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Cosmetic ingredient

Rosemary oil

Popular "hair growth" oil — backed by one small trial, not a proven treatment Also on labels as: Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil, Salvia rosmarinus oil

Reviewed on

What it does

Rosemary oil went viral as a natural alternative to minoxidil. The claim rests mainly on one trial, published in 2015: 100 people with pattern hair loss used either rosemary oil or 2% minoxidil for six months. Hair counts went up a little in both groups, with no significant difference between them, and scalp itching was more common with minoxidil.

That sounds promising, but there are big caveats:

  • There was no placebo group, so we can't tell how much of the change was due to either treatment.
  • A 2025 review notes the size and location of the area where hairs were counted wasn't reported, and that the increases were small.
  • Reviewers conclude that no non-prescription product has been shown to work better than minoxidil or finasteride, and that there are too few studies.

Cautions

  • Rosemary oil isn't a licensed treatment; if you're losing hair, find out the cause first (see a GP if it's sudden or patchy).
  • Use products made for the scalp, or dilute essential oils as directed — reactions (contact dermatitis) are uncommon but possible.
  • Be wary of "natural" hair-growth products from unknown sellers: a 2025 review highlighted reports of products advertised as natural that contained minoxidil.

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence: Limited

Small or early studies only — promising at best.

One small comparative trial without a placebo group. Rated limited — interesting, not proven.

UK rules and availability

An ordinary cosmetic ingredient in the UK, not a licensed medicine for hair loss.

Not medical advice. This guide is general information from the sources listed, not a diagnosis or a substitute for a pharmacist, GP or dermatologist. If you are worried, or symptoms are severe or not improving, get advice. Read our health information policy.

Sources

  1. Panahi Y et al. Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a randomized comparative trial. Skinmed 2015 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. Gupta AK et al. Do non-prescription products help in managing androgenic alopecia? Skin Appendage Disord 2025 pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. Finnegan P et al. A qualitative review of misinformation on alopecia. Skin Appendage Disord 2025 pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov