PURIFYING AND REPAIRING
A local alternative to tea tree, the essential oil of Rosemary with verbenone is a must-have in the skincare kit for acne-prone skin and all skin types seeking a regenerating effect. Purifying and restorative, it forms an ideal trio for the skin, working in synergy with the essential oils of Fine lavender and Rose geranium.
INCI Name: Rosemary verbenone, Rosmarinus officinalis CT ABV (bornyl acetate, verbenone) or CT verbenone or Rosmarinus officinalis verbenoniferum
A recent botanical classification places Rosmarinus officinalis within the genus Salvia. It should therefore be classified among the sage species: Salvia rosmarinus is its new Latin name.
Do not confuse this essential oil with those derived from the same species but with different chemotypes: Camphor Rosemary essential oil and 1.8-cineole Rosemary essential oil.
Part of the plant used: Flowering tops
METHOD OF EXTRACTION
Full steam distillation
BIOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION
Monoterpenes (20–50%): alpha-pinene (15–45%), camphene, beta-pinene
Ketones (20–35%): borneone (camphor, 1–16%), verbenone (4–15% depending on the batch)
Esters: bornyl acetate (5–15%)
Terpene oxides: 1,8-cineole (4–15%)
Monoterpenols (approx. 10%): borneol, linalool, terpinol-4
ITS ACTIVE MOLECULES
The verbenone molecule is antioxidant, lipolytic, anti-infectious (bactericidal), mucolytic, and digestive.
Camphor has a wide range of effects: nervous system, circulatory, cardiac, respiratory, local anesthetic, insect repellent, parasiticidal (anti-lice), and antifungal.
Bornyl acetate is analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic.
1,8-Cineole also possesses anti-infectious (bactericidal, virucidal, and antifungal), mucolytic, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
The antioxidant properties of verbenone are now characterized and quantitatively assessed using advanced scientific techniques that combine the use of an electronic nose (E-nose) with traditional chemical methods.
A Note from Adeline Nalin, Head Pharmacist and Toxicologist at Aroma-Zone
“Organic Rosemary Verbenone essential oil is well-tolerated by the skin when used at a maximum concentration of 1% in cosmetic preparations, such as massage oils. Like all essential oils, it naturally contains allergenic compounds. Due to possible individual sensitivities, caution is advised when using it: it is recommended to perform a preliminary skin test of the preparation containing the essential oils on the inner elbow 48 hours before any application. Its use is not recommended for very sensitive skin or skin prone to atopic conditions. It is also not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, children under 6 years of age, or people with epilepsy.”
Adeline Nalin - Head Pharmacist and Toxicologist
A Note from Our Aroma-Zone Toxicologist
“A rigorous safety protocol is applied to all our essential oils, taking into account the specific chromatograms for each batch.
Although the risk of skin sensitization cannot be completely ruled out, it is managed through the application of a methodology recognized in the fragrance industry, based on a Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA). This approach allows us to define maximum usage concentrations aimed at achieving a negligible risk level.
Finally, precautions for use are listed on all our essential oils: they advise against their use by the most sensitive populations and also specify appropriate storage conditions to prevent oxidation.”
Adeline Nalin - Head Pharmacist and Toxicologist
A Note from the Phytotherapist
“Verbena-type rosemary is a must-have for combination skin, oily or acne-prone skin and hair care.
For regulating oily skin, it is a lifesaver in an oil made from Jojoba or Hazelnut for teenagers suffering from acne. Its pleasant and uplifting scent is loved by everyone.
It also reduces hair loss by providing better nutrition to the hair follicle and promotes regrowth, even in cases of androgenetic alopecia. I recommend using it during shampooing as well as in a weekly treatment with fenugreek oil.
Caroline Gayet - Phytotherapist
Rosemary verbenone essential oil is suitable for all skin types, particularly oily skin prone to blemishes and small pimples.
It also helps regenerate damaged or tired skin.
Blackheads, oily skin, pimples, acne-prone skin, wrinkles and stretch marks.
Versatile purifier, anti-blemish action
Regenerating, restorative
Astringent, toning.
Distilled from the flowering tops of Salvia rosmarinus, our organic Rosemary Verbenone essential oil is characterized by its natural richness in verbenone, the signature molecule of this chemotype.
Its fresh, aromatic scent adds an invigorating note to skincare products designed for skin in need of balance. Renowned for its purifying, restorative, and balancing properties, it is particularly valued in skincare for combination to oily skin as well as in hair care routines. In aromatherapy, it is traditionally known for its detoxifying properties.
Do not use Rosemary Verbenone essential oil on pregnant or breastfeeding women, or on children under 6 years of age.
In high concentrations, it can be irritating to the skin and should be incorporated into a cosmetic formulation at a maximum concentration of 1%.
Avoid contact with the eyes and mucous membranes.
Due to the presence of hormone-like molecules, its use is not recommended without medical advice in cases of hormone-dependent conditions.
Is Rosemary Verbenone beneficial for scalp and hair care?
Yes, Rosemary verbenone essential oil is traditionally valued in hair care.
Thanks to its purifying and balancing properties, it fits into routines designed for scalps prone to imbalances or excess sebum. It can be incorporated into a mild shampoo, a cleansing base, or an oil treatment, always diluted in a suitable vegetable oil. It helps stimulate the scalp and maintain visibly stronger, more toned hair.
Its fresh, aromatic scent also adds a pleasant sensory dimension to scalp care.
At what concentrations is Rosemary Verbenone essential oil used in cosmetics?
Rosemary verbenone essential oil should always be diluted in a carrier oil or a neutral cream.
For daily care of acne-prone skin, it is generally incorporated at a concentration of up to 1% in a cosmetic skin care formulation, such as a cream, treatment oil, or lotion.
How can you recognize a cosmetic-grade Rosemary Verbenone essential oil?
A cosmetic-grade Rosemary verbenone essential oil must be clearly identified by its chemotype (CT verbenone) and its full botanical name (Salvia rosmarinus or Rosmarinus officinalis CT verbenone).
The designation HEBBD (Botanically and Biochemically Defined Essential Oil) is also an important indicator: it guarantees precise identification of the plant and its biochemical composition through chromatographic analysis.
A high-quality essential oil must be:
100% pure, with no addition of other similar essential oils
100% natural, not denatured by synthetic molecules
100% whole, undiluted, undeterpenated, and unrectified.
These criteria ensure the consistency of the aromatic profile and suitability for use in cosmetics.
Why is Rosemary Verbenone considered more suitable for facial cosmetics than Camphor Rosemary or Cineole Rosemary?
Rosemary verbenone stands out for its unique biochemical profile.
Compared to Camphor Rosemary, which is naturally richer in camphor and traditionally associated with body care, particularly for muscle-targeted treatments, Verbenone Rosemary generally has a profile better suited for facial preparations when used at low concentrations.
Cineole Rosemary, on the other hand, is characterized by a higher cineole content and is more commonly associated with respiratory applications in aromatherapy.
Thanks to its balance of verbenone and esters, verbenone-type rosemary is often preferred in cosmetic formulations for combination to oily skin and in hair care products.
Marion is a Doctor of Pharmacy, naturopath, and life coach. After twelve years in the cosmetics industry, she now guides her clients toward holistic balance and a more mindful lifestyle, drawing on her expertise in sustainable food practices. As the creator of a podcast, she shares her insights to promote a philosophy of living that respects both health and the environment.
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