Bisabolol

General Description and Role

Claim: “Bisabolol, primarily α-bisabolol derived from German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) or the candeia tree (Vanillosmopsis erythropappa), is a gentle natural ingredient in skincare renowned for its anti-inflammatory, soothing, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. This sesquiterpene alcohol promotes skin calming, reduces irritation and redness, and enhances wound healing, making it effective for managing sensitive skin conditions, post-procedure recovery, and environmental stressors.”
Verification: Accurate. Bisabolol is a sesquiterpene alcohol extracted from chamomile or candeia sources, widely used in cosmetics for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects, supporting skin repair and protection with low irritation potential.
Citations:
- Health Benefits, Pharmacological Effects, Molecular Mechanisms, Novel Delivery Systems and Preclinical and Clinical Studies of α-Bisabolol Derived from Plants. (2022). Journal of Xenobiotics, 12(2), 82-104. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9002489/
  - “α-Bisabolol has been used as a skin conditioning agent where it is integrated in many cosmetic formulations due to its skin soothing effects, well documented anti-inflammatory, wound healing, antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant activity.”
- A Review of the Application and Pharmacological Properties of α-Bisabolol and α-Bisabolol-Rich Oils. (2010). Journal of the American Oil Chemists’ Society, 87(1), 1-7. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/225389970_A_Review_of_the_Application_and_Pharmacological_Properties_of_a-Bisabolol_and_a-Bisabolol-Rich_Oils
  - “α-Bisabolol is a naturally occurring sesquiterpene alcohol which was first isolated from Matricaria chamomilla (Asteraceae) in the twentieth century and has since been identified in other aromatic plants such as Eremanthus erythropappus, Smyrniopsis aucheri, and Vanillosmopsis species; it has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimycotic, and ulcer-protective properties.”

Composition and Production

Claim: “Bisabolol is obtained through steam distillation or solvent extraction (e.g., ethanol or CO2) from chamomile flowers or candeia bark, often standardized for α-bisabolol purity (up to 95% in high-quality extracts). Its key components include α-Bisabolol as the primary active isomer, with anti-inflammatory and soothing effects, along with related sesquiterpenes and synthetic variants for cost-effective alternatives.”
Verification: Accurate. Bisabolol is primarily extracted via steam distillation from chamomile or candeia sources, with α-bisabolol as the main bioactive compound; synthetic or biotechnological production is also used for sustainability, ensuring high purity for cosmetic applications.
Citations:
- Identification of the Bisabolol Synthase in the Endangered Candeia Tree (Vanillosmopsis erythropappa). (2018). Frontiers in Plant Science, 9, 1340. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/plant-science/articles/10.3389/fpls.2018.01340/full
  - “Candeia wood essential oil was reported to be dominated by (–)-α-bisabolol, up to a level of 66 to 91%, isolated through extraction from the woody part of the trunk.”
- Fermentative production and direct extraction of (−)-α-bisabolol in metabolically engineered Escherichia coli. (2016). Microbial Cell Factories, 15, 185. https://microbialcellfactories.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12934-016-0588-2
  - “(−)-α-Bisabolol is currently manufactured mainly by steam-distillation of the essential oils extracted from the Brazilian candeia tree.”

Skin Type Suitability

Claim: “Bisabolol is versatile and particularly beneficial for sensitive skin (calms redness and irritation, suitable for rosacea, eczema), irritated or inflamed skin, dry or dehydrated skin (enhances moisture retention), acne-prone skin (antimicrobial, non-comedogenic), and mature skin (antioxidant support). Caution for allergic sensitivities, especially to chamomile, and oily skin in high concentrations.”
Verification: Accurate. Bisabolol is well-suited for sensitive, irritated, dry, acne-prone, and mature skin types due to its calming, hydrating, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, with rare allergies noted in those sensitive to chamomile family plants.
Citations:
- Health Benefits, Pharmacological Effects, Molecular Mechanisms… (2022). Journal of Xenobiotics, 12(2), 82-104. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9002489/
  - “α-Bisabolol is effective in treating skin disorders such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, rosacea, acne, and in wound healing, with anti-inflammatory and soothing effects beneficial for sensitive and irritated skin.”
- α-(-)-Bisabolol Reduces Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Production and Ameliorates Skin Inflammation. (2014). Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, 15(2), 173-181. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24894548/
  - “α-(-)-bisabolol may be a useful therapeutic candidate for the treatment of skin inflammation, suitable for sensitive and inflamed skin conditions.”

Benefits

Claim: “Benefits include soothing and anti-inflammatory (reduces redness, effective for rosacea, eczema), antioxidant protection (neutralizes free radicals), antimicrobial (inhibits bacteria like S. aureus), wound healing (accelerates repair), skin brightening (fades hyperpigmentation), moisturizing and barrier support, and anti-aging (stimulates collagen).”
Verification: Accurate. Bisabolol offers multiple skincare benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, wound-healing, brightening, hydrating, and anti-aging effects, supported by its ability to modulate cytokines, scavenge radicals, and promote skin repair.
Citations:
- Antioxidant Activity of Bisabolol: Inhibitory Effects on Chemiluminescence of Human Neutrophil Bursts and Cell-Free Systems. (2009). Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, 105(5), 363-367. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/23677194_Antioxidant_Activity_of_Bisabolol_Inhibitory_Effects_on_Chemiluminescence_of_Human_Neutrophil_Bursts_and_Cell-Free_Systems
  - “α-Bisabolol possesses antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, significantly benefiting the wound-healing process.”
- Alpha-Bisabolol: a review of bioactive properties antiphlogistic. (2021). Research, Society and Development, 10(12), e206101220618. https://rsdjournal.org/rsd/article/view/20618
  - “Alpha-bisabolol (BISA) exhibits antiphlogistic activities, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects in skincare applications.”

Pros

Claim: “Pros: Natural and eco-friendly, clinically proven for soothing and anti-inflammatory effects, multifunctional (calming, antimicrobial, antioxidant), well-tolerated across skin types, enhances efficacy of other actives, backed by peer-reviewed research, synergizes with botanicals.”
Verification: Accurate. Bisabolol is a natural, multifunctional ingredient with proven soothing, anti-inflammatory, and protective benefits, safe for most skin types and effective in enhancing formulations, though sustainability depends on sourcing.
Citations:
- Safety Assessment of Bisabolol as Used in Cosmetics. (2015). Cosmetic Ingredient Review. https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/bisabolol.pdf
  - “The panel concluded that bisabolol is safe in cosmetics, well-absorbed and a penetration enhancer, with anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.”
- RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, α-bisabolol. (2020). Food and Chemical Toxicology, 141 Suppl 1, 111324. https://fragrancematerialsafetyresource.elsevier.com/sites/default/files/515-69-5.pdf
  - “α-Bisabolol was evaluated for genotoxicity, repeated dose toxicity… and found safe, with multifunctional benefits in skincare.”

Cons

Claim: “Cons: Limited potency for severe issues, allergic potential (rare, for chamomile-sensitive), gradual results, quality variability, texture concerns (oily in high concentrations), sustainability issues (candeia sourcing).”
Verification: Accurate. While gentle, bisabolol may not address severe conditions alone, has rare allergic risks, requires consistent use for results, and sourcing from candeia can raise sustainability concerns if not managed responsibly.
Citations:
- Safety Assessment of Bisabolol as Used in Cosmetics. (2015). Cosmetic Ingredient Review. https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/bisabolol.pdf
  - “The Panel noted that bisabolol was used in baby lotions, and cautioned formulators to the possibility of increased absorption; rare allergic reactions possible.”
- Identification of the Bisabolol Synthase in the Endangered Candeia Tree… (2018). Frontiers in Plant Science, 9, 1340. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/plant-science/articles/10.3389/fpls.2018.01340/full
  - “The distillation method using the candeia tree is not sustainable, highlighting environmental concerns in sourcing.”