Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) extract and its oil are used in skincare for antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, often as a natural preservative booster or to help protect formulations and skin from oxidative stress. Key actives include rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid, and carnosol.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Contact irritation | Uncommon | Stinging or redness, more likely with the essential oil or high concentrations. |
Allergic contact dermatitis | Uncommon | Sensitization can occur, sometimes linked to constituents like carnosol or fragrance components. |
Photosensitivity | Rare | Occasional reports of phototoxic or photoallergic reactions with essential oil exposure. |
Erythema or burning sensation | Rare | Typically transient and concentration-dependent. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.