EWG Safety Score
What Is Rosewood Oil?
Rosewood oil, sometimes called bois de rose oil, is expressed from a tree taxonomically known as Aniba rosaeodora that is native to parts of tropical rainforests in South America.\n\nThough this oil has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, its main function in skin care products is as a fragrance ingredient. While its aroma might be pleasant, what it does for skin is not.\n\nRosewood oil contains high amounts of the terpene alcohol linalool. Although linalool itself is a weak skin sensitizer, when it’s exposed to air it creates allyic hyperperoxides, which are potent skin sensitizers. Essentially, oxygen, which is impossible to avoid, supercharges linalool’s propensity to irritate skin.\n\nIt’s best to leave rosewood oil to perfumes and steer clear of it when it comes to your skin care routine, even if it’s used in very low amounts.
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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Aromatherapy: The Science of Essential Oils, 2024 Bentham Science Publishers, pages 124-167 [URL not provided] Aromatherapy: The Science of Essential Oils, 2024
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European Journal of Medicinal Plants, June 2024, pages 10-19 and December 2016, pages 1-9 [URL not provided] European Journal of Medicinal Plants, 2024
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Cosmetics, March 2022, pages 1-13 [URL not provided] Cosmetics, 2022
From the Clinic
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Ricinus Communis Seed Oil
A plant-derived conditioning oil with a long history in traditional skincare practices
Rosa Rugosa Flower Water
A floral water with antioxidant compounds traditionally used in skincare formulations
Rose Flower Oil/Extract
A fragrant botanical oil derived from rose petals with emollient and antioxidant properties
Rosmarinus Officinalis Flower Oil
A fragrant botanical oil traditionally used in skincare formulations
Rosmarinus Officinalis Stem Oil
A fragrant plant oil traditionally used in skincare formulations
Rubus Fruticosus (Blackberry) Fruit Extract
Rubus fruticosus (blackberry) fruit extract has
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