Melissa Officinalis Leaf Oil
Lemon balm essential oil. It gives a lemony herbal scent; some people may develop contact allergy.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Moderate
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
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.
Frequently asked questions
Is Melissa Officinalis Leaf Oil safe during pregnancy?
Melissa Officinalis Leaf Oil is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Melissa Officinalis Leaf Oil for?
Melissa Officinalis Leaf Oil suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Melissa Officinalis Leaf Oil and what does it do in cosmetics?
Lemon balm essential oil.
What's the INCI name for Melissa Officinalis Leaf Oil?
The INCI name is Melissa Officinalis Leaf Oil. It may also appear as: Lemon Balm Oil.
See Melissa Officinalis Leaf Oil in a product composition right on the store page
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Similar role in the formula
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