Ingredient decoder

Rosemary oil: is it comedogenic? What it does in skincare

INCI name: Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil

Acne verdict Watch

Worth watching on acne-prone skin

  • ComedogenicNo published rating
  • IrritancyNo published rating

What it does

Essential oil added for scent, can irritate sensitive skin.

  • Masking
  • Skin conditioning

Rosemary oil in plain English

Rosemary oil is an essential oil from rosemary leaves with a herbal, camphor-like scent. It is different from rosemary extract, which is mainly used as an antioxidant. Like most essential oils it contains natural fragrance allergens, which can irritate or sensitize skin over time. If your acne-prone skin is easily irritated, unscented products are the safer pick.

Is rosemary oil bad for acne?

Not usually, but it is worth watching. Rosemary oil is not a proven pore-clogger, but scent ingredients like this can irritate sensitive skin, and irritated skin can make breakouts look and feel worse. Notice how your skin reacts when a product lists it near the top.

Clean routine and still breaking out? The cause may be internal. See what is driving it

Also called

  • Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil
  • Rosemary leaf oil
  • Rosemary essential oil
  • Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil
  • Salvia rosmarinus leaf oil

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Frequently asked questions

Is rosemary oil comedogenic?

Rosemary oil has no published comedogenic rating in Fulton's 1989 table. It is not a proven pore-clogger, but it is worth watching on acne-prone skin.

What does rosemary oil do in skincare?

In short: essential oil added for scent, can irritate sensitive skin. In formulas it is used for masking and skin conditioning.

What else is rosemary oil called on ingredient labels?

On ingredient lists, rosemary oil can also appear as Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Rosemary leaf oil, Rosemary essential oil, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil or Salvia rosmarinus leaf oil.

Sources