Ingredients

Chamomile

What chamomile does in skincare, who it suits, and what daisy-family allergies mean for topical use.

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White chamomile flowers with domed yellow centers and feathery foliage

What it is

Chamomile is a common name for several daisy-family plants used in skincare extracts. Products may contain Matricaria chamomilla, sometimes called German chamomile, or Anthemis nobilis, also known as Roman chamomile. These are distinct plants, and an extract is not the same as a fragrant essential oil.

Chamomile ingredients appear in creams, toners, cleansers and other products. As with other botanical extracts, the amount and type vary a lot between products, so effects vary. One formula may use a flower extract, while another may contain an oil or a combination of botanicals. The label and overall formula give more useful context than a general chamomile claim.

What it does

  • Conditions skin. Chamomile extracts are used in cosmetics to condition skin and contribute to a soothing feel.
  • Adds a botanical component. How the product feels depends on the extract, its amount and the other ingredients surrounding it.
  • May matter for plant allergies. Chamomile is in the daisy family, so people with an allergy to related plants should take extra care and patch-test.

Who it suits

Chamomile may appeal if you like botanical ingredients in a moisturizer or cleanser. However, people with an allergy to plants in the daisy family should patch-test and be cautious. If you have a known allergy or a history of significant reactions, seek advice from a healthcare professional before trying a chamomile product. A small patch test cannot guarantee that an allergic reaction will not occur.

For everyone, check the complete formula, since fragrance, essential oils or other plant extracts may affect how a product feels. If your skin concern is persistent, speak with a dermatologist instead of relying on a cosmetic extract to treat it.

What to pair it with, and what not to

Chamomile can be used with straightforward moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin, ceramides and panthenol. There is no required chamomile pairing, and layering more botanicals does not guarantee a better result. If you have a daisy-family plant allergy, do not try to offset the concern by mixing chamomile with other products; ask a healthcare professional and choose products accordingly.

Skin Realist check: A soothing-sounding plant name is not a promise about your skin. Let the ingredient list and your own experience set expectations.

How it appears on labels: Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil; Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract; Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract*; Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Extract; Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract; Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Flower Oil; Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Oil; Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract; CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA (MATRICARIA) FLOWER WATER; Chamomilla Recutita Matricaria (German Chamomile) Flower Oil; Anthemis Nobilis (Roman Chamomile) Flower Oil; Matricaria Chamomilla (German Chamomile) Flower Oil

Quick picks with Chamomile

Picked from label facts only. We haven't tested these products.

All 33 products with Chamomile

Body Creams, Butters & Body Oils (6)

Hydrating Toners, Essence Waters & Face Mists (5)

Daily Moisturizers & Water Gel Creams (4)

Premium Double-Cleansing Balms & Melting Gels (3)

Gel, Foam & Cream Facial Cleansers (3)

Physical & Enzyme Face Exfoliants (2)

Face Oils & Treatment Oils (2)

Eye Creams & Under-Eye Patches (2)

Anti-Aging & Retinoid Serums (1)

Shaving Creams, Gels & Oils (1)

Cream & Gel Treatment Masks (1)

Mineral Pressed Powders & Skin-Nourishing Primers (1)

Sheet, Hydrogel & Clay Masks (1)

Daily Sunscreens & SPF Moisturizers (1)

Common questions

What is chamomile in skincare?

Chamomile skincare ingredients may come from different plants, including Matricaria chamomilla and Anthemis nobilis. Product labels may list a flower extract or oil. The exact species and preparation can differ between products.

What does chamomile do for skin?

Chamomile extract is used to condition skin and is often included in formulas intended to feel soothing. Its effects depend on the preparation and the complete formula. It should not be used to treat a skin condition.

Can chamomile cause an allergic reaction?

Chamomile is in the daisy family, and people with an allergy to plants in that family should patch-test and take care. A patch test does not rule out every allergic reaction, so ask a healthcare professional if you have a known plant allergy or a history of serious reactions.

Is chamomile good for sensitive skin?

Chamomile is often added to products for sensitive skin, but the name does not guarantee the whole formula will suit you. Check for fragrance, essential oils and other extracts, then patch-test if you are considering a new product.