Ingredient
Salvia Officinalis Oil
Salvia Officinalis Oil is flagged for breastfeeding, pregnancy and trying to conceive. The concern behind the strongest flag is may affect milk supply.
- Sage Oil
- Common Sage Oil
- Dalmatian Sage 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 breastfeeding, the profile this one is worst in
- Profiles flagged
- 3 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 2 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Salvia Officinalis Oil and pregnancy
Caution Advised
- Hormone disruptor
- Absorbed into the body
Salvia officinalis oil is an essential oil extracted from sage leaves, containing compounds like thujone, camphor, and cineole. In cosmetics, it's used for its antimicrobial and aromatic properties, as well as potential benefits for oily or acne-prone skin. The concern during pregnancy relates to thujone, a compound in sage oil that has potential uterotonic effects and may stimulate menstruation when consumed in medicinal amounts. While oral sage consumption in large doses is known to be problematic during pregnancy, topical cosmetic use involves much lower exposure. However, essential oils can be absorbed through the skin, and some aromatherapy practitioners and obstetricians recommend avoiding sage oil topically during pregnancy as a precautionary measure due to its traditional use as an emmenagogue (menstruation-inducing herb). ACOG does not specifically address sage oil, but many healthcare providers advise pregnant women to exercise caution with essential oils, particularly those with known hormonal effects. The European Medicines Agency notes that sage preparations should be avoided during pregnancy. While the risk from cosmetic use is likely lower than oral consumption, many women choose to avoid sage oil in topical products during pregnancy.
Salvia Officinalis Oil and breastfeeding
Not Recommended
- May affect milk supply
Salvia officinalis (sage) oil is an essential oil known for its aromatic and antimicrobial properties. However, sage has a well-documented effect on lactation due to its anti-galactogenic properties. Sage is traditionally used to reduce milk supply when weaning, and studies confirm that sage compounds can decrease milk production. According to lactation consultants and the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, both oral and topical use of sage should be avoided by breastfeeding mothers who wish to maintain their milk supply. While cosmetic application involves lower exposure than oral consumption, the compounds in sage oil can be absorbed through the skin and may affect lactation. Dermatologists and lactation experts recommend that breastfeeding mothers avoid sage oil in topical products unless they are intentionally trying to reduce milk production. Even occasional use may potentially impact supply in sensitive individuals.
Salvia Officinalis Oil and postpartum
Safe to Use
- Irritant
Salvia officinalis oil can be safely used by postpartum women who are not breastfeeding. The primary concerns with sage oil relate to its effects on lactation, which are not relevant when not breastfeeding. For women not breastfeeding, sage oil presents only the general risks associated with essential oils, such as potential skin irritation or allergic reactions. These can typically be minimized by using products with appropriate concentrations.
Salvia Officinalis Oil and trying to conceive
Caution Advised
- Hormone disruptor
Salvia officinalis oil contains thujone and other compounds that have traditional use as emmenagogues (substances that stimulate menstruation). While most evidence relates to oral consumption rather than topical use, some herbalists and fertility specialists recommend caution with sage during the conception period. The theoretical concern is that sage's hormonal effects could potentially interfere with implantation or early pregnancy, particularly if conception occurs while using the product. However, evidence for topical cosmetic use affecting fertility is limited. Many women choose to avoid sage oil when actively trying to conceive as a precautionary approach, though the actual risk from cosmetic use is unclear.
Salvia Officinalis Oil and PCOS
Safe to Use
Salvia officinalis oil has antimicrobial and sebum-regulating properties that may be beneficial for PCOS-related acne and oily skin. The oil contains compounds that help control bacterial growth and reduce inflammation. There are no known concerns about sage oil affecting PCOS hormonal patterns or exacerbating PCOS symptoms. Unlike its effects on lactation, sage does not appear to significantly influence androgen levels or insulin sensitivity. Women with PCOS can safely use cosmetic products containing sage oil, and may even find it helpful for managing skin concerns related to excess androgens. As with any essential oil, those with sensitive skin should introduce it gradually.
Salvia Officinalis Oil and general use
Safe to Use
- Common allergen
- Irritant
Salvia officinalis oil is extracted from the common sage plant and used in cosmetics for its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and aromatic properties. It contains active compounds including thujone, camphor, rosmarinic acid, and various terpenes that contribute to its therapeutic effects. The main concerns with sage oil are skin irritation and allergic reactions, which can occur particularly in those with sensitive skin or at higher concentrations. Essential oils can cause contact dermatitis, and sage oil's camphor content may be irritating. The thujone in sage has raised neurotoxicity concerns with high-dose oral consumption, but topical cosmetic use involves much lower exposure and is not associated with systemic toxicity. Some individuals may experience photosensitivity. The EU Cosmetics Regulation restricts thujone levels in cosmetic products (0.25% in leave-on products, 0.5% in rinse-off products) to ensure safety. The FDA allows sage oil in cosmetics and considers it generally recognized as safe when used appropriately. Products should be patch-tested by those with sensitive skin.
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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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