Ingredient
Larrea Divaricata Extract
Larrea Divaricata Extract is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to conceive, postpartum, PCOS and general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body and fetal development.
- Chaparral Extract
- Creosote Bush Extract
- Jarilla Extract
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
- 2 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Larrea Divaricata Extract and pregnancy
Not Recommended
- Absorbed into the body
- Fetal development
Larrea divaricata extract, commonly known as chaparral extract, contains potent bioactive compounds including nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA). While used topically in cosmetics for antioxidant benefits, the plant has a history of medicinal use that has raised safety concerns. Oral consumption of chaparral is associated with hepatotoxicity and is contraindicated during pregnancy. While topical use results in lower systemic absorption than oral intake, the potential for transdermal absorption of NDGA and other bioactive compounds raises concerns. There are no studies examining the safety of topical chaparral extract during pregnancy, and the known toxicity from oral exposure leads medical professionals to advise caution. No regulatory body has specifically evaluated topical chaparral extract for safety during pregnancy. Given the documented hepatotoxicity from oral use and the lack of safety data for topical application during pregnancy, most obstetricians and dermatologists recommend avoiding this ingredient as a precautionary measure. Better-studied antioxidants are available as alternatives.
Larrea Divaricata Extract and breastfeeding
Not Recommended
- Passes into breast milk
- Infant exposure
Chaparral extract contains bioactive compounds like NDGA that have demonstrated systemic effects when consumed orally. While topical application in cosmetics results in lower absorption, the potential for these compounds to enter breast milk remains a concern. Oral chaparral is known for hepatotoxicity and is not recommended during lactation. Although topical use is different from oral consumption, there is no data on whether NDGA or other compounds from topical application could transfer to breast milk. Given the documented toxicity concerns and lack of lactation safety data, medical professionals advise caution. The AAD generally recommends avoiding ingredients with known systemic toxicity during breastfeeding, especially when safer alternatives are available. Without specific safety studies on topical chaparral during lactation, dermatologists typically suggest using well-studied antioxidants instead.
Larrea Divaricata Extract and postpartum
Caution Advised
- Irritant
- Common allergen
For postpartum women not breastfeeding, the primary concerns with chaparral extract are skin irritation and the general lack of comprehensive safety data for topical use. While the ingredient offers antioxidant benefits, its potential for sensitization and the documented toxicity from oral use make it less ideal than better-studied alternatives. Women with a history of liver conditions should be particularly cautious, even with topical use. Those with sensitive skin or a history of contact dermatitis may experience irritation. Better-tolerated antioxidants with established safety profiles are generally preferred.
Larrea Divaricata Extract and trying to conceive
Not Recommended
- Absorbed into the body
Women trying to conceive should follow pregnancy-safe guidelines for skincare ingredients. Given the documented toxicity of oral chaparral and the lack of safety data for topical use during early pregnancy or preconception, avoiding this ingredient is advisable. Medical professionals recommend establishing a pregnancy-safe routine before conception. With numerous well-studied antioxidant alternatives available, there is no compelling reason to use an ingredient with toxicity concerns and insufficient safety data during the preconception period.
Larrea Divaricata Extract and PCOS
Caution Advised
- Irritant
Larrea divaricata extract provides antioxidant benefits and does not have known endocrine-disrupting properties or effects on androgen levels relevant to PCOS. However, the ingredient's potential for skin irritation and limited safety data for topical use raise concerns. For women with PCOS who are not pregnant or breastfeeding, the main considerations are skin tolerance and the preference for ingredients with established safety profiles. While there are no specific hormonal concerns, the documented toxicity from oral chaparral consumption suggests caution even with topical use. Women with PCOS seeking antioxidant benefits have many well-studied alternatives available, such as vitamin C, niacinamide, or green tea extract, which offer similar benefits with better-established safety profiles and less risk of irritation.
Larrea Divaricata Extract and general use
Caution Advised
- Common allergen
- Irritant
Larrea divaricata extract, derived from the chaparral plant, contains powerful antioxidant compounds including nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA). Historically used in traditional medicine, the plant has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that have led to its inclusion in some cosmetic formulations. For the general population, the main concerns are skin irritation and sensitization, as well as the limited safety data for topical cosmetic use. Oral consumption of chaparral has been linked to hepatotoxicity (liver damage), leading to warnings against internal use. While topical application is considered safer than oral consumption, the potential for systemic absorption and the lack of comprehensive dermatological studies create uncertainty about long-term safety. Chaparral extracts are not restricted in cosmetics by the FDA or EU, but the FDA has warned against oral chaparral supplements due to liver toxicity. Individuals with sensitive skin, a history of liver conditions, or those taking medications should exercise caution. Many dermatologists recommend choosing antioxidants with more established safety profiles, such as vitamin C, niacinamide, or green tea extract.
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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