Supplement
Rosemary oil is an aromatic essential oil from the rosemary plant, rich in compounds like 1,8-cineole that can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled. Its best-studied use is hair loss from androgenetic alopecia, where one six-month trial of 100 people found hair counts rose about as much as with minoxidil, though itching was more common early on. Since that is a single trial, the evidence is limited.
- Updated
- How we grade
- Best evidence
- Grade C
- Conditions studied
- 1
- Outcomes
- 3
- Graded outcomes
- 0021
Evidence by condition
- Strong
- Moderate
- Limited
- Very limited
General
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Regrowth (Androgenetic Alopecia) A single 6-month RCT (n=100) found topical rosemary oil comparable to 2% minoxidil for hair count increase in androgenetic alopecia, with no significant difference between groups. Rosemary oil caused more initial scalp itching but similar endpoint satisfaction. | Improves (the measure goes up) | Moderate effect | 100 people | |||
| Antimicrobial Activity (Skin/Scalp) In vitro studies demonstrate broad antimicrobial activity of rosemary oil against bacteria and fungi. However, clinical significance for skin and scalp conditions has not been established in human trials. | Changes; see studies | Small effect |
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Function (Aromatherapy) Several small aromatherapy studies report that inhalation of rosemary oil aroma is associated with improved alertness, memory, and cognitive performance. The mechanism may involve absorption of 1,8-cineole and cholinesterase inhibition, though studies are generally small and short-term. | Improves (the measure goes up) | Small effect |
Key findings
- Hair Regrowth (Androgenetic Alopecia)Improves (the measure goes up)
- Cognitive Function (Aromatherapy)Improves (the measure goes up)
- Antimicrobial Activity (Skin/Scalp)Changes; see studies
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Third-party tested Rosemary Oil products. The evidence above is limited, so read it before you buy.
- Grade C
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