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Neem Leaf Extract
At ORY®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about neem leaf extract. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.
Please note: Some studies on this page tested neem for head lice, infections, and other medical uses. We share them for transparency. ORY® neem products are cosmetics and are not intended to treat any condition.
How to read this page Supported — backed by peer-reviewed research or official safety reviews. Supported, with caveats — the research points this way, but mostly from laboratory or animal studies, or at different strengths than ORY® uses. Limited evidence — little or no published research yet. We say so openly. |
1. General Description and Role
Claim: Neem leaf extract comes from the leaves of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica), used for centuries in Ayurvedic tradition. In ORY® products, it helps skin and scalp feel clean and look clear and less oily. |
Verification: Limited evidence. Reviews describe antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activity, mostly from lab and animal studies. We found no controlled cosmetic clinical trials of neem leaf extract and no CIR safety assessment.
Citations:
- Alzohairy, M. A. (2016). Therapeutics role of Azadirachta indica (neem) and their active constituents in diseases prevention and treatment. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2016, 7382506. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/7382506
- What it shows: Review of neem’s compounds and activity.
- Alzohairy, M. A. (2016). Therapeutics role of Azadirachta indica (neem) and their active constituents in diseases prevention and treatment. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2016, 7382506. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/7382506
2. Composition and Production
Claim: Neem leaf extract is made from dried leaves with water or alcohol. It contains nimbin, nimbidin, quercetin, and other compounds. Neem seed oil, which contains more azadirachtin, is a separate ingredient. |
Verification: Supported. Neem chemistry is well documented.
Citations:
- Alzohairy, M. A. (2016). Therapeutics role of Azadirachta indica (neem) and their active constituents in diseases prevention and treatment. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2016, 7382506. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/7382506
- What it shows: Describes neem compounds.
- Alzohairy, M. A. (2016). Therapeutics role of Azadirachta indica (neem) and their active constituents in diseases prevention and treatment. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2016, 7382506. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/7382506
3. Skin Type Suitability
Claim: Neem leaf extract suits oily and combination skin. Sensitive skin should patch test. |
Verification: Limited evidence. We found no cosmetic clinical studies by skin type. Allergic reactions to neem products have been reported.
Citations:
- Alzohairy, M. A. (2016). Therapeutics role of Azadirachta indica (neem) and their active constituents in diseases prevention and treatment. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2016, 7382506. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/7382506
- What it shows: General review.
- Alzohairy, M. A. (2016). Therapeutics role of Azadirachta indica (neem) and their active constituents in diseases prevention and treatment. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2016, 7382506. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/7382506
4. Hair and Scalp Suitability
Claim: In haircare, neem helps the scalp feel clean and refreshed. |
Verification: Limited evidence. A study found a neem seed extract shampoo killed head lice and their eggs. Treating head lice is an FDA drug use, as is treating dandruff. ORY® haircare products are not intended to treat lice, dandruff, or scalp conditions.
Citations:
- Abdel-Ghaffar, F., Al-Quraishy, S., Al-Rasheid, K. A. S., & Mehlhorn, H. (2012). Efficacy of a single treatment of head lice with a neem seed extract: An in vivo and in vitro study on nits and motile stages. Parasitology Research, 110, 277–280. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-011-2484-3
- What it shows: Head lice study (a medical use).
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 358, Subpart G — Pediculicide (head lice) drug products for over-the-counter human use. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-358/subpart-G
- What it shows: FDA head lice drug rule.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 358, Subpart H — Drug products for the control of dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-358/subpart-H
- What it shows: FDA dandruff actives list, which does not include neem.
- Abdel-Ghaffar, F., Al-Quraishy, S., Al-Rasheid, K. A. S., & Mehlhorn, H. (2012). Efficacy of a single treatment of head lice with a neem seed extract: An in vivo and in vitro study on nits and motile stages. Parasitology Research, 110, 277–280. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-011-2484-3
5. Benefits
Claim: Neem leaf extract helps skin feel clean and look clearer and less oily. |
Verification: Limited evidence. Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects come mainly from lab and animal studies. Claims to treat acne, infections, eczema, or psoriasis are drug claims, and ORY® does not make them.
Citations:
- Alzohairy, M. A. (2016). Therapeutics role of Azadirachta indica (neem) and their active constituents in diseases prevention and treatment. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2016, 7382506. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/7382506
- What it shows: Lab and animal evidence.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 333, Subpart D — Topical acne drug products for over-the-counter human use. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-333/subpart-D
- What it shows: FDA acne drug rule.
- Alzohairy, M. A. (2016). Therapeutics role of Azadirachta indica (neem) and their active constituents in diseases prevention and treatment. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2016, 7382506. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/7382506
6. Use Across ORY® Product Lines
Claim: Neem is used in all four ORY® product lines, with limited use in cosmetics. |
Verification: Limited evidence. We found no CIR safety assessment for neem ingredients. We found no data on how much of neem’s active compounds survive soapmaking.
| Product line | Typical level | How ORY® uses it |
| Skincare | 0.5–3% leaf extract; 2–10% infused oil | Toners, cleansers, and clay masks. |
| Haircare | 0.5–3% extract; 2–5% oil | Clarifying shampoos, scalp treatments, and pre-shampoo oils. |
| Handmade Soap | 5–10% neem oil of total oils; about 1 tsp leaf powder per lb | Traditional neem bar. |
| Cosmetics | 0.1–0.5% | Deodorized extract in primers and foundations. |
Citations:
- Alzohairy, M. A. (2016). Therapeutics role of Azadirachta indica (neem) and their active constituents in diseases prevention and treatment. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2016, 7382506. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/7382506
- What it shows: General review.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap
- What it shows: FDA explains how soap is regulated.
- Alzohairy, M. A. (2016). Therapeutics role of Azadirachta indica (neem) and their active constituents in diseases prevention and treatment. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2016, 7382506. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/7382506
7. Pros
Claim: A traditional botanical with a long history of use. |
Verification: Limited evidence. Evidence is mainly traditional and preclinical.
Citations:
- Alzohairy, M. A. (2016). Therapeutics role of Azadirachta indica (neem) and their active constituents in diseases prevention and treatment. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2016, 7382506. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/7382506
- What it shows: Review.
- Alzohairy, M. A. (2016). Therapeutics role of Azadirachta indica (neem) and their active constituents in diseases prevention and treatment. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2016, 7382506. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/7382506
8. Cons
Claim: Neem has a strong odor, limited clinical evidence, and no CIR safety assessment. |
Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:
- Odor. Strong garlic-like smell.
- Limited evidence. Few human studies of cosmetic use.
- No CIR assessment. No independent cosmetic safety review found.
- Allergy. Contact allergy has been reported.
Citations:
- Alzohairy, M. A. (2016). Therapeutics role of Azadirachta indica (neem) and their active constituents in diseases prevention and treatment. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2016, 7382506. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/7382506
- What it shows: Review.
- Alzohairy, M. A. (2016). Therapeutics role of Azadirachta indica (neem) and their active constituents in diseases prevention and treatment. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2016, 7382506. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/7382506
9. Safety Notes
Claim: Patch test before use; for external use only. |
Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:
- Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
- Keep out of reach of children. Neem oil is harmful if swallowed.
- Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
- For external use only. Avoid the eyes. Do not use on broken or seriously damaged skin.
- If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.
Citations:
- Alzohairy, M. A. (2016). Therapeutics role of Azadirachta indica (neem) and their active constituents in diseases prevention and treatment. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2016, 7382506. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/7382506
- What it shows: Review.
- Alzohairy, M. A. (2016). Therapeutics role of Azadirachta indica (neem) and their active constituents in diseases prevention and treatment. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2016, 7382506. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/7382506
10. Product-line notes
- ORY® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
- ORY® Haircare: Designed for scalp comfort and the look and feel of hair. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss. If you notice sudden shedding or a persistent itchy, flaking scalp, see a dermatologist.
- ORY® Handmade Soap: Handmade soap is naturally alkaline, and each bar may vary slightly in color, scent, and texture. Not intended to treat eczema or any skin condition.
- ORY® Cosmetics: Lip products are not intended to treat or protect chapped or cracked lips. Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.
11. References
Peer-reviewed research
- Abdel-Ghaffar, F., Al-Quraishy, S., Al-Rasheid, K. A. S., & Mehlhorn, H. (2012). Efficacy of a single treatment of head lice with a neem seed extract: An in vivo and in vitro study on nits and motile stages. Parasitology Research, 110, 277–280. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-011-2484-3
- Alzohairy, M. A. (2016). Therapeutics role of Azadirachta indica (neem) and their active constituents in diseases prevention and treatment. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2016, 7382506. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/7382506
Government and regulatory sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 358, Subpart G — Pediculicide (head lice) drug products for over-the-counter human use. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-358/subpart-G
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 333, Subpart D — Topical acne drug products for over-the-counter human use. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-333/subpart-D
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 358, Subpart H — Drug products for the control of dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-358/subpart-H
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap