What Is Calamintha Officinalis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract?
Calamintha Officinalis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract comes from wild basil, a small aromatic herb in the mint family. The entire above-ground portion of the plant—flowers, leaves and stems—is collected, dried and then soaked in a blend of water and light cosmetic solvents. This soaking pulls out the plant’s useful compounds, mainly flavonoids and rosmarinic acid, which are known for their soothing and antioxidant properties. Wild basil has been brewed as a calming tea for centuries, and its pleasant scent made it a natural fit when formulators began to look for gentle botanical ingredients for skin care in the late 20th century. Today the extract is filtered, concentrated and lightly preserved before being added to creams, gels and serums. You are most likely to find it in moisturizers, after-sun lotions, calming masks and daily skin treatments that focus on comfort and hydration.
Calamintha Officinalis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient is valued in skin care for one main role: skin conditioning. By helping the skin hold on to water and by providing a soft, smooth feel, it leaves the complexion looking healthier and more supple.
Who Can Use Calamintha Officinalis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Wild basil extract is mild enough for nearly all skin types including dry, normal, combination, oily and sensitive. Its lightweight hydrating effect helps replenish moisture without clogging pores, making it friendly for acne-prone complexions as well. There are no specific skin types that generally need to avoid it unless you have a known allergy to mint family plants.
The extract is plant derived with no animal by-products or animal testing typically required, so it fits the needs of vegans and vegetarians.
Current research shows no ingredient-specific risk for pregnant or nursing women when used topically in standard cosmetic concentrations. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or breastfeeding should run any new skin care product by a doctor to be on the safe side.
Calamintha Officinalis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract does not cause photosensitivity, so it will not increase the skin’s vulnerability to sunburn. Standard daily sun protection is still recommended for overall skin health.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical use of Calamintha Officinalis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract vary from person to person. The following is a list of potential reactions that are unlikely for the average user as long as the product is well formulated and used as directed.
- Skin irritation such as redness or burning
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to mint family botanicals
- Mild stinging on compromised or freshly exfoliated skin
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally comes in contact with the eyes
If you experience any of these effects stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Wild basil extract is water based and contains very little oil or wax so it has almost no ability to plug pores. The tiny chance of congestion usually comes from the other ingredients in the formula rather than the extract itself.
Suitable for acne-prone and breakout-prone skin.
If the product pairs the extract with heavy butters or thick silicones the overall formula could still feel occlusive so always check the full ingredient list.
Summary
Calamintha Officinalis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract conditions the skin by boosting its water content and leaving it soft, smooth and calm. Its flavonoids and rosmarinic acid supply light antioxidant support which helps the skin look healthier.
This is a niche botanical rather than a headline act but you will spot it in a growing number of moisturizers, masks and after-sun lotions aimed at comfort and hydration.
The extract is considered low risk for most people with only rare irritation in those sensitive to mint family plants. As with any new skincare ingredient a quick patch test is a smart move before full-face use.