Rosemary Camphor Essential Oil: All You Need to Know.

Rosemary Camphor Essential Oil

Commonly known as: Rosmarinus Officinalis Flower/Leaf Oil (INCI).

Botanical name: Rosmarinus officinalis L.

Extraction process: Steam distillation.

Family: Lamiaceae.

Extracted part of the plant: Branches.

Cultivation area, origin: Native to the Mediterranean basin (Spain, France, Italy, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria and Portugal) but widespread throughout the world.

Blooming: Late spring, sometimes until autumn (i.e. April to December).

Origin, provenance: Spain.

Phytochemical composition: Alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, D-limonene, linalool, borneol, 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol), camphor (borneone), camphene, alpha-terpineol, paracymene, myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, terpinene 4-ol, gamma-terpinene.

Sensory properties: Appearance: Clear mobile liquid; Colour: Pale yellow to yellowish green; Odour: Characteristic, fresh, rustic, slightly camphor-like.

Physical properties: Density: 0.895-0.920; Insoluble in water; Soluble in alcohol; Refractive index: 1.464-1.473.

Concerns: Tonic, revitalising, anti-bacterial, sebum-regulating, purifying, anti-inflammatory, aromatic/fragrant.

Effect: All skin typologies, especially combination to oily and blemish-prone skin; All hair and scalp typologies, especially oily scalps; Also recommended for hair loss, heavy legs, dandruff and cellulite.

Use

Face care (face serums); Hair care (shampoos).

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Preservation

Essential oils are sensitive to UV rays. That's why it is advised to store them away from heat, light, humidity, in an amber glass bottle, and if necessary avoid too big temperature differences.

Contra-Indications and Precautions

The essential oil of rosemary is generally well tolerated by the skin. However, be sure to dilute it to avoid any risk of irritation. Because of the presence of camphor and eucalyptol, it is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women, young children and people suffering from epilepsy. It is also contra-indicated to the asthmatic subjects, especially in inhalation or diffusion. Avoid contact with the eyes.

Some natural compounds contained in this essential oil such as limonene and linalool may present a risk of allergy for some sensitive people, when the essential oil is incorporated into a cosmetic composition (according to the 7th Amendment of the European Directive on cosmetic products (2003/15/EC)). Thus, before any use, always make a test by applying the preparation in the fold of the elbow at least 48 hours before using it.

Rosemary is a dense, bushy perennial plant found mainly around the Mediterranean Basin. It can measure up to 2 meters high at maturity. Etymologically, the name rosemary comes from the Latin "ros" and "marinus" meaning sea dew. In ancient Greece, rosemary was used to treat digestive disorders, and to strengthen memory and concentration. In Egypt, a sprig of rosemary was found in a burial site, proving a more religious use. In the Middle Ages, distillation of rosemary produced an extract used as a perfume.