Rosemary is one of the most talked-about plants in hair care, and the interest has a real base. In a 6-month human trial, rosemary oil on the scalp raised hair count. In lab tests, rosemary leaf extract slowed the enzyme that makes DHT.
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From Anirva, the maker of Hair Radiance. This article is general information, not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
One point needs to be clear from the start. The hair studies applied rosemary to the scalp. Hair Radiance supplies rosemary leaf extract by mouth.
- Rosemary leaf extract slowed the DHT enzyme in lab tests. It blocked the enzyme by 82.4% and 94.6% at the two strengths tested [3].
- In mice, rosemary leaf extract improved hair regrowth. It was applied to the skin each day [3].
- In a human trial, rosemary oil raised hair count. In 100 men with pattern hair loss, hair count rose significantly after 6 months [4].
- These studies applied rosemary to the skin or scalp. We found no study of rosemary taken by mouth for hair.
- Hair Radiance contains 60 mg of rosemary leaf extract. Rosemary leaf has a long record of use by mouth [1][8].
Here we explain how rosemary might support hair, what the research actually shows, how it compares with Hair Radiance, and what is still unknown.
Facts at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Ingredient and form | Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) leaf extract [8] |
| Amount in Hair Radiance | 60 mg a day, in 3 capsules [8] |
| Percent of Daily Value | No Daily Value has been set [8] |
| Amounts used in studies | Applied to the skin or scalp. No amount by mouth has been studied for hair [3][4] |
| Kinds of evidence | Human trials on the scalp; a lab and mouse study; one skin trial by mouth; reviews [2][3][4][5][6][7] |
| Human studies cited here | 2 hair trials on the scalp (100 men; 86 people); 1 skin trial by mouth (90 women) |
| Adult upper limit | None has been set |
| Last reviewed | [DATE] |
What is rosemary?
Rosemary is a kitchen herb. Its botanical name is Rosmarinus officinalis, and the part used is the leaf [1]. In Europe, rosemary leaf has a long record of use by mouth, usually as a tea [1].
The leaf holds several active plant compounds. They include carnosic acid, carnosol and rosmarinic acid [2].
How might rosemary support hair?
In lab tests, it slows the enzyme that makes DHT
DHT is a hormone closely linked with pattern hair thinning. The body makes it from testosterone with an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. Slowing this enzyme is a well-recognized approach to pattern hair loss [3].
In a 2013 study, rosemary leaf extract blocked this enzyme by 82.4% and 94.6% at the two strengths tested [3]. The researchers traced the effect to one compound in the leaf, called 12-methoxycarnosic acid [3]. Their results also suggest that the extract keeps DHT from binding to its receptor [3].
It has antioxidant properties and may support blood flow
A 2025 review of plant ingredients for hair describes rosemary as having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It may also improve blood flow in the smallest blood vessels [4][6].
Does rosemary help hair growth? What the research shows
The research on rosemary and hair is still growing. It runs in three levels: the lab, animals and people. In every hair study so far, rosemary was applied to the skin or scalp.
In mice, rosemary leaf extract improved hair regrowth (2013)
Researchers gave mice testosterone, which interrupted their hair regrowth. They then applied rosemary leaf extract to the skin each day, and hair regrowth improved [3].
This study used leaf extract. That is the same part of the plant that is in Hair Radiance [3][8].
In 100 men, rosemary oil raised hair count (2015)
This trial enrolled 100 men aged 18 to 49 with pattern hair loss. Half applied a rosemary oil lotion to the scalp twice a day. Half applied 2% minoxidil, a medicine sold for hair loss. The trial ran for 6 months [4].
At 3 months, hair count had not changed in either group. At 6 months, the average count in the rosemary group had risen from 122.8 to 129.6, a significant increase [4]. The minoxidil group also rose significantly, from 138.4 to 140.7. The difference between the groups was not significant [4].
The men also rated their own hair. At 6 months, 38% of the rosemary group reported more hair growth, and all of them reported less hair loss [4]. Scalp itching was less frequent in the rosemary group [4].
An oil blend with rosemary helped in a second trial (1998)
A second trial enrolled 86 people with alopecia areata, a patchy form of hair loss. One group massaged a blend of four plant oils, including rosemary, into the scalp each day. After 7 months, 44% of this group had improved, against 15% of the group that used plain carrier oil [5]. The blend does not show how much came from rosemary.
By mouth, a rosemary blend changed skin measures (2016)
One trial tested rosemary by mouth, for skin. In 90 women, a blend of rosemary and grapefruit extracts reduced skin redness after UV light [7]. It was a blend, and it measured skin, not hair.
Study summary
| Study | What was used | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Murata et al., 2013 [3] | Leaf extract on the skin of mice; lab enzyme test | Improved hair regrowth; blocked the DHT enzyme |
| Panahi et al., 2015 [4] | Rosemary oil lotion on the scalp; 100 men; 6 months | Average hair count rose from 122.8 to 129.6 |
| Hay et al., 1998 [5] | Blend of four oils on the scalp; 86 people; 7 months | 44% improved, against 15% with carrier oil |
| Nobile et al., 2016 [7] | Rosemary and grapefruit extracts by mouth; 90 women | Less skin redness after UV light |
How much rosemary is in Hair Radiance compared with the studies?
| Source | Amount | How it was used |
|---|---|---|
| Hair Radiance (3 capsules) | 60 mg of leaf extract a day | By mouth [8] |
| Mouse study, 2013 | 2 mg of leaf extract a day for each mouse | On the skin [3] |
| Human hair trial, 2015 | 1 mL of rosemary oil lotion, twice a day | On the scalp [4] |
| Skin trial, 2016 | 100 mg or 250 mg a day of a rosemary and grapefruit blend | By mouth [7] |
These amounts cannot be compared directly, because the hair studies put rosemary on the skin or scalp. No study sets an amount of rosemary by mouth for hair.
22 ingredients, including 60 mg of rosemary leaf extract
Hair Radiance is a daily three-capsule supplement that pairs rosemary leaf extract with saw palmetto, zinc, biotin and other plant extracts. Every ingredient and amount is listed on the label.
See Hair RadianceIs rosemary safe? Safety and interactions
European regulators say the use of rosemary leaf by mouth has been considered safe for at least 30 years [1]. They found no reports of interactions with medicines [1].
The same regulators advise some groups not to use rosemary leaf medicines. These are people with gallstones, a blocked bile duct, gallbladder inflammation or liver disease, and people who are allergic to rosemary [1]. They do not recommend rosemary leaf during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or for children under 12 [1].
Allergic reactions, such as a skin rash, are possible [1].
Rosemary is one part of Hair Radiance
Hair Radiance is a daily three-capsule hair growth supplement with 22 ingredients: vitamins, minerals, plant extracts, an amino acid and three probiotic strains. They were chosen to support healthy hair growth, to help promote silky, smooth hair, and to strengthen and maintain healthy hair. Rosemary is one of them.
Hair Radiance has not been clinically tested as a finished product. For this reason, we cannot say how its ingredients work together. The studies in this article tested rosemary by itself.
Hair Radiance also contains saw palmetto, which has been studied for the same DHT enzyme. Every ingredient and amount is listed on the label [8].
If you are deciding
Here is the case in brief. In lab tests, rosemary leaf extract slowed the enzyme that makes DHT [3]. In mice, it improved hair regrowth [3]. In a 6-month human trial, rosemary oil raised hair count [4]. All of these studies applied rosemary to the skin or scalp, and rosemary by mouth has not been tested for hair. Hair Radiance supplies 60 mg of rosemary leaf extract by mouth [8].
The short version
In lab tests, rosemary leaf extract slowed the enzyme that makes DHT. In a 6-month trial, rosemary oil on the scalp raised hair count. Rosemary by mouth has not yet been tested for hair. Hair Radiance provides 60 mg of rosemary leaf extract a day.
Frequently asked questions
Does rosemary help hair growth?
In a 6-month trial of 100 men, rosemary oil on the scalp raised hair count significantly [4]. No study has yet tested rosemary by mouth for hair.
Does rosemary block DHT?
In lab tests, rosemary leaf extract blocked the enzyme that makes DHT by 82.4% and 94.6% at the two strengths tested [3]. This has not been measured in people.
How long does rosemary take to work for hair?
In the human trial, hair count had not changed at 3 months. It had risen at 6 months [4].
Rosemary oil or rosemary extract: which has been studied for hair?
Can you take rosemary by mouth?
Yes. Rosemary leaf has a long record of use by mouth [1].
What are the side effects of rosemary?
European regulators list allergic reactions, such as a skin rash, as possible [1].
Who should not take rosemary?
European regulators advise against rosemary leaf medicines in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for people with gallstones or liver disease [1].
How much rosemary is in Hair Radiance?
Each serving of three capsules has 60 mg of rosemary leaf extract [8].
References
- European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products. Rosemary leaf: assessment report summary for the public. EMA/HMPC/387754/2025. November 19, 2025. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/rosmarini-folium (accessed October 7, 2026).
- de Macedo LM, dos Santos ÉM, Militão L, Tundisi LL, Ataide JA, Souto EB, Mazzola PG. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L., syn Salvia rosmarinus Spenn.) and its topical applications: a review. Plants (Basel). 2020;9(5):651. doi:10.3390/plants9050651. PMID: 32455585.
- Murata K, Noguchi K, Kondo M, Onishi M, Watanabe N, Okamura K, Matsuda H. Promotion of hair growth by Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract. Phytother Res. 2013;27(2):212-217. doi:10.1002/ptr.4712. PMID: 22517595.
- Panahi Y, Taghizadeh M, Marzony ET, Sahebkar A. Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a randomized comparative trial. Skinmed. 2015;13(1):15-21. PMID: 25842469.
- Hay IC, Jamieson M, Ormerod AD. Randomized trial of aromatherapy. Successful treatment for alopecia areata. Arch Dermatol. 1998;134(11):1349-1352. doi:10.1001/archderm.134.11.1349. PMID: 9828867.
- Ahmed A, Alali AM, Abdullah E, Alharbi MN, Alayoubi HM. Herbal remedies for hair loss: a review of efficacy and safety. Skin Appendage Disord. 2025;11(4):360-371. doi:10.1159/000542876. PMID: 40771449.
- Nobile V, Michelotti A, Cestone E, Caturla N, Castillo J, Benavente-García O, Pérez-Sánchez A, Micol V. Skin photoprotective and antiageing effects of a combination of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) polyphenols. Food Nutr Res. 2016;60:31871. doi:10.3402/fnr.v60.31871. PMID: 27374032.
- Anirva. Hair Radiance Supplement Facts label and product page. https://anirva.com/pages/hair-growth-supplement-with-probiotics (accessed October 7, 2026).
