Ingredient
Pelargonium Graveolens Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Pelargonium Graveolens Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract is flagged for pregnancy and trying to conceive.
- Geranium Extract
- Rose Geranium Extract
- Pelargonium 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
- 2 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 2 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Pelargonium Graveolens Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract and pregnancy
Caution Advised
Pelargonium Graveolens (geranium) extract is a botanical ingredient derived from the rose geranium plant. While it's used as an extract in skincare (rather than the more concentrated essential oil form), it still contains aromatic compounds and phytochemicals characteristic of the plant. Some aromatherapy and natural medicine practitioners recommend caution with geranium during pregnancy, though evidence is largely based on concentrated essential oil use rather than diluted extracts in cosmetics. The concern stems from theoretical hormonal effects of certain plant compounds, though topical application in cosmetic formulations involves much lower concentrations than therapeutic aromatherapy use. There is insufficient data to definitively establish safety or risk. Many obstetricians and dermatologists take a conservative approach with botanical extracts containing aromatic compounds during pregnancy due to limited safety data. However, the risk from cosmetic use (where extracts are highly diluted) is likely much lower than from concentrated essential oils. Women who prefer to err on the side of caution may choose to avoid this ingredient during pregnancy.
Pelargonium Graveolens Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract and breastfeeding
Safe to Use
Pelargonium Graveolens extract is used topically in cosmetics at diluted concentrations. When applied to the skin, systemic absorption is minimal, making transfer to breast milk highly unlikely from cosmetic use. While some aromatherapists recommend caution with concentrated geranium essential oil during breastfeeding, the extract form used in cosmetics is significantly more diluted. There are no documented cases of adverse effects on breastfed infants from maternal topical use of geranium-containing cosmetics. Standard precautions apply: avoid applying products near the breast or nipple area before breastfeeding, or wash thoroughly if applied to those areas. This is a general recommendation for all cosmetic products rather than a specific concern with this ingredient.
Pelargonium Graveolens Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract and postpartum
Safe to Use
Pelargonium Graveolens extract is suitable for postpartum skin care when not breastfeeding. Its antioxidant and soothing properties can be beneficial for supporting skin health during the postpartum recovery period. There are no contraindications for use during the postpartum period when not breastfeeding. Women with sensitive skin should patch test first, as with any botanical extract, but the ingredient is generally well-tolerated.
Pelargonium Graveolens Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract and trying to conceive
Caution Advised
Some natural medicine practitioners suggest avoiding geranium products when trying to conceive due to theoretical concerns about hormonal effects, though this guidance is based primarily on concentrated essential oil use rather than cosmetic extracts. The evidence is insufficient to make definitive recommendations. Women who prefer to take a maximally cautious approach when trying to conceive may choose to avoid this ingredient, though the risk from diluted cosmetic use is likely minimal. There are many alternative botanical extracts available with clearer safety profiles for this life stage.
Pelargonium Graveolens Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract and PCOS
Safe to Use
Pelargonium Graveolens extract is safe for women with PCOS and may offer benefits through its antioxidant and soothing properties. These can help calm inflammation, which is often elevated in PCOS patients. There is no evidence that topical geranium extract affects hormonal pathways relevant to PCOS, such as androgen levels or insulin sensitivity. When used in cosmetic formulations at typical concentrations, it functions primarily as a botanical antioxidant and soothing agent. The extract can be incorporated into PCOS skincare routines without concern for hormonal interference. Its soothing properties may be particularly helpful for skin irritated by acne treatments commonly used by PCOS patients.
Pelargonium Graveolens Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract and general use
Safe to Use
- Common allergen
Pelargonium Graveolens extract is commonly used in cosmetics for its antioxidant, soothing, and aromatic properties. It's generally well-tolerated by most users when used in typical cosmetic concentrations. The primary consideration is potential for allergic reactions, particularly in individuals sensitive to fragranced products or botanical extracts. Some components naturally present in geranium, such as geraniol and citronellol, are known fragrance allergens that must be labeled in the EU if present above certain thresholds. For most users, this is a beneficial ingredient that adds antioxidant protection and soothing properties to skincare formulations. Those with known fragrance sensitivities should patch test products containing this extract before full facial application.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
Related ingredients
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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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