Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Oil

This essential oil is distilled from sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) aerial parts and made up of volatile aromatic constituents, used to add a fresh herbal scent and to mask base odors in cosmetic products; composition varies by chemotype.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A basil essential oil used mainly to give products a fresh herbal scent.
Category
Fragrance
Type
Essential Oil

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Fair

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

Provides a bright herbal aroma that improves sensory appeal, and can reduce unwanted base notes in finished products.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Common in perfumes, body oils, and bath blends. Also used at low levels in shampoos and hand soaps.

Comedogenic Rating

This ingredient is not typically evaluated for comedogenicity, and no standardized rating is available.

Safety

Higher irritation and sensitization potential than non-fragrant ingredients; avoid undiluted use and patch test. In the EU, certain fragrance allergens must be listed above set thresholds; IFRA guidance informs safe use levels.

Is Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Oil a Good Ingredient?

It supplies fragrance, but skin benefits are limited and its volatile components raise irritation and sensitization risk, which is why it rates Fair. It's best kept at low levels due to potential allergen exposure.

Products with Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Oil

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