Ingredient Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract

Sage Leaf is a natural extract from the whole plant, leaves, flowers, stems and roots of sage plants, which are part of the mint family and native to the Balkan and Mediterranean regions. It is used as a skin-conditioning agent, fragrance ingredient and oral care ingredient in a variety of cosmetics and personal care products, including bath products, shaving creams, fragrance products, shampoos, and cleansing products.

Sage Leaf is known to have anti-microbial properties, thought to be because of the thujone content. It can protect formulas against certain bacterias and fungi. This ingredient also contains essential oils, Hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, and flavonoids, which deliver additional antioxidant effects. It is also thought to have astringent and antihidrotic (fights perspiration) properties. Sage Leaf is also used to treat indigestion, lack of appetite, oral inflammation, perspiration, rhinitis and sore throat, and is thought to improve brain function and memory.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) includes sage, Salvia officinalis on its list of substances considered Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for use as spices and other natural seasonings and flavorings, and on the list of GRAS essential oils, oleoresins and natural extractives. Botanical and botanically derived ingredients used in the formulation of cosmetics are generally mild and safe. Prior to marketing the finished cosmetic product, the safety of each ingredient must be substantiated in accordance with 21 CFR 740.10. Safety substantiation of cosmetic ingredients may include tests for ocular and skin irritation as well as allergenicity, phototoxicity, photoallergenicity and mutagenicity, depending on the application or intended use. There is a considerable body of information about the safety of botanical ingredients and a well established history of use. These resources are consulted to ensure the safety of these materials as they are used in cosmetics.