Ingredient
Hypericum Perforatum Flower/Twig Extract
Hypericum Perforatum Flower/Twig 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
- 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/Twig Extract and pregnancy
Caution Advised
- Absorbed into the body
- Hormone disruptor
Hypericum Perforatum (St. John's Wort) is a botanical extract known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties in skincare. The plant contains active compounds including hypericin, hyperforin, and flavonoids that provide therapeutic benefits when applied topically. While topical use differs significantly from oral supplementation, there are concerns about St. John's Wort during pregnancy. Oral St. John's Wort is known to interact with various biological pathways and can affect neurotransmitter levels. Although topical absorption is much lower, some active compounds can penetrate the skin. Studies on oral use during pregnancy have shown potential concerns, and while data on topical use is limited, many healthcare providers recommend caution. ACOG does not specifically address topical St. John's Wort, but notes concerns about oral supplementation during pregnancy. Due to the plant's bioactive compounds and potential for skin absorption, many obstetricians and dermatologists suggest avoiding products containing this extract during pregnancy as a precautionary measure. Safer alternatives with anti-inflammatory properties include chamomile extract, calendula, or colloidal oatmeal.
Hypericum Perforatum Flower/Twig Extract and breastfeeding
Caution Advised
- Passes into breast milk
St. John's Wort extract contains bioactive compounds that, when taken orally, are known to pass into breast milk. While topical application involves significantly less systemic absorption than oral use, the ingredient's active compounds can still penetrate the skin to some degree. The concern with St. John's Wort during breastfeeding stems primarily from oral supplement use, where it can affect infant behavior and has been associated with colic and drowsiness. Topical use in cosmetics involves much smaller amounts and localized application. However, due to the lack of specific studies on topical use during lactation and the known effects of the plant's compounds, some healthcare providers recommend avoiding it. LactMed, the NIH database on drugs and lactation, notes concerns about oral St. John's Wort but does not specifically address topical cosmetic use. Many lactation consultants and dermatologists suggest using alternative anti-inflammatory botanical extracts that have clearer safety profiles during breastfeeding.
Hypericum Perforatum Flower/Twig Extract and postpartum
Safe to Use
- Increases sun sensitivity
For postpartum women who are not breastfeeding, St. John's Wort extract can be beneficial for skin healing and addressing inflammatory skin concerns. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties can support skin recovery and address various postpartum skin issues. The main precaution is photosensitivity—users should apply sunscreen when using products containing this extract and limit sun exposure. Otherwise, the ingredient is safe for postpartum use when not breastfeeding and can be helpful for wound healing and skin calming.
Hypericum Perforatum Flower/Twig Extract and trying to conceive
Caution Advised
- Hormone disruptor
St. John's Wort is known to interfere with hormonal contraceptives when taken orally, and there are theoretical concerns about hormone regulation. While topical use in cosmetics involves minimal systemic absorption, women trying to conceive may prefer to avoid it as a precautionary measure. The concern is primarily based on oral use, which can affect reproductive hormones and interfere with fertility treatments. Topical cosmetic use is unlikely to have the same effects, but due to limited specific data on topical use during the preconception period, some fertility specialists suggest choosing alternative anti-inflammatory ingredients.
Hypericum Perforatum Flower/Twig Extract and PCOS
Safe to Use
Hypericum Perforatum extract offers antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can be beneficial for PCOS-related skin concerns, particularly acne. The extract helps reduce inflammation and combat acne-causing bacteria without hormonal interference. While oral St. John's Wort can interact with medications (including hormonal contraceptives), topical use in cosmetics does not produce the same systemic effects. The localized application and low absorption make it safe for individuals managing PCOS, though anyone taking oral medications should consult their healthcare provider. For PCOS-related skin inflammation and breakouts, this ingredient can provide soothing and antimicrobial benefits. However, users should be aware of the photosensitizing properties and use appropriate sun protection. The anti-inflammatory effects can help calm irritated skin without interfering with PCOS management.
Hypericum Perforatum Flower/Twig 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's commonly used in products targeting acne, irritation, minor wounds, and inflammatory skin conditions. The extract contains hypericin, hyperforin, and flavonoids that provide these therapeutic benefits. The main precaution with this ingredient is photosensitivity. Hypericin can make skin more reactive to UV light, potentially increasing the risk of sunburn or photosensitive reactions. Products containing this extract should be used with adequate sun protection, and it's often better suited for evening use or when sun exposure will be limited. For the general public, St. John's Wort extract is a safe and effective botanical ingredient when used properly with sun protection. It's particularly beneficial for acne-prone or sensitive skin. Those taking oral medications should be aware that while topical use doesn't produce the drug interactions associated with oral St. John's Wort, it's always wise to consult a healthcare provider if using multiple treatments.
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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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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