How do we know if we want to see a certain ingredient on the back of our product’s label? In this column, we shed light on the ingredients listed on our self-care products. We know how tough it can be to understand the gibberish that often disguised as an ingredient. In our mission to promote a healthy skin, lifestyle and world, we believe that the first step is advocating for educated consumption. Practice self-love by knowing exactly what you’re putting in your body AND on your body.
Synonym: Hypericum perforatum (botanical name)
Ever heard of St. John’s wort? Well, it’s a flowering plant native to Europe and Asia that has many medicinal properties that were first recognized by ancient Greek physicians. Over the centuries, it has been used in traditional folk remedies to treat scars, burns, wounds, and it can still be found in many skincare products today. Additionally, it has been shown to alleviate mild depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders.
While St john’s wort is most well-known for its anti-depressive ability, this herb is also beneficial for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral properties. It has been found to improve wound healing and can aid in the treatment of atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and herpes simplex infections.
This most common side effect that worries people of St John’s wort is photosensitivity. It’s understood that hypericin, the active ingredient in St John’s wort, is highly photoreactive by nature. Research shows that this occurs only when it’s ingested orally, especially in higher amounts. This could be through prescribed or over the counter medication or teas. It’s still unclear if topical application has the same photoreaction on the skin. This mean, any cosmetic or skin product that contains St John’s wort is safe from the photosensitivity reaction. Since it is so widely used as an anti-depressant (which you take orally), symptoms of photosensitivity can show up in different sized and shaped lesions, reddening of the skin, a rash or itch when exposed to ultraviolet rays. Although rare, it does occur and the most effective way to prevent damage to your skin is by minimising exposure to direct sunlight and covering up when outdoors.
St John’s wort has many healing properties both topically and for treating mild depression internally. From what I found, photosensitivity can be a problem for those ingesting it. So if it’s in your favourite skin care product, you shouldn’t be too worried about it and use it as much as you like. However, if you are the exception rather than the rule and experience any kind of photoreactive symptoms from you skin care that contains St Johns wort, stop use and seek advice from your health care provider.
Tags: Cosmetic Safety, Eye on Ingredients
Alana is a qualified naturopath & nutritionist from Australia. After years of studying and first clinical experiences, she moved to Europe where she spent many years as a health editor and writer for Amazingy Magazine. In 2020 Alana started her online Health Practice based out of Berlin. She believes the body has the innate ability to heal itself. The core of her work is teaching individuals the foundations of nutrition for an abundance of energy, smooth digestion and vital health. The stuff she teaches we just weren't taught at school, but it is fundamental for excellent health for everyone. Get in touch with Alana via her website: https://alanabonnemann.com/
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I’m planning on taking 1 capsule of 450 mg per day, and I am dark skinned African American. Are my chances lessened?
Hi, from what I’ve read it’s those with paler skin, who usually burn easily who are more susceptible. So your chances may be lessened. But you’ll feel it if you’re photosensitive, you’ll start to have a tingling or stinging sensation on skin that’s exposed to the skin.
I hope this helps! All the best, Alana
I have used St. John’s wort for years for the remediation and (if caught early enough) the prevention of poison oak infection. I use it as a tincture and if I know I’ve been exposed to poison oak I take a cool shower and wash with soap all over and a washcloth to rub the oils off the skin, then rinse in cool or cold water and then apply tincture all over. This can effectively prevent poison oak rash and symptoms. If I don’t know I’ve been exposed and I get a rash first, it is harder to deal with… Read more »
Hi Annie, thanks so much for sharing your story! It’s important to hear first hand experience like this. I can imagine the tincture you use is with a high concentrations of St John’s wort, is that correct? This might be the reason for photosensitivity. But I agree, the best thing to do is cover up or stay out of direct sunlight to avoid any reaction. Thanks again for sharing! Alana
I have been taking St John’s 4000mg twice per day for three weeks and have now the side effect of severe photosensitiviy to sunlight and then also sensitive to cold air! If I reduce my intake to 1 tab per day will this reduce the side effect? Will this side effect gradually go away as my body becomes used to the tablets?
Hi Julia, Some people are more reactive to photosensitivity from taking St Johns Wort than others. It’s usually those with fair skin who are more affected. You can take precautions to limit your sun exposure and cover up to avoid the cold, but I don’t know if your body hits a threshold where it becomes desensitised. There are several factors that could influence your dosage, so I’d suggest to drop by your doctor or health care provider and talk it through with them. Sorry I couldn’t be more help, and good luck.
