Myrcene

Myrcene and pregnancy

Caution Advised

• Absorbed into the body

Myrcene is a terpene compound found naturally in essential oils and used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics. It's a small, volatile molecule that can penetrate skin more easily than larger ingredients. Terpenes like myrcene are known to have biological activity. While specific pregnancy studies on topical myrcene are limited, some research suggests that certain terpenes may have effects on the body when absorbed systemically. The SCCS has raised concerns about myrcene's sensitization potential, and there is theoretical concern about fragrance chemicals with high skin penetration during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester when fetal organ development is occurring. No regulatory body has explicitly prohibited myrcene during pregnancy, but many healthcare providers recommend minimizing exposure to non-essential fragrances during pregnancy as a precautionary measure. The ingredient is allowed in cosmetics but with concentration restrictions in the EU. Given the limited safety data specific to pregnancy and the precautionary principle, many pregnant women choose to avoid products with added fragrance chemicals, especially in the first trimester.

Myrcene and breastfeeding

Safe to Use

Myrcene is a small, volatile fragrance molecule that can be absorbed through skin, but the amounts used in cosmetic products and the typical exposure levels are generally low. As a terpene found naturally in many plants and foods, it is encountered through normal dietary sources as well. There is no specific evidence that topical myrcene affects breast milk or poses risks to breastfed infants. The primary concern with myrcene is skin sensitization rather than systemic toxicity. While data specific to breastfeeding is limited, the low concentrations in cosmetics and transient nature of the compound suggest minimal risk. No regulatory warnings exist specifically for myrcene use during breastfeeding. Women with sensitive skin or known fragrance allergies may want to avoid products containing this ingredient regardless of breastfeeding status.

Myrcene and postpartum

Safe to Use

• Irritant
• Common allergen

For postpartum women not breastfeeding, myrcene's main concerns are related to skin sensitization rather than reproductive health. Postpartum skin can be more sensitive due to hormonal changes, which may increase susceptibility to irritation from fragrance components. If you have sensitive skin or notice irritation, choosing fragrance-free products may be preferable during the postpartum period. Otherwise, products containing myrcene within regulated concentration limits are generally acceptable to use.

Myrcene and trying to conceive

Safe to Use

Myrcene is a fragrance component with no documented effects on fertility or reproductive hormones. While some women trying to conceive prefer to minimize exposure to synthetic fragrances as a general precaution, there is no specific evidence linking topical myrcene at cosmetic concentrations to fertility concerns. Women TTC who wish to be cautious may choose fragrance-free products, but myrcene is not considered a fertility-affecting ingredient. The main considerations are skin sensitization rather than reproductive effects.

Myrcene and PCOS

Safe to Use

Myrcene is a fragrance terpene with no known hormonal activity or effects on androgen levels, insulin sensitivity, or other metabolic aspects of PCOS. Its primary considerations relate to potential skin sensitization rather than hormonal effects. Women with PCOS can use products containing myrcene without concern for hormonal interference. However, if PCOS is associated with inflammatory skin conditions, those with sensitive skin may prefer to minimize exposure to potential irritants like fragrance chemicals. No specific concerns exist for myrcene use in PCOS populations beyond general skin sensitivity considerations.

Myrcene and general use

Safe to Use

• Common allergen
• Irritant

Myrcene is a naturally occurring terpene used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics. It provides an earthy, herbal scent and is found in essential oils like bay leaf, lemongrass, and hops. While it occurs naturally, it can also be synthesized for use in perfumery. The main concern with myrcene is its potential to cause skin sensitization and allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. The SCCS (EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety) has classified myrcene as a skin sensitizer and recommends concentration limits in cosmetic products. People with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies may experience irritation or contact dermatitis from products containing myrcene. The EU requires myrcene to be listed on ingredient labels when present above certain thresholds in cosmetic products. The SCCS has recommended restrictions on its use to minimize sensitization risk. Individuals with known fragrance sensitivities should avoid products listing myrcene high on the ingredient list or choose fragrance-free alternatives.

Everything else flagged for the same profiles

• Flagged in pregnancy

Related ingredients

Ingredients that raise the same concerns.

• Parfum/FragranceIrritant, Common allergen, Absorbed into the body
• Lavandula Angustifolia OilIrritant, Common allergen, Absorbed into the body
• Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf OilIrritant, Common allergen, Absorbed into the body
• EugenolIrritant, Common allergen, Absorbed into the body
• Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf OilIrritant, Common allergen, Absorbed into the body
• DMDM HydantoinIrritant, Common allergen, Absorbed into the body

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.