Pharmaceutical progestin
desogestrel
Safety score · 0–100
Avoid
Derived from EU CosIng regulatory status, PubChem hazard data and published research. How we score.
Desogestrel is a prescription synthetic progestin used in oral contraceptives. It is not a cosmetic ingredient, and any presence in cosmetic products would be a serious endocrine-disruption and regulatory red flag.
Skin benefits
- Established prescription progestin used in oral contraceptives
- Effective at preventing pregnancy when used as a medicinal product under medical supervision
Known concerns
- Prescription pharmaceutical, not a cosmetic ingredient and not permitted in cosmetic products
- Hormonally active synthetic progestin with systemic endocrine effects
- Topical exposure to a progestin in unregulated cosmetic context could disrupt menstrual cycle and reproductive endocrinology
- Use outside licensed medicinal products is unsafe and likely illegal under EU and most national medicines laws
References
EU CosIng database
European Commission cosmetic ingredient registry: regulatory status, restrictions, authorised functions.
Check your shelf
Find desogestrel in your products.
Scan any cosmetic product with LuxSense to see if it contains desogestrel and get a full ingredient breakdown with safety scores.
This profile is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Regulatory status and scientific understanding evolve, so always read the physical product label and consult a healthcare professional for personal concerns.