Ingredient
Hypericum Perforatum Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Hypericum Perforatum 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 hormone disruptor.
- St. John's Wort Extract
- Hypericum Extract
- St. Johns 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 Perforatum Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract and pregnancy
Caution Advised
- Absorbed into the body
- Hormone disruptor
Hypericum perforatum, commonly known as St. John's Wort, is a botanical extract with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. While extensively studied for oral supplementation, topical application during pregnancy has limited specific research. Oral St. John's Wort is known to affect neurotransmitter levels and has been associated with potential risks during pregnancy, though evidence is mixed. The concern with topical use centers on potential systemic absorption, particularly with damaged skin or repeated application over large areas. Some studies suggest St. John's Wort may have mild hormonal effects, though this is primarily documented with oral use. Most obstetricians and dermatologists recommend a cautious approach to St. John's Wort during pregnancy due to insufficient data on topical safety. While small amounts in skincare products likely pose minimal risk, many pregnant women choose to avoid it as a precautionary measure, especially during the first trimester when organ development occurs.
Hypericum Perforatum Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract and breastfeeding
Caution Advised
- Passes into breast milk
St. John's Wort extract is used topically for its soothing and wound-healing properties. However, this botanical has well-documented effects when taken orally during lactation. Oral St. John's Wort has been shown to transfer into breast milk and may cause side effects in breastfed infants, including colic, drowsiness, and lethargy. While topical absorption is significantly lower than oral ingestion, the potential for some systemic absorption exists, particularly with extensive application or compromised skin. The active compound hypericin can accumulate in tissues. The American Academy of Pediatrics and lactation consultants generally advise caution with St. John's Wort during breastfeeding. While occasional use of products with small amounts may be acceptable, many healthcare providers recommend avoiding this botanical until weaning, particularly if applied to large areas or the chest region.
Hypericum Perforatum Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract and postpartum
Safe to Use
- Increases sun sensitivity
For postpartum women not breastfeeding, St. John's Wort extract can provide beneficial anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. It may help with skin recovery and irritation common in the postpartum period. The main consideration is photosensitivity—use sun protection when applying products with this extract. Otherwise, it is safe for topical use and may support postpartum skin healing.
Hypericum Perforatum Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract and trying to conceive
Caution Advised
- Hormone disruptor
While oral St. John's Wort has been studied for its effects on reproductive hormones and fertility, topical application has far less systemic impact. However, some healthcare providers recommend a cautious approach during the conception period. Given the theoretical concerns about hormonal effects and the lack of specific data on topical use while trying to conceive, many women choose to discontinue St. John's Wort products when actively trying to become pregnant. This is a precautionary approach rather than based on documented risks from topical use.
Hypericum Perforatum Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract and PCOS
Safe to Use
St. John's Wort extract provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits when used topically. There is no evidence that topical application affects hormone levels in the way that oral supplementation might. For women with PCOS, topical St. John's Wort extract does not interfere with androgen levels, insulin sensitivity, or other PCOS-related hormonal pathways. Its anti-inflammatory properties may actually benefit PCOS-related skin inflammation. The primary consideration remains photosensitivity, so sun protection is recommended. Otherwise, this ingredient is safe for PCOS skincare routines.
Hypericum Perforatum Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract and general use
Safe to Use
- Increases sun sensitivity
Hypericum perforatum extract is valued in skincare for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties. It contains multiple bioactive compounds including hyperforin and hypericin that provide antioxidant benefits. The main concern with topical use is photosensitivity. Hypericin can increase skin's reaction to UV light, potentially causing phototoxic reactions or increased sunburn risk. Users should apply sun protection when using products containing this extract. The ingredient is generally well-tolerated but may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals. The SCCS and FDA permit St. John's Wort extract in cosmetics with recommendations for sun protection. It has a long history of use in traditional medicine and modern skincare formulations.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
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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 .
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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.
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