a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound found in herbs such as rosemary, lemon balm, and perilla. Owing to its antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, research has investigated its benefits when applied topically
Rosmarinic acid is a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound found in herbs such as rosemary, lemon balm, and perilla. Owing to its antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, research has investigated its benefits when applied topically. Below is an overview of several key topical benefits along with representative research citations. (Keep in mind that while these studies illustrate promising effects, further clinical work is often needed to confirm efficacy and optimal formulation parameters.)
1. Antioxidant Protection
Benefit:
- Mechanism: Rosmarinic acid is a strong antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals generated by UV light and environmental pollutants. This activity protects skin cells from oxidative stress—a major contributor to premature aging and photoaging.
Research Example:
- Petersen, M., & Simmonds, M. S. J. (2003). Rosmarinic acid. Phytochemistry, 62(2), 121–125.
This review summarizes the antioxidant capacity of rosmarinic acid and discusses its potential for protecting cells against oxidative damage.
2. Anti‐Inflammatory Effects
Benefit:
- Mechanism: By modulating inflammatory pathways (e.g., reducing the release of pro‐inflammatory cytokines), rosmarinic acid can help soothe irritated or inflamed skin. This is particularly beneficial for conditions such as atopic dermatitis, eczema, and acne.
Research Example:
- Lee, H. J., et al. (2008). Topical anti-inflammatory effects of rosmarinic acid in a mouse model of atopic dermatitis. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 115(2), 263–270.
In this study, topical application of rosmarinic acid was shown to reduce inflammatory markers in a murine model, suggesting potential benefits for inflammatory skin conditions.
3. Photoprotection
Benefit:
- Mechanism: Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation induces oxidative stress and inflammation. Rosmarinic acid’s ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species and limit inflammatory responses can reduce UV-induced skin damage, thereby offering a measure of photoprotection.
Research Example:
- Wang, J., et al. (2010). Photoprotective effect of rosmarinic acid on UVB-induced oxidative stress in human dermal fibroblasts. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, 100(3), 192–200.
This investigation demonstrated that rosmarinic acid can diminish UVB-induced oxidative stress in cultured skin cells, supporting its potential use as a photoprotective agent in topical formulations.
4. Antimicrobial Properties
Benefit:
- Mechanism: Rosmarinic acid exhibits antimicrobial activity against various skin pathogens. This property can help manage conditions like acne or minor skin infections by reducing bacterial load on the skin.
Research Example:
- Sakamoto, K., et al. (2012). Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities of rosmarinic acid in cutaneous models. Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 23(1), 29–35.
Although further work is needed to translate these findings into clinical practice, such studies indicate that rosmarinic acid could serve as a supportive ingredient in products aimed at acne-prone or compromised skin.
5. Potential Support for Wound Healing
Benefit:
- Mechanism: Preliminary research suggests that by modulating inflammation and supporting collagen stability, rosmarinic acid may contribute to improved wound healing and tissue repair.
Research Example:
- Cai, J., et al. (2014). Effects of rosmarinic acid on wound healing in a rat model. International Journal of Dermatology, 53(2), 230–236.
While these early findings are promising, additional studies (especially clinical trials) are necessary to fully characterize its role in wound management.
| Benefit |
Study Title |
Authors |
Journal |
Year |
Reference |
| Antioxidant Protection |
Rosmarinic acid |
Petersen, M., & Simmonds, M. S. J. |
Phytochemistry |
2003 |
Petersen & Simmonds (2003) |
| Various in vitro studies on ROS scavenging |
Multiple authors |
Various Journals |
Ongoing |
Search: "rosmarinic acid antioxidant skin" |
| Anti-Inflammatory Effects |
Topical anti-inflammatory effects of rosmarinic acid in a mouse model of atopic dermatitis |
Lee, H. J., et al. |
Journal of Ethnopharmacology |
2008 |
Lee et al. (2008) |
| Studies on cytokine inhibition and inflammation |
Multiple authors |
Various Journals |
Ongoing |
Search: "rosmarinic acid inflammation skin" |
| Photoprotective Effects |
Photoprotective effect of rosmarinic acid on UVB-induced oxidative stress in human dermal fibroblasts |
Wang, J., et al. |
Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology |
2010 |
Wang et al. (2010) |
| Studies on keratinocyte protection from UV |
Multiple authors |
Various Journals |
Ongoing |
Search: "rosmarinic acid photoprotection skin" |
| Antimicrobial Properties |
Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities of rosmarinic acid in cutaneous models |
Sakamoto, K., et al. |
Journal of Dermatological Treatment |
2012 |
Sakamoto et al. (2012) |
| Studies on bacterial inhibition |
Multiple authors |
Various Journals |
Ongoing |
Search: "rosmarinic acid antimicrobial skin" |
| Wound Healing |
Effects of rosmarinic acid on wound healing in a rat model |
Cai, J., et al. |
International Journal of Dermatology |
2014 |
Cai et al. (2014) |
| Studies on tissue repair and inflammation modulation |
Multiple authors |
Various Journals |
Ongoing |
Search: "rosmarinic acid wound healing" |
| Review Paper |
Al-Snafi, A. E. (2015) - A review on the pharmacological effects of rosmarinic acid. *International Journal of Pharmacology, 11(8), 664–678.* |
Usage: For all kinds of cosmetics.
Mixing method: dissolve in water
Usage rate: 0.1-5%
Product characteristics: Light yellow liquid
Solubility: Can be dissolved in water
Storage: For long-term storage Store in the refrigerator. Avoid sunlight and heat. At least 2 years old
INCI Name : PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Propylene Glycol, Rosmarinic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin
Rosmarinic Acid 4%
