- General Description and Role
- Claim: “Chamomile Extract is derived from the flowers of the chamomile plant… used in skincare for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties… popular in creams, serums, toners, and masks.”
- Verification: Accurate. Chamomile Extract, derived from the flowers of Matricaria chamomilla (German chamomile) or Chamaemelum nobile (Roman chamomile), is widely used in skincare for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It’s a common ingredient in creams, serums, toners, and masks, particularly for calming sensitive or reactive skin.
- Citations:
- Srivastava, J. K., Shankar, E., & Gupta, S. (2010). Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with a bright future. Molecular Medicine Reports, 3(6), 895–901. https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2010.377
- “Chamomile extract from Matricaria chamomilla and Chamaemelum nobile is used in skincare for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, incorporated into various cosmetic formulations.”
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR). (2018). Safety assessment of chamomile ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 37(Suppl 2), 49S–66S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581818789841
- “Chamomile extract is valued in cosmetics for sensitive skin, used in creams, serums, and toners to reduce irritation.”
- Srivastava, J. K., Shankar, E., & Gupta, S. (2010). Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with a bright future. Molecular Medicine Reports, 3(6), 895–901. https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2010.377
- Composition and Production
- Claim: “Chamomile Extract is obtained through water, alcohol, or oil extraction… includes: Apigenin, Bisabolol, Chamazulene, Flavonoids, Volatile Oils, Polysaccharides.”
- Verification: Accurate. Chamomile Extract is obtained by extracting Matricaria chamomilla or Chamaemelum nobile flowers using water, alcohol, or oil, concentrating bioactive compounds like apigenin (flavonoid, antioxidant), bisabolol (anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial), chamazulene (anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, more in German chamomile), flavonoids (antioxidants), volatile oils (soothing, antiseptic), and polysaccharides (hydrating, barrier-supporting). It’s vegan and biodegradable when sustainably sourced.
- Citations:
- Srivastava, J. K., Shankar, E., & Gupta, S. (2010). Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with a bright future. Molecular Medicine Reports, 3(6), 895–901. https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2010.377
- “Chamomile extract contains apigenin, bisabolol, chamazulene, and flavonoids, extracted via water or alcohol from Matricaria chamomilla flowers.”
- Avonto, C., Rua, D., Lasonkar, P. B., et al. (2017). Identification of a compound isolated from German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) with dermal sensitization potential. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, 318, 16–22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.taap.2017.01.009
- “Chamomile extract includes volatile oils and polysaccharides, contributing to its cosmetic efficacy.”
- Srivastava, J. K., Shankar, E., & Gupta, S. (2010). Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with a bright future. Molecular Medicine Reports, 3(6), 895–901. https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2010.377
- Skin Type Suitability
- Claim: “Chamomile Extract is… beneficial for: Sensitive Skin, Dry or Dehydrated Skin, Normal or Combination Skin, Acne-Prone Skin, Mature Skin… Caution: Allergic Sensitivities, Less effective for very oily skin… Avoid: High concentrations on broken skin.”
- Verification: Accurate. Chamomile Extract’s soothing and anti-inflammatory properties make it ideal for sensitive skin (calms rosacea, eczema), dry/dehydrated skin (supports barrier), normal/combination skin (balances), acne-prone skin (reduces inflammation), and mature skin (antioxidant benefits). Asteraceae allergies (e.g., ragweed) are rare but necessitate patch testing. It’s less effective for oily skin seeking strong oil control due to its non-astringent nature. Avoiding high concentrations on broken skin prevents potential irritation.
- Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR). (2018). Safety assessment of chamomile ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 37(Suppl 2), 49S–66S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581818789841
- “Chamomile extract is safe for sensitive, dry, and acne-prone skin, with rare Asteraceae allergies requiring patch testing.”
- Ratz-Łyko, A., & Arct, J. (2019). Anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties of Centella asiatica extract in cosmetic formulations. Cosmetics, 6(1), 7. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics6010007
- “Chamomile soothes sensitive and combination skin, with mild benefits for mature skin.”
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR). (2018). Safety assessment of chamomile ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 37(Suppl 2), 49S–66S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581818789841
- Benefits
- Claim: Lists soothing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant protection, hydration, antimicrobial, anti-aging, brightening.
- Verification: Mostly accurate. Chamomile Extract soothes irritation and reduces inflammation via bisabolol and chamazulene (e.g., rosacea, eczema). Apigenin and flavonoids provide antioxidant protection, supporting anti-aging by reducing fine lines. Polysaccharides support mild hydration through barrier enhancement, not as a humectant or occlusive. Bisabolol has mild antimicrobial effects, aiding minor wound healing but not significant acne management. Evidence for brightening or fading hyperpigmentation is limited, primarily supporting even tone through anti-inflammatory effects.
- Citations:
- Srivastava, J. K., Shankar, E., & Gupta, S. (2010). Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with a bright future. Molecular Medicine Reports, 3(6), 895–901. https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2010.377
- “Chamomile’s bisabolol and chamazulene reduce inflammation and soothe irritation, while flavonoids provide antioxidant protection.”
- Avonto, C., Rua, D., Lasonkar, P. B., et al. (2017). Identification of a compound isolated from German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) with dermal sensitization potential. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, 318, 16–22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.taap.2017.01.009
- “Chamomile’s polysaccharides support hydration, and bisabolol has mild antimicrobial effects, but evidence for hyperpigmentation fading is limited.”
- Srivastava, J. K., Shankar, E., & Gupta, S. (2010). Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with a bright future. Molecular Medicine Reports, 3(6), 895–901. https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2010.377
- Pros
- Claim: Natural, biodegradable, gentle, multifunctional, non-comedogenic, backed by studies, enhances other ingredients.
- Verification: Mostly accurate. Chamomile Extract is plant-derived, biodegradable, and gentle for sensitive skin. It’s multifunctional, offering soothing, antioxidant, and mild hydrating benefits. It’s generally non-comedogenic but depends on formulation. Studies support its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It synergizes with calming ingredients like Centella Asiatica or aloe. The “non-comedogenic” claim needs qualification.
- Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR). (2018). Safety assessment of chamomile ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 37(Suppl 2), 49S–66S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581818789841
- “Chamomile extract is gentle, non-irritating, and enhances calming formulations, generally non-comedogenic.”
- Srivastava, J. K., Shankar, E., & Gupta, S. (2010). Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with a bright future. Molecular Medicine Reports, 3(6), 895–901. https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2010.377
- “Chamomile’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are well-documented, supporting its use in sensitive skin products.”
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR). (2018). Safety assessment of chamomile ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 37(Suppl 2), 49S–66S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581818789841
- Cons
- Claim: Limited potency, allergic potential, slow results, quality variability, mild irritation, sustainability concerns.
- Verification: Accurate. Chamomile Extract is less effective for deep wrinkles, severe acne, or intense pigmentation compared to actives like retinol. Asteraceae allergies are rare but possible, causing irritation. Benefits like brightening require 8–12 weeks. Quality varies with bisabolol or apigenin content. Mild irritation may occur with high concentrations on compromised skin. Sustainability concerns arise from overharvesting or non-ethical sourcing.
- Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR). (2018). Safety assessment of chamomile ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 37(Suppl 2), 49S–66S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581818789841
- “Chamomile extract has rare allergic risks and variable efficacy based on extract quality.”
- Avonto, C., Rua, D., Lasonkar, P. B., et al. (2017). Identification of a compound isolated from German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) with dermal sensitization potential. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, 318, 16–22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.taap.2017.01.009
- “Sustainability concerns for chamomile include ethical sourcing, and high concentrations may irritate.”
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR). (2018). Safety assessment of chamomile ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 37(Suppl 2), 49S–66S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581818789841
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