スイートマジョラム
Kinh giới ngọt
Origanum majorana
Majorana hortensis
Sweet marjoram is classified as GRAS by the US FDA. No specific IFRA restriction.
Low risk of skin sensitization. In a study of 25 volunteers at 6 percent, neither irritating nor sensitizing.
Terpinen-4-ol is the main constituent, not a skin sensitizer, not nephrotoxic, not generally toxic with chronic administration.
A 65-year-old aromatherapist with multiple essential oil sensitivities reacted to both 1 percent and 5 percent marjoram oil. An isolated case.
No data indicates hazard in pregnancy.
Not phototoxic. Suitable for mainstream cosmetics.
| Terpinen-4-ol | 16.0 – 31.6 % |
| trans-Sabinene hydrate | 11.5 – 30.0 % |
| γ-Terpinene | 9.5 – 14.6 % |
| α-Terpinene | 5.5 – 9.1 % |
| Sabinene | 1.0 – 8.5 % |
| (+)-Limonene | 2.6 – 5.0 % |
| α-Terpineol | 1.6 – 5.0 % |
| Linalool | 1.7 – 9.5 % |
| α-Terpinyl acetate | 0 – 4.4 % |
| p-Cymene | 1.8 – 4.0 % |
| β-Myrcene | 1.0 – 3.0 % |
| Linalyl acetate | 0.7 – 2.6 % |
Origanum majorana is a Mediterranean herb, particularly from Cyprus, Egypt, and Turkey. A small plant with oval leaves and a soft, warm aromatic character.
The essential oil is distilled from aerial parts during flowering, leaves, young stems, and flowers. Harvest timing is when 30 percent of the flowers have opened.
Main production: Egypt (largest), Spain, Tunisia, France. Egyptian marjoram is generally considered the aromatic gold standard.
In traditional Mediterranean cuisine, marjoram is a seasoning for grilled meats, salads, and soups.
Family Lamiaceae (Labiatae), same family as basil, rosemary, thyme, and oregano.
Marjoram oil is divided into three main chemotypes: terpinen-4-ol/sabinene hydrate CT (sweet, covered here), carvacrol CT (wild oregano-like), and linalool CT (closer to lavender).
Sweet marjoram terpinen-4-ol CT is the traditional standard for aromatherapy and cosmetics. The other two wild chemotypes have different safety profiles.
The oil may be adulterated with cheaper wild marjoram chemotypes or synthetic terpinen-4-ol. Chiral GC-MS analysis is needed to verify quality.
Sweet marjoram aroma should have a rounded herbaceous note, warm and lightly sweet, without the sharp phenolic note of wild marjoram (carvacrol CT).
Marjoram is one of the classical perfumery oils of Europe, used since ancient Greece. By Greek legend, marjoram was created by Aphrodite as a symbol of love and domestic happiness.
In traditional herbal medicine, marjoram is used for digestion, respiration, and muscle relaxation.
Sweet marjoram also yields other chemotypes, sometimes sold as 'wild oregano' and labeled Origanum dubium. Mainly rich in carvacrol or linalool.
In cosmetics, marjoram is widely used in muscle care products, massage oils, and dry-skin formulations.