Ingredient
Tanacetum Vulgare Flower Oil
Tanacetum Vulgare Flower Oil is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to conceive, postpartum, PCOS and general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is known teratogen and absorbed into the body.
- Tansy Oil
- Common Tansy 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 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
Tanacetum Vulgare Flower Oil and pregnancy
Not Recommended
- Known teratogen
- Absorbed into the body
- Neurotoxicity concern
Tanacetum vulgare flower oil, also known as tansy oil, is an essential oil used for fragrance in cosmetic products. It has a strong, camphoraceous scent and has been used historically in herbal medicine. Tansy oil is absolutely contraindicated during pregnancy. The oil contains high levels of thujone, a neurotoxic ketone that can cross the placental barrier and potentially cause fetal harm. Historically, tansy has been used as an abortifacient (to induce miscarriage), and ACOG warns against any exposure during pregnancy. Even topical application can result in systemic absorption of thujone, which poses risks of neurotoxicity to the developing fetus and can stimulate uterine contractions. The FDA classifies tansy as an unsafe herb, and medical professionals universally advise pregnant women to avoid all products containing tansy oil. European cosmetic regulations severely restrict its use. If you see this ingredient listed in a product, choose an alternative.
Tanacetum Vulgare Flower Oil and breastfeeding
Not Recommended
- Passes into breast milk
- Infant exposure
- Neurotoxicity concern
Tansy oil contains thujone, a lipophilic neurotoxic compound that can be absorbed through the skin and potentially transfer into breast milk. The volatile nature of essential oils and the fat-soluble properties of thujone make milk transfer highly likely. Pediatricians and lactation consultants strongly advise against tansy oil use during breastfeeding. Infant nervous systems are particularly vulnerable to neurotoxins, and even small amounts of thujone exposure could pose serious risks. The compound can cause seizures and other neurological effects in infants. The FDA's classification of tansy as unsafe extends to breastfeeding mothers. Avoid all cosmetic products containing this ingredient while breastfeeding. The risk far outweighs any cosmetic benefit.
Tanacetum Vulgare Flower Oil and postpartum
Not Recommended
- Neurotoxicity concern
- Absorbed into the body
Even for postpartum women who are not breastfeeding, tansy oil poses significant health risks due to its thujone content. This neurotoxic compound can be absorbed through the skin and cause seizures, liver damage, and other serious adverse effects. While the specific concerns about fetal exposure and milk transfer don't apply, the general toxicity of tansy oil remains. Medical professionals recommend avoiding this ingredient regardless of pregnancy or breastfeeding status. Safer fragrance alternatives are widely available and provide similar sensory benefits without the toxicity risks.
Tanacetum Vulgare Flower Oil and trying to conceive
Not Recommended
- Fertility effects
- Hormone disruptor
Tansy has historically been used as an abortifacient and emmenagogue (to stimulate menstruation), suggesting effects on reproductive function. Women trying to conceive should avoid tansy oil as it may interfere with implantation or early pregnancy before you realize you're pregnant. Fertility specialists recommend discontinuing tansy-containing products when trying to conceive. Since you may be pregnant for several weeks before confirmation, the precautionary principle applies—avoid any ingredient with known reproductive toxicity. The critical early weeks of fetal development coincide with the time you're actively trying to conceive.
Tanacetum Vulgare Flower Oil and PCOS
Not Recommended
- Interferes with hormones
- Absorbed into the body
Tansy oil contains thujone and other compounds that may have hormonal effects. While specific research on PCOS is limited, essential oils with neurotoxic properties can potentially interfere with the hypothalamic-pituitary axis that regulates reproductive hormones. Beyond theoretical hormonal concerns, tansy oil's neurotoxicity poses direct health risks that are particularly concerning for women with PCOS who may already be managing complex health issues. The systemic absorption of thujone can affect liver function, which is important for hormone metabolism. Given the known toxicity of tansy oil and lack of any beneficial effects for PCOS, dermatologists and endocrinologists advise avoiding this ingredient. Choose safer fragrance options that don't pose neurotoxicity risks.
Tanacetum Vulgare Flower Oil and general use
Not Recommended
- Neurotoxicity concern
- Common allergen
- Absorbed into the body
Tanacetum vulgare flower oil is an essential oil extracted from common tansy flowers, traditionally used in herbal medicine and as a fragrance. In cosmetics, it serves primarily as a perfuming agent. Tansy oil is one of the more dangerous essential oils used in cosmetics. It contains up to 95% thujone, a ketone compound that is neurotoxic and can cause convulsions, organ damage, and even death in high doses. Even topical application allows systemic absorption, and repeated use can lead to thujone accumulation. The oil is also a potent skin sensitizer that frequently causes allergic reactions. The FDA considers tansy unsafe for internal use, and the European Union restricts its presence in cosmetic products. The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) has established strict limits on tansy oil concentration due to safety concerns. Most dermatologists and toxicologists recommend avoiding products with this ingredient, as the risks substantially outweigh any cosmetic benefits. Numerous safer fragrance alternatives exist.
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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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