Rosemary (Camphor) Essential Oil, 10 ml

Rosemary ct camphor essential oil gives formulations a distinctive camphoraceous, herbal fragrance and is most commonly used in hair and scalp care, body cosmetics and aromatherapy. It is obtained by steam distillation of the leaves of Rosmarinus officinalis L. of European origin. The designation ct camphor is a chemotype in which camphor predominates, and it is this that gives the fragrance its sharp, penetrating character.

In hair products it is used for conditioning and hair shine, in facial and body cosmetics it acts as an antioxidant and antimicrobial. The manufacturer classifies it among stimulating and cleansing essential oils. The oil is vegan and has not been tested on animals.

Key benefits

• Distinctive fragrance – the camphoraceous, herbal note gives shampoos, shower gels and massage oils a recognisable fresh character.
• Conditioning and hair shine – in hair oils, serums and rinse-off conditioners it promotes a smoother hair surface and shine.
• Antioxidant activity – one of the stated effects of the oil, applicable in both facial and body cosmetics.
• Antimicrobial effect – according to the manufacturer's data, it acts against unwanted microbes and promotes a clear complexion.
• Cooling and refreshing sensation – the manufacturer states a cooling sensation on the skin, applicable in body cosmetics.
• Aromatherapy – in diffusers and aroma lamps the manufacturer describes an invigorating, energising effect of the fragrance.

Use in formulation

The oil is insoluble in water and dissolves in oils and alcohol. It incorporates readily into the oil phase of emulsions, into anhydrous products (body and hair oils, balms, massage blends) and into alcohol-based preparations. In aqueous systems such as tonics or hair sprays it requires a solubiliser or an alcohol fraction; otherwise it will separate to the surface.

The recommended processing temperature is below 40 °C. The oil is a mixture of volatile compounds, so prolonged heating or open containers during production lead to fragrance loss.

The recommended formulation pH range is 4 – 9, covering standard emulsions, shampoos and shower gels. The oil is compatible with anionic, cationic, amphoteric and non-ionic surfactants and can therefore be used across the full range of rinse-off hair and body cosmetics. It blends well with other essential oils and fragrance compositions, in which it typically forms a fresh, herbal note.

Maximum dosage for individual product types is determined by the IFRA certificate. Categories 1 to 12 are listed in the product parameters and formulation design is based on the limit for the specific category. Shampoo falls under category 9, body oil under category 5A, candle under category 12.

Suitable for products such as

• Shampoos and rinse-off conditioners – fragrance, shine and hair conditioning in a surfactant base of any type.
• Hair oils, serums and scalp products – anhydrous formulations in which the oil dissolves directly in the carrier oil.
• Body and massage oils, body lotions – distinctive herbal fragrance and a cooling sensation on the skin.
• Shower gels and liquid soaps – fresh fragrance in rinse-off cosmetics.
• Facial cleansers – rinse-off products for oily-prone skin where the manufacturer states a cleansing and brightening effect.
• Diffusers and aromatherapy – on its own or blended with other essential oils.

Good to know

The camphor chemotype fragrance is dominant and easily overpowers more delicate components of a composition. In blends it is best dosed carefully and fine-tuned drop by drop, particularly in leave-on products where the fragrance remains on the skin longer.

Rosemary essential oil is available in several chemotypes that differ in their predominant component and therefore in their fragrance and IFRA limits. The camphor chemotype has the most pronounced camphoraceous, penetrating character and is best suited where rosemary should be clearly perceptible: in shampoos, massage oils, scalp products and aromatherapy.

The oil is colourless to pale yellow and at normal fragrance dosage levels it typically has no visible effect on the colour of the product.

The antioxidant activity of the oil is not preservation. Aqueous and emulsion products require a proper preservation system regardless of the presence of the essential oil.

The oil is flammable and production must therefore take place away from open flames and heat sources. The same applies when filling diffusers and aroma lamps.

Frequently asked questions