What it is
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract is derived from the flowerheads of Matricaria chamomilla, the German chamomile plant long used as a medicinal herb and in chamomile tea. Its activity is attributed to constituents such as the terpenoids chamazulene and alpha-bisabolol, associated with calming, soothing properties, alongside antioxidant compounds including matricine, apigenin, and luteolin. In cosmetics it is used as a soothing, skin-conditioning botanical and is also listed with a masking function.
Safety & warnings
Chamomile extract is generally regarded as gentle and is often chosen for calming formulas. However, because German chamomile is a relative of ragweed in the Asteraceae family, allergic reactions can occur, particularly in people sensitive to other plants in that family, so individuals with known Asteraceae allergies should be cautious and consider patch testing before regular use.
Origin & sourcing
The extract is a natural botanical ingredient obtained from the flowers of German chamomile, Matricaria chamomilla, an annual plant in the Asteraceae (composite) family that is native to southern and eastern Europe but now cultivated on all continents. The flowers contain roughly 0.3 to 1.5 percent essential oil, including chamazulene, which gives the oil its blue color, and bisabolol, which can make up a large fraction of the oil; the cosmetic ingredient is prepared by extracting the flowerheads.
Questions everyone asks
What is chamomile extract used for in sunscreen?
It is included as a soothing, skin-conditioning botanical with antioxidant constituents, intended to make the formula feel calming on skin.
Can chamomile cause an allergic reaction?
Yes. As a ragweed relative in the Asteraceae family, it can trigger reactions in people sensitive to that plant family.
Is this the same chamomile as in tea?
It comes from German chamomile, Matricaria chamomilla, the same species widely used to make chamomile tea.