Ingredient
Leonurus Japonicus Extract
Leonurus Japonicus Extract is flagged for pregnancy. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body.
- Chinese Motherwort Extract
- Yi Mu Cao Extract
- Japanese Motherwort
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
- 1 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 1 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Leonurus Japonicus Extract and pregnancy
Not Recommended
- Absorbed into the body
Leonurus Japonicus, also known as Chinese motherwort, is a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine and now incorporated into cosmetics for antioxidant properties. In traditional medicine, motherwort is used to regulate menstruation and is specifically used postpartum, but it is traditionally avoided during pregnancy in oral form. The concern with motherwort during pregnancy relates to its traditional medicinal use where it's known to affect the uterus and promote uterine contractions when taken orally. Compounds in the plant, including leonurine alkaloids, have been shown to stimulate uterine activity in animal studies. However, it's important to note that topical cosmetic use results in far lower systemic absorption than oral medicinal doses. There are no specific studies on topical cosmetic use during pregnancy, but given the plant's known uterotonic effects in traditional medicine, many herbalists and integrative practitioners recommend caution. While the risk from topical cosmetic use is likely much lower than oral medicinal use, pregnant women—especially in the third trimester when uterine sensitivity increases—may want to avoid products containing motherwort extract as a precautionary measure. If using a product with this ingredient, it's worth discussing with a healthcare provider, particularly if it's a leave-on product used over large body areas.
This one changes across the pregnancy.
- First trimester
- CAUTION
- Second trimester
- CAUTION
- Third trimester
- AVOID
Leonurus Japonicus Extract and breastfeeding
Safe to Use
Leonurus Japonicus extract is used in cosmetics for its antioxidant properties. In traditional Chinese medicine, motherwort is actually used postpartum to support recovery, though this refers to oral medicinal preparations rather than topical cosmetic use. There is no evidence that topical cosmetic use of motherwort extract poses risks during breastfeeding. The systemic absorption from cosmetic products is minimal, and the concentrations used are much lower than medicinal preparations. Traditional postpartum use of motherwort (orally) is considered safe during breastfeeding in Chinese medicine practice. Breastfeeding women can use cosmetic products containing Leonurus Japonicus extract without significant concern. The topical cosmetic application is unlikely to affect milk production or composition.
Leonurus Japonicus Extract and postpartum
Safe to Use
Leonurus Japonicus extract provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits in cosmetic formulations. Interestingly, in traditional Chinese medicine, motherwort is specifically used postpartum to support recovery and promote circulation. For postpartum women not breastfeeding, this ingredient is safe and may even be beneficial. Its traditional postpartum use (though in different forms and concentrations than cosmetics) suggests potential supportive properties for skin recovery during the postpartum period.
Leonurus Japonicus Extract and trying to conceive
Safe to Use
Leonurus Japonicus extract in cosmetics is used for antioxidant properties. While motherwort is used in traditional Chinese medicine for menstrual support when taken orally, topical cosmetic use results in minimal systemic absorption and is distinct from medicinal applications. Women trying to conceive can use cosmetic products containing this extract. The topical cosmetic concentrations are unlikely to have any systemic hormonal effects. However, women who prefer maximum caution may choose alternatives given the plant's traditional medicinal uses related to the reproductive system, though this caution is likely overcautious for cosmetic topical use.
Leonurus Japonicus Extract and PCOS
Safe to Use
Leonurus Japonicus extract is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. In traditional Chinese medicine, motherwort is sometimes used to support menstrual regularity, though this relates to oral medicinal use rather than topical cosmetics. For women with PCOS, topical cosmetic use of motherwort extract presents no concerns and may offer antioxidant benefits for skin health. The plant's traditional use for hormonal support in TCM relates to oral preparations in medicinal doses, not to cosmetic topical use, which has negligible systemic effects. This ingredient is safe for women with PCOS and may be beneficial in skincare products for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help manage inflammation-related skin concerns.
Leonurus Japonicus Extract and general use
Safe to Use
Leonurus Japonicus extract, also known as Chinese motherwort extract, is derived from a plant with a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. In cosmetics, it's valued for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The extract contains flavonoids, alkaloids (including leonurine), and other bioactive compounds that provide skin benefits. This ingredient has an excellent safety profile for topical cosmetic use. It's well-tolerated by most skin types and provides antioxidant protection against environmental stressors. The extract may help soothe irritated skin and support skin barrier function. Allergic reactions are rare. For the general population, Leonurus Japonicus extract is considered safe and beneficial in cosmetic products. It's suitable for various skin types and can be particularly helpful in anti-aging and soothing formulations due to its antioxidant content.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
Related ingredients
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 .
One ingredient is the easy case.
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.
Download on theApp Store