Ingredient
Lanthanum Chloride
Lanthanum Chloride is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding, postpartum, trying to conceive, PCOS and general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body and fetal development.
- Lanthanum(III) Chloride
- LaCl3
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
- 6 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 3 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Lanthanum Chloride and pregnancy
Not Recommended
- Absorbed into the body
- Fetal development
Lanthanum chloride is a rare earth metal salt occasionally used as an astringent in cosmetics. Rare earth elements are a group of metallic elements that can have biological activity and potential for tissue accumulation. While lanthanum itself has medical uses (such as lanthanum carbonate for phosphate binding in kidney disease), its use in cosmetics is uncommon and not well-studied. The primary concern during pregnancy is the lack of safety data on topical exposure to lanthanum salts and the theoretical risk of metal accumulation with repeated use. Studies on other rare earth elements have shown they can cross biological membranes and accumulate in tissues. While most research focuses on occupational or environmental exposure rather than cosmetic use, the precautionary principle suggests avoiding ingredients with unknown pregnancy safety profiles, especially metals that could potentially accumulate. Neither ACOG nor dermatology organizations have specifically addressed lanthanum chloride in cosmetics due to its uncommon use, but the general guidance for pregnancy is to avoid unnecessary exposure to metal compounds without established safety data. The ingredient's astringent benefits do not justify the use of a poorly studied metal salt when safer alternatives like witch hazel or zinc oxide are available. Most obstetricians would advise choosing products without rare earth metals during pregnancy.
Lanthanum Chloride and breastfeeding
Caution Advised
- Absorbed into the body
- Passes into breast milk
The concern with lanthanum chloride during breastfeeding is similar to pregnancy: insufficient data on the safety of repeated topical exposure and the theoretical possibility of metal accumulation and transfer to breast milk. Metals can be mobilized from maternal tissue stores and appear in breast milk, though the extent of this occurring with topically applied lanthanum is unknown. Studies on lanthanum carbonate (used orally for medical conditions) show that lanthanum has low oral bioavailability, but this does not necessarily predict the behavior of topically applied lanthanum chloride, which has different chemical properties. The lack of safety data specific to cosmetic use and breastfeeding makes this ingredient one where caution is warranted. Most lactation consultants and dermatologists would recommend avoiding cosmetic ingredients with unknown safety profiles during breastfeeding, particularly when dealing with metal compounds. The astringent benefits of lanthanum chloride can be achieved with well-studied alternatives that do not carry the uncertainty of rare earth metal exposure.
Lanthanum Chloride and postpartum
Caution Advised
- Irritant
- Absorbed into the body
For postpartum women not breastfeeding, the concerns about lanthanum chloride center on the general lack of safety data for cosmetic use and the potential for skin irritation. Rare earth metal salts can be irritating to skin and mucous membranes, which may be particularly problematic for postpartum skin that is already experiencing changes and potential sensitivity. While the theoretical concerns about systemic absorption and accumulation are less critical when not pregnant or breastfeeding, the limited research on this ingredient and availability of safer astringent alternatives suggest it is reasonable to choose products without this ingredient. The astringent benefits do not outweigh the uncertainties associated with a poorly studied metal compound.
Lanthanum Chloride and trying to conceive
Caution Advised
- Builds up in tissue
For women trying to conceive, the concern with lanthanum chloride is the potential for tissue accumulation with repeated use and the lack of data on how this might affect early pregnancy. While there is no direct evidence of fertility effects, the precautionary approach during the preconception period suggests avoiding ingredients with unknown safety profiles. Given that many women use skincare products daily and may be trying to conceive for extended periods, choosing products with well-established safety data is prudent. The astringent benefits of lanthanum chloride can be easily achieved with safer alternatives that do not carry the uncertainty of rare earth metal exposure.
Lanthanum Chloride and PCOS
Caution Advised
- Irritant
Women with PCOS often seek astringent ingredients to help manage increased sebum production and oily skin associated with elevated androgens. While lanthanum chloride does have astringent properties, it is not an optimal choice due to limited safety data and potential for irritation. There is no evidence that lanthanum chloride has hormonal activity or would directly interfere with PCOS or its treatments. However, the lack of research on this ingredient and its irritation potential make it a less-than-ideal choice for women with PCOS, who often have sensitive or reactive skin due to their condition. Better-studied astringent ingredients like niacinamide, zinc, or botanical extracts like witch hazel provide similar benefits with established safety profiles and additional skin benefits relevant to PCOS management. The medium risk rating reflects the lack of data rather than known harm, but uncertainty is reason enough to choose alternatives.
Lanthanum Chloride and general use
Caution Advised
- Irritant
Lanthanum chloride is an uncommon ingredient in cosmetics, used for its astringent properties. As a rare earth metal salt, it belongs to a class of compounds that are not extensively studied for cosmetic safety. The ingredient can be irritating to skin and mucous membranes, which limits its appeal for widespread cosmetic use. The medium risk designation reflects primarily the lack of comprehensive safety data rather than documented harm. While lanthanum compounds are used in medical contexts (such as phosphate binders for kidney disease), the safety profile of topical cosmetic use has not been thoroughly established. Some research suggests that rare earth metals may accumulate in tissues with repeated exposure, though the significance of this for cosmetic use is unclear. For the general population, the main consideration is whether the astringent benefits justify using an ingredient with limited safety data when many well-studied alternatives exist. Ingredients like witch hazel, niacinamide, and zinc oxide provide similar astringent effects with extensive safety records. The EU allows lanthanum chloride in cosmetics, but its uncommon use suggests that formulators themselves may prefer better-characterized ingredients. Individuals with sensitive skin or those seeking evidence-based skincare may wish to choose products with more thoroughly researched astringent agents.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
Related ingredients
Ingredients suggested in place of Lanthanum Chloride, 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 .
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