Chamomile Essential Oil

At ORY^®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about chamomile essential oil. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.

Please note: ORY^® uses chamomile essential oil mainly as a fragrance ingredient. Some studies on this page tested it in animals, in the lab, by inhalation (aromatherapy), or for medical conditions. FDA treats claims that a product relieves anxiety or stress-related conditions, helps you sleep, eases pain, or treats any condition as drug claims, so ORY^® does not make them.

1. General Description and Role

Verification: Supported. Essential oils in cosmetics are regulated as fragrance ingredients. Industry safety limits are set by IFRA Standards, based on safety assessments by the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM). The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has published an amended safety assessment of German chamomile (Chamomilla recutita)-derived ingredients. Roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) oil is not covered by that report.

Citations:

• • Api, A. M., Belsito, D., Bruze, M., et al. (2015). Criteria for the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials, Inc. (RIFM) safety evaluation process for fragrance ingredients. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 82(Suppl), S1–S19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2014.11.014
    • What it shows: RIFM safety evaluation criteria.
  • International Fragrance Association (IFRA). IFRA Standards, 51st Amendment (notified June 30, 2023; in force as of September 2026) — maximum use levels by product category for restricted fragrance materials. https://ifrafragrance.org/safe-use/library
    • What it shows: IFRA Standards.
  • Johnson, W., Jr., et al. (2018). Amended safety assessment of Chamomilla recutita-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581818801814
    • What it shows: CIR safety assessment.

2. Composition and Production

Verification: Supported. Composition is well documented; blue color fades with light.

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://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21132119/
    • What it shows: Review of chamomile.
  • Safayhi, H., Sabieraj, J., Sailer, E. R., & Ammon, H. P. (1994). Chamazulene: An antioxidant-type inhibitor of leukotriene B4 formation. Planta Medica, 60(5), 410–413. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2006-959520
    • What it shows: Lab study of chamazulene.

3. Skin Type Suitability

Verification: Supported, with caveats. People allergic to daisy-family plants can react to chamomile. A chamomile cream was studied in eczema, a medical use; ORY^® does not make eczema claims.

Citations:

• • Paulsen, E. (2002). Contact sensitization from Compositae-containing herbal remedies and cosmetics. Contact Dermatitis, 47(4), 189–198. https://doi.org/10.1034/j.1600-0536.2002.470401.x
    • What it shows: Daisy-family allergy.
  • Patzelt-Wenczler, R., & Ponce-Pöschl, E. (2000). Proof of efficacy of Kamillosan^® cream in atopic eczema. European Journal of Medical Research, 5(4), 171–175. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10799352/
    • What it shows: Eczema study (a medical use).

4. Hair and Scalp Suitability

Verification: Limited evidence. We found no studies of chamomile oil on hair.

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://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21132119/
    • What it shows: Review.

5. Benefits

Verification: Supported, with caveats. Chamazulene showed anti-inflammatory activity in a lab study, and reviews describe chamomile’s traditional uses. Claims about mood, stress, or sleep are drug claims under FDA rules, so ORY^® describes only the scent.

Citations:

• • Safayhi, H., Sabieraj, J., Sailer, E. R., & Ammon, H. P. (1994). Chamazulene: An antioxidant-type inhibitor of leukotriene B4 formation. Planta Medica, 60(5), 410–413. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2006-959520
    • What it shows: Lab study.
  • 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://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21132119/
    • What it shows: Review.
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Aromatherapy (claims that a product will relieve colic, ease pain, relax muscles, treat depression or anxiety, or help you sleep are drug claims). https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/aromatherapy
    • What it shows: FDA on aromatherapy claims.

6. Use Across ORY^® Product Lines

Verification: Supported. It is costly, so soap use is limited.

Citations:

• • International Fragrance Association (IFRA). IFRA Standards, 51st Amendment (notified June 30, 2023; in force as of September 2026) — maximum use levels by product category for restricted fragrance materials. https://ifrafragrance.org/safe-use/library
    • What it shows: IFRA category limits.
  • Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential oil safety: A guide for health care professionals (2nd ed.). Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier (reference book; ISBN 978-0-443-06241-4). https://search.worldcat.org/search?q=bn%3A9780443062414
    • What it shows: Dermal limits reference.
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.20 — Definition of “soap” (only true soap, made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids and sold only as soap, is exempt from cosmetic rules). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-B/section-701.20
    • What it shows: FDA definition of soap; other bars are cosmetics.

7. Pros

Verification: Supported, with caveats. Scent and tradition are well documented; health benefits are not established for cosmetic use.

Citations:

• • Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential oil safety: A guide for health care professionals (2nd ed.). Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier (reference book; ISBN 978-0-443-06241-4). https://search.worldcat.org/search?q=bn%3A9780443062414
    • What it shows: Reference.

8. Cons

Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:

• • Daisy-family allergy.
  • Cost.
  • Color fading. Blue fades to green or brown.
  • Fragrance allergens. Trace limonene and linalool must be declared on EU labels above set levels; FDA’s U.S. allergen-labeling rule is not yet final.
  • Oxidation. Old oils are more likely to cause allergy.

Citations:

• • European Commission. Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/1545 amending Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 as regards labelling of fragrance allergens (expanded list; new products from July 31, 2026; existing products until July 31, 2028). https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/1545/oj
    • What it shows: EU allergen labeling.
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Fragrance allergen labeling for cosmetics (MoCRA rulemaking, RIN 0910-AI90). As of September 2026, no proposed or final rule had been published. https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=202404&RIN=0910-AI90
    • What it shows: U.S. MoCRA status.
  • Paulsen, E. (2002). Contact sensitization from Compositae-containing herbal remedies and cosmetics. Contact Dermatitis, 47(4), 189–198. https://doi.org/10.1034/j.1600-0536.2002.470401.x
    • What it shows: Allergy.

9. Safety Notes

Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:

• • Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
  • Never apply essential oils undiluted; ORY^® always dilutes them in a carrier or product base.
  • Keep away from the eyes, children, and pets; many essential oils are harmful to cats and dogs.
  • Store tightly closed away from heat and light. Oxidized (old) oils are more likely to cause allergy.
  • If you have a known fragrance allergy, check the ingredient list before use.
  • If you are allergic to ragweed, daisies, or related plants, patch test carefully or avoid.
  • Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
  • For external use only. Avoid the eyes unless the product is made for the eye area.
  • If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.

Citations:

• • Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential oil safety: A guide for health care professionals (2nd ed.). Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier (reference book; ISBN 978-0-443-06241-4). https://search.worldcat.org/search?q=bn%3A9780443062414
    • What it shows: Dermal safety reference.
  • Paulsen, E. (2002). Contact sensitization from Compositae-containing herbal remedies and cosmetics. Contact Dermatitis, 47(4), 189–198. https://doi.org/10.1034/j.1600-0536.2002.470401.x
    • What it shows: Allergy.

10. Product-line notes

• • ORY^® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
  • ORY^® Haircare: Designed for the look and feel of hair and scalp comfort. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss.
  • ORY^® Handmade Soap: Handmade soap is naturally alkaline, and each bar may vary slightly in color, scent, and texture. Scented soap may bother sensitive skin. Not intended to treat eczema or any skin condition.
  • ORY^® Cosmetics: Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.

11. References

Peer-reviewed research

• • Api, A. M., Belsito, D., Bruze, M., et al. (2015). Criteria for the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials, Inc. (RIFM) safety evaluation process for fragrance ingredients. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 82(Suppl), S1–S19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2014.11.014
  • Johnson, W., Jr., et al. (2018). Amended safety assessment of Chamomilla recutita-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581818801814
  • Patzelt-Wenczler, R., & Ponce-Pöschl, E. (2000). Proof of efficacy of Kamillosan^® cream in atopic eczema. European Journal of Medical Research, 5(4), 171–175. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10799352/
  • Paulsen, E. (2002). Contact sensitization from Compositae-containing herbal remedies and cosmetics. Contact Dermatitis, 47(4), 189–198. https://doi.org/10.1034/j.1600-0536.2002.470401.x
  • Safayhi, H., Sabieraj, J., Sailer, E. R., & Ammon, H. P. (1994). Chamazulene: An antioxidant-type inhibitor of leukotriene B4 formation. Planta Medica, 60(5), 410–413. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2006-959520
  • 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://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21132119/
  • Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential oil safety: A guide for health care professionals (2nd ed.). Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier (reference book; ISBN 978-0-443-06241-4). https://search.worldcat.org/search?q=bn%3A9780443062414

Government and regulatory sources

• • International Fragrance Association (IFRA). IFRA Standards, 51st Amendment (notified June 30, 2023; in force as of September 2026) — maximum use levels by product category for restricted fragrance materials. https://ifrafragrance.org/safe-use/library
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Aromatherapy (claims that a product will relieve colic, ease pain, relax muscles, treat depression or anxiety, or help you sleep are drug claims). https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/aromatherapy
  • European Commission. Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/1545 amending Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 as regards labelling of fragrance allergens (expanded list; new products from July 31, 2026; existing products until July 31, 2028). https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/1545/oj
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Fragrance allergen labeling for cosmetics (MoCRA rulemaking, RIN 0910-AI90). As of September 2026, no proposed or final rule had been published. https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=202404&RIN=0910-AI90
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.20 — Definition of “soap” (only true soap, made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids and sold only as soap, is exempt from cosmetic rules). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-B/section-701.20