"Rosmarinus Officinalis Flower/Leaf Oil" is the I.N.C.I. name used to refer to thecamphor rosemary essential oil. In skin and hair care, it is primarily added to formulas for its purifying and sanitising properties.
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What is "Rosmarinus Officinalis Flower/Leaf Oil" and what is its utility?
Summary
- Are you familiar with camphor rosemary?
- An overview of camphor rosemary essential oil
- What are the benefits of camphor rosemary essential oil?
- What are the contraindications of camphor rosemary essential oil?
- Discover Typology skincare products enriched with camphor rosemary essential oil
- Source
Published March 16, 2022,
updated on February 5, 2024,
by
Maylis, Chemical Engineer
—
5 min read
Are you familiar with camphor rosemary?
The camphor rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis camphoreiferum) is a dense and bushy perennial plant from the Lamiaceae family, native to France (Provence). It can grow up to 2 meters tall at maturity. It is also known as Sea Dew, due to its preferred habitat. Indeed, 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 enhance memory and concentration. In Egypt, a sprig of rosemary was found in a tomb, thus proving a more religious use. In the Middle Ages, the distillation of rosemary allowed for the extraction of a fragrance.
An overview of camphor rosemary essential oil.
The camphor rosemary essential oil is extracted byhydrodistillationof the flowering branches of the tree, that is, by steam distillation. The principle involves heating a mixture of water and branches to evaporate the volatile molecules and collect them following condensation. This method allows obtaining two extracts, namely the hydrosol and the essential oil, with a yield of 1.5 to 3%. The rosemary essential oil appears as a clear, mobile liquid, pale yellow to yellowish-green in colour, with a fresh, rustic, more or less camphorated odour. Its composition contains ketones (about 30% camphor), monoterpenes (about 17% alpha-pinene, 9 to 20% camphene) as well as monoterpenols and sesquiterpenes.
What are the benefits of camphor rosemary essential oil?
Rosemary essential oil is valued in skincare, particularly for oily and combination skin. It indeed possesses astringent and purifying properties. This oil helps to regulate sebum production while purifying the epidermis. Imperfections are reduced and pores are tightened. Furthermore, this essential oil has lipolytic properties and helps to combat the appearance of cellulite.
Due to its purifying and stimulating properties, rosemary essential oil can also be incorporated into your hair care routine. It particularly helps to combat dandruff and cleanse the scalp. Moreover, it is recognised as effective against alopecia and stimulates hair growth.
What are the contraindications of camphor rosemary essential oil?
Generally, rosemary essential oil is well tolerated at the skin level. However, it is advisable to dilute it to avoid any risk of irritation. Due to the presence of camphor, it is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women, young children, and people suffering from epilepsy. It is also contraindicated for individuals with asthma, especially when inhaled or diffused.
Note: It is preferable to test the essential oil before using it (apply two drops in the crook of your elbow for at least 24 hours to check for any reaction).
Discover Typology skincare products enriched with camphor rosemary essential oil.
Typology has developed four formulas based on camphor rosemary essential oil.
The purifying face cream Zinc PCA 4% + bamboo extract is enriched with sebum-regulating and antibacterial agents. It purifies the skin and combats skin imperfections. It can be used morning and evening.
Thepurifying botanical blend with peony contains hazelnut oil and native peony cells. This night serum helps to purify the skin through the sebum-regulating and anti-inflammatory actions of 7 botanical extracts.
The volume shampoo with 1% Almond Protein strengthens and coats the hair fibre to provide structure and volume to the hair. It hydrates and soothes the scalp.
The anti-blemish shower gel with 6% Glycolic Acid + Tea Tree Extract is concentrated with exfoliating and purifying active ingredients. It unclogs pores, reduces blemishes, and fights against the appearance of ingrown hairs on the body.
Source:
Tsai TH & al. Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract Suppresses Propionibacterium Acnes-induced Inflammatory Responses. J Med Food. (2013).
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