Rosemary Extract
Contains carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid – antioxidants that also protect other unstable formula components from oxidation.
Evidence by route
Topical application
Antioxidant properties confirmed in vitro. More commonly used as a formula stabilizer (protecting oils from rancidity) than as a standalone active. Few clinical skin studies.
- Carnosic acid in topical rosemary extract enhances skin repair via TRPA1 activation. JCI Insight. 2025.. PMID 41129748
How to read tiers A–F
- DNo data, or very weak or conflicting data
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Combination, Oily
- Use with caution
- Sensitive
About this ingredient
Rosemary extract (Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract) is an extract from leaves of medicinal rosemary. Key compounds: carnosic acid, carnosol, rosmarinic acid, ursolic acid. One of the strongest natural antioxidants, with antioxidant potential comparable to synthetic BHT and BHA, and at the same time a strong formula-protecting antioxidant. Where applied. In two distinct roles. First – active ingredient for skin (0.1-1%) in anti-aging formulas, hair-loss products, oily-skin toners. Second – functional formula antioxidant (0.02-0.2%) – protects plant oils, retinol, vitamin C from oxidation; replaces BHT in clean-beauty formulas. In Spanish brands it appears in Sesderma C-Vit, Mussvital, KRUIDVAT. Evidence base. Panahi 2015 RCT (n=80, 4 months) showed that a topical formula with rosemary and vitamin E improved facial skin texture and firmness. For hair – Panahi 2015 (n=100) compared 2% rosemary oil with 2% minoxidil in androgenic alopecia: after 6 months results were comparable, with rosemary showing fewer side effects (scalp itching). These are pilot studies, not systematic reviews; evidence level B/C. Safety. CIR confirmed rosemary extract safety (Final Report 2014). Hypoallergenic in most cases. Contact reactions are possible in people with Asteraceae and Lamiaceae allergies. Pregnancy and lactation – topically safe at cosmetic concentrations. Rosemary essential oil (a separate product, not the extract) – avoid in pregnancy (theoretical risk of uterine stimulation at high doses). Cosmetic extracts have no restrictions.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rosemary Extract safe during pregnancy?
Rosemary Extract is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Rosemary Extract for?
Rosemary Extract suits: normal, combination, oily. Use with caution in: sensitive.
What is Rosemary Extract and what does it do in cosmetics?
Contains carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid – antioxidants that also protect other unstable formula components from oxidation.
What's the INCI name for Rosemary Extract?
The INCI name is Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract. It may also appear as: Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract.
See Rosemary Extract in a product composition right on the store page
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