Lithospermum Officinale Root Extract

Lithospermum Officinale Root Extract and pregnancy

Caution Advised

Lithospermum Officinale (gromwell) root extract is a botanical ingredient used in cosmetics for its anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties. The plant has been used traditionally in herbal medicine for various purposes. Some related Lithospermum species have been studied for pyrrolizidine alkaloid content, compounds that can have hepatotoxic effects with oral ingestion. While Lithospermum officinale appears to have lower alkaloid content than some related species, and topical cosmetic use involves minimal systemic absorption compared to oral consumption, there is uncertainty about complete safety data during pregnancy. Additionally, some traditional medicine sources have noted potential effects on hormones with oral use of certain Lithospermum species, though evidence for topical cosmetic applications is lacking. Due to limited pregnancy-specific safety data and potential concerns with related species, a conservative approach suggests caution during the first trimester when fetal development is most sensitive. Most dermatologists would likely consider topical cosmetic use at low concentrations to be relatively low-risk, especially after the first trimester, as systemic absorption from cosmetic products is minimal. Women seeking to avoid all ingredients without clear pregnancy safety data may choose to avoid this ingredient.

Lithospermum Officinale Root Extract and breastfeeding

Safe to Use

Lithospermum Officinale Root Extract is used in cosmetics for its skin-soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It's applied topically at low concentrations in skincare formulations. There is no specific research on this ingredient during breastfeeding, but topical application of cosmetic concentrations is expected to result in minimal to no systemic absorption. While some Lithospermum species have been studied for various properties with oral consumption, topical cosmetic use presents a very different exposure profile. There are no documented concerns about this botanical extract affecting milk production or breastfed infants through maternal topical use. Breastfeeding mothers can use cosmetic products containing this ingredient with minimal concern. As with all topical products, avoid applying directly to the breast or nipple area before breastfeeding. The low systemic absorption from cosmetic use poses negligible risk to breastfed infants.

Lithospermum Officinale Root Extract and postpartum

Safe to Use

This botanical root extract provides anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing benefits, making it potentially helpful for postpartum skin that may be sensitive or experiencing changes. It poses no specific concerns for postpartum women not breastfeeding. The ingredient's calming properties may be beneficial for postpartum skin sensitivity or irritation. Women can safely incorporate products containing this extract into their postpartum skincare routine without restrictions.

Lithospermum Officinale Root Extract and trying to conceive

Safe to Use

Lithospermum Officinale Root Extract is used topically in cosmetics at low concentrations for its skin-soothing properties. While some traditional medicine literature mentions hormonal effects of certain Lithospermum species with oral consumption, there is no evidence that topical cosmetic use affects fertility or conception. Topical application of botanical extracts in cosmetic formulations does not result in systemic exposure sufficient to impact hormonal function or reproductive processes. Women trying to conceive can use products containing this ingredient without fertility concerns, though those seeking to avoid all ingredients without explicit conception-safety data may choose alternatives.

Lithospermum Officinale Root Extract and PCOS

Safe to Use

Lithospermum Officinale Root Extract is a botanical ingredient known for its anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties. Some research suggests potential sebum-regulating effects, which could be relevant for PCOS-related oily skin and acne. There is no evidence that topical cosmetic use of this extract affects androgen levels, insulin sensitivity, or other hormonal parameters in PCOS. While some traditional medicine sources have noted effects on hormones with oral use of certain Lithospermum species, these findings do not translate to topical cosmetic applications at the low concentrations used in skincare. The anti-inflammatory properties may actually be beneficial for inflammatory skin conditions associated with PCOS. Women with PCOS can use products containing this ingredient safely. The anti-inflammatory and potential oil-regulating properties may help with common PCOS skin concerns like acne and excess sebum production. There are no documented hormonal concerns with topical cosmetic use.

Lithospermum Officinale Root Extract and general use

Safe to Use

Lithospermum Officinale Root Extract comes from gromwell, a plant with historical use in traditional European and Asian medicine. In modern cosmetics, it's incorporated for its anti-inflammatory, skin-soothing, and calming properties. The extract is particularly valued in formulations for sensitive or irritated skin. The ingredient is generally well-tolerated with a low incidence of adverse reactions. Traditional topical use and cosmetic applications suggest good safety profile. As with any botanical extract, individuals with plant allergies should be aware of potential sensitivity, though documented allergic reactions in cosmetic use are rare. The extract is used at relatively low concentrations in skincare formulations. For the general public, this ingredient is safe for topical cosmetic use. It offers anti-inflammatory and soothing benefits that may be particularly helpful for sensitive, reactive, or irritated skin. The ingredient is approved for use in cosmetics without specific restrictions in both EU and US markets. Those with known botanical sensitivities may wish to patch test products containing it first.

Everything else flagged for the same profiles

• Flagged in pregnancy

Related ingredients

Ingredients suggested in place of Lithospermum Officinale Root Extract, each one with its own page here.

• Allantoin
• Colloidal Oatmeal

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 15 September 2026.