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chamomile skincare benefits

Who said that all natural ingredients are always good for you?

Take chamomile. This dainty little plant can soothe irritations… or give you a bad allergy attack! Yes, dainty little chamomile can do that.

Should you use it or is chamomile a natural ingredient you’d better steer clear of in your skincare? Here’s what science says:

What Is Chamomile?

Chamomile is the name of several plants that belong to the daisy family.  It’s made up mostly of antioxidants like flavonoids and quercetin and anti-inflammatory agents like α-bisabolol and chamazulene.

That’s right: chamomile isn’t just one ingredient. Like all plants, it’s made up of lots and lots of different chemicals. The ones above are good. But chamomile hides a few serpents in its bosom, too (more on them later).

Fun fact: chamomile owes its name to the Greek words “khamai” (on the ground) and “melon” (apple).

Related: What Makes One Skincare Ingredient Better Than Another? (And How To Choose The Best One For You)

Want to know what ingredients you really need to avoid in your skincare products (hint: they’re NOT what you think)? Sign up to the newsletter below to receive the “Skincare Ingredients To Avoid” cheatsheet:

Can Chamomile Soothe Irritated Skin?

You already knew that chamomile has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, didn’t you? Well, now science has confirmed it.

A 1981 study shows that chamomile suppressed inflammation in albino rats.  According to scientists, chamomile is so soothing because it’s loaded with anti-inflammatories, including matricine, a-bisabobol, levomenol and chamazulene.

Levomenol and chamazulene are a particularly powerful duo. Together, they soothe allergies, erythema and sunburns. A-bisabol goes the extra mile, too. It reduces inflammation and helps wounds heal faster.

Related: 9 Ingredients That Soothe Irritated Skin

Can Chamomile Fight Wrinkles?

Remember when I mentioned chamomile is rich in flavonoids?

These little antioxidants give chamomile its anti-aging properties: it destroys free radicals before they can cause wrinkles.

The catch? A 2002 study suggests its antioxidant properties aren’t as strong as those of thyme, basil and rosemary.

In other words: use it, but NOT alone.

Related: Common Antioxidants In Skincare: Which Ones Are Best For You?

Can Chamomile Dye Hair, Too?

Before hair dye was invented, women used chamomile to give their blonde tresses a boost. Now, it’s found its way in shampoo for blonde coloured hair.

Problem is, you need to use A TON of chamomile extract to stain hair. Brands don’t put that much into your shampoo. Unless you see chamomile at the very top of the ingredient list, don’t bother.

Does Chamomile Has Any Side Effects?

Remember when I told you that chamomile contains a few nasties?

Chamomile belongs to the daisy family. If you’re allergic to any plants in this family, you know that chamomile can give you a bad rash, too.

We also don’t know if chamomile is safe for pregnant women. Chamomile is a common natural treatment for morning sickness but a 2000 study points out that “there was no consensus in the popular literature about whether or not each of these herbs was safe for use in pregnancy.

If aren’t pregnant/breastfeed/allergic to chamomile, you can use it safely. 🙂

Related: All The Skincare Ingredients To Avoid During Pregnancy

chamomile flowers

What Are The Best Skincare Products With Chamomile?

The Bottom Line

Science confirmed what we already knew: chamomile is soothing and has antioxidant properties to boot. But it can also cause allergies. I guess even natural ingredients aren’t 100% safe.

About Gio

Hi, I'm Gio. I'm a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is skin coach and writer on a mission to help you achieve your best skin day ever - every day. I bust skincare myths and debunk marketing jargon to help you figure out what's worth the splurge and what's best left on the shelf - using science, not hype. I also offer skincare consultations to help you create the best skincare routine for your unique needs.