Essential oil obtained from parsley leaves. Contains apiol, myristicin, and various terpenes with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Used in very low concentrations for natural fragrance and potential antimicrobial preservation support. Apiol content requires careful dilution — concentrated parsley oil can be a skin irritant.
Key Skin Benefits
+ Antioxidant protection — flavonoids and vitamin C neutralize free radicals
+ Skin conditioning — provides moisturizing and softening benefits
+ Natural fragrance — adds fresh herbal note to formulations
+ Traditional herbal use — long history in European herbal medicine
Pros
+ Natural essential oil — free from synthetic fragrance compounds
+ Antimicrobial properties support preservation
+ Fresh herbal aroma — popular in men's and unisex fragrances
+ Plant-derived and renewable
Cons
− Apiol and myristicin content may irritate at high concentrations
− Essential oil requires very low dilution for safe use
− Photosensitivity possible with undiluted oil
− Limited cosmetic-specific clinical data
Specifications
Property
Value
Usage Areas
Face, Body
Product Type
Leave-On
Source
Plant
Natural Level
Natural
Safety Ratings
Metric
Rating
Skin Sensitivity
2-3/5 (moderate — essential oil can be irritant undiluted)
Comedogenic Rating
1/5
EWG Score
2/10
Regional Regulatory Limits
Region
Leave-on %
Rinse-off %
Status
EU (CosIng)
No limit
No limit
Allowed
US (CIR/FDA)
No limit
No limit
Allowed — CIR safe as used
Japan (MHLW)
No limit
No limit
Allowed
ASEAN
No limit
No limit
Allowed — follows EU
China (NMPA)
No limit
No limit
Allowed — listed in IECIC
Typical Usage % by Product Type
Product Type
Typical %
Fragrance blend (diluent)
0.01–0.5%
Aromatherapy product
0.05–0.5%
References
Kreydiyyeh SI et al. (2001) — Diuretic and anti-inflammatory effects of parsley. PMID: 11349896
Zhang H et al. (2006) — Apigenin as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. PMID: 16478744
EU CosIng Database. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/