- Common allergen
Cymbopogon schoenanthus extract contains essential oils that can potentially be absorbed systemically, though cosmetic applications involve much lower concentrations than pure essential oils. Data on transfer to breast milk is not available for this specific extract. The main concerns for breastfeeding mothers are skin irritation and the strong fragrance, which could be noticeable to breastfed infants if applied near the breast area. Lactation consultants generally recommend avoiding strongly scented products on or near the breast. For use on other body areas, the risk to breastfed infants is considered low at typical cosmetic concentrations. Breastfeeding mothers with sensitive skin or known allergies to fragrant botanical extracts should avoid this ingredient. For those without sensitivities, using products containing Cymbopogon schoenanthus away from the breastfeeding area is generally acceptable, though fragrance-free alternatives are often preferred during the breastfeeding period.
Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Leaf/Stem Extract and postpartum
Safe to Use
- Common allergen
- Irritant
Non-breastfeeding postpartum women can use Cymbopogon schoenanthus extract with the same considerations as the general population. Postpartum hormonal changes may increase skin sensitivity, making irritation or allergic reactions more likely in some women. The antioxidant properties may provide minor benefits, but the irritation potential and fragrance allergen content mean this ingredient is not ideal for sensitive postpartum skin. Women without sensitivities can use it safely, while those with reactive skin should choose gentler alternatives.
Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Leaf/Stem Extract and trying to conceive
Caution Advised
Women trying to conceive may want to take the same precautionary approach as pregnant women given the traditional concerns about lemongrass-family essential oils. While no specific fertility effects have been documented, some natural health practitioners recommend avoiding concentrated lemongrass extracts when TTC. The conservative approach would be to minimize use of products containing Cymbopogon schoenanthus extract when actively trying to conceive, as this allows avoiding any theoretical early pregnancy exposure. However, cosmetic levels are much lower than aromatherapeutic doses, and many women continue using such products without apparent issues.
Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Leaf/Stem Extract and PCOS
Safe to Use
Cymbopogon schoenanthus extract does not have known hormonal effects relevant to PCOS. There is no evidence it influences androgen levels, insulin sensitivity, or other PCOS-related hormonal concerns. The mild anti-inflammatory properties could theoretically provide minor benefits for PCOS-related skin inflammation, though the irritation potential may outweigh benefits for some individuals. Women with PCOS-related sensitive or acne-prone skin should be cautious with this ingredient. From a hormonal perspective, this ingredient is safe for women with PCOS. However, if PCOS is accompanied by sensitive skin or inflammatory conditions, fragrance-free products may be better tolerated.
Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Leaf/Stem Extract and general use
Caution Advised
- Common allergen
- Irritant
- Increases sun sensitivity
Cymbopogon schoenanthus extract contains essential oils rich in fragrance compounds that can cause allergic contact dermatitis and irritation in sensitive individuals. The main allergenic components include citral, geraniol, and linalool, which are known sensitizers. The ingredient may cause photosensitivity in some users, meaning skin can become more reactive to sun exposure after application. This is a concern shared by many essential oil-containing botanical extracts. Individuals with sensitive skin, eczema, or existing fragrance allergies are at higher risk for adverse reactions. For those without sensitivities, this ingredient can provide antioxidant and antimicrobial benefits in cosmetic formulations. However, the irritation and allergen potential mean it's not suitable for sensitive skin types. Patch testing is advisable before widespread use, and products containing this extract should be used with sun protection due to photosensitization risk.
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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 .
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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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