Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract / Rosemary Extract

TL;DR. This ingredient is primarily a botanical antioxidant, used to slow rancidity in oils and help protect formula lipids from oxidation. It can also contribute mild aromatic character and skin-conditioning benefits depending on the extract type.

What does Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract / Rosemary Extract do in a cosmetic formula?

This ingredient is primarily a botanical antioxidant, used to slow rancidity in oils and help protect formula lipids from oxidation. It can also contribute mild aromatic character and skin-conditioning benefits depending on the extract type.

Is Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract / Rosemary Extract clean?

From a clean-beauty perspective, this ingredient is generally well accepted and not a common restricted-list concern. The main watchpoint is sensitivity in formulas with aromatic fractions, especially for reactive skin or leave-on products used at higher levels.

Is Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract / Rosemary Extract sustainable?

This material is plant-derived and generally biodegradable, with a relatively favorable sourcing profile when grown under responsible agricultural practices. Its footprint depends on cultivation, drying, and the extraction solvent used.

Is Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract / Rosemary Extract COSMOS-approved?

It is permitted under COSMOS-natural and can fit COSMOS-organic when the plant source and extraction process meet the standard. It aligns well with Green Chemistry when made from renewable feedstock using approved, lower-impact solvents such as water, ethanol, glycerin, or vegetable oil.

How does Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract / Rosemary Extract work chemically?

This is a complex botanical mixture rich in phenolic acids, flavonoids, and antioxidant diterpenes such as carnosic acid and carnosol, with composition varying by plant part and extraction method. Typical use levels range from trace antioxidant additions around 0.05% to broader botanical-use levels near 0.5% to 2%, and oil-soluble versions are often chosen for anhydrous or lipid-rich formulas.

Last updated 2026-05-13