rosemary extract

Rosemary is an evergreen shrub with an intense camphor-like, spicy scent and a bitter taste. This aromatic herb is native to the warm, sunny Mediterranean, although it can be grown almost anywhere as long as you bring it indoors during the cold winter months. Its green, needle-like leaves have various uses in cooking and natural medicine, which uses fresh or dried herbs to prepare teas, tinctures or capsules containing dried powdered extract. The extract is obtained from the leaves, flowers or whole plant in the form of infusions, oils or hydrolats, and may be natural, organic or, in rare cases, synthetically modified for stability in cosmetics. Rosemary is rich in vitamins C and B6 and minerals such as iron, calcium, zinc, magnesium and manganese, contributing to its wide range of uses in skin and hair care.

Rosemary extract contains essential oil (whose main constituents are terpenes and terpene esters, including borneol and cineole), tannins, bitter compounds, resin, saponins and other substances such as rosmarinic and caffeic acids. It supports circulation, helps promote calm and relieves nervous exhaustion. Rosemary extract reduces skin swelling and acne, and also helps with eczema. It supports circulation. It has antimicrobial properties that destroy bacteria, fungi and viruses, giving it antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects. As a powerful antioxidant, it neutralises free radicals, protects cells from oxidative stress and supports collagen production. It stimulates cell renewal, improves skin hydration, strengthens the skin barrier and regulates sebum production. Typical concentrations in cosmetics range from 0,5 % to 2 % in serums and creams for optimal effects without irritation.

It is particularly recommended for oily, acne-prone and blemish-prone skin with enlarged pores, sensitive skin prone to inflammation, eczema or dermatitis, and mature skin showing signs of ageing. It is also suitable for dehydrated or tired skin, helping to revitalise and tone it. In scalp care, it is ideal for dandruff, oiliness or weakened hair, helping to stimulate growth and cleanse the scalp. Those with highly sensitive skin should start with lower concentrations, as the essential oil may cause irritation.

Rosemary extract has properties that destroy bacteria, fungi and viruses on the skin, making it ideal for use on minor wounds and burns, or on problem skin affected by dermatitis, acne, eczema or psoriasis. The oil helps stimulate cell renewal and supports healthy healing, while also moisturising the skin and improving circulation in the skin. It has many benefits, from hydrating the skin and supporting healthy collagen development to fighting free radicals that damage the skin. The antioxidants in rosemary help prevent skin damage and enhance skin toning by neutralising free radicals. Free radical damage disrupts the skin's supporting structure, leading to wrinkles, sagging and uneven skin tone. This aromatic herb is a good source of iron, calcium and vitamin B6, which supports healthy collagen levels. Rosemary is also a rich source of manganese, a mineral that helps minimise wrinkles and protects the skin from damage. Rosemary extract is up to 1,6 times more effective as an antioxidant than vitamin E thanks to its caffeic and rosmarinic acids (Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2001). Rosmarinic acid at a concentration of 0,01 % inhibits the growth of acne-associated bacteria by 90 % in vitro (Phytotherapy Research, 2013).