Rosemary Extract

At ORY^®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about rosemary extract. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.

Please note: Some studies on this page tested rosemary for hair loss, which is a medical use. We share them for transparency. ORY^® rosemary products are cosmetics and are not intended to grow hair or prevent hair loss.

1. General Description and Role

Verification: Supported. Rosemary’s antioxidant activity is well documented, and oil-soluble rosemary extract is widely used to slow oxidation of oils. The CIR Expert Panel concluded that rosemary-derived ingredients are safe in cosmetics when formulated to be non-sensitizing.

Citations:

• • Nieto, G., Ros, G., & Castillo, J. (2018). Antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis, L.): A review. Medicines, 5(3), 98. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines5030098
    • What it shows: Review of rosemary’s antioxidant properties.
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2018). Safety assessment of Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 37(3 Suppl), 12S–50S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581818800020
    • What it shows: CIR safety assessment of rosemary ingredients.

2. Composition and Production

Verification: Supported. Rosemary chemistry and its extract types are well documented.

Citations:

• • Nieto, G., Ros, G., & Castillo, J. (2018). Antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis, L.): A review. Medicines, 5(3), 98. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines5030098
    • What it shows: Describes rosemary’s compounds.

3. Skin Type Suitability

Verification: Supported, with caveats. CIR noted that rosemary ingredients can cause skin sensitization in some people, and its safety conclusion depends on formulating to avoid it.

Citations:

• • Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2018). Safety assessment of Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 37(3 Suppl), 12S–50S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581818800020
    • What it shows: Safety data, including sensitization.

4. Hair and Scalp Suitability

Verification: Limited evidence. A 6-month trial compared rosemary essential oil (not rosemary extract) with 2% minoxidil in people with androgenetic alopecia, and a mouse study found rosemary leaf extract promoted hair regrowth. These are medical uses. Hair-growth and hair-loss claims, including for brows and lashes, are drug claims, and ORY^® products are not intended to grow hair.

Citations:

• • Panahi, Y., Taghizadeh, M., Marzony, E. T., & Sahebkar, A. (2015). Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: A randomized comparative trial. SKINmed, 13(1), 15–21. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25842469/
    • What it shows: Trial of rosemary essential oil in androgenetic alopecia.
  • Murata, K., et al. (2013). Promotion of hair growth by Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract. Phytotherapy Research, 27(2), 212–217. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Promotion%20of%20hair%20growth%20by%20Rosmarinus%20officinalis%20leaf%20extract
    • What it shows: Mouse study of rosemary leaf extract.
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 310.527 — Drug products offered over-the-counter for external use as hair growers or for hair loss prevention. https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/21/310.527
    • What it shows: FDA treats hair-growth and hair-loss products as drugs.

5. Benefits

Verification: Supported, with caveats. Antioxidant effects are well supported in lab studies. In one study, people who took a citrus and rosemary extract by mouth burned less easily, but that was not a topical study. ORY^® rosemary products are not sunscreens and do not claim sun protection.

Citations:

• • Nieto, G., Ros, G., & Castillo, J. (2018). Antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis, L.): A review. Medicines, 5(3), 98. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines5030098
    • What it shows: Antioxidant evidence.
  • Pérez-Sánchez, A., et al. (2014). Protective effects of citrus and rosemary extracts on UV-induced damage in skin cell model and human volunteers. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, 136, 12–18. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24815058/
    • What it shows: Lab and oral human study.
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2019, February 26). Sunscreen drug products for over-the-counter human use (proposed rule), 84 FR 6204. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/02/26/2019-03019/sunscreen-drug-products-for-over-the-counter-human-use
    • What it shows: FDA regulates sun-protection claims as sunscreen drugs.

6. Use Across ORY^® Product Lines

Verification: Supported. Use levels are within the ranges CIR reviewed. In soap, ROE helps slow rancidity of the oils.

Citations:

• • Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2018). Safety assessment of Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 37(3 Suppl), 12S–50S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581818800020
    • What it shows: Reported use concentrations.
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap
    • What it shows: FDA explains how soap is regulated.

7. Pros

Verification: Supported. Well supported for formula protection; skin benefits mainly from lab studies.

Citations:

• • Nieto, G., Ros, G., & Castillo, J. (2018). Antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis, L.): A review. Medicines, 5(3), 98. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines5030098
    • What it shows: Review.
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2018). Safety assessment of Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 37(3 Suppl), 12S–50S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581818800020
    • What it shows: Safety conclusion.

8. Cons

Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:

• • Allergy. Rosemary can sensitize some people.
  • Scent. Strong herbal odor.
  • Evidence gaps. Hair studies used essential oil or mice, not rosemary extract in people.
  • Stability. Carnosic acid oxidizes over time.

Citations:

• • Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2018). Safety assessment of Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 37(3 Suppl), 12S–50S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581818800020
    • What it shows: Sensitization.
  • Panahi, Y., Taghizadeh, M., Marzony, E. T., & Sahebkar, A. (2015). Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: A randomized comparative trial. SKINmed, 13(1), 15–21. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25842469/
    • What it shows: Essential-oil study.

9. Safety Notes

Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:

• • Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
  • Rosemary can cause allergic reactions in some people.
  • Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
  • For external use only. Avoid the eyes. Do not use on broken or seriously damaged skin.
  • If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.

Citations:

• • Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2018). Safety assessment of Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 37(3 Suppl), 12S–50S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581818800020
    • What it shows: Safety assessment.

10. Product-line notes

• • ORY^® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
  • ORY^® Haircare: Designed for scalp comfort and the look and feel of hair. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss. If you notice sudden shedding or a persistent itchy, flaking scalp, see a dermatologist.
  • ORY^® Handmade Soap: Handmade soap is naturally alkaline, and each bar may vary slightly in color, scent, and texture. Not intended to treat eczema or any skin condition.
  • ORY^® Cosmetics: Lip products are not intended to treat or protect chapped or cracked lips. Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.

11. References

Peer-reviewed research

• • Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2018). Safety assessment of Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 37(3 Suppl), 12S–50S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581818800020
  • Murata, K., et al. (2013). Promotion of hair growth by Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract. Phytotherapy Research, 27(2), 212–217. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Promotion%20of%20hair%20growth%20by%20Rosmarinus%20officinalis%20leaf%20extract
  • Nieto, G., Ros, G., & Castillo, J. (2018). Antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis, L.): A review. Medicines, 5(3), 98. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines5030098
  • Panahi, Y., Taghizadeh, M., Marzony, E. T., & Sahebkar, A. (2015). Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: A randomized comparative trial. SKINmed, 13(1), 15–21. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25842469/
  • Pérez-Sánchez, A., et al. (2014). Protective effects of citrus and rosemary extracts on UV-induced damage in skin cell model and human volunteers. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, 136, 12–18. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24815058/

Government and regulatory sources

• • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 310.527 — Drug products offered over-the-counter for external use as hair growers or for hair loss prevention. https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/21/310.527
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2019, February 26). Sunscreen drug products for over-the-counter human use (proposed rule), 84 FR 6204. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/02/26/2019-03019/sunscreen-drug-products-for-over-the-counter-human-use
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap