Ingredient
Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil
Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil is flagged for pregnancy and general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body.
- Camel Grass Oil
- Lemongrass Oil (Schoenanthus)
- Sweet Rush 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 Schoenanthus Oil and pregnancy
Caution Advised
- Absorbed into the body
Cymbopogon schoenanthus oil is an essential oil from the lemongrass family containing high levels of citral and other volatile terpenoids. Essential oils are lipid-soluble compounds that can penetrate skin more readily than water-based ingredients. While specific pregnancy safety data for this particular lemongrass species is limited, the broader concern with essential oils during pregnancy relates to their systemic absorption and potential pharmacological effects. Some aromatherapy literature suggests avoiding strong essential oils during the first trimester when organogenesis occurs, though evidence of harm from topical cosmetic use is minimal. ACOG does not specifically address lemongrass oils, but many aromatherapists and some obstetricians recommend caution with concentrated essential oils during early pregnancy. The risk level is rated medium-risk primarily due to the precautionary principle and lack of robust safety data rather than evidence of harm. If used in cosmetics, the concentration should be low (typically under 1% in leave-on products). Many practitioners are more comfortable with essential oils after the first trimester. Given the ingredient's potential for irritation and sensitization, pregnant women with sensitive skin may wish to avoid it entirely.
This one changes across the pregnancy.
- First trimester
- CAUTION
- Second trimester
- CAUTION
- Third trimester
- SAFE
Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil and breastfeeding
Safe to Use
- Passes into breast milk
Cymbopogon schoenanthus oil is a lipid-soluble essential oil that, when applied topically, can be absorbed through skin to some degree. However, the amount absorbed from cosmetic products is typically very small, especially when the oil is used at low concentrations (under 1%). The AAD notes that while essential oils can theoretically pass into breast milk due to their fat-soluble nature, topical cosmetic use poses minimal risk to breastfed infants. The concern would be more relevant with large-scale topical application or oral consumption. There are no documented cases of infant toxicity from maternal cosmetic use of lemongrass oils. The low-risk rating reflects that while theoretical milk transfer is possible, actual risk is minimal at cosmetic concentrations. The primary practical concern is avoiding application to breast area where direct contact with breastfed infant could occur. Breastfeeding mothers may use products containing this oil on other body areas, though those with sensitive skin may prefer fragrance-free alternatives.
Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil and postpartum
Safe to Use
- Irritant
Cymbopogon schoenanthus oil can be used by postpartum women who are not breastfeeding, though its potential for irritation should be considered. Postpartum skin is often more sensitive due to hormonal changes, which may increase reactivity to essential oils. The ingredient's primary concerns for this group are irritation and photosensitization rather than systemic effects. Women using this ingredient should ensure adequate sun protection and discontinue use if any irritation develops. Those with sensitive or compromised skin barriers may prefer gentler alternatives.
Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil and trying to conceive
Safe to Use
Cymbopogon schoenanthus oil has no documented effects on fertility, ovulation, or reproductive hormone function. There's no evidence suggesting topical cosmetic use of lemongrass oils interferes with conception or early pregnancy. Women trying to conceive can use this ingredient in cosmetic products without concerns about fertility effects. The conservative approach some take with essential oils during confirmed pregnancy doesn't typically extend to the preconception period. However, women who prefer to minimize exposure to non-essential ingredients while trying to conceive may choose to avoid it.
Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil and PCOS
Safe to Use
- Irritant
Cymbopogon schoenanthus oil has no known hormonal activity or effects on androgen levels, insulin sensitivity, or other PCOS-related metabolic pathways. It functions primarily as a fragrance and potential antimicrobial in cosmetic products. The low comedogenicity (rating of 1) means this oil is unlikely to clog pores or worsen PCOS-related acne. However, its irritant potential (rating of 3) may be problematic for women with inflammatory acne or skin sensitivity common in PCOS. Irritation can sometimes trigger inflammatory acne flares. Women with PCOS can use this ingredient if their skin tolerates it well, but it's not specifically beneficial for PCOS skin concerns. Those prone to irritation or with active inflammatory acne may want to choose gentler, non-essential oil alternatives. The ingredient poses no risk to hormone balance or PCOS management.
Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil and general use
Caution Advised
- Common allergen
- Irritant
- Increases sun sensitivity
Cymbopogon schoenanthus oil is an essential oil from the lemongrass family, used primarily for fragrance in cosmetic products. It contains citral and other terpenoids that provide a fresh, lemony scent along with potential antimicrobial properties. The primary concerns with this ingredient are contact allergy, irritation, and photosensitization. Citral, a major component, is an established allergen recognized by the SCCS. The oil can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight, potentially causing pigmentation or burn risk. The irritancy rating of 3 (moderate) reflects that this essential oil can cause reactions in sensitive individuals or when used at high concentrations. According to IFRA guidelines, citral-containing oils should be used at restricted levels in leave-on products (typically under 1%). The EU requires allergen labeling when citral exceeds 0.001%. Individuals with sensitive skin, existing fragrance allergies, or those using photosensitizing medications should exercise caution or avoid this ingredient. Always use sun protection when using products containing this oil.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
Related ingredients
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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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