Tanacetum Vulgare Extract

Tanacetum Vulgare Extract and pregnancy

Not Recommended

• Absorbed into the body
• Fetal development

Tanacetum vulgare (tansy) extract comes from a plant that contains thujone, a compound with known neurotoxic properties. While tansy has traditional medicinal uses, the plant has historically been used to induce menstruation and even as an abortifacient. The primary concern during pregnancy is the thujone content. According to herbal medicine literature, tansy is contraindicated during pregnancy due to its uterotonic effects and potential to cause miscarriage when taken internally. While topical application in cosmetics involves much lower exposure than ingestion, the potential for absorption of thujone through the skin raises concerns. The SCCS restricts thujone in cosmetics specifically because of absorption potential. Most healthcare providers and herbalists recommend that pregnant women avoid tansy in all forms, including topical products. While the risk from cosmetic concentrations is theoretical rather than proven, the conservative approach during pregnancy is to choose ingredients without any historical association with pregnancy complications.

Tanacetum Vulgare Extract and breastfeeding

Caution Advised

• Passes into breast milk

Tanacetum vulgare extract contains thujone and other volatile compounds that could potentially be absorbed through the skin. Thujone is fat-soluble, which raises theoretical concerns about transfer into breast milk if absorbed systemically. While topical application of cosmetic concentrations is unlikely to result in significant systemic exposure, herbal medicine sources consistently advise against tansy use during breastfeeding due to potential effects on the breastfed infant. The concern is primarily based on the known toxicity of thujone and the lack of safety data. Given the availability of many other anti-inflammatory botanical extracts with better safety profiles, most dermatologists and lactation consultants would recommend choosing alternatives during breastfeeding. This is a precautionary approach due to limited data rather than documented harm.

Tanacetum Vulgare Extract and postpartum

Safe to Use

• Common allergen
• Irritant

For women who are not breastfeeding, tanacetum vulgare extract poses primarily the same concerns as for the general population: potential for allergic reactions and irritation, particularly in those with sensitive skin or allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family. The ingredient may offer anti-inflammatory benefits for postpartum skin concerns, but many other botanical extracts provide similar benefits with better safety profiles and lower irritation potential. Patch testing is recommended before use.

Tanacetum Vulgare Extract and trying to conceive

Caution Advised

• Fertility effects

Given tansy's traditional use as an emmenagogue (menstruation-inducing agent) and historical use to prevent pregnancy, women trying to conceive may want to avoid this ingredient as a precautionary measure. While topical cosmetic use is very different from ingestion, the conservative approach would be to discontinue use when actively trying to conceive. The concern is theoretical rather than evidence-based for topical cosmetic applications, but given that pregnancy should be avoided during tansy use according to herbal medicine guidelines, it's prudent to avoid it during the TTC period as well.

Tanacetum Vulgare Extract and PCOS

Safe to Use

Tanacetum vulgare extract does not have known effects on hormonal pathways relevant to PCOS. It does not appear to interact with androgen or insulin metabolism based on available information. The anti-inflammatory properties may be beneficial for inflammatory acne associated with PCOS. However, individuals with PCOS should be aware of potential skin sensitivity, as some may experience increased reactivity. There are no specific concerns about using this ingredient with PCOS, though as with all botanical extracts, there is potential for allergic reactions, particularly in those with ragweed or related plant allergies.

Tanacetum Vulgare Extract and general use

Safe to Use

• Common allergen
• Irritant

Tanacetum vulgare extract provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits in skincare products. The extract contains flavonoids and other compounds that may help soothe irritated skin and provide protection against oxidative stress. The main concerns for the general population are potential allergic reactions and skin irritation. People with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae/Compositae family (which includes ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies) should avoid this ingredient as they have increased risk of allergic reactions. The extract may also cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. The EU regulates thujone content in cosmetic products, and tansy extract must comply with these restrictions. When used at appropriate concentrations in cosmetics, the ingredient is generally considered acceptable for healthy adults without plant allergies, though many formulators prefer less potentially irritating botanical alternatives.

Everything else flagged for the same profiles

• Flagged in pregnancy
• Flagged in breastfeeding
• Flagged in trying to conceive

Related ingredients

Ingredients suggested in place of Tanacetum Vulgare Extract, each one with its own page here.

• Bisabolol

Ingredients that raise the same concerns.

• Arnica Montana Flower ExtractFertility effects, Fetal development, Passes into breast milk
• Juniperus Mexicana OilFertility effects, Fetal development, Passes into breast milk
• ResorcinolFertility effects, Fetal development, Passes into breast milk
• Thuja Occidentalis Leaf ExtractFertility effects, Fetal development, Passes into breast milk
• Basic Violet 2Fertility effects, Fetal development, Passes into breast milk
• Xanthium Strumarium Fruit ExtractFertility effects, Fetal development, Passes into breast milk

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 15 September 2026.