Ingredient
Sarothamnus Scoparius Extract
Sarothamnus Scoparius Extract is flagged for pregnancy and trying to conceive. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body.
- Scotch Broom Extract
- Cytisus scoparius Extract
- Broom 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
Sarothamnus Scoparius Extract and pregnancy
Caution Advised
- Absorbed into the body
Sarothamnus scoparius extract comes from Scotch broom, a plant that contains alkaloids including sparteine and tyramine. In cosmetics, it's used as an antioxidant to protect skin from free radical damage. The primary concern during pregnancy relates to the plant's alkaloid content. Sparteine can cross the placental barrier and has been shown to stimulate uterine contractions in animal studies. While topical application results in much lower absorption than oral use, the medical community has historically avoided Scotch broom during pregnancy due to these uterine effects. Most obstetricians and herbalists recommend avoiding this botanical during pregnancy as a precautionary measure, given that safer antioxidant alternatives exist. There is no specific regulatory prohibition on topical use during pregnancy, but the medical consensus leans toward avoidance. Many dermatologists recommend choosing alternative antioxidants like vitamin C, niacinamide, or bakuchiol during pregnancy that have better-established safety profiles.
Sarothamnus Scoparius Extract and breastfeeding
Safe to Use
With topical cosmetic use, systemic absorption is minimal, and there is no evidence that the alkaloids present in Scotch broom extract transfer to breast milk in significant amounts when applied to skin. While oral consumption of Scotch broom is avoided during breastfeeding due to alkaloid content, the American Academy of Pediatrics and lactation consultants generally do not restrict topical botanicals unless they contain known toxins that readily absorb through skin. The concentrations used in cosmetics are typically low, and skin application results in minimal systemic exposure. Most dermatologists consider topical use acceptable during breastfeeding, though some conservative practitioners may suggest alternatives simply due to the lack of specific safety studies.
Sarothamnus Scoparius Extract and postpartum
Safe to Use
For postpartum women who are not breastfeeding, Sarothamnus scoparius extract presents minimal concerns. The antioxidant properties can help protect skin from environmental damage and support skin recovery during the postpartum period. There are no specific contraindications for topical use in non-breastfeeding postpartum women. As with any botanical extract, individuals with sensitive skin should patch test, but the ingredient is generally well-tolerated in cosmetic formulations.
Sarothamnus Scoparius Extract and trying to conceive
Caution Advised
- Hormone disruptor
Given the uterine-stimulating properties of the plant's alkaloids when consumed orally, many fertility specialists recommend avoiding Scotch broom when actively trying to conceive, though evidence specific to topical use is lacking. The conservative approach is to discontinue use when trying to conceive, particularly in the two-week window after ovulation, to avoid any theoretical risk to early implantation. Safer antioxidant alternatives are widely available and equally effective for skincare purposes.
Sarothamnus Scoparius Extract and PCOS
Safe to Use
Sarothamnus scoparius extract does not have any known effects on androgens, insulin sensitivity, or hormonal balance relevant to PCOS. Its primary benefit in skincare is as an antioxidant. Women with PCOS can safely use products containing this extract. The antioxidant properties may actually be beneficial for reducing inflammation, which is often elevated in PCOS. There is no evidence that topical application affects hormone levels. No endocrinologists or dermatologists have raised concerns about this ingredient for women with PCOS, and it does not interact with common PCOS medications like metformin or spironolactone.
Sarothamnus Scoparius Extract and general use
Safe to Use
For the general population, Sarothamnus scoparius extract is considered safe for topical use in cosmetics. It provides antioxidant benefits that help protect skin from environmental stressors and free radical damage. The ingredient has a long history of use in European skincare products without significant adverse events. Skin irritation is rare and typically mild when it occurs. Those with known sensitivities to plants in the Fabaceae family may want to patch test. Both EU and US cosmetic regulations permit its use, and it's found in various skincare products including serums, creams, and anti-aging formulations.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
Related ingredients
Ingredients suggested in place of Sarothamnus Scoparius Extract, 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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