The carnosic acid market was worth around USD 92.3 million in 2024. The glob,al market demand for carnosic acid would amount to USD 101.6 million by 2025. Global sales are anticipated to grow at a 10.1% CAGR from 2025 to 2035, reaching a net sales value of USD 265.7 million by the end of 2035.)
One of the major factors which is fuelling up the demand for carnosic acid is the rising inclination towards natural preservatives and antioxidants, especially in the food and cosmetic market. Derived mostly from rosemary, the active compound carnosic acid is known for its strong antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
It has previously been used in a variety of food formulations for lipid oxidation inhibitors and in cosmetic and topical formulations to protect from environmental stressors and skin aging. In the meantime, it goes in line with market trends such as clean-label formulations as well as plant-based and sustainable formulations. Firms including Kemin Industries, Danisco (IFF) and Monteloeder are using these traits to milk it with their carnosic acid-rich rosemary extract ranges.
As concerns rise related to synthetic additives such as BHA and BHT, carnosic acid can serve as a naturally derived alternative that provides multifunctional benefits. Furthermore both GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status in US and listing in EU have opened up pathways for adoption across nutraceuticals, supplements, functional foods and beverages. Water-soluble formats and encapsulation technologies are driving a broader range of applications, from emulsions to beverages and topical solutions.
| Attributes | Description |
|---|---|
| Estimated Size (2025E) | USD 101.6 million |
| Projected Value (2035F) | USD 265.7 million |
| Value-based CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 10.1% |
Even outside of functional benefits, carnosic acid is increasingly appreciated for its sustainability. As wild rosemary harvesting practices evolve towards organic cultivation and controlled extraction environments, production's carbon footprint and environmental impact are minimized. Firms such as Kemin and Wuhan Shenqu Biological Chemical Co., Ltd. are advocating for eco-conscious operations by employing renewable energy, recyclable packaging, and zero-waste extraction.
Carnosic acid is gaining significance in nutraceutical and pharmaceutical formulations wherein it is promoted for cardiovascular, neuroprotective, and metabolic health benefits. Brand Concepts targeting preventative wellness trends will be developing Carnosic Acid into capsules, functional beverages and skincare nutraceuticals, extending its reach into premium segments.
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The table given below shows a comparison of the change in CAGR for the base year (2024) and the current year (2025) to the year previous in a 6 month period for the global carnosic acid market. This analysis showcases critical performance shifts along with glimpses of the revenue realization trends, hence giving the stakeholders a clearer view of the growth path over the year.H1 refers to the first half of the year, that is, from January to June. I would expect 2023 H2 the months July to December.
| Particular | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| H1 (2024 to 2034) | 9.7% |
| H2 (2024 to 2034) | 9.8% |
| H1 (2025 to 2035) | 10.0% |
| H2 (2025 to 2035) | 10.1% |
In H1 of the decade covering 2025 to 2035, the business is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.0% but with a steep rise in H2 of the same decade at 10.1%. Upon shifting to the refreshed period, from H1 2025 to H2 2035, CAGR of the forecast has been risen by 30 basis points (bps) over 2024 period, thereby signalling a nimble and firm trend of carnosic acid landscape supported by clean-label and eco-aware product consumption.
In Tier 1, only a few players dominate the scene of global carnosic acid market due to their vertical integration, botanical extraction experience and production of high purity rosemary extract with consistency. Matrix Life Science is a leader globally for natural antioxidant solutions for food preservation and nutraceuticals.
Matrix Life Science provides high-quality stable extracts to food and pharma clients worldwide with proprietary extraction technologies while offering standardized carnosic acid and carnosol concentrations. Parent company Nature Made Pharmavite LLC uses carnosic acid in formulations and boasts the scale, regulatory standing and quality assurance to bring considerable clout in finished goods - a Tier 1 end-user with captive or externally sourced rosemary actives.
Tier 2 site mid-sized botanical suppliers and essential oil specialists with an increasing presence in carnosic acid extract manufacturing. ThoughDC Cedar Oil, Cedar Oil Industries, and Texas Cedar Oil have historically focused on cedar-based essential oils, they have recently entered into the arena of rosemary-derived compounds, particularly active components like carnosic acid, for natural preservation and cosmetic applications.
Doctor’s Best and Nutress B.V. are also Tier 2 players through branded dietary supplements typically comprising rosemary extract blends standardized for carnosic acid content. These companies enjoy strong positioning in their niches; trusted labeling and consumer loyalty; and, specifically in North America and Europe, a high consumer willingness to pay for “green” products. They are the ones who either source ingredients from upstream extractors or work with Chinese botanical firms to ensure supply continuity.
Tier 3 consists of a wide base of companies in China along with other niche herbal extract companies, these are generally offering carnosic acid at various grades and purities. The major key Tier 3 suppliers that dominate bulk exports of rosemary extract standardized to 20%-40% carnosic acid include Jiangxi Global Natural Spices Co., Ltd., HuBei JuSheng Technology, Wuhan Shenqu Biological Chemical Co., Ltd., Hangzhou Dayangchem Co., Ltd., Abernutra Industries Limited, Chlorella Supply Co. Ltd.
These businesses are often competing on price, volume and reactivity, and a progressive increase in the focus on enhancing GMP compliance and world certifications. Distributing carnosic acid extracts through artisanal or direct-to-consumer channels, Grayden CedarWorks and Herbal Terra LLC are relatively small companies that serve the natural food, aromatherapy and DIY cosmetic markets.
Increased Drug Development For Inflammatory and Neuroprotective Properties
Shift:Due to the anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and antimicrobial activity of carnosic acid, it is becoming increasingly more well-known in the pharmaceutical and biopharma industries. In the USA, Switzerland and Japan, it is being researched as a bioactive ingredient in natural treatments for neurodegenerative disorders and gut inflammation. In clinical nutraceuticals, the adoption of botanical APIs is soaring with a year-on-year growth of 18%.
Strategic Response:Seprox BIOTECH team collaborated with biopharma startups in Switzerland to co-develop carnosic acid APIs, taking a 17% slice of revenue in B2B pharma sales. Alvinesa Natural Ingredients started selling a pharma-grade rosemary extract with standardized carnosic acid (≥98%), resulting in new contracts in Japan’s neurocare market. Carnosic acid synergizes with olive polyphenols for new patent applications in gut-brain axis treatments. Genosa.
The Adoption of Clean-Label Food Preservation
Shift:Food manufacturers are innovating worldwide as they replace synthetic preservatives like BHA/BHT in the USA, Italy, and Australia with natural oxidative stability using carnosic acid. This is especially true for adding preservatives in high-fat foods like meat snacks, processed cheese and snack bars where demand for “no artificial preservatives” spiked by 14% in 2024.
Strategic Response:Jiangxi Global Natural Spices Co., Ltd. took production of food-grade rosemary extracts standardized for its carnosic acid to a larger scale, organizing supply contracts with brands of charcuterie distributed throughout the EU. North America : Matrix Life Science introduced a new proprietary rosemary antioxidant blend for the organic snack manufacturers in North America, which resulted in a 16% jump in clean-label preservative orders. Hangzhou Dayangchem Co. Ltd. introduced microencapsulation formats of carnosic acid for improved thermal stability in baked goods.
Expansion in Halal & Kosher Nutraceutical Certifications
Shift:A demand for halal and kosher-certified botanical extracts in Southeast Asia, Israel and the Middle East is increasing. This means that brands will have to offer solvent-free, alcohol-free carnosic acid extracts to entice religious consumers. In 2024 alone, the halal-certified nutraceutical market also grew across Indonesia and Malaysia to around 13%.
Strategic Response:Wuhan Shenqu Biological Chemical Co., Ltd received halal and kosher certifications for its full rosemary extract line, leading to new supply agreements with Middle Eastern supplement brands. Abernutra Industries Limited opened compliant water-based extraction facilities, reaching 6% share of Israel's kosher herbal market. HuBei JuSheng Technology has improved its extraction method for rosemary with supercritical CO₂ in order to remove ethanol residues.
Use in Active Food Packaging Solutions
Shift:Active packaging containing carnosic acid is growing in the Netherlands, South Korea and Canada to fight food waste and synthetic preservatives. Natural antioxidants incorporated into films or sachets that have been used to prolong shelf life in meats, cheeses and snacks. The active packaging solutions market expanded by 12% YoY, notably in eco-vigilant regions.
Strategic Response:Texas Cedar Oil worked with a Dutch agri-food tech startup to embed carnosic acid in biodegradable film, launching in European deli chains in Q4 2024. Grayden CedarWorks piloted rosemary sachet distribution for seafood exporters in South Korea, achieving a 14% increase in B2B export revenue. Polymer-compatible rosemary extracts rich in carnosic acid were developed specifically by Nutress B.V. for flexible film manufacturers.
Solvent-Free and Supercritical Extracts for Premium Growth
Shift:Carnosic acid (solvent-free extracts via supercritical CO₂ or aqueous methods) is being sought in premium personal care and health supplements (especially in France, the USA and Japan). As a result, these extracts are favored by luxury brands and skincare formulators, driving a 19% increase in demand for solvent-free antioxidants.
Strategic Response:Doctor’s Best had introduced a beauty supplement powered by carnosic acid and CO₂-extracted and sourced, that drove a 10% sales uptick for their clean-label product line in France. Herbal Terra LLC branched out its eco-extraction platform and teamed up with Japanese beauty lines to provide alcohol-free carnosic acid serums. Located in Spain, Natac developed its rosemary extraction plant to deliver traceable, clean-label extracts through cold-press and water-based processing.
The following table shows the estimated growth rates of the top five territories projected to exhibit high consumption through 2035.
| Country | CAGR, 2025 to 2035 |
|---|---|
| USA | 5.9% |
| Germany | 4.6% |
| China | 6.8% |
| Japan | 4.1% |
| India | 7.3% |
The carnosic acid is globally recognized in the United States as a natural antioxidant and has also been widely used for food preservation and in nutraceutical and pet food formulations. With clean label, non-synthetic preservatives the big talking point for consumer demand, rosemary-derived compounds like carnosic acid have risen to the top list of replacements for synthetic antioxidants such as BHA and BHT.
Whenever carnosic acid is also added to meat, poultry and snack products, companies such as Kemin and Naturex, which are providing that ingredient, can provide longer shelf life-but yet organic and natural labeling as well. Carnosic acid is also being integrated into anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective formulation in the USA dietary supplement industry. Pet nutrition brands are also discovering its value for extending oxidative stability in high-fat feed, a growing trend with premium pet foods.
The combination of innovation in natural products with stringent food safety standards promotes the growth of the carnosic acid market in Germany. Botanical antioxidants are taking the place of synthetic additives for local food producers, and the thermal stability and lipid protection provided by carnosic acid makes it one of the best choices for both the processed meats and the bakery sectors.
It is also being rapidly adopted in plant-based meat substitutes, where preserving oil freshness and taste stability is important. The drug research facilities in Germany assess carnosic acid in terms of neuroprotection and anti-cancer practices in the pharmaceutical industry. Consumer trust in “phyto-pharma” and eco-sourcing bolsters sustained demand across both food and functional medicine segments.
Carnosic acid is becoming quickly favored in China on two fronts: it makes a systemic appearance in traditional Chinese medicinal (TCM) products and matches the country's modernization of the food processing sector. In cooking oils, sauces and instant meals, Chinese food manufacturers are adding it for greater shelf life without chemical preservatives.
In cosmetics, it is being used in anti-aging and sun-protective skin-care lines because of its potent antioxidant properties. Oher, supplement brands - including herbal supplements - are combining it with ginseng, goji and others, emphasizing metabolic and cognitive health. This, combined with initiatives to farm rosemary in southern China, which has the most significant impact on lowering the cost of being dependent on imports, has increased local production over the past few years.
Japan’s conservative yet high-quality food and supplement industries are gradually taking up carnosic acid because of its safety profile and multifunctionality. Its powerful antioxidant properties and its effectiveness as a shield against rancid oil also make it ideal for ready-to-eat meals, a growing segment in urban Japan. It is also being investigated by functional food makers within cognitive support products, particularly with an aging population.
Carnosic acid is of interest to cosmetic manufacturers for use in anti-pollution and anti-photoaging skin creams. Regulatory clarity combined with Japan’s taste for traceable and mild botanicals means rosemary extract suppliers will have to pass stringent purity thresholds.
The carnosic acid market in India is expanding at a good pace, owing to the increasing demand for natural preservatives by consumers for usage in packaged foods, snacks, and herbal supplements. With growing awareness of the side effects of synthetic additives, food brands are transitioning to rosemary extract as a safe antioxidant for lipid-rich applications, whether namkeens and sauces or dairy-based beverages.
Carnosic acid is finding its way into the wellness space, particularly in Ayurvedic-infused antioxidant supplements, especially those focused on promoting brain clarity and immunity. In India, the raw material supply is being augmented because of subjects like domestic rosemary development in states like Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. Together with India’s spurt of plant-based products, that’s driving long-term carnosic acid absorption.
| Segment | Value Share (2025) |
|---|---|
| Antioxidant (By Function) | 47.3% |
Carnosic acid increasingly being preferred based on its strong antioxidant function, which plays well with clean-labeling trends in food and dietary supplements. Most often isolated from rosemary leaves, it successfully inhibits lipid oxidation in processed foods, snacks, and edible oils, without modifying sensory profiles-making the natural substance a preferable substitute for synthetic antioxidants, including BHA and BHT.
Indeed, increased consumer aversion to chemical preservatives has driven the demand for naturally derived antioxidants, especially in health-forward regions including Europe and North America. Not only is carnosic acid a potent and effective absorbent for high-heat food and other processing functions that promote oxidative stability, but also a marketing tool that can be used by brands to advertise products with increased “natural protection.”
Companies like Kemin Industries and Danisco are focusing on micro encapsulation technologies for better dispersion and oxidative stability in different food matrices. This segment keeps expanding into bakery, dairy, and ready-meal categories where shelf life and freshness matter.
| Segment | Value Share (2025) |
|---|---|
| Dietary Supplements (By Application) | 29.5% |
Rising popularity of carnosic acid in the nutraceutical industry is predominantly due to its neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory and skin care features. Where it is now more commonly emerging into dietary supplements that claim to improve cognition, reverse aging, and boost immunity.
Due to this trend among the consumers, the supplement manufacturers have started using polyphenols-rich plant extracts in its capsule, softgel, or powder mix forms, preferably, those supported by proven clinical efficacy Emerging research that notes a link between carnosic acid and a reduction of beta-amyloid accumulation in brain tissue has also piqued the interest of brands focused on brain health for older adults.
Major players like Kalsec and Martin Bauer Group are conducting research on high-purity blends of carnosic acid suitable for dietary supplement formulations with increased bioavailability. Meanwhile, skin-nutrition demand-because carnosic acid provides antioxidant support against UV damage and oxidative stress-opens crossover opportunities into beauty-from-within applications.
Competition Outlook
The major players covered in the carnosic acid market report are Matrix Life Science, Doctor’s Best, Pharmavite LLC, and Carlota, with significant market share in their respective regions due to high-quality rosemary extract formulations, delivery technologies, and strong expansion into functional health categories.
These companies capitalize on the rising demand for natural antioxidants in food preservation, dietary supplements, and personal care products.An example of competitive advantage is the production of highly standardized carnosic acid extracts, usually obtained from Rosmarinus officinalis, characterized by their repeatable potency and stability.
Brands are expanding application in nutraceuticals, lipid oxidation prevention, and cosmetic anti-aging formulations due to innovations in encapsulation and solubility-enhancing techniques. Brands are also in response to the clean-label movement, introducing organic-certified and solvent-free products
.With consumer preference turning towards natural and plant-based preservatives, prominent players are using their botanical know-how and regulatory compliance (e.g. GRAS, EU Novel Food approvals) to penetrate new areas and segments. Collaborating with food manufacturers and personal care brands makes it possible to include carnosic acid in even more products that consumers encounter every day.
For instance:
The global carnosic acid industry is estimated to be valued at USD 101.6 million in 2025.
Prominent players in this industry include Matrix Life Science, DC Cedar Oil, Cedar Oil Industries, Jiangxi Global Natural Spices Co., Ltd., HuBei JuSheng Technology, Wuhan Shenqu Biological Chemical Co., Ltd., Texas Cedar Oil, Grayden CedarWorks, Watson Industries, Inc., Hangzhou Dayangchem Co., Ltd., Abernutra Industries Limited, Herbal Terra LLC, Doctor's Best, Chlorella Supply Co. Ltd., Pharmavite LLC, and Nutress B.V.
North America and Europe are expected to lead the market owing to strong demand for natural preservatives and antioxidant ingredients in food, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics.
The global carnosic acid market is forecasted to reach USD 265.7 million by 2035.
The carnosic acid industry is projected to expand at a CAGR of 10.1% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2035.
The market is segmented based on function into Antioxidant and Food Preservatives.
Applications of carnosic acid include Food, Dietary Supplements, Pharmaceuticals, Pet Foods, and Cosmetics/Personal Care.
In terms of form, the market is divided into Liquid and Powder.
Industry analysis has been carried out in key countries of North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Balkans & Baltic, Russia & Belarus, Central Asia, East Asia, South Asia & Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa.
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Carnosic Acid Market
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