Aniba Rosaeodora (Rosewood) Wood Extract

Bad

Antioxidant

No known benefits

Aniba Rosaeodora (Rosewood) Wood Extract at a glance

  • From the rosewood plant
  • Has some antimicrobial properties
  • Also is a potential skin sensitizer
  • Can oxidize on contact with skin and trigger damage

Aniba Rosaeodora (Rosewood) Wood Extract description

_Aniba rosaeodora_ (rosewood) wood extract comes from a plant also known as Aniba rosodora and known commonly as pau-rosa. It is native to South American and is considered a threatened species. While research shows that _Aniba roseaodora_ wood extract has some antimicrobial properties, its primary use in cosmetics is as a fragrance and masking agent. This is because all aspects of this plant – but particularly its wood – contains linalool, a natural fragrance ingredient that is unfortunately a potent skin sensitizer when it contacts oxygen (which is impossible to avoid when you put it on your skin). While the wood extract of rosewood isn’t as potentially sensitizing as the wood oil, it’s still enough of an issue to make it an ingredient to avoid in skin care products, even when present at the end of the ingredient list.

Aniba Rosaeodora (Rosewood) Wood Extract references

  • SpecialChem, Website, Accessed June 2025
  • Journal of Wood Science, July 2024, pages 1-19

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Ingredient ratings

Best

Proven and supported by independent studies. Outstanding active ingredient for most skin types or concerns.

Good

Necessary to improve a formula's texture, stability, or penetration.

Average

Generally non-irritating but may have aesthetic, stability, or other issues that limit its usefulness.

Bad

There is a likelihood of irritation. Risk increases when combined with other problematic ingredients.

Worst

May cause irritation, inflammation, dryness, etc. May offer benefit in some capability but overall, proven to do more harm than good.

unknown

We couldn't find this in our ingredient dictionary. We log all missing ingredients and make continuous updates.

Not rated

We have not yet rated this ingredient because we have not had a chance to review the research on it.