Bisabolol

Best

Plant extracts

Bisabolol at a glance

  • Famous skin-soothing ingredient
  • Often included as a calming agent in bio-active formulas or products designed for sensitive skin
  • May offer some discoloration-fading properties
  • Commonly derived from chamomile but can also be created synthetically
  • Bisabolol is a colourless to light yellow, oily liquid

Bisabolol description

Bisabolol is a well-known skin soothing agent. It comes in two different structural forms: alpha-bisabolol, derived from chamomile and other plants (although it can also be lab-created) vs. beta-bisabolol which is found in cotton and corn. The alpha form is the one used in skin care products. Bisabolol is commonly found in many personal care products, including moisturisers, cleansers, and serums. It often plays a bio-active skin-calming role thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties and shows up in many products designed for sensitive skin. Beyond its soothing properties, research indicates bisabolol may offer some discoloration-fading capabilities. The naturally sweet, slightly floral scent of bisabolol means it is sometimes used in higher amounts to impart fragrance to a formula. However, in lower amounts it doesn’t impart much, if any, scent and its soothing compounds easily outweigh any risk of irritation. Because bisabolol is typically derived from chamomile, and chamomile is a member of the ragweed family, it may be best to avoid it if you have a confirmed allergy to ragweed. As a raw material, bisabolol is a colourless to light yellow, oily liquid. In 2017, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review council concluded that bisabolol is safe used up to 1% concentration in leave-on formulations.

Bisabolol references

  • Life Sciences, September 2022, ePublication
  • CosmeticsInfo.org, Accessed May 2021, ePublication
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, August 2019, pages 299-303
  • International Journal of Toxicology, September 2017, pages 24S-25S
  • Cutis, November 2015, pages 337-342
  • Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, 2014, pages 173-181
  • Food and Chemical Toxicology, October 2011, pages 2580-2585

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Ingredient ratings

Best

Proven and supported by independent studies. Outstanding active ingredient for most skin types or concerns.

Good

Necessary to improve a formula's texture, stability, or penetration.

Average

Generally non-irritating but may have aesthetic, stability, or other issues that limit its usefulness.

Bad

There is a likelihood of irritation. Risk increases when combined with other problematic ingredients.

Worst

May cause irritation, inflammation, dryness, etc. May offer benefit in some capability but overall, proven to do more harm than good.

unknown

We couldn't find this in our ingredient dictionary. We log all missing ingredients and make continuous updates.

Not rated

We have not yet rated this ingredient because we have not had a chance to review the research on it.