Ingredient
Hydrolyzed Psoralea Corylifolia Extract
Hydrolyzed Psoralea Corylifolia Extract is flagged for pregnancy, trying to conceive, breastfeeding, postpartum, PCOS and general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body and increases sun sensitivity.
- Hydrolyzed Babchi Extract
- Bakuchiol Precursor
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
- 2 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Hydrolyzed Psoralea Corylifolia Extract and pregnancy
Not Recommended
- Absorbed into the body
- Increases sun sensitivity
Hydrolyzed Psoralea corylifolia extract is derived from the babchi plant, which contains multiple active compounds including bakuchiol and psoralens. While bakuchiol alone is considered a safe retinol alternative, whole plant extracts may contain photosensitizing and potentially harmful compounds. The main concern during pregnancy is that Psoralea corylifolia contains psoralens, which can cause severe photosensitivity and have shown reproductive toxicity in some animal studies. Oral consumption of Psoralea corylifolia has been associated with liver damage, raising concerns about systemic effects. While topical absorption differs from oral ingestion, the lack of pregnancy-specific safety data combined with known toxic compounds makes this ingredient concerning. There are no clear guidelines from ACOG or other obstetric organizations specifically addressing this ingredient, reflecting its limited use and study in Western medicine. Most dermatologists recommend that pregnant women avoid whole Psoralea corylifolia extracts and instead choose pure bakuchiol products if seeking a retinol alternative, as these are specifically processed to remove psoralens.
Hydrolyzed Psoralea Corylifolia Extract and breastfeeding
Caution Advised
- Increases sun sensitivity
- Absorbed into the body
Hydrolyzed Psoralea corylifolia extract contains multiple plant compounds, some of which (like psoralens) are photosensitizing and can be absorbed through the skin. The degree of hydrolysis and processing affects which compounds remain active. While specific data on breast milk transfer is not available, the presence of psoralens is concerning due to their photosensitizing properties and potential for systemic effects. The ingredient's use in traditional medicine doesn't provide modern safety data for breastfeeding women. Photosensitizing compounds could theoretically affect both mother and infant. Due to the lack of safety data and the presence of potentially problematic compounds, many dermatologists recommend that breastfeeding women choose better-studied alternatives like pure bakuchiol, which is processed to remove psoralens while retaining beneficial properties.
Hydrolyzed Psoralea Corylifolia Extract and postpartum
Caution Advised
- Increases sun sensitivity
- Irritant
Hydrolyzed Psoralea corylifolia extract can provide anti-aging benefits through its bakuchiol content, which may help address postpartum skin concerns. However, the potential presence of psoralens creates photosensitivity risks. For postpartum women not breastfeeding, the main concerns are phototoxicity and potential irritation rather than systemic effects on infants. Strict sun protection is essential if using products with this ingredient, and those with sensitive post-pregnancy skin may want to choose alternatives with better safety profiles.
Hydrolyzed Psoralea Corylifolia Extract and trying to conceive
Not Recommended
- Hormone disruptor
- Fertility effects
Hydrolyzed Psoralea corylifolia extract contains compounds that have shown estrogenic and potential reproductive effects in animal studies. While topical use differs from oral ingestion, the presence of biologically active compounds raises concerns during the preconception period. Women trying to conceive should avoid this ingredient due to its potential hormonal activity and the lack of safety data on fertility outcomes. Pure bakuchiol products that are processed to remove other plant compounds are safer alternatives that provide similar anti-aging benefits without fertility concerns.
Hydrolyzed Psoralea Corylifolia Extract and PCOS
Caution Advised
- Increases sun sensitivity
- Interferes with hormones
Hydrolyzed Psoralea corylifolia extract may help with PCOS-related acne through its bakuchiol content, which has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. However, compounds in the plant have shown estrogenic activity in some studies. The potential hormonal activity of Psoralea corylifolia compounds is concerning for women with PCOS, who already experience hormonal imbalances. While topical application differs from oral consumption, the lack of specific research on hormonal effects from cosmetic use makes this ingredient questionable for PCOS management. The photosensitizing properties of psoralens are particularly problematic for PCOS patients who may be on medications that increase sun sensitivity or who need consistent daily skincare routines. Better-studied alternatives like pure bakuchiol or niacinamide are safer choices for PCOS skin concerns.
Hydrolyzed Psoralea Corylifolia Extract and general use
Caution Advised
- Increases sun sensitivity
- Irritant
Hydrolyzed Psoralea corylifolia extract is marketed as a natural anti-aging ingredient containing bakuchiol, a retinol alternative. However, whole plant extracts may also contain psoralens, which are highly photosensitizing compounds that can cause severe sun reactions. The main risk for general consumers is phototoxicity—severe sunburn-like reactions and increased skin cancer risk with sun exposure. Some countries have restricted this ingredient in cosmetics due to psoralen content. Irritation and contact dermatitis have also been reported. Consumers should look for products specifically labeled as 'psoralen-free' or choose pure bakuchiol instead of whole Psoralea corylifolia extract. If using products with this ingredient, strict daily sun protection with high SPF is essential, and the product should not be used before sun exposure.
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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