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Chamomile Extract
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 extract. 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.
How to read this page Supported — backed by peer-reviewed research or official safety reviews. Supported, with caveats — the research points this way, but mostly from laboratory or animal studies, or at different strengths than ORY® uses. Limited evidence — little or no published research yet. We say so openly. |
1. General Description and Role
Claim: Chamomile is a traditional calming flower and a natural source of alpha-bisabolol, chamazulene, and apigenin. In ORY® products it helps skin and scalp feel calm and comfortable and helps reduce the look of redness. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel found chamomile-derived ingredients safe in cosmetics when formulated to be non-sensitizing. Anti-inflammatory activity is well described in reviews, 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 conclusion: safe when formulated to be non-sensitizing.
- 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.
- 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
2. Composition and Production
Claim: Chamomile extract is made from dried flower heads by water, glycerin, alcohol, CO₂, or oil extraction. German chamomile contains bisabolol, chamazulene, flavonoids such as apigenin, and mucilage. |
Verification: Supported. Composition is well documented.
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: Review of chamomile constituents.
- 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: Composition overview.
- 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
3. Skin Type Suitability
Claim: Chamomile suits most skin types and is a common choice for sensitive skin, with light water extracts for oily skin and infused oils for dry skin. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Chamomile is widely used for sensitive skin, but it is also a documented contact allergen for people sensitive to the daisy family.
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 review.
- 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: Contact sensitization from daisy-family cosmetics.
- 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
4. Hair and Scalp Suitability
Claim: In haircare, chamomile helps the scalp feel calm and comfortable. |
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:
- 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: General review; no scalp trials.
- 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/
5. Benefits
Claim: Chamomile helps calm the look of redness, helps skin feel soothed, and provides antioxidant support. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. In a partly blinded, half-side study in people with moderate atopic eczema, a chamomile cream was slightly better than 0.5% hydrocortisone cream but only marginally better than the plain cream base. Eczema treatment is a medical use; ORY® does not claim it.
Citations:
- 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: Half-side eczema study with modest results versus placebo.
- 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: Review of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.
- 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/
6. Use Across ORY® Product Lines
Claim: Chamomile is used in all four ORY® product lines. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Chamomile is added for skin comfort, not for color. We found no data on how much of chamomile’s active compounds survive soapmaking.
| Product line | Typical level | How ORY® uses it |
| Skincare | 1–5% extract; 5–15% infused oil | Creams, serums, toners, cleansers, eye creams, and masks. |
| Haircare | 0.5–3% extract; 2–10% infused oil | Shampoos, conditioners, and scalp serums. |
| Handmade Soap | 10–30% of oils as infusion | Chamomile-infused oil or tea. |
| Cosmetics | 0.5–2% | Foundations, primers, and lip balms. |
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: Cosmetic use and safety.
- 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.
- 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
7. Pros
Claim: A classic calming botanical with several active compounds and many forms. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Supported by reviews and a small clinical study.
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.
- 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/
8. Cons
Claim: Chamomile can cause allergy, potency varies, the essential oil can sensitize when oxidized, and water extracts need preservation. |
Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:
- Allergy. A documented contact allergen for daisy-family-sensitive people.
- Variable potency. Extract quality varies.
- Essential oil. Oxidized oil can sensitize; ORY® uses extracts for most products.
- Preservation. Water extracts need robust preservation.
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: Contact allergy data.
- 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: Formulate to be non-sensitizing.
- 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
9. Safety Notes
Claim: Patch test before use; for external use only. |
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.
- 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:
- 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 data reviewed by the CIR.
- 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
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
