Ingredient
Hypericum Erectum Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Hypericum Erectum Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding and trying to conceive. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body and increases sun sensitivity.
- St. John's Wort Extract
- Hypericum Extract
- Japanese St. John's Wort
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
- 2 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Hypericum Erectum Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract and pregnancy
Caution Advised
- Absorbed into the body
- Increases sun sensitivity
Hypericum erectum is a species of St. John's Wort, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. While this particular species is less studied than Hypericum perforatum (common St. John's Wort), it contains similar active compounds including hypericin and hyperforin, which are responsible for both the plant's beneficial effects and its safety concerns. The concern during pregnancy stems from oral St. John's Wort being contraindicated during pregnancy due to potential uterine stimulation and effects on neurotransmitters that could theoretically impact fetal development. While topical application results in much lower systemic absorption than oral use, there's insufficient data on the safety of topical Hypericum extracts during pregnancy. The photosensitizing compounds in the extract also increase the risk of melasma and hyperpigmentation, which pregnant women are already prone to developing. Most obstetricians recommend avoiding both oral and topical St. John's Wort during pregnancy as a precautionary measure. Neither ACOG nor the FDA provides specific guidance on topical Hypericum extracts during pregnancy, but the medical consensus leans toward avoidance due to the known concerns with oral use and the lack of topical safety studies. The European Medicines Agency recommends against St. John's Wort use during pregnancy, primarily based on oral data but extending caution to topical forms given insufficient evidence of safety.
Hypericum Erectum Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract and breastfeeding
Caution Advised
- Passes into breast milk
St. John's Wort is well-known to pass into breast milk when taken orally, and oral use is contraindicated during breastfeeding due to potential effects on infant neurotransmitters and possible sedation. While topical application provides much lower systemic levels than oral consumption, the extent of absorption from topical Hypericum extracts and subsequent transfer to breast milk has not been adequately studied. The active compounds in Hypericum, particularly hyperforin, have demonstrated effects on serotonin, dopamine, and other neurotransmitters. Even small amounts in breast milk could theoretically affect a breastfed infant's developing nervous system. Additionally, if the product is applied to the chest area, there's a risk of direct infant exposure through contact with treated skin during breastfeeding. Lactation consultants and the AAP generally recommend avoiding St. John's Wort during breastfeeding, with this guidance primarily based on oral use data. While topical use may present lower risk, the lack of specific safety studies on topical Hypericum during lactation leads most healthcare providers to suggest choosing alternative soothing or anti-inflammatory ingredients with better-established safety profiles during this period.
Hypericum Erectum Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract and postpartum
Safe to Use
- Increases sun sensitivity
For postpartum women who are not breastfeeding, Hypericum erectum extract presents fewer concerns. The anti-inflammatory and soothing properties may be beneficial for irritated or sensitive skin. However, the photosensitizing potential remains a consideration, especially since postpartum hormonal changes can already increase susceptibility to hyperpigmentation. If using products with this ingredient, diligent sun protection is essential. Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily and reapply as directed, especially if spending time outdoors. Consider using Hypericum-containing products in your evening routine only to minimize sun exposure after application. If you notice increased skin sensitivity, redness, or any unusual reactions after sun exposure, discontinue use.
Hypericum Erectum Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract and trying to conceive
Caution Advised
- Hormone disruptor
When trying to conceive, it's advisable to treat Hypericum erectum extract with the same caution as during pregnancy. Oral St. John's Wort is known to affect hormone levels and can reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives, suggesting some hormone-modulating activity. While topical absorption is much lower than oral intake, there's insufficient data to confirm that topical use is safe during the conception period. Most fertility specialists recommend discontinuing both oral and topical St. John's Wort when actively trying to conceive, as you could become pregnant at any time and early pregnancy is a critical developmental period. The precautionary principle suggests choosing alternative anti-inflammatory or soothing ingredients with better-established safety profiles during this important time.
Hypericum Erectum Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract and PCOS
Safe to Use
- Increases sun sensitivity
Hypericum erectum extract can be beneficial for individuals with PCOS, particularly those dealing with inflammatory acne or skin irritation. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may help calm acne-prone skin without the hormone-disrupting concerns associated with some botanical extracts. Oral St. John's Wort can interact with various medications, including hormonal birth control, potentially reducing contraceptive effectiveness. However, topical application at cosmetic use levels presents minimal risk of drug interactions. If you're taking metformin, spironolactone, or hormonal contraceptives for PCOS, topical Hypericum in skincare products should not interfere with these treatments, though it's worth mentioning to your healthcare provider if you're concerned. The main consideration for PCOS is the photosensitizing effect, which could worsen post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne. If you have darker skin tone or are prone to hyperpigmentation from acne lesions (common in PCOS), be particularly vigilant about sun protection when using products containing this extract, or reserve them for nighttime use only.
Hypericum Erectum Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract and general use
Safe to Use
- Increases sun sensitivity
For the general population, Hypericum erectum extract is generally safe when used in topical cosmetic products. It provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits that can help soothe irritated skin, support wound healing, and protect against environmental stressors. The extract has been used traditionally for various skin conditions, though specific clinical studies on Hypericum erectum (versus Hypericum perforatum) are limited. The primary concern for all users is photosensitivity. The hypericin content can make skin more reactive to UV radiation, increasing the risk of sunburn, phototoxic reactions, and long-term sun damage. This is particularly important for individuals with fair skin, those who spend significant time outdoors, or anyone using other photosensitizing ingredients or medications. Always use broad-spectrum sunscreen when using products containing Hypericum extracts, and consider applying them only in the evening. If you're taking any medications, particularly antidepressants, blood thinners, immunosuppressants, or hormonal contraceptives, be aware that oral St. John's Wort is known for significant drug interactions. While topical use in cosmetics presents much lower risk of interactions, it's worth discussing with your healthcare provider if you're on multiple medications or have concerns about potential interactions.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
Related ingredients
Ingredients suggested in place of Hypericum Erectum Flower/Leaf/Stem 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