Essential oil of Oregano, 1 L

Oregano Essential Oil, 1 L Container

Oregano, Origanum vulgare, is a perennial herb of the mint family. Its essential oil is steam distilled from the flowering aerial parts. The product card lists the INCI name Origanum vulgare L. Essential Oil, Spain as the country of production and a 1 L container.

This is a phenolic oil with a very strong character. The litre size suits manufacturers who already know the role oregano plays in their product and produce it in series.

Composition and what it means

Oregano oils typically contain the phenols carvacrol and thymol, together with their precursors gamma-terpinene and p-cymene. Proportions vary with the raw material, so check the certificate of analysis for this lot. The high phenol content makes the undiluted oil irritating to skin and mucous membranes, which is why it is only used at low levels.

Odour profile

Hot, spicy and herbal with a sharp, medicinal phenolic edge. It quickly dominates a blend, so it often serves as an accent.

Applications

Foot care

Foot gels, powders and sprays where a herbal freshness fits.

Deodorising body products

Body lotions and toners designed around odour control.

Rinse-off products

Shower gels with a bold herbal profile.

Usage guidance

Leave-on body products should stay below 1 % of the oil, typically 0.3 to 0.5 %, while rinse-off products can take up to 1 %. Avoid using it in facial and lip products, in products for children and around the eyes. Add the oil during cool-down, below 40 °C.

Technical notes

Phenols can interact with some preservatives and plastics, so test stability in the final pack. Water-based products need a solubiliser. Lemon, rosemary, lavender, pine and thyme are good partners.

Product data

The source plant is Origanum vulgare, and the INCI name is Origanum vulgare L. Essential Oil. Spain is the country of production, and the oil is supplied in a 1 L container.

Example: deodorising body lotion, 1000 g

This 1000 g lotion starts with 760 g of distilled water and 30 g of glycerin. It is emulsified with 50 g of glyceryl stearate SE and 20 g of cetyl alcohol, with 100 g of sweet almond oil as the oil phase. Odour control comes from 20 g of zinc ricinoleate, the scent from 3 g of oregano essential oil and 7 g of lemon essential oil, and 10 g of preservative completes the batch.

Heat water and glycerin to 75 °C, and the glyceryl stearate, cetyl alcohol, almond oil and zinc ricinoleate to 75 °C. Combine, homogenise and cool while stirring. Below 40 °C add the essential oils and preservative, then adjust the pH to about 5.5. In this lotion, oregano accounts for 0.3 %.

Storage and related sizes

A full litre should be kept sealed in a cool storeroom out of daylight. For trials there is oregano oil 100 ml, and carrier oils for lotions are in wholesale liquid oils.

FAQ

How much oregano oil can go into a leave-on body product?

Stay below 1 %, typically 0.3 to 0.5 %, while rinse-off products can take up to 1 %.

Which areas should oregano oil be kept away from?

Avoid facial and lip products, products for children and the eye area.

What gives the body lotion example its odour control?

Zinc ricinoleate handles odour control, while oregano and lemon oils provide the scent.