Ingredient
Larrea Tridentata Extract
Larrea Tridentata Extract is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding, postpartum, trying to conceive and general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body.
- Creosote Bush Extract
- Chaparral Extract
- Gobernadora 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
- 5 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 2 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Larrea Tridentata Extract and pregnancy
Not Recommended
- Absorbed into the body
Larrea tridentata (creosote bush or chaparral) extract contains compounds including nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) that provide antioxidant benefits in skincare formulations. The plant has traditional medicinal uses but also documented safety concerns. The FDA and multiple medical authorities have issued warnings about internal use of chaparral due to documented cases of liver toxicity and hepatitis. While topical absorption is lower than oral consumption, the lack of specific pregnancy safety data combined with the known hepatotoxicity of this plant raises concerns. During pregnancy, the liver undergoes significant metabolic changes, and exposure to hepatotoxic compounds could theoretically pose risks. There are no studies confirming safety of topical use during pregnancy. Most healthcare providers recommend avoiding chaparral products during pregnancy due to the documented liver toxicity concerns and absence of safety data. While the risk from topical cosmetic use is likely lower than oral consumption, the precautionary principle suggests choosing ingredients with established pregnancy safety profiles.
Larrea Tridentata Extract and breastfeeding
Not Recommended
- Passes into breast milk
Larrea tridentata extract contains bioactive compounds including NDGA that, while beneficial as antioxidants, have raised safety concerns due to documented hepatotoxicity with oral consumption of chaparral products. The FDA has warned against internal use of chaparral due to liver toxicity reports. While topical cosmetic use involves lower systemic absorption than oral consumption, there is insufficient data on whether these compounds can transfer into breast milk or affect breastfed infants. Given the documented hepatotoxicity and lack of breastfeeding-specific safety studies, most medical professionals advise caution. Lactation consultants and dermatologists typically recommend avoiding products with chaparral extract during breastfeeding, particularly on areas that might come into contact with the infant or where absorption might be higher. Safer antioxidant alternatives are widely available.
Larrea Tridentata Extract and postpartum
Caution Advised
- Irritant
For postpartum women who are not breastfeeding, larrea tridentata extract may be used more liberally than during pregnancy or breastfeeding, though the general hepatotoxicity concerns from oral use still warrant some caution with topical products. The main consideration is skin sensitivity during the postpartum period, when hormone fluctuations can make skin more reactive. The antioxidant benefits may be helpful, but safer alternatives with more robust safety data are generally preferred by dermatologists for postpartum skin concerns.
Larrea Tridentata Extract and trying to conceive
Caution Advised
For women trying to conceive, the concerns with larrea tridentata extract are similar to those in early pregnancy. While there's no evidence that topical use affects fertility, the documented hepatotoxicity from oral consumption and lack of reproductive safety data suggest caution. Many healthcare providers recommend discontinuing chaparral-containing products when actively trying to conceive, using the same precautionary approach as for early pregnancy. This is particularly prudent since women may not know they're pregnant during the critical first weeks of fetal development.
Larrea Tridentata Extract and PCOS
Safe to Use
Larrea tridentata extract contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that may theoretically benefit PCOS-related skin concerns. NDGA, the primary active compound, has been studied for its antioxidant properties. There are no known concerns specific to PCOS with topical use of this ingredient. It does not affect hormone levels, insulin sensitivity, or androgen activity. The anti-inflammatory properties may be beneficial for acne or inflammation associated with PCOS. Women with PCOS can generally use products containing this extract, though the general controversy around chaparral's safety profile means many dermatologists prefer recommending better-studied antioxidants like niacinamide or vitamin C for PCOS-related skin concerns.
Larrea Tridentata Extract and general use
Caution Advised
- Irritant
Larrea tridentata (chaparral) extract is used in cosmetics for its antioxidant properties, primarily due to the compound NDGA. It has traditional use in folk medicine but remains controversial in modern healthcare. The primary concern for the general public is the FDA's warning about liver toxicity from internal consumption of chaparral products. Multiple cases of hepatitis and liver damage have been documented with oral use. While topical cosmetic application has a different safety profile with lower systemic absorption, the controversy around this ingredient persists. Some individuals may also experience skin irritation. The FDA permits topical use in cosmetics but has specifically warned against internal consumption. The EU also allows cosmetic use. For general use, products with chaparral extract are considered relatively low risk when applied topically, but many dermatologists prefer ingredients with less controversial safety profiles.
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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