Ingredient
Gaultheria Procumbens Leaf Oil
Gaultheria Procumbens Leaf Oil is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to conceive, postpartum and general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body and known teratogen.
- Wintergreen Oil
- Teaberry Oil
- Checkerberry Oil
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
- 5 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 3 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Gaultheria Procumbens Leaf Oil and pregnancy
Not Recommended
- Absorbed into the body
- Known teratogen
- Salicylate toxicity
Gaultheria Procumbens (wintergreen) leaf oil contains 95-99% methyl salicylate, which is readily absorbed through the skin and converted to salicylic acid in the body. Methyl salicylate is structurally related to aspirin and functions similarly once absorbed. According to ACOG, high doses of salicylates during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester, are associated with increased risks of bleeding complications, premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus, and other cardiovascular effects on the fetus. While oral aspirin is sometimes prescribed in low doses during pregnancy under medical supervision, topical methyl salicylate absorption is uncontrolled and potentially significant, especially with repeated use or application to large areas. Case reports have documented salicylate toxicity in pregnant women from topical methyl salicylate overuse. The FDA and most obstetricians advise avoiding topical products containing methyl salicylate/wintergreen oil during pregnancy due to the risk of systemic salicylate absorption and potential fetal effects. This is particularly important in the third trimester when salicylates can affect fetal circulation and increase bleeding risk.
Gaultheria Procumbens Leaf Oil and breastfeeding
Not Recommended
- Passes into breast milk
- Infant exposure
- Salicylate toxicity
Wintergreen oil contains methyl salicylate, which is absorbed through skin and metabolized to salicylic acid. Salicylates are known to transfer into breast milk, and infant exposure can lead to salicylate toxicity since infants metabolize salicylates poorly. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, while occasional topical use of low-concentration salicylates is usually considered compatible with breastfeeding, concentrated essential oils like wintergreen present higher risks. Case reports have documented infant salicylate toxicity from maternal topical methyl salicylate use. Symptoms in infants can include metabolic acidosis, tachypnea, and central nervous system effects. Most pediatricians and lactation consultants recommend avoiding wintergreen oil and concentrated methyl salicylate products during breastfeeding. If pain relief is needed, gentler alternatives or products specifically approved for breastfeeding should be chosen.
Gaultheria Procumbens Leaf Oil and postpartum
Caution Advised
- Absorbed into the body
- Irritant
For postpartum women not breastfeeding, wintergreen oil's primary concern is systemic absorption of methyl salicylate and potential salicylate toxicity with overuse. While not pregnant or breastfeeding, the risk is lower, but caution is still needed due to the high concentration of active compounds. If using products with wintergreen oil postpartum, apply sparingly to small areas only, avoid broken skin, and do not use under occlusive dressings. Be aware of symptoms of salicylate toxicity (nausea, dizziness, tinnitus) and discontinue use if they occur. Gentler anti-inflammatory alternatives may be preferable for regular use.
Gaultheria Procumbens Leaf Oil and trying to conceive
Not Recommended
- Absorbed into the body
- Builds up in tissue
Women trying to conceive should avoid wintergreen oil due to the same concerns that apply to early pregnancy. Since conception timing is often uncertain, and methyl salicylate can accumulate in the body with regular use, avoiding this ingredient during the preconception period is prudent. The systemic effects of salicylates and the documented pregnancy risks make wintergreen oil inappropriate for women actively trying to conceive. Switch to safer anti-inflammatory alternatives during the TTC period to eliminate any theoretical risks to early pregnancy.
Gaultheria Procumbens Leaf Oil and PCOS
Safe to Use
Gaultheria Procumbens leaf oil does not affect hormones, androgens, or insulin pathways relevant to PCOS. The ingredient's salicylate content provides anti-inflammatory benefits that may help with skin inflammation. The main consideration for PCOS users is general skin tolerance rather than hormonal effects. Women with PCOS-related sensitive or acne-prone skin should be cautious, as the essential oil can be irritating. Patch testing is recommended. From a PCOS-specific perspective, this ingredient poses no hormonal concerns and may provide anti-inflammatory benefits. However, gentler anti-inflammatory ingredients may be better tolerated by PCOS-affected skin.
Gaultheria Procumbens Leaf Oil and general use
Caution Advised
- Absorbed into the body
- Irritant
- Common allergen
Wintergreen oil is an essential oil composed almost entirely (95-99%) of methyl salicylate, a compound closely related to aspirin. In cosmetics, it's used primarily for fragrance and its cooling, anti-inflammatory sensation. Methyl salicylate is readily absorbed through the skin. The FDA has issued warnings about topical methyl salicylate products due to risks of salicylate toxicity, particularly with overuse, application to large areas, or use on damaged skin. Symptoms of toxicity include nausea, vomiting, rapid breathing, tinnitus, and confusion. Several case reports have documented serious toxicity and even fatalities from excessive topical methyl salicylate use. The ingredient can also cause skin irritation, burning sensations, and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. While small amounts in cosmetic fragrances are generally considered acceptable for healthy adults, products with wintergreen oil should be used sparingly and never applied to large skin areas or broken skin. People with aspirin sensitivity should avoid this ingredient entirely. Safer alternatives exist for those seeking anti-inflammatory or soothing benefits.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
Related ingredients
Ingredients suggested in place of Gaultheria Procumbens Leaf 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 .
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