Essential Oils and Their Single Compounds in Cosmetics: A Critical Review

January 2018 in “ Cosmetics ”

Asja Sarkic, Iris Stappen

essential oils rosemary oil androgenic alopecia Minoxidil contact dermatitis allergies fragrance allergens L-carvone citral eugenol farnesol geraniol limonene linalool menthol Rogaine

TLDR Essential oils in cosmetics can offer benefits but may cause allergies and should be used carefully.

The document from 2018 critically reviews the use of essential oils and their compounds in cosmetics, discussing their benefits such as antimicrobial and antifungal properties, as well as their potential side effects like contact dermatitis and allergies. It highlights the importance of proper labeling of potential allergens as mandated by the EU Cosmetics Regulation. The review also notes the variability in essential oil composition due to factors like plant quality and extraction methods, and it mentions studies on the topical effects of oils like rosemary on skin and hair health. Despite the benefits, the review concludes that essential oils can pose allergy risks and should be used with caution in cosmetic products. Specific findings include a retrospective study with 1508 eczema patients where 7.6% had a positive reaction to fragrance allergens, and a 2015 study showing rosemary oil's effectiveness in treating androgenic alopecia with fewer side effects than Minoxidil. Cases of allergic reactions to compounds such as L-carvone, citral, eugenol, farnesol, geraniol, limonene, linalool, and menthol are also discussed. The review ultimately states that while essential oils can cause allergic reactions, they are generally safe for most people when used appropriately in cosmetics.

View this study on mdpi.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 734 results

community Fats on your Head to Stop Hair Loss?

in Research/Science 142 upvotes 10 months ago

The conversation discusses the potential of long-chain unsaturated fatty acids, like oleic and linoleic acid, as an additional treatment for hair loss, which may inhibit the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to DHT and promote hair growth. Users humorously suggest using oils topically and discuss other hair loss treatments, but the main focus is on the science behind fatty acids and their role in hair health.

community I’m 14 years old and I’m losing more hair than my dad. I’ve gone to the doctor 2 times because of this and I’ve received no help. I’m starting to feel like It’s worthless and my hairs gonna look like this forever. I don’t know how anyone could help me but it’s always worth a shot.

in Treatment 4 years ago

A 14 year old who is experiencing hair loss and has not received any help from the doctor, with advice being given to try different doctors, get tested for underlying conditions and intolerances, buzz it short as an option and treatments that could slow down or reverse the hair loss such as minoxidil, finasteride, RU58841 and addressing the cause of the hair loss.

community Exploring Bryan Johnson's Hair Routine In Detail

in Research/Science 64 upvotes 11 months ago

Bryan Johnson uses a custom hair loss treatment that includes topical finasteride, minoxidil, azelaic acid, diclofenac, tea tree oil, rosemary oil, ginkgo biloba, biotin, and melatonin, which have shown varying degrees of effectiveness with minimal side effects. He also undergoes PRP and laser therapy, and has tried dutasteride mesotherapy.

community In my response to my previous post where someone said my hair was styled differently, now it’s styled the same in both pics.

in Is this regrowth? 380 upvotes 1 year ago

The conclusion of the conversation is that the user has experienced significant hair regrowth using a mixture of oils, including rosemary essential oil, peppermint essential oil, and carrier oils like castor oil or jojoba oil. The user also clarifies that both pictures were taken with damp hair.

community Reminder how little the average person knows about hair loss

in Satire 642 upvotes 2 years ago

How little the average person knows about hair loss and how it can be an unfairly stigmatized issue, even by people with little knowledge of it themselves. Some specific treatments that were discussed include finasteride, RU58841, dutasteride, minoxidil, pyritinol, dermarolling, and diet/lifestyle changes.

community Going to try and reverse MPB naturally.

in Treatment 55 upvotes 2 years ago

A user is trying to reverse male pattern baldness (MPB) naturally by taking high doses of Vitamin D, improving diet, exercising, reducing stress, and other lifestyle changes, but plans to use finasteride if no results are seen in 60 days. Other users are skeptical, advising medical treatments like finasteride and warning against potential vitamin D overdose and the ineffectiveness of natural remedies for genetic hair loss.

Related Research

1 / 1 results

Microbial Biosurfactant as an Alternative to Chemical Surfactants for Application in Cosmetic Industries in Personal and Skin Care Products: A Critical Review

research Microbial Biosurfactant as an Alternative to Chemical Surfactants for Application in Cosmetic Industries in Personal and Skin Care Products: A Critical Review

11 citations, January 2023 in “BioMed Research International”

Microbial biosurfactants could be a safer and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical surfactants in cosmetics.