Ingredient
Menadione
Menadione is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding, postpartum, trying to conceive, PCOS and general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body and fetal development.
- Vitamin K3
- 2-Methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone
- Menaphthone
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
- 4 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Menadione and pregnancy
Not Recommended
- Absorbed into the body
- Fetal development
Menadione (vitamin K3) is a synthetic form of vitamin K that differs significantly from the natural forms (K1 and K2) found in foods. While natural vitamin K is essential during pregnancy, synthetic menadione has a different toxicity profile and can be absorbed through the skin, especially from leave-on cosmetic products. According to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), menadione is banned from cosmetics in the EU due to safety concerns including potential genotoxicity and cytotoxic effects. Studies have shown that menadione can cause oxidative stress and DNA damage in cells. During pregnancy, there are theoretical concerns about fetal exposure through maternal systemic absorption. While natural vitamin K is safe and necessary during pregnancy, synthetic menadione has been associated with hemolytic anemia in newborns when given in high doses, raising concerns about prenatal exposure. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) does not specifically address menadione in cosmetics, but the compound's ban in EU cosmetics and its known toxicity profile make it advisable to avoid during pregnancy. Most obstetricians would recommend avoiding any ingredient banned in major cosmetic markets due to safety concerns.
Menadione and breastfeeding
Not Recommended
- Passes into breast milk
- Infant exposure
Menadione is a synthetic vitamin K compound that can be absorbed through the skin when applied topically. Unlike natural forms of vitamin K, menadione has documented toxicity concerns and is banned in cosmetics in the EU and Canada due to its potential to cause cellular damage and irritation. While specific data on menadione transfer into breast milk from topical application is limited, the compound's known ability to penetrate skin and its documented systemic toxicity raise concerns. Synthetic menadione has historically been associated with hemolytic anemia in newborns when administered directly. Given that natural vitamin K can pass into breast milk, and menadione is more toxic than natural forms, there is theoretical risk of infant exposure through breastfeeding if the mother uses products containing this ingredient. The ingredient's ban in EU cosmetics and its classification as unsafe by multiple regulatory bodies make it advisable to avoid during breastfeeding. Dermatologists and pediatricians would recommend using products with safer vitamin K derivatives or alternative antioxidants that have established safety profiles for breastfeeding mothers.
Menadione and postpartum
Not Recommended
- Irritant
- Common allergen
Menadione is a synthetic vitamin K compound that is banned from cosmetics in the EU and Canada due to significant safety concerns. Even for non-breastfeeding postpartum women, the ingredient poses risks of severe skin irritation, contact dermatitis, and potential systemic toxicity through skin absorption. The compound's ability to generate reactive oxygen species and cause cellular damage makes it unsuitable for topical use, particularly on postpartum skin that may already be sensitized or compromised. There are numerous safer alternatives available for any intended cosmetic benefit, making menadione an unnecessary risk.
Menadione and trying to conceive
Not Recommended
- Absorbed into the body
- Builds up in tissue
Menadione is a synthetic vitamin K compound banned in EU cosmetics due to safety concerns including potential genotoxicity and cellular toxicity. While trying to conceive, it's advisable to avoid ingredients with documented safety issues, especially those that can be absorbed systemically and have potential to cause DNA damage. Although there's no direct evidence that topical menadione affects fertility, the compound's ability to generate oxidative stress and its ban from cosmetics in major markets suggest it's prudent to avoid. Women planning pregnancy should minimize exposure to potentially harmful chemicals, and menadione's risk-to-benefit ratio is unfavorable when safer alternatives exist. It's best to discontinue any products containing this ingredient when actively trying to conceive.
Menadione and PCOS
Not Recommended
- Irritant
- Can inflame skin
Menadione is a synthetic form of vitamin K that is banned in EU cosmetics due to safety concerns. While it does not have known hormonal effects relevant to PCOS, its significant irritancy and potential toxicity make it unsuitable for anyone, including women with PCOS. Women with PCOS often have sensitive or acne-prone skin that is already prone to inflammation. Menadione's documented ability to cause severe irritation and contact dermatitis would likely worsen inflammatory skin conditions. The compound can generate reactive oxygen species that damage cells and trigger inflammatory cascades, counteracting efforts to manage PCOS-related skin concerns. Dermatologists treating PCOS-related skin issues would not recommend products containing menadione. The ingredient offers no specific benefits for PCOS management and carries unnecessary risks of irritation and inflammation that could exacerbate existing skin problems.
Menadione and general use
Not Recommended
- Irritant
- Common allergen
- Carcinogen concern
Menadione (vitamin K3) is a synthetic form of vitamin K that has been used in some cosmetic formulations for its claimed antioxidant properties. However, unlike the natural forms of vitamin K found in foods (K1 and K2), menadione has a significantly different safety profile and is much more likely to cause adverse effects. The compound is a known skin and mucous membrane irritant that frequently causes contact dermatitis and allergic reactions. Research has shown that menadione can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) that damage cellular structures and DNA. Studies have documented its cytotoxic effects and potential genotoxicity. When absorbed systemically, menadione has been associated with hemolytic anemia and liver toxicity. The irritancy level is high (4 out of 5), making it unsuitable for sensitive skin or regular use. Menadione is banned for use in cosmetics in the European Union under the EU Cosmetics Regulation, as well as in Canada, due to safety concerns. The FDA does not approve menadione for over-the-counter cosmetic use, and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review expert panel has not established it as safe for cosmetic applications. Most developed countries prohibit or heavily restrict its use in personal care products. Consumers should avoid products containing this ingredient and opt for safer vitamin K derivatives or alternative antioxidants.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
Related ingredients
Ingredients suggested in place of Menadione, each one with its own page here.
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 .
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