Chamomile

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 flower and chamomile-infused 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: One study on this page tested chamomile cream in eczema, which is a medical use. We share it for transparency. ORY^® chamomile products are cosmetics and are not intended to treat any condition.

1. General Description and Role

Verification: Supported. The CIR Expert Panel found German chamomile-derived ingredients safe in cosmetics when formulated to be non-sensitizing. Reviews describe anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, mostly from lab and animal studies.

Citations:

• • Johnson, W., Boyer, I., Bergfeld, W. F., et al. (2018). Amended safety assessment of Chamomilla recutita-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 37(3 Suppl), 51S–79S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581818801814
    • What it shows: CIR safety assessment of German chamomile ingredients.
  • 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’s properties.

2. Composition and Production

Verification: Supported. Chamomile chemistry is well documented. ORY^® infused oils are made by steeping dried plant material in a carrier oil. The carrier oil makes up most of the finished product, so its own properties matter as much as the botanical’s — including allergy: nut-derived carrier oils such as sweet almond oil may not suit people with tree-nut allergies.

Citations:

• • McKay, D. L., & Blumberg, J. B. (2006). A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of chamomile tea (Matricaria recutita L.). Phytotherapy Research, 20(7), 519–530. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1900
    • What it shows: Describes chamomile’s compounds.

3. Skin Type Suitability

Verification: Supported, with caveats. Chamomile is a documented contact allergen in people sensitive to daisy-family plants.

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: Review of allergy to daisy-family plants.
  • Johnson, W., Boyer, I., Bergfeld, W. F., et al. (2018). Amended safety assessment of Chamomilla recutita-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 37(3 Suppl), 51S–79S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581818801814
    • What it shows: Safety conclusion depends on avoiding sensitization.

4. Hair and Scalp Suitability

Verification: Limited evidence. We found no clinical studies of chamomile on the scalp. ORY^® haircare products are not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions.

Citations:

• • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 358, Subpart H — Drug products for the control of dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-358/subpart-H
    • What it shows: FDA dandruff actives list, which does not include chamomile.

5. Benefits

Verification: Supported, with caveats. Anti-inflammatory activity is supported mainly by lab and animal studies. In one study, a chamomile cream was compared with other creams in people with eczema, with modest results; eczema is a medical use, and ORY^® does not make eczema claims.

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 anti-inflammatory evidence.
  • 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).

6. Use Across ORY^® Product Lines

Verification: Supported, with caveats. We found no data on how much of chamomile’s active compounds survive soapmaking.

Citations:

• • Johnson, W., Boyer, I., Bergfeld, W. F., et al. (2018). Amended safety assessment of Chamomilla recutita-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 37(3 Suppl), 51S–79S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581818801814
    • What it shows: Reported uses.
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap
    • What it shows: FDA explains how soap is regulated.

7. Pros

Verification: Supported. Well studied in the lab; limited clinical skin research.

Citations:

• • Johnson, W., Boyer, I., Bergfeld, W. F., et al. (2018). Amended safety assessment of Chamomilla recutita-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 37(3 Suppl), 51S–79S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581818801814
    • What it shows: Safety conclusion.

8. Cons

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

• • Allergy. A known allergen for daisy-sensitive people.
  • Variable strength. Depends on flower quality and method.
  • Rancidity. Infused oils last about 6–12 months.
  • Roman chamomile. The CIR assessment we cite covers German chamomile.

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: 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.
  • If you are allergic to ragweed, chamomile, daisies, or other plants in the daisy (Asteraceae) family, patch test carefully or avoid this product.
  • If you have a tree-nut allergy, check the carrier oil before use.
  • Store infused oils away from heat and light, and discard them if they smell rancid.
  • Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
  • For external use only. Avoid the eyes. Do not use on broken or seriously damaged skin.
  • If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.

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: Allergy data.

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 scalp comfort and the look and feel of hair. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss. If you notice sudden shedding or a persistent itchy, flaking scalp, see a dermatologist.
  • ORY^® Handmade Soap: Handmade soap is naturally alkaline, and each bar may vary slightly in color, scent, and texture. Not intended to treat eczema or any skin condition.
  • ORY^® Cosmetics: Lip products are not intended to treat or protect chapped or cracked lips. Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.

11. References

Peer-reviewed research

• • Johnson, W., Boyer, I., Bergfeld, W. F., et al. (2018). Amended safety assessment of Chamomilla recutita-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 37(3 Suppl), 51S–79S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581818801814
  • McKay, D. L., & Blumberg, J. B. (2006). A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of chamomile tea (Matricaria recutita L.). Phytotherapy Research, 20(7), 519–530. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1900
  • 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
  • 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/

Government and regulatory sources

• • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 358, Subpart H — Drug products for the control of dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-358/subpart-H