Ingredient
Turpentine
Turpentine is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding, postpartum, trying to conceive, general use and PCOS. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body and fetal development.
- Oil of Turpentine
- Spirit of Turpentine
- Turpentine 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
- 5 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Turpentine and pregnancy
Not Recommended
- Absorbed into the body
- Fetal development
Turpentine is a volatile essential oil derived from pine resin, historically used in some cosmetic fragrances. It contains terpenes that are highly volatile and can be absorbed through the skin and inhaled. According to toxicological studies, turpentine can be systemically absorbed and has shown potential neurotoxicity and developmental concerns in animal studies. The volatile nature of turpentine means it can be inhaled during application, leading to systemic exposure. While specific human pregnancy data is limited, the known toxicity profile and potential for fetal exposure through maternal circulation raises significant concerns. Most obstetricians and dermatologists advise avoiding turpentine-containing products during pregnancy due to its irritancy and potential systemic effects. Safer fragrance alternatives and essential oils with better safety profiles are widely available and recommended instead.
Turpentine and breastfeeding
Not Recommended
- Passes into breast milk
- Infant exposure
- Irritant
Turpentine is a volatile oil that can be absorbed through the skin and respiratory tract. Its chemical components are lipophilic, meaning they can accumulate in fatty tissues. Due to its fat-soluble nature and potential for systemic absorption, turpentine components could theoretically transfer to breast milk. Additionally, the strong odor and volatile compounds pose a risk to infants through inhalation if products are applied near the chest area. The AAD notes that irritating and volatile substances should be avoided during breastfeeding to prevent infant exposure. Most healthcare providers recommend avoiding turpentine-containing cosmetics while breastfeeding due to potential transfer risks and the availability of safer alternatives. Products with turpentine should not be applied to areas where an infant's skin or breathing would come into contact with the substance.
Turpentine and postpartum
Not Recommended
- Irritant
- Common allergen
Turpentine is a potent skin irritant that can cause contact dermatitis, burning, and allergic reactions. Postpartum skin may be more sensitive due to hormonal changes, making reactions more likely. There are no specific postpartum benefits to turpentine, and its use poses unnecessary risks of skin irritation and sensitization. Safer fragrance and cosmetic ingredients are widely available and better tolerated by sensitive postpartum skin.
Turpentine and trying to conceive
Not Recommended
- Absorbed into the body
- Fertility effects
Turpentine is a volatile solvent with known systemic absorption. While specific fertility studies in humans are lacking, its neurotoxic properties and systemic effects raise concerns during the preconception period. Most reproductive health specialists recommend avoiding potentially toxic substances like turpentine when trying to conceive as a precautionary measure. The body burden of toxic compounds can affect fertility and early pregnancy outcomes, so elimination of unnecessary exposures is advised during this critical window.
Turpentine and PCOS
Caution Advised
- Irritant
- Can inflame skin
Turpentine is a harsh irritant with no hormonal effects or benefits for PCOS. However, its irritating nature can trigger inflammatory responses in the skin. Women with PCOS often experience increased skin sensitivity and inflammation, particularly related to acne and hormonal fluctuations. Using irritating ingredients like turpentine can worsen inflammatory skin conditions and should be avoided. There are no therapeutic benefits of turpentine for PCOS-related skin concerns. Dermatologists recommend gentle, anti-inflammatory skincare for PCOS patients. Turpentine contradicts this approach and should be replaced with soothing, non-irritating alternatives that won't aggravate already sensitive skin.
Turpentine and general use
Not Recommended
- Irritant
- Common allergen
- Increases sun sensitivity
Turpentine is a pine-derived essential oil occasionally used for fragrance in cosmetics. It has a long history of use but is known for causing significant skin reactions. According to the European Commission's Scientific Committee, turpentine oil is a well-documented contact allergen and irritant. It can cause contact dermatitis, burns at higher concentrations, and sensitization leading to allergic reactions with repeated exposure. The volatile compounds can also cause respiratory irritation when inhaled. The EU Cosmetics Regulation restricts turpentine and requires allergen labeling. Many modern cosmetic brands have eliminated turpentine in favor of safer fragrance ingredients due to its poor tolerability and high risk of adverse reactions.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
Related ingredients
Ingredients suggested in place of Turpentine, 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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