VeriMomHIGH RISK
Should I Avoid melia azadirachta leaf extract During Pregnancy? | VeriMom
Reviewed by VeriMom Editorial Team · Last reviewed
ECHA regulatory hazard statements
- •H361D
Products containing melia azadirachta leaf extract — check your shelf
These products list melia azadirachta leaf extract on their INCI. If one is in your routine, consider swapping it during pregnancy.
FORTHESKIN By B-LAB
37FORTHESKIN By B-LAB Cica Panthenol Cream
AHC
37AHC Safe On Light Sun Serum SPF50+/PA++++
BeginS
37BeginS Blue Hydrangea Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Cream - 50ml
37
A.H.C Natural Perfection Double Shield Sun Stick SPF50+ PA++++ (2020 new) - 14g
37
KAHI Wrinkle Bounce Essential Sunscream SPF50+ PA++++ 50ml (4ea) Set
BeginS
37BeginS Grape Seed Pore Cleanser - 150ml
BeginS
37BeginS Blue Hydrangea Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Serum - 30ml
BeginS
37BeginS Pink Guava Glutathione Blemish Cream - 50ml
The History of Whoo
37The History of Whoo Bichup Ja Yoon Cream
SU:M37
37SU:M37 Secret Repair Concentrated Cream
What to use instead
Pregnancy-safe ingredients that serve a similar function:
Pregnancy-safe products to use instead
Products built around the safer ingredients above, scored "no known risks" or "low risk".
Mew mew tweet
100Mew mew tweet Cedar Spruce Baking Soda Free
Avero
100Avero Solid Deodorant
L'Occitane
100L´Occitane Powder To-mousse Facial Exfoliator
Unknown
100schmidts here now
Sustain Yourself
100Sustain Yourself Natural Deodorant
Bitamin
100Bitamin Natural Deodorant N'orange
Routine
99Routine Sweet Jane Deodorant Jar
Laura Mercier
99Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum Spf 20 - Oil Free
Avril
99Déodorant baume
Salt of the Earth
99Salt of the Earth Unscented Natural Refillable Roll-on Deodorant
Sources & references
Authoritative references used to score this ingredient.
Pregnancy-Safe Alternatives to melia azadirachta leaf extract | VeriMom
Ingredients — Pregnancy-Safe Ingredients Database — 28,000+ Ingredients Rated
See also
FAQ
- Is melia azadirachta leaf extract safe during pregnancy?
- Neem (Azadirachta indica) is documented as abortifacient, anti-implantation, and anti-fertility in peer-reviewed literature. Listed as "Likely Unsafe" in pregnancy by NMCD/LactMed. Oral and topical use during pregnancy is contraindicated.
- Is melia azadirachta leaf extract safe while breastfeeding?
- Breastfeeding: same hazard and mechanism as pregnancy because reproductive/endocrine-active constituents (notably limonoids/azadirachtin in neem) have demonstrated reproductive effects in animals. Dermal exposure from cosmetics is low but not zero; systemic transfer to breastmilk after topical use has not been quantified, so exposure rated as low but measurable (e=1). No high-quality human lactation studies found.
- Is melia azadirachta leaf extract safe for baby skin?
- For infants (0–3 yr) the underlying hazard and mechanism remain 'suspected' (h=2, m=2) based on animal reproductive/endocrine findings for neem extracts. Exposure score increased by +1 relative to adult because infant skin has higher surface-area-to-weight and an immature barrier, so dermal absorption and systemic dose per kg are higher (adult e=1 → infant e=2). Additionally, neem extracts are reported skin sensitizers in some contexts. No infant-specific safety trials were identified.
- How does VeriMom score melia azadirachta leaf extract?
- VeriMom scores melia azadirachta leaf extract at 20/100 (high risk) based on EU CosIng status, ECHA hazard classifications, and peer-reviewed PubMed studies. Our scoring pipeline is fully transparent.
- What are pregnancy-safe alternatives to melia azadirachta leaf extract?
- See our curated list of pregnancy-safe alternatives to melia azadirachta leaf extract based on similar function and a no-known-risks safety band.
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Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Safety scores are based on publicly available data and may not reflect all risks. Always consult your healthcare provider before using any product during pregnancy or breastfeeding.