Ingredient
Lavandula Angustifolia Extract
Lavandula Angustifolia Extract is flagged for pregnancy, trying to conceive and PCOS. The concern behind the strongest flag is hormone disruptor and absorbed into the body.
- Lavender Extract
- Lavender Oil Extract
- English Lavender 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
Lavandula Angustifolia Extract and pregnancy
Caution Advised
- Hormone disruptor
- Absorbed into the body
Lavandula Angustifolia Extract is derived from lavender flowers and used in cosmetics for its soothing, aromatic properties. It contains various bioactive compounds including linalool and linalyl acetate that give lavender its characteristic scent. Some research has raised concerns about potential endocrine-disrupting effects of lavender compounds. A 2007 study in the New England Journal of Medicine reported three prepubertal boys who developed gynecomastia (breast tissue growth) associated with lavender-containing products, suggesting possible estrogenic activity. While this research focused on repeated topical application and the evidence is limited, it has prompted some obstetricians to recommend caution with lavender products during pregnancy due to theoretical hormonal effects during critical fetal development periods. There is no specific regulatory guidance prohibiting lavender extract during pregnancy from ACOG or the FDA. However, given the theoretical endocrine concerns and limited human safety data, many healthcare providers suggest pregnant women either avoid concentrated lavender products or use them sparingly. The uncertainty around hormonal activity during pregnancy places this ingredient in a cautionary category despite its widespread use in personal care products.
Lavandula Angustifolia Extract and breastfeeding
Safe to Use
- Common allergen
Lavender extract used topically in cosmetics presents minimal concern during breastfeeding. The compounds are applied to skin rather than ingested, and systemic absorption from cosmetic products is generally low. There is no evidence that topical lavender extract affects milk supply or composition. The primary consideration for breastfeeding mothers is avoiding direct application to the breast area where an infant might ingest the product during breastfeeding, and being mindful of potential allergic reactions. The aromatic compounds could theoretically cause sensitivity in some infants if present in high concentrations near the breastfeeding area. The AAD and lactation consultants generally consider topical lavender extract in cosmetics to be compatible with breastfeeding when used as directed in standard personal care products. The main recommendation is to avoid applying lavender-containing products directly to areas that come in contact with the infant's mouth during feeding.
Lavandula Angustifolia Extract and postpartum
Safe to Use
- Common allergen
For postpartum women not breastfeeding, lavender extract in cosmetics presents minimal safety concerns beyond typical irritation or allergic reactions that can occur in any population. The ingredient provides soothing and antioxidant benefits that may be helpful for stressed or sensitive postpartum skin. The main consideration is individual sensitivity, as hormonal changes postpartum can sometimes increase skin reactivity. Patch testing new products containing lavender extract is advisable if you have a history of fragrance sensitivities or allergies.
Lavandula Angustifolia Extract and trying to conceive
Caution Advised
- Hormone disruptor
For women trying to conceive, the same theoretical concerns about lavender's potential estrogenic activity apply as during pregnancy, though evidence is limited. Since you could become pregnant at any time when trying to conceive, many fertility specialists recommend following pregnancy precautions for ingredients with any hormonal activity concerns. The conservative approach is to minimize exposure to potential endocrine-disrupting compounds during the preconception period, as early pregnancy is a critical time for fetal development. However, the risk from topical lavender extract in cosmetics is theoretical rather than proven, and many women use lavender-containing products without apparent fertility effects.
Lavandula Angustifolia Extract and PCOS
Caution Advised
- Interferes with hormones
Lavender extract contains compounds that may have mild estrogenic activity, based on limited in vitro research. For women with PCOS, who often have hormonal imbalances involving elevated androgens and insulin resistance, there is theoretical concern about ingredients with estrogenic properties potentially affecting hormone levels. The evidence for hormonal effects from topical lavender in cosmetics is limited and primarily comes from case reports rather than controlled studies. The actual impact on PCOS hormones from cosmetic use is likely minimal given low systemic absorption. However, women with PCOS who are particularly sensitive to hormonal fluctuations may prefer to limit exposure to potential endocrine-active ingredients. There is no specific medical guidance from endocrinology societies about lavender extract and PCOS. The soothing and anti-inflammatory properties could be beneficial for PCOS-related acne or skin inflammation. Women with PCOS may choose to use lavender-containing products but should monitor for any unusual symptoms or hormonal changes, though these would be rare from topical cosmetic application.
Lavandula Angustifolia Extract and general use
Safe to Use
For the general adult population not pregnant or trying to conceive, lavender extract is widely considered safe for use in cosmetics. It has a long history of use in personal care products and provides soothing, antioxidant benefits for the skin. The primary consideration is individual sensitivity. Lavender extract can cause allergic contact dermatitis in susceptible individuals, particularly those with existing fragrance allergies. The European Commission's Scientific Committee notes that lavender-derived allergens should be declared on product labels to help consumers make informed choices. Overall, lavender extract is a well-tolerated botanical ingredient for most people. Those with known fragrance sensitivities or a history of reactions to lavender products should avoid it, but it presents minimal safety concerns for the majority of cosmetic users when used in standard formulations.
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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