Bisabolol

PhytochemicalSesquiterpene

What is it

Bisabolol (alpha-bisabolol) is a monocyclic sesquiterpene alcohol found in chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) essential oil and candeia tree (Eremanthus erythropappus). It is widely used in cosmetics and topical preparations for its skin-soothing properties.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Topical skin soothing

Good Evidence

Topical bisabolol shows anti-inflammatory and skin-calming effects in cosmetic clinical research.

How it works

Bisabolol has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and skin-penetration-enhancing effects in laboratory and animal studies. It is thought to act on prostaglandin synthesis and to modulate cytokine signaling. Topical use is the dominant evidence base; oral supplement use is less common and less studied.

Dosage

No standardized supplement dose. Topical cosmetics use 0.1-1% concentration.

When and how to take it

Topical use as directed. No formal timing for oral use.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Cosmetic ingredient

Common in face creams, lotions, baby products.

Skin-penetrating

Essential oil component (chamomile)

Component of chamomile essential oil.

Inhaled or applied topically

Safety

FDA-recognized as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for use as a flavoring substance. Topical use is well tolerated; rare allergic contact dermatitis has been reported.

Who should be cautious

Generally well tolerated in pregnancy and breastfeeding at cosmetic levels; consult a clinician before significant oral supplementation. Chamomile allergy may indicate cross-sensitivity.

Interactions

No significant drug interactions documented at typical use levels.

Food sources

Chamomile tea

Amount
trace amounts
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Why is bisabolol in skin products?⌄

It has well-established skin-soothing and anti-inflammatory properties used in cosmetic formulations.

Is it safe?⌄

Yes. FDA-recognized as GRAS and widely used in cosmetics and food flavoring.

References

Bisabolol on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Bisabolol (ChEBI:125) — ChEBI link

Bisabolol (PubChem CID 442343) — PubChem link

Bisabolol on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Bisabolol (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.