What is Chamomile Flower Extract?

Chamomile extract comes from the flowering Chamomile plant, a member of the Asteraceae daisy family. It is a plant native to Europe and Western Asia, but is now cultivated all over the world due to its powerful medicinal properties.

In fact, it has been used in herbal remedies for thousands of years, dating back to the time of Ancient Egypt. There are records showing that ancient Egyptians used to crush the chamomile flower and apply it to dry and irritated skin caused by their searing desert climate. In modern times, chamomile flower extract is still widely used in a variety of healing treatments, including: herbal medicine, teas, and skincare products.

An Anti-Inflammatory Powerhouse for Troubled Skin

Chamomile flower extract is one of the first ingredients to look for when searching for sensitive skin remedies. In the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, it was found that chamomile is one of the most useful ingredients in treating rosacea - a skin condition that results in the persistent redness of the face. This extract is also commonly used to treat other skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis, thanks to its ability to prevent inflammatory chemicals from forming in our bodies.

"There is basic science research showing that chamomile helps block signals in the body known as prostaglandins, which are responsible for inflammation. This makes chamomile a great ingredient for people who have sensitive skin, as well as inflammatory conditions like rosacea," says Dr. Zeichner, the Director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital.

Chamomile can also help reduce itchiness, a common symptom of the aforementioned skin conditions. While it may be tempting to abrasively try to scratch our skin, scratching will actually do more harm than good. Instead, using skincare with chamomile extract can help gently calm down these flare-ups, without having to further irritate our skin barrier.

Gentle Yet Powerful Against Acne

Besides treating skin conditions like rosacea, chamomile flower extract is also a star ingredient used to combat acne. Acne is the manifestation of our pores getting clogged and inflamed from impurities like bacteria, dead skin cells, and sebum. Chamomile’s inflammation-blocking properties enable the extract to effectively soothe the redness and irritation caused by acne.

Chamomile flower extract can also help assist in wound healing in the event that a pimple is popped. According to a clinical study called the “Effects of Chamomile for Wound-Healing”, the difference between the healing stage of a wound without the aid of chamomile versus with the aid of chamomile was statistically significant. The results showed that there was a 61% reduction in the size of the wound thanks to the antimicrobial activity of the chamomile extract.

Withstanding the Test of Time

Even as skincare science continues to evolve and change the industry as we know it, chamomile flower extract is still standing the test of time. Its unique ability to block skin inflammation right at its root without having to compromise on its healing properties is the reason why it has never become a trend - rather, a staple ingredient. From its medicinal origins thousands of years ago to its steady place in our modern skincare products, chamomile will always remain a well-loved ingredient for skincare formulators and consumers alike.