Chamomile Extract
INCI: Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Also known as: Matricaria Chamomilla, Chamomilla Recutita, Bisabolol
The calming flower
Best For Skin Types
Sensitive skin
Addresses
Effective Concentrations
0.5-2%
Usage Frequency
As directed on product packaging
EWG Safety Score
What Is Chamomile Extract?
Chamomile extract is derived from the flowers of Matricaria chamomilla (German chamomile) or Chamaemelum nobile (Roman chamomile). It has been used for centuries for its calming and healing properties and is one of the most gentle and well-tolerated botanical ingredients.
The key active compounds in chamomile include bisabolol, chamazulene, and apigenin, which provide anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and soothing effects. These compounds help reduce redness, calm irritation, and protect against environmental damage.
Chamomile is particularly beneficial for sensitive, reactive, and rosacea-prone skin. Its gentle nature makes it suitable for use around the eyes and on easily irritated areas.
Look for products containing bisabolol or chamomilla extract for the most potent benefits. Chamomile works well with other soothing ingredients like aloe, centella asiatica, and oat extract.
Clinical Evidence & References
Chamomile extract has accumulated a reasonable body of clinical support for its use in skincare, though the evidence base remains somewhat limited by study size and design variability. The ingredient's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties—primarily attributed to compounds such as bisabolol, chamazulene, and apigenin—are well documented in both in vitro and in vivo research. These mechanisms support its effectiveness in reducing redness, calming irritated skin, and strengthening the skin barrier, making it particularly suited to sensitive and reactive skin types.
Whilst chamomile is recognised as one of the gentler botanical ingredients and has a long history of safe topical use, clinical data on optimal concentration, duration of effect, and individual tolerance variation remain incomplete. Most published studies involve relatively small sample sizes, and robust head-to-head comparisons with other soothing agents are limited. For best results, products should contain identifiable chamomile extract or bisabolol; however, individual response can vary, and patch testing is advisable for those with known sensitivities to the Asteraceae family.
Published Research
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Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future Mol Med Report, 2010
How to Use
Safety & Precautions
Related Ingredients
Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Silicone-enhanced film-forming agent | Functions as a binding agent
Centella Asiatica
Star ingredient of South Korean cica creams Has potent antioxidant properties and is a rich source of amino acids
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1-Dimethicone
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1-dimethicone is a silicone that functions as a skin-conditioning agent and emulsifier.
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
A derivative of the silicone dimethicone | Used as a stabilizer, suspending agent, and thickener
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