A traditional soothing flower extract in skin and hair products. Mildly anti-inflammatory in lab work, little trial evidence, and an allergen for daisy-family allergy.
Chamomile flower extract carries flavonoids such as apigenin, plus bisabolol and chamazulene from the essential oil, which account for its anti-inflammatory effect in lab studies. It is used in calming skincare, baby products and 'blonde-brightening' shampoos, which claim to enhance golden tones.
Chamomile belongs to the daisy (Compositae) family, whose plants are a recognized cause of allergic contact dermatitis.
Reviews describe long traditional use and lab anti-inflammatory activity; controlled trials of chamomile skin products are few, small and usually of branded combination creams. There is no evidence it lightens or brightens hair.
Reviews the chemistry of German and Roman chamomile (terpenoids, flavonoids) and its traditional and investigated medicinal uses, including for inflammation and wounds, and its use in cosmetics and aromatherapy.
8 of 12 chamomile-sensitive patients reacted to chamomile-containing tea, creams, ointments or oil; the authors advise people with Compositae allergy to avoid Compositae-containing cosmetics and remedies.