Ingredient
Tussilago Farfara Flower Extract
Tussilago Farfara Flower Extract is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding, postpartum, trying to conceive, PCOS and general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body and fetal development.
- Coltsfoot Flower Extract
- Coltsfoot 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 Flower Extract and pregnancy
Not Recommended
- Absorbed into the body
- Fetal development
Tussilago Farfara Flower Extract, also known as coltsfoot extract, is a botanical ingredient used for its soothing and astringent properties. The plant from which it is derived naturally contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which are toxic compounds. The concern with this ingredient during pregnancy relates to pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are known hepatotoxins (liver toxins) and have been associated with potential teratogenic effects in animal studies. While topical absorption is generally low, any systemic exposure to PAs during pregnancy is considered problematic. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) recommends avoiding internal use of PA-containing herbs during pregnancy, and many herbalists and obstetricians extend this caution to topical products as well, particularly when PA content is uncertain. Most pregnancy-focused dermatologists recommend avoiding botanical extracts from PA-containing plants during pregnancy as a precautionary measure. While modern cosmetic-grade extracts may be processed to remove PAs, the level of removal can vary and is not always verified. Given the potential for liver toxicity and uncertain PA content in many products, pregnant women should choose alternative soothing ingredients.
Tussilago Farfara Flower Extract and breastfeeding
Not Recommended
- Passes into breast milk
- Infant exposure
Tussilago Farfara Flower Extract is a botanical ingredient derived from coltsfoot, a plant that naturally contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). These compounds can be absorbed through the skin and may pass into breast milk. The EMA and most lactation consultants advise avoiding PA-containing herbs during breastfeeding due to the risk of infant exposure to these hepatotoxic compounds through breast milk. Even if topical absorption is limited, the potential for any transfer of PAs to a breastfed infant is concerning given their known liver toxicity and the vulnerability of infant liver function. Dermatologists generally recommend that breastfeeding mothers avoid cosmetic products containing Tussilago Farfara unless the product specifically certifies that the extract is PA-free. Given the availability of safer alternative soothing ingredients, avoiding this botanical during lactation is the most prudent approach.
Tussilago Farfara Flower Extract and postpartum
Caution Advised
- Common allergen
Tussilago Farfara Flower Extract can provide soothing benefits for postpartum skin. However, the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in some extracts remains a concern even for non-breastfeeding women. While not breastfeeding eliminates the concern about infant exposure, the potential for systemic absorption of PAs and their hepatotoxic effects means this ingredient should still be used with caution. If using products containing this extract, look for those that specifically certify PA-free status. Safer alternatives are available for achieving similar soothing effects.
Tussilago Farfara Flower Extract and trying to conceive
Caution Advised
- Absorbed into the body
Tussilago Farfara Flower Extract contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which are compounds of concern when trying to conceive. While topical use results in low systemic absorption, any exposure to hepatotoxic compounds should ideally be minimized when preparing for pregnancy. Given that you may become pregnant while using a product, it is advisable to avoid PA-containing botanicals when trying to conceive. This allows you to establish a skincare routine that is safe to continue into pregnancy. If using products with this extract, choose only those certified to be PA-free.
Tussilago Farfara Flower Extract and PCOS
Caution Advised
- Common allergen
Tussilago Farfara Flower Extract has traditional anti-inflammatory properties that could theoretically benefit PCOS-related skin inflammation. However, the safety concerns related to pyrrolizidine alkaloids apply regardless of PCOS status. There is no evidence that this botanical extract affects hormonal balance or androgen levels relevant to PCOS. The primary concern is the potential presence of PAs and individual sensitivity to the botanical. For women with PCOS seeking anti-inflammatory benefits, there are safer botanical alternatives available. Women with PCOS can use PA-free certified extracts, but should be aware of the potential for allergic reactions to botanical ingredients. Alternative anti-inflammatory ingredients may be preferable.
Tussilago Farfara Flower Extract and general use
Caution Advised
- Common allergen
Tussilago Farfara Flower Extract, or coltsfoot extract, is a botanical ingredient used for its soothing and astringent properties. In traditional herbal medicine, it has been used for its anti-inflammatory effects. The main concern with this ingredient is that coltsfoot naturally contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which are hepatotoxic compounds. The EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has raised concerns about PA-containing botanicals in cosmetics. While modern extraction processes can remove PAs, the degree of removal varies and is not always verified. Additionally, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to botanical extracts from the Asteraceae family, to which coltsfoot belongs. EU regulations require that Tussilago Farfara extracts used in cosmetics be certified PA-free, but enforcement and verification can vary. Consumers should look for products that specifically state the extract is free from pyrrolizidine alkaloids. For those seeking soothing botanical ingredients, alternatives like chamomile, calendula, or centella asiatica offer similar benefits with better-established safety profiles.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
Related ingredients
Ingredients suggested in place of Tussilago Farfara Flower 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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