Ingredient

Prasterone

Prasterone is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding, PCOS, trying to conceive, postpartum and general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is hormone disruptor and fetal development.

By Team TruvaLast checked

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
1 of 5
Higher means more likely to sting or redden
PregnancyAVOID

Prasterone and pregnancy

Not Recommended

Prasterone is dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a steroid hormone that serves as a precursor to both male and female sex hormones. It's naturally produced by the adrenal glands but is also synthesized for use in supplements and pharmaceutical products. According to ACOG and reproductive endocrinologists, DHEA and related hormones should be avoided during pregnancy. As a hormone precursor, prasterone can be converted to testosterone and estrogen in the body, potentially disrupting the delicate hormonal balance required for fetal development. Animal studies have shown that exogenous androgens during pregnancy can cause masculinization of female fetuses and other developmental abnormalities. While topical absorption may be less than oral ingestion, the FDA emphasizes that steroid hormones can penetrate the skin and reach systemic circulation. The FDA has not approved prasterone for topical cosmetic use during pregnancy, and the EU prohibits it in cosmetics entirely. ACOG recommends avoiding all hormone-disrupting substances during pregnancy unless specifically prescribed by a physician for a medical condition. Products containing this ingredient should not be used by pregnant women.

BreastfeedingAVOID

Prasterone and breastfeeding

Not Recommended

Prasterone (DHEA) is a steroid hormone that can be absorbed through the skin and enter systemic circulation. As a hormone precursor, it affects androgen and estrogen levels throughout the body. According to pediatric and lactation specialists, DHEA can transfer into breast milk due to its fat-soluble nature and hormonal structure. Even topical application can result in measurable systemic levels. Infant exposure to exogenous hormones through breast milk is a significant concern, as babies' endocrine systems are extremely sensitive during development. The AAD and lactation consultants recommend avoiding all hormonal ingredients while breastfeeding unless specifically prescribed and monitored by a physician. The FDA does not approve prasterone for cosmetic use, and its hormonal activity makes it inappropriate for breastfeeding mothers. Women should discontinue use of any products containing this ingredient while breastfeeding and consult their healthcare provider if they have been using such products.

PostpartumCAUTION

Prasterone and postpartum

Caution Advised

Prasterone (DHEA) is a hormone precursor that affects the body's androgen and estrogen levels. While postpartum women who are not breastfeeding face fewer restrictions than pregnant or breastfeeding mothers, hormonal ingredients still require caution. The postpartum period involves significant hormonal shifts as the body returns to its pre-pregnancy state. Introducing exogenous hormones like DHEA during this recovery period could interfere with natural hormonal rebalancing. Additionally, the FDA has not approved prasterone for cosmetic use, and its hormonal activity raises safety concerns. Women should consult a healthcare provider before using products containing this ingredient postpartum, even when not breastfeeding.

Trying to ConceiveAVOID

Prasterone and trying to conceive

Not Recommended

Prasterone (DHEA) is a hormone precursor with direct effects on androgen and estrogen levels. Women trying to conceive should maintain natural hormonal balance to support ovulation and implantation. According to reproductive endocrinologists, exogenous hormones can interfere with the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, potentially affecting ovulation and fertility. While some fertility clinics use oral DHEA supplementation in very specific circumstances under close monitoring, topical cosmetic use is not recommended. The FDA has not approved prasterone for cosmetic purposes, and its hormonal activity makes it unsuitable for women trying to conceive. Discontinue use before attempting pregnancy and consult with a reproductive specialist if you have been using products containing this ingredient.

PCOSAVOID

Prasterone and PCOS

Not Recommended

Prasterone (DHEA) is a steroid hormone precursor that is converted in the body to both testosterone and estrogen. DHEA supplementation is sometimes discussed in PCOS research, but topical use in cosmetics is a different matter entirely. Women with PCOS already typically have elevated androgen levels, which contribute to symptoms like hirsutism, acne, and irregular periods. According to endocrinologists specializing in PCOS, adding exogenous DHEA: which converts to testosterone: can worsen these symptoms. While some studies have explored oral DHEA supplementation for specific metabolic aspects of PCOS under medical supervision, topical cosmetic use is not appropriate and could exacerbate hormonal imbalances. The EU prohibits prasterone in cosmetics, and endocrinologists do not recommend its use in skincare for PCOS patients. Women with PCOS should focus on ingredients that address skin concerns without hormonal activity and should avoid products containing this ingredient.

General UseCAUTION

Prasterone and general use

Caution Advised

Prasterone (DHEA) is dehydroepiandrosterone, a steroid hormone naturally produced by the adrenal glands. It serves as a precursor to testosterone and estrogen. When used topically, it can be absorbed through the skin and affect systemic hormone levels. According to the FDA, prasterone is classified as a drug rather than a cosmetic ingredient when used for therapeutic purposes. The FDA has approved prescription intravaginal DHEA for postmenopausal vaginal atrophy, but it has not approved DHEA for cosmetic skincare use. Topical application can result in measurable changes in blood hormone levels. Side effects can include acne, increased facial hair, mood changes, and in women, masculinizing effects from androgen conversion. The EU Cosmetics Regulation prohibits prasterone in cosmetic products due to its hormonal activity and potential health risks. In the US, while DHEA is available as a dietary supplement, its inclusion in cosmetics raises regulatory concerns. Consumers should be aware that products containing this ingredient are using a pharmaceutical hormone, not a typical cosmetic ingredient, and should consult a healthcare provider before use.

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Provenance

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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