Ingredient
Hypericum Erectum Extract
Hypericum Erectum Extract is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding and trying to conceive. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body and hormone disruptor.
- St. John's Wort Extract
- Hypericum 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
- 3 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 1 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Hypericum Erectum Extract and pregnancy
Caution Advised
- Absorbed into the body
- Hormone disruptor
Hypericum erectum extract comes from a species of St. John's Wort, a plant family known for bioactive compounds including hypericin and hyperforin. While this extract is used topically in cosmetics for anti-inflammatory benefits, the plant family has known pharmacological activity. Oral St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is known to interact with medications and affect hormone levels, though specific data on topical Hypericum erectum during pregnancy is lacking. According to ACOG, pregnant women should exercise caution with herbal extracts that have systemic pharmacological effects when taken orally, as some compounds can be absorbed through skin. The related species Hypericum perforatum has been shown to induce cytochrome P450 enzymes, which could theoretically affect hormone metabolism. While no regulatory body explicitly prohibits topical use during pregnancy, most obstetricians recommend avoiding St. John's Wort products during pregnancy due to uncertain safety profiles and the plant's known biological activity. The conservative approach is to avoid this ingredient until more safety data becomes available for this specific species and topical application during pregnancy.
Hypericum Erectum Extract and breastfeeding
Caution Advised
- Passes into breast milk
- Infant exposure
Hypericum erectum extract is derived from a St. John's Wort species. While topical absorption is generally lower than oral consumption, compounds from this plant family can potentially enter systemic circulation and breast milk. Oral St. John's Wort has been detected in breast milk and can affect infant metabolism. The AAD notes that many dermatologists advise caution with herbal extracts during breastfeeding, particularly those with known pharmacological activity. While specific data on topical Hypericum erectum is absent, the plant family's bioactive nature suggests a precautionary approach is warranted. Given the limited safety data and the known activity of related Hypericum species, many healthcare providers recommend avoiding St. John's Wort extracts during breastfeeding or using them only under medical supervision. Safer anti-inflammatory alternatives with established breastfeeding safety profiles are readily available.
Hypericum Erectum Extract and postpartum
Safe to Use
- Increases sun sensitivity
For postpartum women who are not breastfeeding, Hypericum erectum extract can provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits that may help with skin recovery and healing. The primary concern remains photosensitivity rather than reproductive effects. Users should apply sunscreen when using products containing this extract, as hypericin compounds can increase sun sensitivity. Otherwise, topical use is generally well-tolerated in non-pregnant, non-breastfeeding adults.
Hypericum Erectum Extract and trying to conceive
Caution Advised
- Hormone disruptor
Women trying to conceive face similar considerations as pregnant women, since the goal is to optimize conditions for conception and early pregnancy. Hypericum species have known effects on hormone metabolism when taken orally, though topical data is limited. As a precautionary measure, many fertility specialists recommend avoiding herbal extracts with known pharmacological activity during the conception period. While topical absorption is minimal, the conservative approach is to discontinue use when actively trying to conceive, particularly in the weeks leading up to potential implantation.
Hypericum Erectum Extract and PCOS
Safe to Use
Hypericum erectum extract offers anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit PCOS-related skin concerns such as acne and inflammation. There is no evidence that topical use affects androgen levels or insulin sensitivity. While oral St. John's Wort can affect hormone metabolism through enzyme induction, topical application of this extract in cosmetics at typical concentrations is unlikely to have systemic hormonal effects. The extract may actually help manage inflammatory skin symptoms associated with PCOS. The main precaution for PCOS users is photosensitivity. Since some PCOS treatments (like metformin) don't typically interact with topical herbal extracts, this ingredient can generally be used safely with appropriate sun protection.
Hypericum Erectum Extract and general use
Safe to Use
- Increases sun sensitivity
- Irritant
For the general population, Hypericum erectum extract functions as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredient in skincare products. It has been traditionally used for its wound-healing and skin-soothing properties. The primary concern is photosensitivity due to hypericin content, which can make skin more susceptible to UV damage. Users should always apply broad-spectrum sunscreen when using products containing this extract. Some individuals may experience mild irritation or allergic reactions, though this is uncommon with topical use at cosmetic concentrations. The extract is generally considered safe for topical use in healthy adults when formulated properly and used with sun protection. It appears in various skincare products marketed for sensitive or inflamed skin conditions.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
Related ingredients
Ingredients suggested in place of Hypericum Erectum 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 .
One ingredient is the easy case.
A label has thirty of them. Truva reads the whole list at once and answers for the profile you set: pregnancy, breastfeeding, postpartum, trying to conceive, PCOS, or general use.
Download on theApp Store