BOTANICAL EXTRACT
Camomile Extract
A gentle botanical flower extract long valued for calming the look of redness and soothing sensitive-feeling skin.
Source
German camomile flowers
Used for
Sensitive-feeling skin, comfort
How it works
Camomile (Matricaria recutita) contains over 120 identified compounds, most notably alpha-bisabolol and chamazulene, which give the flower its characteristic soothing, calming character.
Laboratory research has found that camomile extracts show calming and antioxidant activity, in keeping with camomile's long-standing use as a calming ingredient for sensitive, reactive-feeling skin.
Camomile extract suits daily use, morning or evening, and is a common first choice for calming sensitive or easily reactive skin. As camomile belongs to the daisy (Asteraceae) family, those with known ragweed or daisy-family allergies may want to patch test before regular use.
Laboratory research has found that camomile extracts show calming and antioxidant activity, in keeping with camomile's long-standing use as a calming ingredient for sensitive, reactive-feeling skin.
Camomile extract suits daily use, morning or evening, and is a common first choice for calming sensitive or easily reactive skin. As camomile belongs to the daisy (Asteraceae) family, those with known ragweed or daisy-family allergies may want to patch test before regular use.
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01
Contains alpha-bisabolol and chamazulene, both studied for calming skin
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Shows calming and antioxidant activity in laboratory research
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A gentle, traditional botanical for sensitive and reactive skin
Questions
What is camomile extract?
It is an extract of the flowers of German camomile, Chamomilla recutita (also known as Matricaria recutita), a member of the daisy family, Asteraceae. Camomile is one of the oldest known herbal plants, and its dried flowers contain many terpenoids and flavonoids. Camomile essential oils are used extensively in cosmetics. (Srivastava et al., 2010)
Is German camomile the same as Roman camomile?
No. They are two different plants in the same daisy family: German camomile is Chamomilla recutita, and Roman camomile is Chamaemelum nobile. Both are traditional herbal plants, but ingredient lists that say Chamomilla Recutita refer specifically to German camomile, whose dried flowers are rich in terpenoids and flavonoids. (Srivastava et al., 2010)
Is there research on camomile for skin?
Yes. Research centres on camomile's signature compounds, apigenin, chamazulene and alpha-bisabolol, and laboratory work has found that camomile extracts and these compounds show calming activity. These findings sit alongside camomile's very long history of traditional use. (Lairikyengbam et al., 2024; Srivastava et al., 2010)
About the plant
German camomile is native across much of Europe, temperate Asia from Western Asia and the Caucasus to Siberia and China, North Africa and parts of the Indian subcontinent. It is grown for herbal tea and flavouring, and for essential oils used in cosmetics. (USDA GRIN)
Camomile has a very long history as a herbal plant, and it is still most popularly enjoyed as a tea. (Srivastava et al., 2010)
Camomile has a very long history as a herbal plant, and it is still most popularly enjoyed as a tea. (Srivastava et al., 2010)
Good to know
Camomile is gentle on most skin, and sensitivity to German camomile itself is rare. As a daisy-family (Compositae) plant, it is best avoided if you already react to daisy-family plants, and if you are unsure, patch test first. (Paulsen, 2002; Paulsen et al., 2008)
The research
- Lairikyengbam D, Wetterauer B, Schmiech M, Jahraus B, Kirchgessner H, Wetterauer P, Berschneider K, Beier V, Niesler B, Balta E, Samstag Y. Comparative analysis of whole plant, flower and root extracts of Chamomilla recutita L. and characteristic pure compounds reveals differential anti-inflammatory effects on human T cells. Frontiers in Immunology. 2024;15:1388962. PMID: 38720895. (opens in a new tab)
- Srivastava JK, Shankar E, Gupta S. Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future. Molecular Medicine Reports, 2010;3(6):895-901 (opens in a new tab)
- USDA Agricultural Research Service, Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN-Global). Matricaria chamomilla L. (opens in a new tab)
- Paulsen E. Contact sensitization from Compositae-containing herbal remedies and cosmetics. Contact Dermatitis, 2002;47(4):189-198 (opens in a new tab)
- Paulsen E, Christensen LP, Andersen KE. Cosmetics and herbal remedies with Compositae plant extracts - are they tolerated by Compositae-allergic patients? Contact Dermatitis, 2008;58(1):15-23 (opens in a new tab)
Found In
Type: Face Care
Harmonising Oil-to-Milk Cleanser
150mlRegular price £36.00Sale price Regular price
