Ingredient
Dryopteris Filix-Mas Root Extract
Dryopteris Filix-Mas Root Extract is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding, postpartum, trying to conceive, PCOS and general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body and fetal development.
- Male Fern Extract
- Male Fern Root Extract
- Aspidium Filix Mas 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
- 3 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Dryopteris Filix-Mas Root Extract and pregnancy
Not Recommended
- Absorbed into the body
- Fetal development
Dryopteris Filix-Mas, commonly known as male fern, is an extract from fern roots that has been used historically in traditional medicine. In cosmetics, it may appear in botanical formulations, though its use is uncommon. Male fern contains toxic compounds called filicin and filmarone that can be absorbed through the skin and have known toxicity to the liver and nervous system. According to historical medical literature, male fern extracts were used as deworming agents but were discontinued due to severe adverse effects including liver damage and neurological problems. There is no safe established use during pregnancy, and the potential for systemic absorption of toxic constituents poses theoretical risks to fetal development. Medical professionals strongly advise avoiding male fern extracts during pregnancy due to the presence of toxic phloroglucinol derivatives. While specific pregnancy studies don't exist, the known toxicity profile of this plant and its historical adverse effects make it inappropriate for use during pregnancy. Most dermatologists recommend choosing products without this ingredient when pregnant.
Dryopteris Filix-Mas Root Extract and breastfeeding
Not Recommended
- Passes into breast milk
- Infant exposure
Male fern extract contains toxic compounds that could potentially be absorbed through the skin and transfer into breast milk. The toxic constituents filicin and filmarone are fat-soluble, which increases the theoretical risk of accumulation and transfer to breastfed infants. Historical medical use of male fern showed that its toxic compounds can cause liver and nervous system damage. While topical cosmetic use involves lower exposure than oral medicinal doses, the presence of these compounds in a botanical extract creates theoretical risks that are particularly concerning for breastfed infants, whose systems are more vulnerable to toxins. Medical guidance advises avoiding male fern extracts during breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data and known toxicity of the plant's constituents. Most lactation experts and dermatologists recommend selecting products with safer botanical extracts during the breastfeeding period.
Dryopteris Filix-Mas Root Extract and postpartum
Not Recommended
- Irritant
- Common allergen
Even for non-breastfeeding postpartum women, male fern extract is not recommended due to its irritation potential and the presence of toxic constituents that can be absorbed through skin. Postpartum skin may be more sensitive due to hormonal changes, making the irritation risk from this extract more pronounced. The potential for systemic absorption of toxic compounds makes this ingredient inadvisable even when breastfeeding is not a concern.
Dryopteris Filix-Mas Root Extract and trying to conceive
Not Recommended
- Absorbed into the body
- Builds up in tissue
Women trying to conceive should avoid male fern extract due to the toxic compounds it contains that can be absorbed through the skin. While specific fertility studies don't exist, the known toxicity to liver and nervous system suggests it's prudent to avoid this ingredient when planning pregnancy. The precautionary principle suggests discontinuing use of products with potentially toxic botanical extracts when trying to conceive. Safer alternatives exist that provide similar cosmetic benefits without the toxicity concerns.
Dryopteris Filix-Mas Root Extract and PCOS
Not Recommended
- Irritant
- Common allergen
Male fern extract has no known benefits for PCOS-related skin concerns and contains irritating compounds that could worsen inflammation associated with PCOS skin symptoms like acne. The toxic constituents in this extract pose general health concerns regardless of PCOS status. There is no hormonal activity, but the irritation potential could aggravate sensitive or acne-prone skin common in PCOS. Women with PCOS should avoid this ingredient in favor of proven beneficial botanicals for skin concerns. Better alternatives exist that can address acne and inflammation without the toxicity risks associated with male fern.
Dryopteris Filix-Mas Root Extract and general use
Not Recommended
- Irritant
- Common allergen
Dryopteris Filix-Mas (male fern) root extract is a botanical ingredient with a concerning safety profile. The plant contains toxic phloroglucinol derivatives including filicin and filmarone that were historically used as anthelmintic agents but discontinued due to toxicity. According to medical literature, male fern extracts can cause liver damage, nervous system toxicity, and severe gastrointestinal effects when absorbed systemically. While cosmetic use involves topical application rather than oral ingestion, the compounds can still be absorbed through skin, particularly with damaged skin barriers or prolonged exposure. The extract is also known to cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Most cosmetic chemists and dermatologists recommend avoiding products with male fern extract due to the presence of toxic constituents and lack of compelling cosmetic benefits that would justify the risks. Safer botanical alternatives exist for nearly any desired cosmetic function.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
Related ingredients
Ingredients suggested in place of Dryopteris Filix-Mas 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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