Thuja Occidentalis Leaf Extract

Thuja Occidentalis Leaf Extract and pregnancy

Not Recommended

• Absorbed into the body
• Fetal development

Thuja occidentalis leaf extract comes from the Eastern White Cedar tree and contains thujone, a compound with known neurotoxic properties. In traditional medicine, thuja has been used as an abortifacient (substance that induces miscarriage), raising significant concerns for pregnancy safety. The primary concern is thujone content, which can cross the placental barrier and potentially affect fetal neurological development. While topical absorption is lower than oral ingestion, medical practitioners and herbalists commonly advise pregnant women to avoid thuja in all forms due to its historical use in terminating pregnancies and lack of safety data. The ACOG does not provide specific guidance on thuja, but the general medical consensus among herbalists and naturopathic physicians is to avoid thuja during pregnancy. The German Commission E, which evaluates herbal medicines, contraindicates thuja use during pregnancy.

Thuja Occidentalis Leaf Extract and breastfeeding

Not Recommended

• Passes into breast milk
• Infant exposure

Thuja occidentalis extract contains thujone, a fat-soluble compound that can potentially transfer into breast milk. Thujone is neurotoxic in sufficient quantities and could pose risks to breastfed infants whose neurological systems are still developing. While specific studies on topical thuja use during breastfeeding are lacking, lactation consultants and herbalists typically recommend avoiding thuja-containing products. The AAD advises caution with essential oils and botanical extracts containing potentially toxic constituents during breastfeeding. Given the theoretical risks of infant exposure to thujone through breast milk and the availability of safer alternatives, most healthcare providers recommend postponing use of thuja-containing cosmetics until after weaning.

Thuja Occidentalis Leaf Extract and postpartum

Safe to Use

• Irritant

For postpartum women who are not breastfeeding, thuja extract poses minimal concerns beyond standard skin irritation risks. The antioxidant properties may provide some benefits for skin recovery. The main consideration is potential skin sensitivity, as postpartum skin can be more reactive. Women with sensitive skin or a history of reactions to botanical extracts should use cautiously and perform patch testing.

Thuja Occidentalis Leaf Extract and trying to conceive

Caution Advised

• Fertility effects

Given thuja's historical use as an abortifacient and potential effects on reproductive tissue, women actively trying to conceive may want to avoid this ingredient as a precautionary measure. While topical absorption is limited, the consequences of unintentional exposure during early pregnancy could be significant. There is no direct evidence that topical thuja affects fertility, but the prudent approach when trying to conceive is to avoid ingredients with any reproductive concerns. Switching to alternative antioxidants eliminates any theoretical risk during the preconception period.

Thuja Occidentalis Leaf Extract and PCOS

Safe to Use

• Irritant

Thuja occidentalis extract has antioxidant properties that may help with inflammation associated with PCOS-related acne. There is no evidence that it interferes with hormone balance or insulin sensitivity. The extract does not have known androgenic or estrogenic activity, making it unlikely to affect PCOS hormonal management. However, skin irritation from fragrance components could aggravate inflamed or acne-prone skin. For women with PCOS experiencing sensitive or reactive skin, gentler antioxidants may be preferable. Otherwise, thuja extract can be used safely with attention to any individual irritation responses.

Thuja Occidentalis Leaf Extract and general use

Safe to Use

• Common allergen
• Irritant

Thuja occidentalis leaf extract provides antioxidant benefits in skincare formulations and is generally well-tolerated by most users. It is commonly found in low concentrations in cosmetic products. The primary concerns for the general population are potential allergic reactions and skin irritation, particularly in individuals sensitive to botanical extracts or fragrances. The thujone content in cosmetics is typically low enough to avoid systemic toxicity concerns in healthy adults. Regulatory bodies allow thuja extract in cosmetics with restrictions on thujone concentration. Users with sensitive skin should patch test products containing this ingredient, but it is considered acceptable for general cosmetic use when properly formulated.

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 Thuja Occidentalis Leaf Extract, each one with its own page here.

• Niacinamide

Ingredients that raise the same concerns.

• Juniperus Mexicana OilFertility effects, Fetal development, Infant exposure
• ResorcinolFertility effects, Fetal development, Infant exposure
• Basic Violet 2Fertility effects, Fetal development, Infant exposure
• Xanthium Strumarium Fruit ExtractFertility effects, Fetal development, Infant exposure
• 1-NaphtholFertility effects, Fetal development, Infant exposure
• TurpentineFertility effects, Fetal development, Infant exposure

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.