What it is
Guaiazulene is an intensely blue-violet hydrocarbon related to the azulenes, often associated with chamomile and guaiac wood. In skincare it is used both as a soothing skin-conditioning agent and as a natural-looking blue colorant, frequently appearing in blue-tinted soothing products. It is typically used at very low concentrations because of its strong color.
Safety & warnings
Guaiazulene is generally well tolerated at the very low levels needed for its color and soothing effect. Because of its intense pigment it is used sparingly, and it is not considered comedogenic.
Origin & sourcing
Guaiazulene can be isolated from guaiac wood oil and is also related to compounds in chamomile; the cosmetic-grade material is commonly produced synthetically.
History
Azulene-type blue compounds derived from chamomile have long been associated with soothing preparations, and guaiazulene was later adopted as a stable blue colorant and conditioning agent in cosmetics.
Questions everyone asks
Why are some soothing products blue?
Guaiazulene is a naturally deep blue compound, so products that use it for skin conditioning often take on a blue tint.
What is guaiazulene related to?
It belongs to the azulene family of blue compounds associated with chamomile and is also obtainable from guaiac wood.