Active Molecules: What is Rosemary Essential Oil Composed of?

The essential oil used in our products is camphor rosemary essential oil (INCI: Rosmarinus Officinalis Flower/Leaf Oil). It is composed of a set of active molecules including:

• α-Pinene (18 to 26%):

  This is the most prevalent terpene found in nature. A study has shown that it possesses antimicrobial activity through structural changes in cellular morphology and disruption of protein, DNA, and RNA synthesis. It is used in cosmetics as a fragrance due to its distinctive scent. It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties by suppressing inflammatory markers, reducing the activity of cyclooxygenase-2 and nitric oxide synthase, and inhibiting lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress.

• Eucalyptol or 1.8 cineole (16 to 25%):

  Eucalyptol is a natural compound from the family of monoterpene epoxides found in plants. It is generally used in the pharmaceutical industry for its bactericidal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties can be explained by its ability to inhibit TNF-α and IL-1β, pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, the mode of action of its antibacterial and antiviral activity is not yet clear. In cosmetics, it is used for its camphor-like scent.

• Camphor (13 to 33%):

  Camphor is a chemical compound belonging to the family of monoterpenic ketones. It possesses potent antiseptic and analgesic properties. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can alleviate muscle and joint pain. However, its mechanism of action is not yet known.

• Camphene (8 to 12%):

  Camphene, from the family of monoterpene hydrocarbons, is an isomer of Alpha-pinene found in rosemary. Studies have shown that camphene possesses anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting prostaglandin E2, which is linked to the inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX). Furthermore, it is capable of inhibiting the activity of 5-LOX, a pro-inflammatory enzyme. Camphene also exhibits antioxidant activity by reducing lipid peroxidation and inhibiting the release of nitric oxide and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS).