Ingredient
Hydrolyzed Lepidium Meyenii Root
Hydrolyzed Lepidium Meyenii Root is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to conceive and PCOS. The concern behind the strongest flag is hormone disruptor.
- Hydrolyzed Maca Root
- Maca Root 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
- 4 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 1 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Hydrolyzed Lepidium Meyenii Root and pregnancy
Caution Advised
- Hormone disruptor
Hydrolyzed Lepidium Meyenii Root is derived from maca, a root vegetable that has been used traditionally in Peru for centuries. While maca is commonly consumed as a food, its use in cosmetics involves hydrolyzed (broken-down) proteins and compounds that serve as conditioning agents and antioxidants. The primary concern during pregnancy relates to maca's documented effects on hormone levels when consumed orally. Studies have shown that oral maca supplementation can influence estrogen and progesterone levels, though the mechanism is not fully understood. While topical application in cosmetics results in minimal systemic absorption compared to oral consumption, and the hydrolysis process may reduce bioactivity, the theoretical risk of hormone disruption during pregnancy's critical developmental periods warrants caution. No specific studies have evaluated topical maca extracts during pregnancy. Neither ACOG nor the FDA has issued specific guidance on topical maca in cosmetics during pregnancy. However, given maca's known hormonal effects when consumed and the lack of safety data for topical use during pregnancy, many healthcare providers recommend a precautionary approach. The hydrolyzed form in cosmetics is likely less potent than oral supplements, but uncertainty remains about skin absorption and potential systemic effects.
Hydrolyzed Lepidium Meyenii Root and breastfeeding
Caution Advised
- Passes into breast milk
- Interferes with hormones
While hydrolyzed maca root in cosmetics is applied topically rather than consumed, maca's documented effects on hormone levels raise theoretical concerns during breastfeeding. Oral maca supplementation has been shown to influence estrogen and progesterone balance, though studies on breastfeeding women are lacking. The concern for breastfeeding mothers stems from the possibility that hormone-active compounds could be absorbed through the skin and potentially affect milk composition or infant hormone exposure. However, the hydrolyzed form used in cosmetics contains broken-down proteins that are likely less bioactive than whole maca extracts, and topical absorption is generally minimal. No studies have specifically evaluated whether maca compounds transfer to breast milk following topical cosmetic use. Without clear safety data for breastfeeding, most lactation consultants suggest a conservative approach with ingredients that have known hormonal activity. While the risk from topical cosmetic use is likely lower than oral supplementation, women who prefer to minimize uncertainty may choose alternatives until more research is available.
Hydrolyzed Lepidium Meyenii Root and postpartum
Safe to Use
For postpartum women who are not breastfeeding, hydrolyzed maca root presents minimal concerns. The antioxidant properties may benefit skin recovery and provide soothing effects during the postpartum period when skin can be sensitive. While maca has hormone-modulating effects when consumed orally, the topical application in cosmetics with hydrolyzed extracts is unlikely to cause systemic effects in non-pregnant, non-breastfeeding women. The ingredient can be used as part of a regular skincare routine without special precautions.
Hydrolyzed Lepidium Meyenii Root and trying to conceive
Caution Advised
- Hormone disruptor
- Fertility effects
For women trying to conceive, maintaining hormonal balance is crucial for successful ovulation and implantation. Maca root has been studied for its effects on fertility, with some research suggesting benefits for reproductive health, while other studies show it can alter hormone levels in ways that might interfere with carefully timed conception efforts. The theoretical concern with topical maca use while trying to conceive relates to its documented hormonal effects when consumed orally. While the hydrolyzed form in cosmetics is less potent and absorption through skin is minimal, women who are monitoring their cycles, using fertility treatments, or taking medications to regulate ovulation may want to minimize exposure to any ingredient with potential hormone-modulating properties. The lack of research on topical maca during preconception makes it difficult to assess true risk, leading many fertility specialists to recommend avoiding unnecessary hormone-active compounds during this critical time.
Hydrolyzed Lepidium Meyenii Root and PCOS
Caution Advised
- Interferes with hormones
Women with PCOS experience hormonal imbalances, primarily involving elevated androgens, insulin resistance, and irregular ovulation. While maca has been studied for its effects on hormone balance, the research shows conflicting results and is primarily focused on oral consumption rather than topical use. Some studies suggest oral maca may help balance hormones and improve symptoms in women with hormonal disorders, while other research indicates it may increase estrogen levels. For women with PCOS, who often have complex hormone dysregulation, introducing an ingredient with potential hormone-modulating effects—even topically—creates uncertainty. The hydrolyzed form in cosmetics may have reduced bioactivity, but without specific research on topical maca and PCOS, the effects remain unclear. Dermatologists typically recommend that women with PCOS focus on ingredients with proven benefits for PCOS-related skin concerns (acne, oiliness) without hormonal activity. While topical maca in cosmetics is unlikely to significantly impact systemic hormone levels, women with PCOS who are managing their condition through hormone therapy may prefer to avoid ingredients with any potential hormone-modulating properties.
Hydrolyzed Lepidium Meyenii Root and general use
Safe to Use
Hydrolyzed Lepidium Meyenii Root functions as a conditioning agent and antioxidant in cosmetic formulations. The hydrolysis process breaks down the plant proteins into smaller peptides that can provide skin-conditioning benefits and help protect against oxidative stress. For the general population not pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive, this ingredient presents minimal concerns when used topically in cosmetics. While maca has hormone-modulating effects when consumed in supplement form, topical application of hydrolyzed extracts in cosmetic concentrations is unlikely to produce systemic effects. The ingredient has a low potential for irritation and is well-tolerated by most skin types. This ingredient is permitted in cosmetics in both the EU and US without restrictions. While comprehensive long-term safety data for cosmetic use is limited, the available evidence suggests it is safe for topical use in skincare products for healthy adults. Those with sensitive skin should patch test as with any new ingredient.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
Related ingredients
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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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