Ingredient
Hypericum Perforatum Flower/Leaf Extract
Hypericum Perforatum Flower/Leaf Extract is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding and trying to conceive. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body.
- St. John's Wort Extract
- SJW 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
- 2 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Hypericum Perforatum Flower/Leaf Extract and pregnancy
Caution Advised
- Absorbed into the body
Hypericum Perforatum, commonly known as St. John's Wort, is a botanical extract used in cosmetics for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. While beneficial for skin healing, this herb raises concerns when used during pregnancy. Oral St. John's Wort is known to affect neurotransmitter levels and is contraindicated during pregnancy due to potential effects on fetal development. While topical use has much lower systemic absorption than oral supplementation, the active compounds (particularly hypericin and hyperforin) can still be absorbed through the skin to some degree. ACOG and most obstetricians recommend avoiding St. John's Wort in all forms during pregnancy as a precautionary measure, though specific data on topical cosmetic use is limited. Given the well-documented concerns with oral use and uncertainty about systemic absorption from topical application, many healthcare providers advise pregnant women to choose alternative anti-inflammatory botanicals. If you're using a product containing this ingredient, discuss it with your obstetrician. Women seeking similar anti-inflammatory and soothing benefits during pregnancy may consider safer alternatives.
Hypericum Perforatum Flower/Leaf Extract and breastfeeding
Caution Advised
- Passes into breast milk
St. John's Wort is a concern for breastfeeding mothers primarily due to oral supplementation, which is known to pass into breast milk and may affect infant neurotransmitter systems. The American Academy of Pediatrics has expressed concern about oral use during breastfeeding. While topical cosmetic application has much lower systemic absorption than oral use, the active compounds can still be absorbed through the skin. The extent of absorption and potential transfer to breast milk from cosmetic products is not well-studied, creating uncertainty. Most lactation consultants and pediatricians recommend avoiding St. John's Wort products during breastfeeding as a precautionary measure, though the risk from limited topical cosmetic use is likely lower than from oral supplements. Women seeking anti-inflammatory skincare have many safer alternatives available.
Hypericum Perforatum Flower/Leaf Extract and postpartum
Safe to Use
- Increases sun sensitivity
For postpartum women not breastfeeding, topical St. John's Wort extract can offer benefits for wound healing, inflammation, and skin recovery. Its anti-inflammatory properties may help with postpartum skin concerns. The main consideration is photosensitivity—use sunscreen when applying products containing this ingredient during the day. Beyond this, there are no specific concerns for postpartum use when not breastfeeding.
Hypericum Perforatum Flower/Leaf Extract and trying to conceive
Caution Advised
- Hormone disruptor
Oral St. John's Wort is known to affect neurotransmitter levels and potentially interfere with fertility treatments and hormone regulation. While topical cosmetic use has much lower systemic absorption, women trying to conceive may want to exercise caution. Given the known effects of oral St. John's Wort on hormone-related processes and the lack of specific data on topical use during the preconception period, many fertility specialists recommend avoiding it as a precautionary measure. Alternative anti-inflammatory botanicals are readily available for skincare during this time.
Hypericum Perforatum Flower/Leaf Extract and PCOS
Safe to Use
- Increases sun sensitivity
St. John's Wort extract in skincare may offer anti-inflammatory benefits that could help with PCOS-related skin inflammation and acne. Its antioxidant properties support overall skin health. There are no known hormonal interactions from topical cosmetic use that would be of concern for PCOS. While oral St. John's Wort can interact with medications, topical application in cosmetics has minimal systemic absorption. The main consideration is photosensitivity. Women with PCOS should use sunscreen when using products containing this ingredient during the day, as increased sun sensitivity combined with any hormonal hyperpigmentation tendencies could be problematic.
Hypericum Perforatum Flower/Leaf Extract and general use
Safe to Use
- Increases sun sensitivity
Hypericum Perforatum (St. John's Wort) Extract is valued in skincare for its anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and antioxidant properties. It contains active compounds including hypericin, hyperforin, and flavonoids that provide therapeutic benefits for skin. The primary concern with topical St. John's Wort is photosensitivity. The compound hypericin can increase skin's sensitivity to UV light, potentially causing reactions upon sun exposure. Users should apply sunscreen when using products containing this ingredient during the day. The extract may also cause mild irritation in some individuals. This ingredient is permitted in cosmetics in both the EU and US. While oral St. John's Wort is known for numerous drug interactions, topical cosmetic use has minimal systemic absorption and typically does not cause the same concerns. For general skincare use with proper sun protection, this ingredient is considered relatively safe.
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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