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Moumoujus

OCIMUM CANUM HERB OIL.

Questionable CAS 90082-13-6 / PERFUMING

Ocimum Canum Herb Oil, also known as American Basil essential oil, is derived from the *Ocimum canum* plant. This botanical extract is recognized for its broad spectrum of pharmacological properties, including significant antioxidant, antifungal, and antimicrobial activity. Its application in skincare is primarily aimed at combating oxidative stress and inflammation.

Summary

Antioxidant Antimicrobial Anti-inflammatory Fragrance

Science

Mechanism of Action

The efficacy of Ocimum Canum Herb Oil stems from its rich composition of secondary metabolites, such as phenolics, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, and alkaloids. These compounds enable the oil to neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), thereby preventing cellular oxidative damage and reducing inflammatory responses. While specific to *Ocimum canum*, related *Ocimum* species, like *Ocimum basilicum*, further illustrate these mechanisms by modulating inflammatory pathways such as NF-κB, MAPK, and COX-LOX, leading to a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines. This multifaceted action contributes to its potential anti-aging, soothing, and skin-protective benefits.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range 0.5–2%
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

As an essential oil, optimal stability is maintained by storing in cool conditions, ideally at 4°C. To mitigate sensitivity to oxidation and potential sensitization, the inclusion of antioxidants, such as 0.1% BHT or alpha-tocopherol, is recommended during production. Finished products should maintain maximum peroxide levels below 20 mmol/l.

Conflicts

  • High concentrations (>5%) may induce skin irritation.
  • Susceptible to oxidation, necessitating the incorporation of antioxidants.
  • Certain constituent compounds, including estragol and methyl eugenol, may be subject to restrictions due to potential carcinogenicity or sensitization risks.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Sensitization risk High

While the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has not assessed Ocimum Canum Herb Oil, data from a related species, *Ocimum basilicum* oil, indicates potential for irritation. A 5% concentration of *Ocimum basilicum* was found to irritate human skin, whereas a 2% concentration was tolerated without irritation. A 3% *Ocimum basilicum* microemulsion also demonstrated safety and good tolerability in a 3-day cumulative irritancy study. However, *Ocimum basilicum* is categorized by EWG with a 'HIGH' concern for Allergies & Immunotoxicity and 'MODERATE' concern for Cancer due to components like methyl eugenol, which has shown potential carcinogenic activity in animals at high concentrations. Although the FDA lists *Ocimum basilicum L. oil* as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for specific limited food uses, formulators must limit components such as linalool, estragol, eugenol, geraniol, methyl eugenol, and para-anisaldehyde due to their potential for sensitization or carcinogenicity. The ingredient's 'high' irritancy rating on INCIDecoder supports these concerns.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
No Dry
Yes Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy High
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Questionable

While Ocimum Canum Herb Oil offers promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, its 'high' irritancy potential, unreviewed safety by CIR, and concerns regarding specific constituent compounds warrant cautious consideration and precise formulation to mitigate risks.

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