ReadySolve Carnosic Acid is a ready‑to‑use concentrate of carnosic acid (a rosemary‑derived phenolic diterpene) for topical cosmetic formulations.

The concentrate is designed to simplify handling and delivery of carnosic acid — an antioxidant/anti‑inflammatory active investigated for photoaging protection, soothing, anti‑virulence support, wound‑healing/PIH models, and hair/scalp biology.

Most evidence for isolated carnosic acid is preclinical; efficacy depends strongly on stabilization and delivery. Use appropriate carriers and avoid excessive heat.

Product Description:

Here’s what the research says about **topical carnosic acid (CA)**—the rosemary-derived phenolic diterpene—when applied to skin or hair. I’ve grouped the benefits and called out the strength of evidence.

1) Anti-inflammatory (skin calming; dermatitis/rosacea/psoriasis models)

CA suppresses key inflammatory mediators in keratinocytes and macrophages, blocking NF-κB signaling upstream at Syk/Src/PI3K/Akt (cell studies). This reduced IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, NO and PGE₂ production in response to irritants and TLR ligands. ([PMC][1]) Newer work shows **direct binding to STAT1**: topical CA alleviated symptoms in **imiquimod-psoriasis** and **LL37-rosacea** mouse models by inhibiting STAT1 phosphorylation and downstream inflammatory factors in keratinocytes. ([PubMed][2])

2) Photoprotection/anti-photoaging (lab models)

In human skin cells, CA **prevents UV-induced MMP-1/-3/-9 upregulation**, dampening ERK/AP-1 activation and UV-triggered ROS; it also reduced a marker of oxidative DNA damage (GADD45). These are core pathways driving collagen breakdown and photoaging. ([PubMed][3]) Reviews of rosemary actives summarize these antiphotoaging effects and antioxidant behavior of CA/carnosol on skin. ([PMC][4])

3) Antimicrobial/anti-virulence (supportive)

CA and its co-constituent carnosol can inhibit **Staphylococcus aureus** agr quorum-sensing (a virulence regulator), suggesting potential adjunct value for inflamed, colonized skin. (Mechanistic/bench data.) ([MDPI][5])

4) Wound-healing support (preclinical)

In **diabetic rat** wounds, **topical CA + ellagic acid** accelerated contraction, increased collagen, and lowered oxidative stress markers (MDA, NOx, protein carbonyls, AOPP) and MMP-9 versus controls—suggesting **synergy** in chronic-wound settings. ([PubMed][6]) A **liposomal CA gel** (mouse model) sped healing and reduced inflammation and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, indicating that delivery systems may enhance topical efficacy. ([ScienceDirect][7])

5) Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) (preclinical)

In a PIH mouse model, CA reduced inflammatory signaling and **melanin deposition**, improving lesions when formulated in a **liposomal gel**. ([ScienceDirect][7])

6) Hair/scalp benefits (early evidence; mostly indirect)

**Mechanism:** a rosemary extract study identified **12-methoxycarnosic acid** as an active **5-α-reductase inhibitor**, and the extract promoted hair growth in mice (testosterone-suppressed and shaved models). That points to a carnosic-acid–class mechanism relevant to AGA. (Animal/cell data.) ([PubMed][8]) **Clinical context (rosemary oil, not isolated CA):** A 6-month randomized trial found **rosemary oil** performed **similarly to 2% minoxidil** for androgenetic alopecia in 100 adults; this supports the overall rosemary chemotype for hair—but it doesn’t isolate CA alone. ([PubMed][9]) A 2025 review of **carnosic acid for alopecia** summarizes preclinical mechanisms (antioxidant/anti-inflammatory actions, possible DHT pathway effects, VEGF/IGF-1 upregulation) but emphasizes **solubility/stability challenges** and limited clinical data with **CA itself**. ([PubMed][10])

---

Practical notes (what this means for real-world topical use)

**Most evidence is preclinical.** Outside of rosemary oil trials, there are **no robust human clinical trials** testing *isolated carnosic acid* topically for skin diseases or hair loss yet (as of Oct 1, 2025). Treat CA as **promising but investigational**. ([PubMed][2]) **Formulation matters:** CA is **poorly soluble/unstable**, so **liposomal or lipid-carrier gels** show better performance in animals; consider stabilized, encapsulated forms in product designs. ([ScienceDirect][7]) **Safety:** Rosemary leaf oil/extracts are generally well tolerated in human patch tests at cosmetic levels, but **sensitization can occur**, especially with essential oils; always patch-test and avoid in known fragrance allergy. (Direct CA safety data on humans is sparse.) ([SAGE Journals][11])

---

Bottom line

**Best-supported topical benefits of carnosic acid right now:** anti-inflammatory (NF-κB/STAT1 pathways), antioxidant/anti-photoaging (↓UV-induced MMPs/ROS), potential antimicrobial anti-virulence effects, and **preclinical** wound-healing and PIH improvement—**with encouraging but early signals** for hair biology. ([PMC][1])

If you want, tell me your use-case (e.g., rosacea, PIH, scars, AGA), and I’ll suggest evidence-aligned **formulation types** (e.g., liposomal gel vs. serum), **adjacent actives** to pair with CA, and **what endpoints to track**.

Syk/Src Pathway-Targeted Inhibition of Skin Inflammatory Responses by Carnosic Acid - PMC "

Usage: Serums, creams/lotions, scalp tonics, post‑procedure soothing formats; antioxidant/anti‑redness/anti‑photoaging concepts.

Mixing method:

Add in oil/lipid phase or after emulsion at ≤40°C; avoid prolonged heat.

Disperse gradually; for water‑based systems, use suitable solubilizers/encapsulation.

Pair with antioxidants (e.g., Vitamin E) and barrier packaging to enhance stability.

Usage rate: Guide for concentrate: 1–7% (delivers ~0.15–1.05% carnosic acid at 15% strength). Adjust to formula goals.

Product characteristics: Clear to slightly amber liquid concentrate.

Solubility: Oil‑soluble; not water‑soluble. Use lipid carriers, solubilizers, or encapsulation for aqueous systems.

Storage: Store in airtight amber container in a cool place; protect from light/oxidation.