Lemon balm essential oil. It gives a lemony herbal scent; some people may develop contact allergy.
Topical application
BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations.
An essential oil. Some people may develop contact allergy.
Melissa Officinalis Leaf Oil is the essential oil obtained from lemon balm leaves. In cosmetics it mainly provides a fresh, herbal, citrusy scent, and it is used more for its aroma than for any specific skin effect. This is an aromatic ingredient, not a skincare active. The properties sometimes attributed to it are weakly supported in topical cosmetic use, so it is better seen as a sensory ingredient than a treatment. Applied topically it has no systemic relevance, so it can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding, ideally at the usual low doses of an essential oil. Here it is fair to be honest about tolerance. As an essential oil, its allergenic potential is moderate: it contains components that can sensitize and cause contact allergy in predisposed people. Most tolerate it without trouble, but anyone with reactive skin or a history of essential-oil allergy should introduce it with caution.
Irritation potential
LowAllergen risk
ModeratePregnancy
SafeSuitable for
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Melissa Officinalis Leaf Oil is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
Melissa Officinalis Leaf Oil suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
Lemon balm essential oil.
The INCI name is Melissa Officinalis Leaf Oil. It may also appear as: Масло листьев мелиссы, Lemon Balm Oil.
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