What it does
- Soothes and calms sensitive, reactive skin.
- Helps reduce the appearance of redness.
- A gentle, traditional botanical (contains bisabolol and chamazulene).
How it works
German chamomile is widely documented for soothing and anti-redness benefits, driven by bisabolol, chamazulene and flavonoids. It is a mainstay of sensitive-skin and after-sun products; potency depends on grade and standardisation.
Use level
- Typical use level
- extract typically 0.5–5%
Whole extracts are commonly used at 0.5–5% depending on grade.
Formulation considerations
- Choose a grade matched to your phase.
- Generally gentle and robust.
- Chamazulene gives some grades a blue tint.
What it pairs with & what to avoid
Pairs well with
- Bisabolol, allantoin, panthenol (soothing)
- Oat and centella
Use with care / avoid
- Potency varies by grade
Regulatory status
Chamomile extract is listed in the EU CosIng database and is a long-established soothing botanical.
Common questions
What is chamomile good for?
Soothing sensitive skin and reducing the look of redness; it is a natural source of bisabolol.
Is chamomile gentle?
Yes; it is a classic gentle botanical for sensitive and after-sun care.
What percentage of chamomile extract is used?
Whole extracts are typically 0.5–5%.