OCIMUM AMERICANUM LEAF OIL

Fragrance

30

Caution

CAS Number: 91845-26-0; 1193393-25-7

About OCIMUM AMERICANUM LEAF OIL

American basil (hoary basil) leaf oil containing significant pulegone and camphor content, both skin-sensitizing and systemically concerning compounds; closely related to Ocimum basilicum but with higher pulegone levels, leading to EU CosIng restrictions.

Detailed Analysis

Ocimum americanum (hoary basil) leaf oil is rich in pulegone, camphor, and 1,8-cineole. Pulegone is the same hepatotoxic compound of concern in Mentha aquatica and other mint oils, classified as an IARC Group 2B carcinogen and restricted by EU CosIng for cosmetic use. Camphor is also neurotoxic in high doses and is a known skin irritant. The restriction notation referencing 'ban substances that deplete the ozone layer' is erroneous; the genuine concern is pulegone/camphor toxicity. The oil is subject to IFRA guidelines and EU CosIng restrictions for pulegone content. Maximum concentration limits apply for cosmetic formulations.

What It Does

FRAGRANCE PERFUMING

Skin Benefits

  • ✓ Antimicrobial properties from terpene fraction
  • ✓ Contains antioxidant phenolic compounds
  • ✓ Traditional use in aromatic medicine

Known Concerns

  • ⚠ Contains pulegone — EU CosIng restricted hepatotoxic compound (IARC 2B)
  • ⚠ Contains camphor — neurotoxic and skin-irritant at high concentrations
  • ⚠ IFRA guidelines restrict pulegone content in cosmetic products

Safety Score

30

Caution

Based on EU regulatory data, published safety research, and ingredient function analysis.

References

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EU CosIng Database

European Commission cosmetic ingredient registry

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This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for skin concerns or allergies.