Carnosic acid

Carnosic acid suppliers and sourcing guide

Carnosic acid is a phenolic diterpene found in rosemary and sage leaves, where it occurs alongside carnosol, which forms from it as it oxidizes. Commercial carnosic acid comes from dried rosemary leaves extracted with acetone, ethanol, hexane or supercritical carbon dioxide; the extract is then deodorized to remove flavor compounds and standardized to a stated carnosic acid content. It is sold as oil-soluble liquids, powders and water-dispersible grades, mostly to slow oxidation of fats in foods, oils and supplements.

See suppliers What to ask for on the COA

Category: Specialty nutrients
Also known as: Rosemary extract · Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract · Salvia rosmarinus extract · E 392 (EU, extracts of rosemary)
Facts checked: November 2026

Forms and grades of carnosic acid

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

Oil-soluble extract
Rosemary extract in a vegetable oil carrier with a stated carnosic acid content, for oils, fats and softgels.
Powder
Dry extract standardized from low single-digit percentages up to high-purity carnosic acid, for dry blends and premixes.
Water-dispersible grades
Extract formulated with emulsifiers or carriers so it disperses in water-based products.
Deodorized grades
Extracts processed to remove most rosemary aroma, for products where a herbal note is unwanted.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Carnosic acid and carnosol: Each by HPLC, often also reported as a sum; carnosol rising relative to carnosic acid shows the material has aged or oxidized.
Volatile oil content: Residual essential oil, which indicates how strong the rosemary flavor and aroma will be.
Residual solvents: Acetone, hexane, ethanol or other extraction solvents by headspace GC.
Heavy metals and pesticides: Lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury by ICP-MS, and pesticide residues for leaf-derived material.
Microbiology: Total plate count, yeast and mold, and absence of Salmonella and E. coli for powder grades.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Keep carnosic acid extracts sealed and away from light, heat and air, since carnosic acid oxidizes to carnosol and other products, especially in solution or in oil once opened. Store in a cool place and nitrogen-flush opened liquid containers. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, with retest of carnosic acid for older stock.

Lots and expiry dates

Record carnosic acid and carnosol for each lot and use the actual figure to calculate dosing, since natural leaf content varies by season and origin. Rotate first-expiry, first-out.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists carnosic acid (CAS 3650-09-7) as an isolate under Schedule 1, item 2 of the Natural Health Products Regulations, with rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) leaf and whole plant as source materials.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)
A Health Canada notice of proposal states that rosemary extract is not currently authorized as a food additive in Canada and proposes permitting it as a preservative, with maximum levels calculated as the sum of carnosic acid and carnosol.
Source: canada.ca (opens in a new tab)
FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists rosemary extract (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) with the technical effect "flavoring agent or adjuvant" and cites 21 CFR 182.20.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Carnosic acid suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking carnosic acid suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

Sell carnosic acid? Request a listing

Frequently asked questions

What forms of carnosic acid can brands buy?

Common forms include oil-soluble extract, powder, water-dispersible grades and deodorized grades. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for carnosic acid include?

Expect carnosic acid and carnosol, volatile oil content, residual solvents, heavy metals and pesticides and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should carnosic acid be stored?

What is the regulatory status of carnosic acid?

Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists carnosic acid (CAS 3650-09-7) as an isolate under Schedule 1, item 2 of the Natural Health Products Regulations, with rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) leaf and whole plant as source materials. A Health Canada notice of proposal states that rosemary extract is not currently authorized as a food additive in Canada and proposes permitting it as a preservative, with maximum levels calculated as the sum of carnosic acid and carnosol. FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists rosemary extract (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) with the technical effect "flavoring agent or adjuvant" and cites 21 CFR 182.20.

More specialty nutrients

All 77 specialty nutrients

Sell ingredients to brands?

Request a free listing for the ingredients you make or distribute. No paid placement.

Request a listing