Safety Assessment of Achillea millefolium as Used in Cosmetics

Int J Toxicol. 2016 Nov;35(3 suppl):5S-15S. doi: 10.1177/1091581816677717.

Abstract

Cosmetic ingredients derived from Achillea millefolium function in cosmetics as skin-conditioning agents-miscellaneous, skin-conditioning agents-humectants, and fragrance ingredients. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel (Panel) reviewed relevant animal and human data to determine their safety in cosmetics and raised concerns about cosmetics containing linalool, thujone, quercetin, hydroquinone, or α-peroxyachifolid. Because final product formulations may contain multiple botanicals, each containing similar constituents of concern, formulators are advised to be aware of these components and to avoid reaching levels that may be hazardous to consumers. Additionally, industry was advised to use good manufacturing practices to limit impurities. The Panel concluded that achillea millefolium extract, achillea millefolium flower extract, and achillea millefolium flower/leaf/stem extract are safe in the present practices of use and concentration in cosmetics when formulated to be nonsensitizing.

Keywords: achillea millefolium; cosmetics; safety; yarrow.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Achillea / chemistry*
  • Animals
  • Consumer Product Safety* / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Cosmetics / chemistry
  • Cosmetics / standards*
  • Humans
  • Plant Extracts / analysis
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacokinetics
  • Plant Extracts / toxicity*
  • Plant Oils / analysis
  • Plant Oils / pharmacokinetics
  • Plant Oils / toxicity*
  • Toxicity Tests / methods
  • Toxicokinetics
  • United States
  • United States Food and Drug Administration

Substances

  • Cosmetics
  • Plant Extracts
  • Plant Oils