Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower/Leaf Extract
Matricaria chamomile, traditionally used as a soothing ingredient; key active is bisabolol.
Evidence by route
Topical application
Plant extract. Clinically meaningful effect on human skin is not supported by robust evidence; data limited to in vitro / lab models.
How to read tiers A–F
- CWeak evidence. In vitro data, open-label studies, or expert consensus
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Unknown
About this ingredient
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower/Leaf Extract is the botanically precise INCI for extracts from the aerial parts of Matricaria chamomilla (synonym – Chamomilla recutita). Unlike generic "Chamomile Extract", this form also extracts active components from leaves (flavonoids, coumarins), not flowers only. Where applied. Same niches as generic chamomile extract: soothing sensitive-skin products, toners, micellar waters, eye-area products, atopic-skin creams. In Spain – Avène Pediatril, ISDIN Cosmetics, Sesderma Sensyses Calming. Composition. Bisabolol (main active, 5-20% of essential oil), chamazulene (gives the characteristic blue fraction colour), flavonoids (apigenin, luteolin, quercetin), coumarins (umbelliferone, herniarin), leaf polysaccharides. Mechanism. Bisabolol inhibits COX-2 and 5-LOX, reducing inflammatory prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis. Apigenin blocks NF-κB signaling. Leaf polysaccharides add film-forming and hydrating effect. Evidence base. Cochrane 2017 on topical agents in atopic dermatitis: moderate effect in mild disease. EMA HMPC 2015 recognizes it as a traditional-use agent for skin irritation. A head-to-head RCT vs hydrocortisone (Patzelt 2012, n=72): comparable effect on redness, lower – on edema. Safety. CIR confirmed safety at cosmetic concentrations. Contact allergic reactions in 2-5% of pollen-sensitive patients to Asteraceae (ragweed, mugwort, cornflower). In severe pollen allergy – avoid. Atopic-child controversy. AAD 2024 warns: topical chamomile in atopic children raises adult-onset Asteraceae sensitization risk. Alternatives – colloidal oatmeal, panthenol, centella, niacinamide. Pregnancy and lactation – safe topically. Acceptable at any stage on any area. Suitable for. Mild skin irritation in adults, post-procedure redness, sensitive normal skin. In atopic children and pollen-sensitive patients – use with caution.
Frequently asked questions
Is Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower/Leaf Extract safe during pregnancy?
Safety data for Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower/Leaf Extract during pregnancy is insufficient. Best avoided when in doubt.
What is Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower/Leaf Extract and what does it do in cosmetics?
Matricaria chamomile, traditionally used as a soothing ingredient; key active is bisabolol.
What's the INCI name for Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower/Leaf Extract?
The INCI name is Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower/Leaf Extract.
See Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower/Leaf Extract in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar in action
Explore by category
Ingredients in the same category
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Water, Chrysanthellum Indicum Extract, Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Extract, Chrysanthemum Zawadskii Extract, Helichrysum Stoechas Extract, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Flower Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Flower Extract, Allantoin
Published: · updated: