Our certified organic Rosemary Antioxidant is an oil-soluble CO2 extract from the leaves of Salvia rosmarinus. It is a viscous liquid that provides natural antioxidant properties greater than mixed tocopherols, however, it has a mild Rosemary aroma. Rosemary Antioxidant CO2 (also known as Rosemary Extract) is perfect for use in your cosmetic formulas or carrier oils as a natural way to extend shelf life. Added at the low percentages suggested, the mild aroma should not have an olfactory effect on your products.

Of the natural antioxidants, Rosemary has consistently shown some of the highest activity. This has been attributed to two phenolic diterpenes – carnosol and carnosic acid – but the presence of α-pinene, bornyl acetate, camphor and 1,8-cineole amplify the effects of their preservative qualities.[1]

Organic Rosemary Antioxidant CO2 is not likely to turn up in natural perfumery, nor is it intended for aromatherapy, or for use in a diffuser. Yet this CO2 supercritical extract shines in the wings, in minute percentages, as a superior antioxidant and preservation system for handmade natural skin and body care preparations.[2] For retarding oxidation of fixed (carrier) oils and essential oils in cosmetic products, the recommended amount to add is 0.2 – 0.4% of the total formula. At these low percentages, Rosemary Antioxidant CO2’s mild aroma should not have an olfactory effect on your products.

PLEASE NOTE: It may be tempting to use Rosemary Antioxidant CO2 – Organic as the only preservative in skincare products. Although there is no recommended amount available for this purpose, this usage depends on each formulation. Rosemary Antioxidant is not the recommended preservative for water-based formulas. Please be aware that the product formulator is responsible for stability testing as well as germ grow testing (both are HIGHLY recommended) if using Rosemary Antioxidant as the sole preservative system, particularly for products to be sold on store shelves.

This product is standardized with 60-65% certified organic Sunflower Oil.