Ichthammol Safety, Black Salve Distinction, and Ingredients for Itchy Skin

Question

Hello, I would like to ask about the safety of [url=http://www.myskinrecipes.com/shop/%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%81%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%82%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%A7/1245-ichthammol-ammonium-bituminosulfonate.html:1ycb9o0e]Ichthammol[/url:1ycb9o0e] safety. I have tested a formula containing [url=http://www.myskinrecipes.com/shop/%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%81%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%82%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%A7/1245-ichthammol-ammonium-bituminosulfonate.html:1ycb9o0e]Ichthammol[/url:1ycb9o0e] from here. I am wondering if [url=http://www.myskinrecipes.com/shop/%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%81%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%82%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%A6/1245-ichthammol-ammonium-bituminosulfonate.html:1ycb9o0e]Ichthammol[/url:1ycb9o0e] can be used by pregnant women, as I searched for information and found several articles like "Do Not Use: Black Salve is Dangerous and Called by Many Names". I would like to ask if this substance is safe to use on the face and body, and if it is different from black salve. Also, if there are issues with skin itching and rashes, which ingredients can be used? Thank you very much.

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Ichthammol Safety and Use

You asked about the safety of Ichthammol, particularly during pregnancy and its relation to "black salve."

Based on the product information for Ichthammol (Pure, 99%), it is described as having anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and is used in various topical applications to help reduce itching, swelling, redness, and acne. It is intended for use on the skin and scalp at recommended concentrations.

Pregnancy Safety: The product description does not provide specific information about the safety of using Ichthammol during pregnancy. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional or dermatologist before using any cosmetic or topical product while pregnant to ensure it is safe for your specific situation.
Ichthammol vs. Black Salve: Ichthammol (Ammonium Bituminosulfonate) is a distinct substance used for its medicinal properties. It is not the same as the dangerous "black salves" often discussed online. "Black salves" can contain corrosive ingredients like zinc chloride or bloodroot, which are not related to Ichthammol and can cause severe harm to the skin. Ichthammol is a different compound with different properties and intended uses.

Ichthammol itself is used in some formulations for skin issues, including those involving itching and redness, when used at appropriate concentrations (e.g., 5% for reducing itching and redness on the skin, 1% in shampoo for scalp itching).

Ingredients for Itchy Skin and Rashes

If you are experiencing itchy skin or rashes, several ingredients are known for their soothing and anti-irritant properties. Besides Ichthammol, which can help reduce itching and redness, consider ingredients such as:

ActiveRelease Oat™: This ingredient is known for its ability to significantly reduce skin itching and redness.
Licorice Extract: Containing Licochalcone A, Licorice Extract is effective in reducing skin inflammation, redness, and irritation. It can be particularly helpful for symptoms of eczema.
Portulaca Extract: This extract is effective in reducing various types of skin irritation.
Pep-Calm™: This peptide helps reduce skin redness and irritation.
FastRelief™ 1609: While not strengthening the skin barrier, this ingredient works quickly to reduce the sensation of irritation, heat, swelling, and redness.

These ingredients can be incorporated into various skincare formulations to help soothe irritated and itchy skin.