Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Oil
A basil essential oil. It adds fragrance to the formula; some people may develop allergy or irritation.
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
Basil oil (INCI: Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Oil) is an essential oil extracted from the basil plant. Its role in a formula is basically aromatic: it gives a fresh, herbaceous scent. It is not a skincare active and is not meant to treat wrinkles, spots or blemishes. On efficacy there is little to promise. As an essential oil its role is sensory; clinical evidence of direct skin benefit is scarce. So we rate it as a decorative, fragrance component, not a functional active. Applied topically in a cosmetic product its systemic absorption is negligible, so it can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding, preferably at low concentrations. On tolerance, irritation potential is low, but allergy potential is medium because of its volatile components. Most people tolerate it, though sensitive or reaction-prone skin should patch test a small area first.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Oil safe during pregnancy?
Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Oil is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Oil for?
Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Oil suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Oil and what does it do in cosmetics?
A basil essential oil.
What's the INCI name for Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Oil?
The INCI name is Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Oil. It may also appear as: Basil Oil.
See Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Oil in a product composition right on the store page
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.
Similar role in the formula
Other functional ingredients
Octanediol, Octyldodecanol, Octyldodeceth-16, Octyldodecyl Xyloside, Polyquaternium-7, Steareth-20, C20-40 Alketh-10, Dodecyl Gallate
Published: · updated: