Italian Helichrysum Essential Oil: Risks for Pregnant Women?

The use of essential oils during pregnancy is a sensitive topic. Indeed, the topical application of these botanical extracts is often discouraged for pregnant women, due to the potential risks it may pose to both the mother and the foetus. Italian Helichrysum essential oil, or Immortelle essential oil, is widely recognised for its cosmetic properties, particularly for its firming effects, but its use in pregnant women remains controversial.

If theessential oil of immortelle, and essential oils in general, are often discouraged for pregnant women, it is because of the ketones they contain. To remind, ketones are organic molecules in which one of the carbons linked to two carbon atoms carries a carbonyl function. These compounds can have harmful effects, particularly due to their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, controlling exchanges between the blood and the brain compartment. Ketones are also known for their ability to degrade the myelin sheath that protects neurons, thus posing a neurotoxic risk to these nerve cells.

In the case of Italian Helichrysum essential oil, its composition includes bifunctional ketones, such as italidiones, which are molecules carrying two ketone functions. These are bulkier than simple ketones and have a higher molecular weight, thus their risk of crossing the blood-brain barrier is lower. However, as a precautionary principle, the use of Helichrysum essential oil is not recommended for pregnant women.

Furthermore, some oils pose a miscarriage risk. They are indeed known to induce uterine contractions, thereby increasing the risk of miscarriage, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy. Although the essential oil of immortelle is not specifically known to induce contractions, the lack of robust clinical data justifies the need for caution.

Finally, it is important to note that pregnancy can lead to increased skin sensitivity, making the skin more susceptible to irritations and external factors. The topical application of concentrated essential oils, even those considered safe, can cause unwanted skin reactions. That's why pregnant women are advised to exercise particular caution when using cosmetics.

The key takeaway : The scientific evidence regarding a potential compatibility between immortelle essential oil and pregnancy is insufficient. Therefore, as a precautionary principle, its use is not recommended for pregnant women.