Ruta Graveolens Oil, derived from the leaves and stems of the Ruta graveolens plant, commonly known as rue, is a highly valued ingredient in the cosmetic and personal care industry. This essential oil is rich in aromatic compounds and bioactive constituents, providing numerous therapeutic and skin-care benefits.

Chemical Composition and Structure
Ruta Graveolens Oil contains a variety of bioactive compounds that contribute to its beneficial effects on the skin. The specific composition includes:

Essential Oils (including cineole, limonene, and methyl eugenol): Provide aromatic and therapeutic properties.
Alkaloids: Known for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Flavonoids (such as rutin and quercetin): Provide antioxidant benefits, protecting the skin from free radical damage.
Coumarins: Contribute to the oil’s overall skin-soothing and protective effects.
Physical Properties
Ruta Graveolens Oil typically appears as a pale yellow to amber liquid with a strong, distinctive herbal aroma. It is oil-soluble, making it ideal for use in various oil-based formulations such as serums, creams, and balms.

Cosmetic and Personal Care Applications
Anti-Inflammatory: The oil has significant anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful for soothing and calming irritated skin.

Antimicrobial: The antimicrobial properties help to protect the skin from bacterial and fungal infections.

Antioxidant Protection: The flavonoids and other phenolic compounds in the oil provide antioxidant benefits, helping to protect the skin from free radical damage and environmental stressors.

Skin Conditioning: Ruta Graveolens Oil conditions the skin, enhancing its texture and overall appearance.

Aromatic Benefits: The essential oils in the oil provide a pleasant aroma, contributing to the sensory experience of skincare products.

Soothing: The coumarins and alkaloids help to soothe and calm the skin, making it suitable for sensitive or reactive skin types.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Ruta Graveolens Oil is generally considered safe for use in cosmetic and personal care products. However, it can be phototoxic in high concentrations, so it should be used with caution, particularly in products that will be applied before sun exposure. As a naturally derived ingredient, it poses minimal risk to the environment when sourced and disposed of responsibly. Utilizing Ruta Graveolens Oil supports sustainable practices by promoting the use of plant-based ingredients.

Cosmetic Safety

Restricted cosmetic ingredient as III/358 a Relevant Item in the Annexes of the European Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009. Substance or ingredient reported: May be used in cosmetic products, provided that the total concentration of furocoumarin-like substances in the finished cosmetic product do not exceed 1ppm.(An initial list of perfumery materials which must not form part of cosmetic products except subject to the restrictions and conditions laid down -adopted by the SCCNFP during the 18th Plenary meeting of 25 September 2001) Furocoumarines (e.g. trioxysalen (INN), 8-methoxypsoralen, 5-methoxypsoralen) except for normal content in natural essences used. In sun protection and in bronzing products, furocoumarines shall be below 1 mg/kg.

Cosmetics - INCI Functions


Fragrance. It plays a very important role in the formulation of cosmetic products as it provides the possibility of enhancing, masking or adding fragrance to the final product, increasing its marketability. It is able to create a perceptible pleasant odour, masking a bad smell. The consumer always expects to find a pleasant or distinctive scent in a cosmetic product.
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CAS: 8014-29-7 84929-47-5 EC number 284-531-5