Essential Oils as Natural Sources of Fragrance Compounds for Cosmetics and Cosmeceuticals
Use of essential oils is growing due to the demand for pure natural ingredients in various fields, including cosmetics and aromatherapy (29%), pharmaceutical (15%) and household (16%). There are about 400,000 aromatic and medicinal plants, where different parts serve as the major source of essential oil. Europe takes the leading place in the global essential oils market. The scale of production largely depends on availability. As such, most expensive extracts are iris (6200–100,000 €/kg) or rose oil (6000–10,000 €/kg). Botanical compounds mostly considered as safe, however some are known to be allergens and skin sensitizing agents. Their ability to suggest a wide range of unique and pleasant aromas is amplified by bioactive action: anti-aging, antimicrobial, sun protection, and whitening. The article published in Molecules Journal by Sharmeen et al provides a detailed overview.