Ingredient
Salvia Sclarea Extract
Salvia Sclarea Extract is flagged for pregnancy and trying to conceive. The concern behind the strongest flag is hormone disruptor.
- Clary Sage Extract
- Clary Sage Leaf Extract
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
- 2 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 1 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Salvia Sclarea Extract and pregnancy
Caution Advised
- Hormone disruptor
Salvia Sclarea Extract (clary sage) is a botanical extract used for its soothing and astringent properties in skincare. It contains sclareol, a compound with a chemical structure similar to estrogen. The primary concern during pregnancy relates to clary sage's traditional use as an emmenagogue (menstrual stimulant) in herbal medicine. While topical cosmetic use involves much lower exposure than oral herbal preparations, sclareol has demonstrated estrogen-like activity in laboratory studies. Some aromatherapists and midwives have historically used clary sage essential oil to stimulate labor, though scientific evidence for this effect is limited. The topical application in skincare products represents a different form and concentration than essential oils or oral use. There is no explicit guidance from ACOG or FDA prohibiting topical use of clary sage extract in cosmetics during pregnancy. However, many obstetricians recommend a precautionary approach to botanicals with potential hormone-like activity, particularly in the first trimester. The actual risk from cosmetic formulations is likely minimal due to low concentrations and limited systemic absorption, but definitive safety data for pregnancy is lacking.
Salvia Sclarea Extract and breastfeeding
Safe to Use
Salvia Sclarea Extract is used topically in skincare for its soothing and astringent benefits. When applied to facial skin, systemic absorption is minimal. While clary sage essential oil is sometimes cautioned against during breastfeeding in aromatherapy contexts, topical cosmetic extracts contain much lower concentrations and different chemical profiles. There is no evidence that cosmetic use of clary sage extract affects milk production or transfers concerning amounts to breast milk. The compounds in this extract would need to be absorbed systemically in significant quantities to reach breast milk, which is unlikely from topical skincare application. No regulatory bodies have issued warnings about topical clary sage extract use during breastfeeding. Most dermatologists consider botanical extracts at cosmetic concentrations to be compatible with breastfeeding when used on facial skin, away from the breast and nipple area.
Salvia Sclarea Extract and postpartum
Safe to Use
Salvia Sclarea Extract provides soothing and astringent benefits that can be helpful for postpartum skin concerns. The extract contains antioxidants that support skin recovery. Without pregnancy or breastfeeding considerations, this ingredient is generally safe for topical use. It may help with skin irritation and provide gentle toning effects that some women find beneficial during the postpartum period.
Salvia Sclarea Extract and trying to conceive
Caution Advised
- Hormone disruptor
When trying to conceive, many women choose to adopt pregnancy-safe routines in advance. Salvia Sclarea Extract contains sclareol, which has shown estrogen-like activity in laboratory studies. While there is no evidence that topical cosmetic use affects fertility, the precautionary principle suggests considering alternatives with no theoretical hormone interaction. The actual risk is likely minimal, as cosmetic concentrations are low and systemic absorption from topical application is limited. However, if you're actively trying to conceive and prefer to eliminate any potential hormone-interacting ingredients, alternatives are available.
Salvia Sclarea Extract and PCOS
Safe to Use
Salvia Sclarea Extract offers astringent and anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit PCOS-related skin concerns, particularly excess oil production and inflammation often associated with hormonal acne. While sclareol has demonstrated estrogen-like activity in vitro, there is no evidence that topical cosmetic use affects systemic hormone levels in humans. PCOS involves complex hormonal imbalances, but cosmetic botanical extracts applied to facial skin are not absorbed in sufficient quantities to impact reproductive hormones. The astringent properties may help manage oily skin, which is common in PCOS due to elevated androgens. The anti-inflammatory benefits can support overall skin health without interfering with PCOS management or treatment.
Salvia Sclarea Extract and general use
Safe to Use
Salvia Sclarea Extract is a botanical ingredient that provides soothing, astringent, and antioxidant benefits in skincare formulations. It is well-tolerated by most skin types. The extract has a long history of safe use in cosmetics. While it contains various phytocompounds including sclareol, topical application in skincare products does not raise safety concerns for the general population. Allergic reactions are possible as with any botanical ingredient, but are uncommon. Those with known sensitivities to plants in the Lamiaceae (mint) family may want to patch test products containing this extract.
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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