Ingredient
Hypericum Perforatum Flower Extract
Hypericum Perforatum Flower 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
- St. John's Wort Flower 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
- 2 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Hypericum Perforatum Flower Extract and pregnancy
Caution Advised
- Absorbed into the body
- Increases sun sensitivity
St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a medicinal plant traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. In cosmetics, the flower extract is used to soothe skin and reduce inflammation. While topical application of St. John's Wort extract differs significantly from oral supplementation, concerns exist for pregnancy. Oral St. John's Wort is known to affect neurotransmitter levels and is not recommended during pregnancy due to potential effects on fetal development. Although topical absorption is much lower, there is insufficient data on the safety of topical St. John's Wort during pregnancy. The extract contains active compounds like hypericin and hyperforin that could theoretically be absorbed through skin. ACOG does not provide specific guidance on topical St. John's Wort, but most obstetricians recommend a cautious approach. Many pregnant women and their healthcare providers choose to avoid it, especially during the first trimester when fetal development is most critical. If hyperpigmentation or inflammation needs treatment during pregnancy, safer alternatives include oat extract, chamomile, or calendula.
Hypericum Perforatum Flower Extract and breastfeeding
Caution Advised
- Passes into breast milk
St. John's Wort flower extract is a botanical ingredient used in cosmetics for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. The primary concern with St. John's Wort during breastfeeding relates to oral supplementation, which is known to pass into breast milk and has been associated with colic, drowsiness, and lethargy in breastfed infants. While topical cosmetic use involves much lower systemic absorption than oral supplements, there is limited specific data on topical use during breastfeeding. The active compounds hypericin and hyperforin are lipophilic (fat-soluble), which raises theoretical concerns about accumulation in breast milk. Most lactation consultants and dermatologists recommend avoiding St. John's Wort products during breastfeeding as a precautionary measure, particularly if applied to large areas of skin or to the breast area. For treating skin inflammation or irritation while breastfeeding, safer alternatives include calendula, chamomile, or colloidal oatmeal.
Hypericum Perforatum Flower Extract and postpartum
Safe to Use
- Increases sun sensitivity
St. John's Wort flower extract provides anti-inflammatory and wound-healing benefits that can be helpful for postpartum skin concerns. It contains compounds that help reduce inflammation, support tissue repair, and provide antimicrobial activity. For postpartum women not breastfeeding, topical St. John's Wort extract in cosmetics is generally safe. The main precaution is photosensitivity—the ingredient can increase sun sensitivity, so proper sun protection is essential. As hormonal changes postpartum can already make skin more reactive to UV exposure, extra care with sunscreen is advisable when using products containing this extract.
Hypericum Perforatum Flower Extract and trying to conceive
Caution Advised
- Absorbed into the body
St. John's Wort flower extract is a botanical ingredient with anti-inflammatory properties used in topical cosmetics. While topical use differs significantly from oral supplementation, many healthcare providers recommend caution with St. John's Wort when trying to conceive. Oral St. John's Wort is known to have effects on neurotransmitters and hormonal pathways, and is not recommended during conception or pregnancy. Although topical absorption is minimal, some women and their doctors prefer to avoid it during the TTC period as a precautionary measure, particularly if using it regularly or on large areas of skin.
Hypericum Perforatum Flower Extract and PCOS
Safe to Use
St. John's Wort flower extract has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that may help with PCOS-related skin concerns, particularly inflammation associated with acne. There are no known concerns about topical St. John's Wort extract for women with PCOS. While oral St. John's Wort can interact with medications (including some hormonal treatments), topical cosmetic use does not present the same systemic concerns. The extract may actually be beneficial for managing inflammatory skin conditions common with PCOS. The primary consideration is photosensitivity—the extract can increase sun sensitivity, which is important to note since women with PCOS may already be dealing with hyperpigmentation from acne. Always use broad-spectrum sunscreen when using products containing this ingredient.
Hypericum Perforatum Flower Extract and general use
Safe to Use
- Increases sun sensitivity
Hypericum perforatum (St. John's Wort) flower extract is a botanical ingredient valued in cosmetics for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties. It contains active compounds including hypericin, hyperforin, and flavonoids that provide antioxidant and skin-soothing benefits. The main concern with topical St. John's Wort extract is photosensitivity. The compound hypericin can increase the skin's sensitivity to ultraviolet light, potentially leading to sunburn, redness, or hyperpigmentation with sun exposure. This photosensitizing effect is dose-dependent and more pronounced with higher concentrations or prolonged use. Some individuals may also experience mild skin irritation or allergic reactions. The EU and FDA permit St. John's Wort extract in cosmetic formulations. When using products containing this ingredient, dermatologists recommend applying broad-spectrum sunscreen daily and limiting sun exposure. For individuals with sensitive skin or those prone to photosensitivity, alternatives like chamomile, calendula, or bisabolol provide similar anti-inflammatory benefits without the photosensitizing concerns.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
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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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