Camomile (botanical)/ Chamomile

In the 1980s, chamomile was voted the first “Medicinal Plant of the Year” by the Association of German Druggists. In 2002, it received the “Medicinal Plant of the Year” award. The delicate beauty with the botanical name Matricaria chamomilla L. belongs to the composite family (Asteraceae) and can now be found in almost all of Europe. Camomile is an annual herbaceous plant, can be easily recognised by its characteristic scent and grows to a height of 15 to 50 centimetres. The flowers resemble daisies, but are slightly larger and appear from May to September. Chamomile loves fresh, nutrient-rich soil and thrives in fields. The most important cultivation countries are Argentina, Egypt, Hungary and Bulgaria, as well as Germany, Spain and the Czech Republic. Only fresh or dried chamomile flowers are used for cosmetic and medicinal purposes. Chamomile oil can be produced from them by steam distillation.

Caution: True chamomile should not be confused with field chamomile (Anthemis arvensis). Distinguishing features:  Dog chamomile is not fragrant and, unlike its “famous sister”, has a double flower head.

The ingredients of camomile

The essential oil contained in chamomile flowers is rich in a-bisabolol and matricin. a-Bisabolol is a monocyclic sesquiterpene alcohol that has an anti-inflammatory effect on our skin and mucous membranes. Bisabolol is often used in preparations to promote wound healing and skin regeneration and can alleviate the symptoms of burns and sunburn, among other things. When chamomile oil is extracted by steam distillation, the otherwise completely colourless ingredient matricin is transformed into the very colour-intensive chamazulene, which is responsible for the deep blue colour of the oil. Chamazulene also has an anti-inflammatory effect.

Chamomile also contains flavonoids such as apigenin and quercetin as well as coumarins. The flavonoid content is around six per cent. The antispasmodic effect of camomile products is attributed to them.

Camomile in naturopathy

Camomile is an important component of naturopathy, as it has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. If the throat is irritated by a cold, gargle solutions can be used, while camomile rinses help against gum inflammation and painful aphthae. Chamomile extract or oil can also be inhaled for colds and coughs. Discomfort in the genital and anal area can be alleviated with sitz baths, while chamomile tea is traditionally used to treat stomach ache, bloating and flatulence.

This inconspicuous plant is also used in aromatherapy. Here it is used as a “soul warmer” that can alleviate depression and has a balancing effect. A few years ago, camomile was also used to treat conjunctivitis, but this is now not recommended as the plant extract could irritate the eyes. In principle, however, camomile products are very gentle and well tolerated. People who are allergic to composite plants should be a little cautious. However, allergic reactions are relatively rare. They usually only occur when true camomile has been mixed with other species (for example with dog chamomile).

Chamomile in cosmetics

Thanks to its strong anti-inflammatory and healing effect, camomile is a proven remedy for eczema and dermatitis. It also stimulates the skin’s metabolism and contributes to regeneration. As a result, skin cracks and scaly patches can close better and faster. Camomile is particularly recommended for sensitive skin. The reason: the upper horny layer, which is often significantly thinner in sensitive skin types than in normal skin types, becomes more robust over time with regular use of care products containing camomile extract or oil. Chamomile products therefore provide a “thick skin”, so to speak, which is optimally protected against external influences.

The bisabolol it contains also promotes the absorption of other active skin care ingredients. Chamomile is therefore ideal for face and body creams and lotions. Shower gels and bath additives with camomile are also becoming increasingly popular, as they gently cleanse and care for sensitive skin. Incidentally, the medicinal plant is one of the top ingredients in “G-Beauty”, or “German Beauty”, a cosmetics trend that has long since overtaken the former hype of “K-Beauty” (“Korean Beauty”)!

Chamomile has long been an insider tip for people with blonde hair: even the ancient Romans used the plant to naturally lighten or bleach their hair. Although the effect is not quite as strong as with lemon, chamomile extract in shampoo or conditioner conjures up a beautiful light golden shimmer in the hair. It can also be used repeatedly without hesitation, as the gentle medicinal plant does not damage the hair.

Chamomile profile

Family: Asteraceae (composite plants)

INCI: Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract (camomile extract),

Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Oil (camomile Oil)

CAS number: 84082-60-0 (camomile extract), 8022-66-2 (camomile oil)

Most important ingredients: matricin, chamazulene, a-bisabolol, flavonoids and coumarins

Effect: Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antispasmodic, regenerating, soothing, promotes wound healing, whitening

Possible applications: Face and body creams, lotions, shower gels, bath additives, hair shampoos, hair conditioners

We like to work with these active ingredients, which are based on camomile:

Real camomile in high-quality cosmetics from Cosmacon

It is one of the oldest and most traditional medicinal plants in the world and yet it has lost none of its value to this day: true camomile is still an excellent active ingredient for high-quality cosmetics. It is particularly beneficial for sensitive skin, but is also suitable for all other skin types. There are many possible applications, especially as the allergy potential is relatively low. Would you like to offer your target group sophisticated cosmetic products with camomile extract or oil? Cosmacon will be happy to support you.

Literature:

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Health Benefits, Pharmacological Effects, Molecular Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Potential of α-Bisabolol.

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Antibiofilm and anti-caries effects of an experimental mouth rinse containing Matricaria chamomilla L. extract under microcosm biofilm on enamel.

Braga AS, Simas LLM, Pires JG, Souza BM, de Melo FPSR, Saldanha LL, Dokkedal AL, Magalhães AC.J Dent. 2020 Aug;99:103415

Exploring the Potential of Supercritical Fluid Extraction of Matricaria chamomilla White Ray Florets as a Source of Bioactive (Cosmetic) Ingredients.

Pastare L, Berga M, Kienkas L, Boroduskis M, Ramata-Stunda A, Reihmane D, Senkovs M, Skudrins G, Nakurte I.Antioxidants (Basel). 2023 May 12;12(5):1092

Comparison of antimicrobial activity of essential oils, plant extracts and methylparaben in cosmetic emulsions: 2 months study.

Herman A.Indian J Microbiol. 2014 Sep;54(3):361-4