Ingredient
Dimethyl Sulfoxide
Dimethyl Sulfoxide is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to conceive and general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body and fetal development.
- DMSO
- Methylsulfinylmethane
- Methyl Sulfoxide
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
- 4 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 3 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Dimethyl Sulfoxide and pregnancy
Not Recommended
- Absorbed into the body
- Fetal development
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a powerful solvent with exceptional ability to penetrate skin barriers and enhance absorption of other ingredients. In cosmetics, it's used to help active ingredients penetrate deeper into skin layers. The primary concern during pregnancy is DMSO's ability to rapidly cross biological membranes, including the placental barrier. Animal studies have shown teratogenic effects at high doses, including skeletal abnormalities. While human data is limited for topical cosmetic use, DMSO's systemic absorption rate is significantly higher than most cosmetic ingredients—up to 80-90% of topically applied DMSO can enter circulation. Most obstetricians and dermatologists recommend avoiding DMSO during pregnancy due to its potent penetration-enhancing effects and the theoretical risk of carrying other cosmetic ingredients across the placental barrier. The FDA has expressed concerns about DMSO's use outside of approved medical indications. While not explicitly prohibited in cosmetics, medical professionals generally advise pregnant women to avoid products containing DMSO as a precautionary measure, particularly given safer alternatives exist for most cosmetic purposes.
Dimethyl Sulfoxide and breastfeeding
Not Recommended
- Passes into breast milk
- Absorbed into the body
DMSO's exceptional skin penetration means it readily enters systemic circulation when applied topically. Due to its chemical properties and high bioavailability, DMSO can transfer into breast milk. While specific studies on DMSO levels in breast milk are limited, the ingredient's known pharmacokinetics suggest significant transfer is likely. DMSO is rapidly distributed throughout body tissues and fluids. The characteristic garlic-like odor that appears on breath and skin after topical application demonstrates its systemic distribution. Pediatricians and dermatologists typically recommend avoiding DMSO during breastfeeding due to potential infant exposure and the lack of safety data. Most medical professionals suggest postponing use of DMSO-containing products until after weaning, particularly since safer penetration enhancers and moisturizing alternatives are available for cosmetic purposes.
Dimethyl Sulfoxide and postpartum
Safe to Use
- Irritant
For postpartum women not breastfeeding, DMSO's primary concerns relate to skin irritation rather than reproductive effects. DMSO can cause contact dermatitis, burning sensations, and the characteristic sulfur-like odor. While DMSO has anti-inflammatory properties that could theoretically benefit postpartum skin concerns, its irritation potential and odor make it a less desirable choice compared to gentler alternatives. If used in cosmetic products, it should be in low concentrations and patch testing is advisable.
Dimethyl Sulfoxide and trying to conceive
Caution Advised
- Absorbed into the body
- Builds up in tissue
While DMSO doesn't have known effects on fertility or conception, women trying to conceive should consider that if conception occurs, they would already have systemic exposure. Given DMSO's high penetration rate and the recommendation to avoid it during pregnancy, a cautious approach suggests discontinuing use when actively trying to conceive. The same concerns about placental transfer that apply during pregnancy could theoretically affect a very early pregnancy before it's detected. Most fertility specialists recommend treating the TTC period similarly to early pregnancy regarding potentially concerning ingredients, suggesting DMSO avoidance as a precautionary measure.
Dimethyl Sulfoxide and PCOS
Safe to Use
- Irritant
DMSO does not have known hormonal effects or interactions with androgen pathways relevant to PCOS. Its primary cosmetic use is as a penetration enhancer and solvent. For women with PCOS who often experience acne and inflammation, DMSO's anti-inflammatory properties could theoretically provide some benefit. However, its irritation potential may exacerbate skin sensitivity. There's no evidence that DMSO affects insulin sensitivity, hormone levels, or other PCOS-related metabolic factors. Women with PCOS can generally use products containing DMSO from a hormonal perspective, though those with sensitive or acne-prone skin should monitor for irritation. Gentler anti-inflammatory ingredients may be preferable for PCOS-related skin concerns.
Dimethyl Sulfoxide and general use
Caution Advised
- Absorbed into the body
- Irritant
For the general population, DMSO is a potent penetration enhancer with both benefits and risks. Its ability to carry other ingredients deep into skin makes it effective but also concerning, as it can enhance absorption of both beneficial and potentially harmful substances. Common side effects include skin irritation, burning sensations, and a distinctive garlic-like odor on breath and skin that can persist for hours after application. Long-term use has been associated with skin dryness and scaling. Animal studies have shown eye lens changes with prolonged exposure, though this hasn't been definitively demonstrated in humans using topical cosmetic concentrations. The FDA has approved DMSO only for specific medical uses and has expressed concerns about its use in over-the-counter products. In cosmetics, it should be used in low concentrations. Individuals with sensitive skin, eye conditions, or those using multiple topical medications should exercise caution, as DMSO can enhance absorption of other applied substances.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
Related ingredients
Ingredients suggested in place of Dimethyl Sulfoxide, 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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