Ingredient
Ruta Graveolens Herb Oil
Ruta Graveolens Herb Oil is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding, postpartum, trying to conceive, PCOS and general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is known teratogen and absorbed into the body.
- Rue Oil
- Common Rue Oil
- Herb of Grace Oil
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
Ruta Graveolens Herb Oil and pregnancy
Not Recommended
- Known teratogen
- Absorbed into the body
Ruta Graveolens (rue) oil is extracted from a plant with a long history of use as an abortifacient in traditional medicine. The oil contains compounds that can stimulate uterine contractions and has been documented to cause miscarriage. According to historical medical literature and toxicological studies, rue oil contains alkaloids and furocoumarins that can cross the placental barrier. Ingestion of rue has been associated with increased risk of miscarriage, and while topical use involves lower doses, dermal absorption of essential oil components does occur. The photosensitizing furocoumarins can also cause severe skin reactions that may be particularly problematic during pregnancy when skin is already more sensitive. ACOG and medical toxicology resources advise pregnant women to avoid rue in all forms, including essential oils used in cosmetics. The risk of uterine stimulation and potential teratogenic effects make this ingredient one to strictly avoid during pregnancy.
Ruta Graveolens Herb Oil and breastfeeding
Not Recommended
- Passes into breast milk
- Infant exposure
Rue oil contains volatile compounds that can be absorbed through the skin and potentially transferred to breast milk. Essential oils are lipophilic and can accumulate in fatty tissues including breast tissue. While specific studies on rue oil transfer to breast milk are limited, the alkaloid and furocoumarin content of this oil raises concerns. These compounds could potentially affect a breastfed infant, and the phototoxic nature of the oil means any transfer could make infant skin more sensitive to sun exposure. The AAD generally recommends caution with essential oils during breastfeeding, particularly those with known toxicity concerns. Most lactation consultants and dermatologists advise avoiding rue oil during breastfeeding due to its known toxicity profile and the lack of safety data for infant exposure through breast milk.
Ruta Graveolens Herb Oil and postpartum
Not Recommended
- Increases sun sensitivity
- Irritant
Postpartum women who are not breastfeeding still face the significant phototoxicity risks associated with rue oil. The furocoumarins in this oil can cause severe burns and hyperpigmentation when skin is exposed to UV light, and postpartum skin may already be dealing with melasma or pigmentation changes. The risk-benefit profile of rue oil is poor even without pregnancy or breastfeeding concerns. The severe phototoxicity and high irritation potential make this an ingredient best avoided, especially when safer fragrance alternatives exist.
Ruta Graveolens Herb Oil and trying to conceive
Not Recommended
- Fertility effects
- Absorbed into the body
Given rue's traditional use as an abortifacient and its effects on uterine tissue, women trying to conceive should avoid this ingredient. The compounds in rue oil can affect reproductive tissues, and it's prudent to discontinue use before attempting conception. While topical application is less concerning than internal use, the systemic absorption of essential oil components means some exposure occurs. The precautionary principle suggests avoiding rue oil during the preconception period to eliminate any potential interference with conception or early pregnancy.
Ruta Graveolens Herb Oil and PCOS
Not Recommended
- Can inflame skin
- Increases sun sensitivity
Women with PCOS often have increased skin sensitivity and may be more prone to inflammatory skin reactions. Rue oil's high irritation potential can trigger inflammation that may worsen acne or other PCOS-related skin concerns. The phototoxic properties of rue oil are particularly concerning for PCOS patients who may already struggle with hyperpigmentation or melasma, which can be exacerbated by hormonal imbalances. Adding a photosensitizing ingredient increases the risk of worsening pigmentation issues. There are no benefits of rue oil that justify its risks for women with PCOS. Safer fragrance options should be chosen to avoid unnecessary skin inflammation and photosensitivity.
Ruta Graveolens Herb Oil and general use
Not Recommended
- Increases sun sensitivity
- Irritant
- Common allergen
Ruta Graveolens Herb Oil is one of the more problematic essential oils used in cosmetics due to its high furocoumarin content. These compounds cause phototoxic reactions, meaning they become activated by UV light and cause severe skin damage including burns, blisters, and persistent hyperpigmentation. Even for the general population without pregnancy concerns, rue oil poses significant safety risks. The phototoxicity can occur with relatively low concentrations, and the resulting skin damage can be severe and long-lasting. Contact dermatitis and allergic reactions are also common with this oil. Many cosmetic formulators have moved away from rue oil in favor of safer alternatives. IFRA (International Fragrance Association) places strict limits on furocoumarin levels in cosmetics, and many experts recommend avoiding rue oil entirely. If products contain rue oil, they should only be used in wash-off formulations and never in leave-on products, especially those applied to sun-exposed areas.
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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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