What is Rosmarinus Officinalis Flower Extract?
Rosmarinus Officinalis Flower Extract, also known as rosemary flower extract, is derived from the flowers of the Rosmarinus officinalis plant, a member of the Lamiaceae family. This plant is more commonly known as rosemary, a popular herb often used in culinary applications. The extract is rich in beneficial compounds such as rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid, and essential oils, which contribute to its various cosmetic functions.
The use of rosemary in beauty and health practices dates back to ancient times. The Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians all recognized the plant’s beneficial properties and incorporated it into their medicinal and beauty regimens. It was only in more recent times that the cosmetic industry began to harness these benefits, extracting the potent compounds from the flowers of the plant to use in a variety of products.
The extraction process involves harvesting the rosemary flowers and subjecting them to a process known as steam distillation. This method allows for the extraction of the essential oils and other beneficial compounds without damaging their potency or altering their natural composition.
While there are other plant extracts used in cosmetics for their antioxidant and skin conditioning properties, Rosmarinus Officinalis Flower Extract stands out due to its additional deodorant and perfuming functions. This multi-functionality makes it a valuable ingredient in the formulation of cosmetic products.
Rosmarinus Officinalis Flower Extract is typically used in a wide range of cosmetic products due to its versatility. You can find it in moisturizers, where its skin conditioning properties help to nourish and hydrate the skin. It’s also used in serums for its antioxidant benefits, helping to protect the skin from environmental stressors. Additionally, due to its deodorant and perfuming properties, it’s often found in body care products such as soaps, body washes, and deodorants.
Benefits and Uses
In this section, we will delve into the officially recognized benefits and uses of Rosmarinus Officinalis Flower Extract:
Antioxidant
Rosmarinus Officinalis Flower Extract serves as a potent antioxidant in cosmetic products. Antioxidants are substances that help protect our skin from free radicals – harmful molecules that can cause damage to our skin cells. This damage can lead to premature aging and other skin issues. By including Rosmarinus Officinalis Flower Extract in a product, manufacturers are helping to provide a layer of protection for your skin against these harmful molecules.
Deodorant
Another official function of Rosmarinus Officinalis Flower Extract is its use as a deodorant. This doesn’t mean it’s used to make underarm deodorants, but rather that it has properties that can help to neutralize or reduce unpleasant odors. In a cosmetic context, this means that products containing this extract can help to keep your skin smelling fresh and clean.
Perfuming
Rosmarinus Officinalis Flower Extract also serves a perfuming function. This means that it can be used to impart a pleasant scent to a cosmetic product. The extract has a naturally refreshing and invigorating aroma, which can enhance the sensory experience of using the product.
Skin Conditioning
The final official function of Rosmarinus Officinalis Flower Extract is as a skin conditioning agent. This means that it helps to make the skin feel smoother, softer and more supple. It achieves this by increasing the skin’s hydration levels, improving its texture and reducing roughness.
It’s important to note that these benefits are based on the officially recognized and defined functions of Rosmarinus Officinalis Flower Extract. There may be other benefits and uses of this ingredient that go beyond these official functions, but these are the primary benefits that you can expect when you see this ingredient listed on a cosmetic product.
Safety Profile
Rosmarinus Officinalis Flower Extract is not a banned or regulated ingredient in cosmetics. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetic products. However, like any other ingredient, it may cause allergic reactions in some individuals, especially those with sensitive skin.
Potential side effects of topical application of Rosmarinus Officinalis Flower Extract include:
- Redness
- Itching
- Skin irritation
A note for women who are pregnant and/or breastfeeding – There is currently insufficient data to determine whether Rosmarinus Officinalis Flower Extract is safe for topical use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before using products containing this ingredient.
Adverse reactions to Rosmarinus Officinalis Flower Extract are not common, but it is always recommended to perform a patch test before using any new product. Apply a small amount of the product to a patch of skin on your inner forearm. If no reaction occurs after 24 hours, it should be safe to use.
This ingredient analysis has been commissioned by Truth In Skincare (TiS), an independent industry regulator. The analysis was performed by a TiS-appointed industry consultant, using sources including the CosIng (Cosmetic Ingredient Database – by the European Commission), the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA), and other various publicly available sources.
