OCIMUM BASILICUM\ ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is a botanical material used mainly for fragrance, masking, and light skin-conditioning benefits, depending on whether the supplier provides an extract, hydrosol, or volatile fraction.
What does OCIMUM BASILICUM\ do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is a botanical material used mainly for fragrance, masking, and light skin-conditioning benefits, depending on whether the supplier provides an extract, hydrosol, or volatile fraction.
Is OCIMUM BASILICUM\ clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, it is generally acceptable when naturally derived, but it carries fragrance-allergen and sensitization considerations from constituents such as linalool, eugenol, and estragole. Allergen labeling and IFRA-style use limits may apply, especially in leave-on products.
Is OCIMUM BASILICUM\ sustainable?
This material is plant-derived and renewable, and its natural aromatic constituents are generally biodegradable. Sustainability depends on agricultural inputs, water use, and whether extraction uses low-impact solvents or steam processing.
Is OCIMUM BASILICUM\ COSMOS-approved?
It can be permitted under COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic when sourced and processed according to the standard, such as approved extraction methods and compliant solvents. It fits Green Chemistry best when obtained from renewable crop material with minimal solvent use, though allergen management remains part of responsible formulation.
How does OCIMUM BASILICUM\ work chemically?
Chemically, it is a variable botanical mixture of terpenoids and phenylpropanoids, with linalool, eugenol, 1,8-cineole, and estragole levels shifting by chemotype and processing method. Aromatic fractions are commonly used at low fragrance-level inputs, often well below 1% in leave-on formulas, while diluted extracts may be used higher depending on solvent system and supplier specification.
Last updated 2026-05-13