Pseudozyma Epicola/Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil/Olive Fruit Oil/Sunflower Seed Oil/(Angelica Gigas/Licorice/Lithospermum Erythrorhizon) Root Ferment Extract Filtrate

Pseudozyma Epicola/Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil/Olive Fruit Oil/Sunflower Seed Oil/(Angelica Gigas/Licorice/Lithospermum Erythrorhizon) Root Ferment Extract Filtrate and pregnancy

Caution Advised

• Hormone disruptor
• Absorbed into the body

This ingredient is a fermented botanical oil blend containing argan, olive, and sunflower oils combined with extracts from Korean angelica (Angelica gigas), licorice root, and gromwell (Lithospermum erythrorhizon). The fermentation process using Pseudozyma epicola yeast may increase the bioavailability of phytoactive compounds from these botanicals. The primary concern during pregnancy relates to the licorice component. Licorice contains glycyrrhizin, which can affect cortisol metabolism and has been associated with preterm delivery and developmental effects when consumed orally during pregnancy, according to studies published in the American Journal of Epidemiology. While topical absorption is lower than oral consumption, the fermentation process may enhance penetration of these compounds. Additionally, Lithospermum erythrorhizon contains shikonin derivatives that have shown potential estrogenic activity in laboratory studies, though clinical data on topical use during pregnancy is lacking. Neither ACOG nor the FDA has issued specific guidance on this fermented complex. However, given the presence of licorice and the uncertainty around fermented botanical bioavailability, many healthcare providers recommend caution with concentrated botanical blends during pregnancy. The individual oil components (argan, olive, sunflower) are generally considered safe.

Pseudozyma Epicola/Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil/Olive Fruit Oil/Sunflower Seed Oil/(Angelica Gigas/Licorice/Lithospermum Erythrorhizon) Root Ferment Extract Filtrate and breastfeeding

Safe to Use

As a topically applied fermented oil blend, this ingredient has minimal systemic absorption. The constituent oils (argan, olive, sunflower) are commonly used in skincare and considered compatible with breastfeeding. The botanical extracts are present in fermented, diluted form within an oil base. While oral licorice consumption during breastfeeding requires caution due to glycyrrhizin content, topical application in a complex fermented blend presents minimal risk of meaningful transfer to breast milk. The oil-based formulation limits systemic absorption, and the fermentation process may alter the chemical structure of botanical compounds. No adverse effects have been reported in breastfeeding literature for topical use of these ingredients. The AAD does not restrict topical use of plant oils during breastfeeding. Given the low systemic absorption of oil-based topicals and the absence of known toxicity concerns with the individual components when used externally, this ingredient is considered low-risk for breastfeeding mothers. As with any new product, monitoring for skin sensitivity is advisable.

Pseudozyma Epicola/Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil/Olive Fruit Oil/Sunflower Seed Oil/(Angelica Gigas/Licorice/Lithospermum Erythrorhizon) Root Ferment Extract Filtrate and postpartum

Safe to Use

For postpartum women who are not breastfeeding, this fermented oil blend offers hydrating and antioxidant benefits without the hormonal concerns present during pregnancy. The combination of nourishing plant oils with fermented botanical extracts can support skin barrier repair and address dryness common in the postpartum period. The antioxidants from licorice and gromwell extracts, along with the fatty acids from argan, olive, and sunflower oils, can help improve skin texture and provide anti-inflammatory benefits. The fermentation process may enhance the skin-conditioning properties of these ingredients, making them more readily absorbed and potentially more effective for postpartum skin concerns.

Pseudozyma Epicola/Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil/Olive Fruit Oil/Sunflower Seed Oil/(Angelica Gigas/Licorice/Lithospermum Erythrorhizon) Root Ferment Extract Filtrate and trying to conceive

Caution Advised

• Hormone disruptor

For women trying to conceive, the same precautionary approach as early pregnancy is recommended given that conception status may not be immediately known. The licorice component contains glycyrrhizin, which has been studied for its effects on cortisol metabolism and hormonal balance. While topical absorption is limited, some healthcare providers recommend avoiding concentrated licorice preparations during the preconception period. The fermentation process in this ingredient may alter bioavailability of botanical compounds, creating uncertainty about systemic effects. Since you may be pregnant before realizing it, many fertility specialists suggest following pregnancy-safe guidelines when actively trying to conceive. The individual carrier oils (argan, olive, sunflower) are considered safe, but the complex botanical ferment blend lacks specific safety data for the preconception period.

Pseudozyma Epicola/Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil/Olive Fruit Oil/Sunflower Seed Oil/(Angelica Gigas/Licorice/Lithospermum Erythrorhizon) Root Ferment Extract Filtrate and PCOS

Safe to Use

This fermented botanical oil blend may offer benefits for PCOS-related skin concerns. Licorice extract contains glabridin and liquiritin, compounds with documented anti-inflammatory and sebum-regulating properties. Studies have shown that licorice extract can help reduce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and provide antioxidant benefits, which can be helpful for acne-prone PCOS skin. The oil components (argan, olive, sunflower) are non-comedogenic to low-comedogenic and rich in linoleic acid, which can help balance sebum composition in oily, acne-prone skin. Women with PCOS often have altered sebum profiles with lower linoleic acid content, so topical application may help normalize oil production. The fermentation process may enhance the bioavailability of beneficial fatty acids and antioxidants. There are no hormonal concerns with topical use of this ingredient for women with PCOS. While licorice has been studied for potential effects on androgen metabolism when taken orally as a supplement, topical application in a fermented oil blend does not present the same systemic exposure. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may actually be beneficial for managing PCOS-related skin inflammation.

Pseudozyma Epicola/Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil/Olive Fruit Oil/Sunflower Seed Oil/(Angelica Gigas/Licorice/Lithospermum Erythrorhizon) Root Ferment Extract Filtrate and general use

Safe to Use

For the general population, this fermented botanical oil blend offers multiple skincare benefits. The combination of nutrient-rich plant oils with fermented Asian botanical extracts provides antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-brightening properties. Fermentation by Pseudozyma epicola yeast can break down larger molecules into smaller, more bioavailable compounds, potentially enhancing the efficacy of the botanical actives. Licorice extract is well-documented for its brightening effects and ability to inhibit tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin production. Lithospermum erythrorhizon (gromwell) has been used in traditional Asian medicine for its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. The oil base provides excellent emollient and skin-barrier support with fatty acids and fat-soluble antioxidants like vitamin E. The primary consideration for general use is potential for allergic reactions, as botanical complexes can be sensitizing for some individuals, particularly those with plant allergies. Patch testing is advisable for sensitive skin types. The comedogenicity is likely low to moderate depending on the concentration and formulation context, as olive oil can be slightly comedogenic for very acne-prone skin, though this is balanced by the lighter sunflower and argan oils.

Everything else flagged for the same profiles

• Flagged in pregnancy
• Flagged in trying to conceive

Related ingredients

Ingredients suggested in place of Pseudozyma Epicola/Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil/Olive Fruit Oil/Sunflower Seed Oil/(Angelica Gigas/Licorice/Lithospermum Erythrorhizon) Root Ferment Extract Filtrate, each one with its own page here.

• Squalane

Ingredients that raise the same concerns.

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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 15 September 2026.