The extract from the Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) plant, which is native to the Mediterranean area, has antioxidant properties for the skin. Nevertheless, its aromatic components may cause sensitivity. But, it is unlikely that the amount of rosemary extract in most skin products would pose a risk. Furthermore, rosemary extract is much less dangerous for the skin than rosemary oil, since the extract usually does not contain the volatile fragrance components of the oil.
Studies suggest that rosmarinic acid, which is among the components of rosemary extract, has a calming effect on the skin. This makes it useful in products designed for people with chronically sensitive or temporarily sensitized skin. Additionally, rosemary extract has been proven to help the skin better handle the UV filter oxybenzone, which leads to improved tolerability.
Salvia rosmarinus (/ˈsælviə ˌrɒsməˈraɪnəs/), commonly known as rosemary, is a shrub with fragrant, evergreen, needle-like leaves and white, pink, purple, or blue flowers, native to the Mediterranean region. Until 2017, it was known by the scientific name Rosmarinus officinalis (/ˌrɒsməˈraɪnəs əˌfɪsɪˈneɪlɪs/), now a synonym.
Rosemary | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Asterids |
Order: | Lamiales |
Family: | Lamiaceae |
Genus: | Salvia |
Species: | S. rosmarinus
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Binomial name | |
Salvia rosmarinus | |
Synonyms | |
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It is a member of the sage family Lamiaceae, which includes many other medicinal and culinary herbs. The name "rosemary" derives from Latin ros marinus (lit. 'dew of the sea'). Rosemary has a fibrous root system.