Ingredient
Tussilago Farfara Extract
Tussilago Farfara Extract 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.
- Coltsfoot Extract
- Coughwort Extract
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
- 2 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Tussilago Farfara Extract and pregnancy
Not Recommended
- Known teratogen
- Absorbed into the body
Tussilago Farfara (coltsfoot) is a botanical extract containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which are toxic compounds that can affect the liver and have potential genotoxic effects. While the plant has traditional medicinal uses, these alkaloids pose serious health risks. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids can cross the placental barrier and have been associated with fetal toxicity and developmental abnormalities in animal studies. According to toxicological assessments, PAs are hepatotoxic and potentially carcinogenic. Even topical application can result in systemic absorption of these compounds, particularly with repeated use. The developing fetus is especially vulnerable to toxic exposures during pregnancy. Due to the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids and their known toxicity, most healthcare providers and toxicologists recommend avoiding coltsfoot-containing products during pregnancy. The EU has restricted this ingredient in cosmetics unless certified free of PAs. ACOG and other obstetric guidelines advise caution with botanical ingredients that contain known toxins.
Tussilago Farfara Extract and breastfeeding
Not Recommended
- Passes into breast milk
- Infant exposure
Coltsfoot contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can be absorbed through the skin and potentially enter the bloodstream. These toxic compounds are known to be hepatotoxic and can accumulate in body tissues. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids can pass into breast milk, exposing breastfed infants to these toxic compounds. Infant livers are particularly vulnerable to PA toxicity due to their immature detoxification systems. According to pediatric toxicology experts, exposure to PAs through breast milk poses risks of liver damage to infants. Healthcare providers strongly recommend avoiding coltsfoot-containing products during breastfeeding. The potential for infant exposure to hepatotoxic compounds outweighs any cosmetic benefits. Safer botanical alternatives without toxic alkaloids are widely available.
Tussilago Farfara Extract and postpartum
Caution Advised
- Carcinogen concern
Even for women not breastfeeding, coltsfoot extract contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that pose liver toxicity concerns. While postpartum women may seek soothing botanical ingredients, the presence of potentially carcinogenic compounds makes this a questionable choice. The ingredient may provide anti-inflammatory benefits, but safer alternatives exist that don't carry the risk of hepatotoxic exposure. Women recovering from childbirth should prioritize ingredients with better safety profiles, especially if there are any pre-existing liver concerns or if they're taking medications metabolized by the liver.
Tussilago Farfara Extract and trying to conceive
Not Recommended
- Builds up in tissue
Women trying to conceive should avoid coltsfoot extract due to its pyrrolizidine alkaloid content. These compounds can accumulate in the body over time and may pose risks once pregnancy is achieved. It's advisable to discontinue use before attempting conception. While direct fertility effects haven't been specifically studied, the known hepatotoxicity and potential genotoxicity of PAs make this ingredient one to avoid when planning pregnancy. The precautionary principle suggests eliminating unnecessary exposure to potentially harmful compounds during the preconception period.
Tussilago Farfara Extract and PCOS
Caution Advised
- Can inflame skin
Tussilago Farfara has no specific hormonal activity relevant to PCOS, but its pyrrolizidine alkaloid content raises general safety concerns. The ingredient does not affect androgen or insulin pathways. While the anti-inflammatory properties might theoretically benefit PCOS-related skin inflammation, the potential liver toxicity from repeated exposure to PAs outweighs these benefits. Women with PCOS, who may already face metabolic challenges, should avoid unnecessary exposure to hepatotoxic compounds. There are numerous safer anti-inflammatory botanical extracts available that provide similar benefits without the toxicity risks associated with coltsfoot. Dermatologists typically recommend alternatives like green tea extract or licorice root for PCOS skin concerns.
Tussilago Farfara Extract and general use
Caution Advised
- Carcinogen concern
Tussilago Farfara extract contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are hepatotoxic compounds that can cause liver damage with chronic exposure. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified certain PAs as possible human carcinogens. When used topically, PAs can be absorbed through the skin, particularly with repeated application. The cumulative toxicity potential is the primary concern, as these compounds can accumulate in liver tissue. Individuals with pre-existing liver conditions should be especially cautious. Due to these safety concerns, the EU Cosmetics Regulation has placed restrictions on coltsfoot, requiring certification that products are free of PAs or contain only trace amounts. Many cosmetic companies have reformulated to remove this ingredient in favor of safer botanical alternatives. While occasional use of PA-free certified products may pose minimal risk, consumers should be aware of the potential concerns and consider alternative soothing botanicals.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
Related ingredients
Ingredients suggested in place of Tussilago Farfara 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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