Ingredient Library
Sage
Salvia officinalis
Sage (Salvia officinalis) is a clarifying, antioxidant-rich herb that tones and helps balance skin. Astringent and purifying, it suits oily, combination, and blemish-prone skin.
A natural history
Common sage (Salvia officinalis) is the classic culinary herb of the Mediterranean, so esteemed for its healing reputation that its very name, Salvia, comes from the Latin for to heal or to save. For centuries it has been a herb of well being and wisdom, kept in kitchen gardens and apothecaries alike.
What it does for your skin
Common sage is the more astringent and clarifying member of the sage family. In laboratory study its oil showed antioxidant, free radical scavenging activity along with antimicrobial action,[1] qualities suited to oily or blemish prone looking skin. In a formula it lends a clarifying, balancing touch. That clarifying, balancing character is documented in laboratory studies of its aromatic compounds.
References
[1] Bozin B, et al. Antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of rosemary and sage essential oils. J Agric Food Chem. 2007;55(19):7879-7885. doi:10.1021/jf0715323
Found in these formulas
Questions, answered
Yes. Common sage is a clarifying, antioxidant-rich herb that tones and helps balance oily or blemish-prone skin.
They are different plants. Common sage (Salvia officinalis) is the sharp, astringent culinary herb; clary sage (Salvia sclarea) is softer and more floral. Sage clarifies; clary sage soothes.
Its aromatic oil showed antioxidant and antimicrobial activity in lab study, lending a clarifying, balancing touch suited to oily skin.
Blended at a low level into a finished formula, as it is in ours, sage is gentle and well tolerated. Like any essential oil, it belongs in a formula, not applied undiluted.
You'll find common sage in our Magnesium Deodorant Spray.