Ingredient
Saccharomyces/Podophyllum Peltatum Ferment Filtrate
Saccharomyces/Podophyllum Peltatum Ferment Filtrate is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to conceive, postpartum, PCOS and general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is known teratogen and fetal development.
- Fermented Mayapple Extract
- Mandrake Root Ferment
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
- 3 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Saccharomyces/Podophyllum Peltatum Ferment Filtrate and pregnancy
Not Recommended
- Known teratogen
- Fetal development
- Absorbed into the body
Podophyllum peltatum (American mayapple) contains podophyllotoxin, a highly toxic compound that is strictly contraindicated during pregnancy. Podophyllum resin is used medically as a prescription treatment for genital warts, but its use is absolutely prohibited in pregnant women due to severe fetal risks. According to the FDA and ACOG, podophyllum and its derivatives are known teratogens that can cause serious birth defects, fetal death, and pregnancy complications. The compound is readily absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes, leading to systemic exposure. Case reports document multiple instances of fetal abnormalities, stillbirth, and maternal toxicity following topical application of podophyllum preparations during pregnancy. The toxic effects include damage to rapidly dividing cells, which particularly affects fetal development. The FDA classifies podophyllum resin as Pregnancy Category X, meaning it is contraindicated in pregnancy and should never be used by pregnant women. Even fermented filtrates derived from this plant could contain toxic lignans and should be completely avoided throughout pregnancy. ACOG explicitly warns against any podophyllum-containing products during pregnancy. Any cosmetic product containing this ingredient should not be used by pregnant women under any circumstances.
Saccharomyces/Podophyllum Peltatum Ferment Filtrate and breastfeeding
Not Recommended
- Passes into breast milk
- Infant exposure
Podophyllum derivatives are highly toxic compounds that can be absorbed systemically through topical application. The parent plant contains podophyllotoxin, a cytotoxic agent (meaning it is toxic to cells) that has been used medically under strict physician supervision but never during breastfeeding. The toxicity profile of podophyllotoxin includes damage to rapidly dividing cells, which raises serious concerns for breastfed infants who are experiencing rapid growth and development. While specific studies on excretion into breast milk are limited, the systemic absorption potential and severe toxicity of podophyllum compounds make any risk to the infant unacceptable. Medical references universally contraindicate podophyllum use during lactation. Dermatology and lactation medicine resources state that podophyllum-containing products should never be used by breastfeeding mothers. Even if the ingredient is in fermented filtrate form, the potential presence of toxic lignans and the lack of safety data make this ingredient entirely unsuitable for use during breastfeeding. Women who are breastfeeding should avoid any cosmetic products containing this ingredient and choose safer alternatives.
Saccharomyces/Podophyllum Peltatum Ferment Filtrate and postpartum
Not Recommended
Even for women who are not breastfeeding, podophyllum-derived ingredients pose significant safety concerns due to their inherent toxicity. Podophyllotoxin and related compounds are cytotoxic and can cause severe skin irritation, burns, and systemic toxicity if absorbed in sufficient quantities. While medical-grade podophyllum preparations exist for specific dermatological conditions, they require physician supervision and are used with extreme caution. The use of podophyllum derivatives in cosmetic products intended for regular consumer use is highly questionable and potentially dangerous. Women in the postpartum period should avoid this ingredient and choose safer skincare alternatives.
Saccharomyces/Podophyllum Peltatum Ferment Filtrate and trying to conceive
Not Recommended
- Known teratogen
- Fertility effects
Women who are trying to conceive should absolutely avoid podophyllum-derived ingredients due to the severe teratogenic effects of podophyllotoxin. Since conception timing cannot be precisely predicted, and the critical period of organ development occurs in the first trimester (often before pregnancy is confirmed), using this ingredient while TTC poses unacceptable risks. Podophyllotoxin is a cytotoxic agent that damages rapidly dividing cells, which is precisely why it is contraindicated in pregnancy. The FDA Pregnancy Category X classification means this substance should not be used by any woman who could become pregnant. Given that fermented filtrates may still contain these toxic compounds, complete avoidance is necessary when trying to conceive.
Saccharomyces/Podophyllum Peltatum Ferment Filtrate and PCOS
Not Recommended
Podophyllum peltatum extracts contain podophyllotoxin, a highly toxic compound that poses risks regardless of PCOS status. While PCOS itself does not create additional contraindications for this ingredient, the inherent toxicity of podophyllum derivatives makes them unsuitable for cosmetic use by anyone. Women with PCOS who may be of childbearing age should be particularly cautious, as podophyllotoxin is a known teratogen. Even if not currently pregnant, the potential for undetected early pregnancy combined with the severe fetal risks of this compound warrant complete avoidance. There are no benefits of using podophyllum-derived ingredients in cosmetics that outweigh the significant safety risks. Women with PCOS should choose safer, well-studied ingredients for their skincare needs, particularly given that many safer alternatives exist for common skin concerns like acne that may accompany PCOS.
Saccharomyces/Podophyllum Peltatum Ferment Filtrate and general use
Not Recommended
- Irritant
- Carcinogen concern
Podophyllum peltatum (American mayapple) contains podophyllotoxin, a potent cytotoxic compound that is used in prescription medical treatments but only under strict physician supervision. The plant and its extracts are highly toxic when absorbed systemically, causing severe gastrointestinal symptoms, neurological effects, and potentially life-threatening complications. In medical settings, podophyllum resin is used topically for specific conditions like genital warts, but its application requires extreme caution, limited application area, and careful monitoring by healthcare professionals. The FDA has issued warnings about podophyllum toxicity, including cases of severe adverse reactions and deaths from misuse. Even external application can result in significant systemic absorption, particularly if applied to large areas or damaged skin. The presence of podophyllum derivatives in a cosmetic product intended for general consumer use raises serious safety concerns. While fermentation may alter some compounds, the potential presence of podophyllotoxin and related toxic lignans makes this ingredient unsuitable for cosmetics. Consumers should avoid products containing this ingredient and choose safer alternatives. The EU restricts podophyllotoxin-containing substances in cosmetic products due to toxicity concerns.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
Related ingredients
Ingredients suggested in place of Saccharomyces/Podophyllum Peltatum Ferment Filtrate, each one with its own page here.
Ingredients that raise the same concerns.
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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