A viral rosemary-based skincare trend now has backing from scientific research. Researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania report in JCI Insight that a natural compound found in rosemary leaves may accelerate wound healing and reduce scar formation.
“Many skin injuries result in scars, and for some people those scars come with long-term cosmetic or even functional concerns,” explained senior author Thomas Leung, MD, PhD, associate professor of Dermatology at Penn. “Our findings indicate that rosemary extract, specifically the antioxidant carnosic acid, can steer the healing process toward healthy skin regeneration rather than scarring. Yet we still lack proven, reliable methods to achieve this consistently in humans.”
A TikTok-Inspired Question for Science
Penn undergrad Jiayi Pang and PhD candidate Emmanuel Rapp Reyes explored whether rosemary’s popularity on social media could reflect real healing benefits. Their curiosity grew into laboratory experiments after noticing many creators promote rosemary serums and rosemary-based products for skin recovery, prompting them to seek scientific evidence.
“We suspected there was some truth behind the hype because rosemary contains many antioxidants,” said Pang, co-lead author. “To uncover its true potential, it was essential to demonstrate healing properties and explain how rosemary could support the process.”
Lab Tests: Isolating Carnosic Acid
In a mouse model, the team formulated a cream containing carnosic acid, a naturally occurring antioxidant abundant in rosemary. The cream accelerated wound closure and supported the regeneration of hair follicles, oil glands, and cartilage. Importantly, the researchers found that the compound activated a skin nerve sensor called TRPA1, a trigger previously associated with scar-free healing. When tests used mice lacking TRPA1, the regenerative effects diminished.
Rapp Reyes added that other herbs, like thyme and oregano, may also engage TRPA1, but rosemary demonstrated superior potency and safety. By contrast, substances such as mustard oil or the topical drug imiquimod can also stimulate TRPA1—but they tend to cause irritation and inflammation unlike rosemary.
Local Action, Local Effect
The team found that rosemary’s regenerative impact occurs only at the site where the carnosic acid cream is applied. Spraying or applying the cream away from the injury did not promote scar-free healing, underscoring that the benefits are highly localized.
Looking Ahead for Wound Care
Penn researchers advise people to consult healthcare providers before adding rosemary products to their skincare routines or making homemade mixtures. Still, given rosemary’s availability and affordability, the study hopes to spur further investigation into its potential role in human wound care, especially for individuals prone to extensive scarring.
“If rosemary fits into your skincare routine and you feel it helps, chances are it does,” Leung concluded. “It’s inspiring to see young scientists pursue questions that arise from everyday life.”
Would this rosemary-based approach change how you think about natural remedies for healing, or would you want more evidence before trying it yourself? Share your thoughts in the comments.
