Ingredient
Tussilago Farfara Leaf Extract
Tussilago Farfara Leaf Extract is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to conceive, postpartum, PCOS and general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body and fetal development.
- Coltsfoot Extract
- Coltsfoot Leaf 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 Leaf Extract and pregnancy
Not Recommended
- Absorbed into the body
- Fetal development
Coltsfoot leaf extract comes from a plant that contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), naturally occurring compounds that have shown hepatotoxicity and potential genotoxic effects in animal studies. While cosmetic extracts contain lower PA levels than the whole plant, the exact concentration in skincare products varies. Most medical professionals and herbalists recommend avoiding Coltsfoot during pregnancy due to the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which have theoretical risks to fetal development. While topical absorption of PAs is considered lower than oral ingestion, the conservative approach during pregnancy is to avoid exposure. The developing fetal liver may be more susceptible to toxic compounds, and data on topical PA exposure during pregnancy is insufficient. ACOG recommends avoiding herbal ingredients with known toxic compounds during pregnancy, especially when safer alternatives exist. The European Medicines Agency has expressed concerns about PA-containing plants during pregnancy and lactation.
Tussilago Farfara Leaf Extract and breastfeeding
Not Recommended
- Passes into breast milk
- Infant exposure
Coltsfoot contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that, while present in lower concentrations in cosmetic leaf extracts, could theoretically be absorbed through the skin and transfer to breast milk. PAs have documented hepatotoxicity when ingested. Most lactation consultants and healthcare providers recommend avoiding Coltsfoot-containing products during breastfeeding. While topical absorption is limited, the potential for PA transfer to breast milk and infant exposure is a concern. Infants have immature liver function and may be more vulnerable to hepatotoxic compounds. The conservative medical recommendation is to avoid PA-containing botanicals during breastfeeding, especially when gentler soothing alternatives are readily available. This precautionary approach is standard until more safety data on topical PA exposure during lactation becomes available.
Tussilago Farfara Leaf Extract and postpartum
Caution Advised
- Common allergen
For postpartum women not breastfeeding, Coltsfoot leaf extract presents lower risk than during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids still warrants caution, particularly with frequent or extensive use. Women with sensitive skin or those recovering from pregnancy-related skin changes should be aware of potential allergic reactions. The soothing properties may offer benefits, but gentler alternatives with better safety profiles are generally preferable for postpartum skin recovery.
Tussilago Farfara Leaf Extract and trying to conceive
Not Recommended
- Builds up in tissue
Women trying to conceive should take the same precautions as pregnant women given that conception timing can be uncertain. The presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in Coltsfoot makes it advisable to discontinue use when actively trying to conceive. While topical absorption is limited, the conservative approach is to avoid PA-containing ingredients during the preconception period to prevent any potential early pregnancy exposure. Switching to safer soothing alternatives is recommended when planning pregnancy.
Tussilago Farfara Leaf Extract and PCOS
Caution Advised
- Common allergen
Coltsfoot leaf extract may provide anti-inflammatory benefits for PCOS-related skin concerns such as inflammation and irritation. However, there is no evidence it affects hormonal aspects of PCOS. The primary concern for PCOS users is the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids and potential for allergic reactions rather than any hormonal effects. Women with PCOS may benefit from the anti-inflammatory properties for acne-prone skin, but should weigh this against the ingredient's safety profile. Dermatologists generally recommend choosing well-studied anti-inflammatory ingredients over botanical extracts with limited safety data for managing PCOS-related skin concerns.
Tussilago Farfara Leaf Extract and general use
Caution Advised
- Common allergen
For the general population, Coltsfoot leaf extract in cosmetics poses moderate concern due to pyrrolizidine alkaloid content. While topical absorption is significantly lower than oral ingestion, and cosmetic leaf extracts typically contain reduced PA levels compared to root extracts, long-term safety data for topical use is limited. The ingredient may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals or those with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family. People with liver conditions should exercise particular caution due to the hepatotoxic potential of PAs. Many dermatologists suggest choosing botanical extracts with better-established safety profiles and lower allergy potential. When Coltsfoot extract is used, products should ideally specify PA-free or low-PA formulations.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
Related ingredients
Ingredients suggested in place of Tussilago Farfara Leaf 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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