Ingredient
Saccharomyces/Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Oil Ferment Filtrate
Saccharomyces/Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Oil Ferment Filtrate is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding and trying to conceive. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body.
- Fermented Gromwell Root Extract
- Zicao Root Ferment
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
- 3 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 1 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Saccharomyces/Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Oil Ferment Filtrate and pregnancy
Caution Advised
- Absorbed into the body
This ingredient is a fermented extract from Lithospermum erythrorhizon (gromwell) root, a traditional medicinal plant used in Asian medicine. The root contains shikonin and related naphthoquinones, which have been used for anti-inflammatory and wound-healing purposes in topical preparations. While specific studies on this fermented filtrate during pregnancy are not available, Lithospermum species have historically been used internally in some traditional practices for reproductive purposes, raising questions about potential hormonal effects. The bioactive compounds in gromwell root, particularly shikonin, can be absorbed through the skin to some degree. Without adequate safety data on prenatal exposure to these specific naphthoquinone compounds through topical use, the potential for systemic effects cannot be ruled out. Neither ACOG nor the FDA has issued specific guidance on topical Lithospermum extracts during pregnancy. Given the lack of safety data and the plant's traditional medicinal uses that could suggest biological activity, many healthcare providers recommend a precautionary approach of avoiding novel botanical ferments during pregnancy, especially when safer alternatives are available. Women who are pregnant may prefer to use well-studied anti-inflammatory ingredients instead.
Saccharomyces/Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Oil Ferment Filtrate and breastfeeding
Caution Advised
- Passes into breast milk
This fermented botanical extract contains bioactive compounds from gromwell root that have anti-inflammatory properties. The fermentation process by Saccharomyces yeast may create additional metabolites whose transfer into breast milk has not been studied. The active compounds in Lithospermum erythrorhizon, particularly shikonin derivatives, are lipophilic (fat-soluble) naphthoquinones. Fat-soluble compounds have the potential to accumulate in fatty tissues and breast milk. Without specific studies on the excretion of these fermented filtrate components into human milk or their effects on breastfed infants, the safety profile remains uncertain. There is no specific guidance from lactation or dermatology organizations regarding this ingredient during breastfeeding. Due to the limited safety data and the lipophilic nature of the parent compounds, healthcare providers often suggest postponing use of unstudied botanical ferments until after weaning, particularly when safer anti-inflammatory alternatives are available for skincare during lactation.
Saccharomyces/Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Oil Ferment Filtrate and postpartum
Safe to Use
For women who are not breastfeeding, this fermented gromwell extract can be used as an anti-inflammatory and soothing ingredient in skincare. The traditional use of gromwell root for skin conditions suggests potential benefits for postpartum skin concerns like inflammation or sensitivity. Without the concern of transfer to breast milk, the main consideration is individual skin tolerance. Some women may find fermented extracts beneficial for addressing postpartum skin changes, though starting with lower concentrations and patch testing is advisable given the limited safety data on this specific fermented filtrate.
Saccharomyces/Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Oil Ferment Filtrate and trying to conceive
Caution Advised
- Absorbed into the body
For women trying to conceive, the same precautionary concerns that apply to pregnancy are relevant, as conception timing is often uncertain. The bioactive compounds in Lithospermum erythrorhizon root, while beneficial for skin, have not been adequately studied for safety during the periconception period. Since it's advisable to avoid potentially questionable ingredients before confirmed pregnancy, and given that Lithospermum species have traditional uses related to reproductive health (suggesting biological activity), a conservative approach would be to discontinue use when actively trying to conceive. The lack of safety data on systemic absorption of these fermented compounds during the critical early weeks of pregnancy supports this recommendation.
Saccharomyces/Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Oil Ferment Filtrate and PCOS
Safe to Use
This fermented botanical extract provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits that may help address inflammatory acne and skin irritation often associated with PCOS. The shikonin compounds in gromwell root have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in topical applications. There is no evidence that topical use of this fermented extract affects androgen levels, insulin sensitivity, or other hormonal factors relevant to PCOS. The ingredient works primarily at the skin level to reduce inflammation and may be helpful for managing acne-prone skin. Women with PCOS can generally use this ingredient safely as part of their skincare routine. As with any new product, patch testing is recommended, particularly for those with sensitive or reactive skin. The anti-inflammatory properties may complement other PCOS skincare approaches.
Saccharomyces/Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Oil Ferment Filtrate and general use
Safe to Use
- Irritant
This fermented extract combines the traditional benefits of gromwell root with the enhanced bioavailability and additional compounds produced through yeast fermentation. Shikonin, the primary active component, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties in research studies. For the general population, topical use of this ingredient is generally well-tolerated, though individual sensitivity can vary with botanical extracts. Some users may experience mild irritation, particularly with higher concentrations or if they have sensitive skin. The fermentation process may make the ingredient gentler and more stable than raw plant extracts. This ingredient is permitted in cosmetics and has a history of use in Asian skincare products. While long-term safety studies specifically on this fermented filtrate are limited, gromwell root has been used topically for centuries. Users should perform patch testing if they have concerns about botanical sensitivity or reactive skin.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
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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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