Rosemary is known for its needle-like green leaves and intense aromatic scent. Today, its properties and effects are widely used in medicine, cosmetics, culinary arts, and other industries. Rosemary has a very complex chemical structure, with key bioactive components including triterpenoids, rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid, and carnosol, as well as the herb’s essential oil.
In cosmetic products, rosemary extracts have a wide range of effects. Due to their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, they are included in hair care products. Rosemary is able to improve scalp circulation and stimulate hair growth. Additionally, its antimicrobial action is used in products that target dandruff and improve oily scalp.
In our research, we examined 50 hair care products containing rosemary extract as an active ingredient. We explored studies that researched rosemary’s effects on hair and scalp, as well as the various forms of cosmetic products containing this herb. Most products with rosemary extract are designed for faster hair growth, with shampoos being the predominant category. This area of rosemary use is also the most studied, and based on research, its effects can be compared to minoxidil. Furthermore, rosemary oil and its extracts can prevent or slow down excessive hair loss. Shampoos are also the ones that dominate in this category. Due to its antimicrobial action against fungi and yeasts, rosemary extracts effectively prevent dandruff on the scalp in vitro. The use of rosemary extract for hair care and oily scalp is less explored. In most cosmetic products, rosemary is not the sole active ingredient; its effects are often complemented by other extracts or synthetic compounds.
We also reviewed the advertising of rosemary in selected products and found that manufacturers mention this ingredient in almost every product and advertise the benefits of using rosemary on social networks. The transmission of information in this way can often be misleading
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