Rosemary Extract
Antioxidant extract from rosemary that can help protect skin from damage.
What does Rosemary Extract do for skin?
Rosemary Extract, rich in phenolic compounds like rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid, and carnosol, primarily functions as a potent antioxidant by scavenging reactive oxygen species and inhibiting lipid peroxidation, thus protecting skin from oxidative stress and photoaging. Its anti-inflammatory properties involve the inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators and pathways, such as NF-κB, which helps reduce skin redness and irritation. In hair care, rosemary extract is believed to promote hair growth by inhibiting the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, which reduces the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and by improving microcirculation to hair follicles.
Typical concentration: Typically used at 0.1-5% of a standardized extract in cosmetic formulations, with concentrations up to 10% found in some specialized hair care products for more intensive effects.
Is Rosemary Extract safe?
The CIR Expert Panel has concluded that Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract is safe in cosmetic formulations in the current practices of use and concentration, typically up to 10%. It is generally well-tolerated, though high concentrations, particularly of the essential oil components within extracts, may pose a low risk of sensitization or irritation in susceptible individuals.
What does the research say about Rosemary Extract?
Andrade JM, Lopes AC, Silva AM, Fernandes J, Ferreira AR, Rodrigues E, Oliveira MB, Martins MA. Molecules. 2021 Jul 26;26(15):4517.
Piccolella S, Conte B, D'Avino M, De Luca P, De Marco A, Frusciante S, Pacifico S, Scafuri B, Siciliano T, Scognamiglio M, Taglialatela-Scafati O, Tufano M. Eur J Nutr. 2022 Dec;61(8):3901-3914.
González-Trujano ME, Peña-Morán E, Guevara-Valencia R, Ventura-Martínez R, Salgado-Ceballos H, Vergara-Galicia J. J Ethnopharmacol. 2020 Jul 15;256:112793.