Fig leaf

High risk of skin sensitization. High risk of phototoxicity.

Contraindication: should not be used, either internally or externally.

IFRA recommends fig leaf absolute not be used as a fragrance ingredient due to extreme sensitization and phototoxic potential. Prohibited in the EU and Canada.

Phototoxic in mice at 0.001 percent dilution, extremely low. Fig leaves contain furocoumarins; their presence in the absolute has not been established but the phototoxic profile suggests they are present.

Ficus carica is the familiar Mediterranean fig tree. Fresh fig leaves exude a milky latex that can cause severe skin irritation and phototoxic reactions on sun exposure.

The absolute is solvent-extracted from the leaves. Produced for the fragrance industry, not used in aromatherapy or topical products.

Family Moraceae. Same family as mulberry, breadfruit.

Fig leaf absolute is typical of materials produced for the industrial fragrance trade, not suitable for aromatherapy.

Gardeners exposed to fresh fig leaves in sunlight can develop severe phytodermatitis, a well-documented natural hazard.