What it is
This is an extract obtained from the leaves of Origanum vulgare, the culinary oregano plant in the mint family. In sunscreens and other skincare it is typically included at low levels as a plant-derived skin-conditioning agent and as an antioxidant intended to support the formula. It is one of several botanical extracts often added for their conditioning character rather than for any sun-filtering effect.
Safety & warnings
Oregano is an aromatic herb naturally rich in volatile constituents such as carvacrol and thymol, and botanical extracts of aromatic plants can be a source of sensitization in susceptible individuals. People with known sensitivity to herbs of the mint (Lamiaceae) family may wish to patch test. As used at the low concentrations typical of leave-on cosmetics it is generally well tolerated.
Origin & sourcing
Natural; a plant extract prepared from the dried or fresh leaves of the oregano herb, Origanum vulgare.
Questions everyone asks
What does oregano leaf extract do in a sunscreen?
It is added mainly as a botanical skin-conditioning and antioxidant ingredient, not as a UV filter; it does not provide sun protection on its own.
Is oregano leaf extract the same as oregano essential oil?
No. The leaf extract is a diluted botanical extract, while essential oil is a concentrated volatile distillate; the extract used in cosmetics is far less concentrated.