Ingredient
Hypericum Perforatum Extract
Hypericum Perforatum Extract is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding and trying to conceive. The concern behind the strongest flag is hormone disruptor and absorbed into the body.
- St. John's Wort Extract
- St. Johns Wort
- SJW Extract
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
- 3 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 3 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Hypericum Perforatum Extract and pregnancy
Not Recommended
- Hormone disruptor
- Absorbed into the body
Hypericum perforatum extract, or St. John's Wort, is a botanical extract containing active compounds like hypericin and hyperforin. While used topically in cosmetics for soothing and antimicrobial properties, this herb is well-known as an oral supplement for mood support. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and ACOG explicitly advise pregnant women to avoid St. John's Wort due to concerns about uterine stimulation and potential effects on fetal development. Studies on oral consumption show that the herb's active compounds can cross the placenta. While topical absorption is lower than oral intake, the bioactive nature of hyperforin and hypericin means some systemic absorption is possible through the skin. Additionally, St. John's Wort has known enzyme-inducing properties that could theoretically interfere with medications a pregnant woman might be taking. Most obstetricians and dermatologists recommend avoiding St. John's Wort in any form during pregnancy due to the lack of safety data for topical use and known concerns with oral use. Safer alternatives for soothing inflammation include chamomile extract, calendula, colloidal oatmeal, or centella asiatica, all of which have better-established pregnancy safety profiles.
Hypericum Perforatum Extract and breastfeeding
Not Recommended
- Passes into breast milk
- Infant exposure
Hypericum perforatum (St. John's Wort) is a botanical extract containing active compounds that can potentially pass into breast milk when consumed orally. The NIH and multiple medical sources advise against oral St. John's Wort during breastfeeding due to possible infant exposure and limited safety data. While topical application involves less systemic absorption than oral consumption, the bioactive compounds in St. John's Wort can penetrate skin to some degree. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) expresses concern about herbal products during lactation due to variable potency and limited infant safety data. Additionally, the photosensitizing properties of hypericin could theoretically affect breastfed infants if compounds transfer through milk, though this specific pathway has not been extensively studied. Most healthcare providers recommend avoiding St. John's Wort products during breastfeeding as a precautionary measure. Safer soothing alternatives include chamomile, calendula, or oat-based ingredients, which have longer histories of safe use in postpartum and breastfeeding populations without concerns about infant exposure.
Hypericum Perforatum Extract and postpartum
Safe to Use
- Increases sun sensitivity
- Irritant
For postpartum women not breastfeeding, Hypericum perforatum extract can provide soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits without the lactation-related concerns. The extract may help with skin recovery and irritation common in the postpartum period. The primary consideration for non-breastfeeding postpartum use is the ingredient's photosensitizing properties. Users should be diligent about sun protection, as hypericin increases UV sensitivity. Some individuals may also experience contact sensitivity or irritation. If using products containing St. John's Wort, applying them at night and using broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day is advisable.
Hypericum Perforatum Extract and trying to conceive
Caution Advised
- Hormone disruptor
Hypericum perforatum (St. John's Wort) has documented effects on hormone metabolism and liver enzyme activity when taken orally. While topical cosmetic use involves much lower systemic exposure, the conservative approach for women trying to conceive is to avoid ingredients with known hormonal activity or metabolism effects until pregnancy is achieved or ruled out. There is limited specific data on topical St. John's Wort and fertility, but given the well-documented concerns with oral use during pregnancy and the herb's bioactive nature, many healthcare providers recommend discontinuing use when actively trying to conceive. Safer soothing alternatives include chamomile, centella asiatica, or colloidal oatmeal, which can provide similar calming benefits without theoretical hormonal concerns.
Hypericum Perforatum Extract and PCOS
Safe to Use
- Increases sun sensitivity
Hypericum perforatum extract has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that may benefit PCOS-related skin concerns, particularly acne and inflammation. There is no evidence that topical St. John's Wort affects androgen levels or insulin sensitivity, the primary hormonal concerns in PCOS. While oral St. John's Wort has documented effects on liver enzyme activity and drug metabolism, topical cosmetic use presents minimal hormonal concerns. The extract's antimicrobial properties may help manage acne-prone skin common in PCOS patients. However, women with PCOS should be aware of photosensitivity risks and use appropriate sun protection. Women with PCOS can generally use products containing St. John's Wort extract safely, focusing on its anti-inflammatory benefits. Those taking oral medications for PCOS (like metformin or birth control) should note that topical cosmetic amounts are unlikely to cause the drug interactions seen with oral St. John's Wort supplements, but should maintain sun protection due to photosensitizing effects.
Hypericum Perforatum Extract and general use
Safe to Use
- Increases sun sensitivity
- Irritant
For the general population, Hypericum perforatum extract offers soothing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial benefits in topical skincare. It has been used traditionally for wound healing and skin irritation, with antioxidant properties from its various bioactive compounds. The main precaution for all users is photosensitivity. The compound hypericin in St. John's Wort increases skin sensitivity to UV radiation, potentially causing enhanced sunburn or phototoxic reactions. This is well-documented in medical literature. Users should apply products containing this ingredient in evening routines or ensure diligent use of broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher during daytime. St. John's Wort extract can be a beneficial ingredient for those seeking natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, provided sun protection measures are followed. Individuals with fair skin or high sun exposure should be particularly cautious. Those with sensitive skin may want to patch test first, as some people experience contact irritation from botanical extracts.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
Related ingredients
Ingredients suggested in place of Hypericum Perforatum 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