The Skin Care Benefits of Chamomile (And the Best Products That Have It)

One of the most relaxing nighttime rituals is sipping a cup of chamomile tea. In case you didn’t know, chamomile has a long history as an Ayurvedic treatment. A form of holistic medicine, Ayurveda was founded in India thousands of years ago on the principle that health depends on the right balance between the body and mind.

The Health and Skin Care Benefits of Chamomile

Coming from the Anthemis nobilis plant, chamomile is said to be able to treat everything from bloating to insomnia to headaches to PMS symptoms. “Chamomile has anti-inflammatory effects because it blocks the release of a potent chemical responsible for promoting inflammation in your body—called prostaglandin E2—and also decreases the release of histamine,” explains Dr. Donna Hart, M.D., a dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology. Histamine is a chemical your immune system produces to help your body get rid of allergy symptoms, adds Hart.

Along with boasting some major health benefits, did you know that chamomile also provides skin care benefits? Because of chamomile’s ability to inhibit inflammation, it can have some pretty cool effects on your skin. “When used topically in skin care products, it can help soothe, comfort and moisturize the skin,” says cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson, of Beauty Stat. “It’s particularly good for those with sensitive skin,” he notes.

Chamomile and Sensitive Skin

According to a study published in Molecular Medicine Reports, one of the main compounds found in chamomile is called apigenin, which other studies have shown to be able to improve skin barrier function. Your skin barrier refers to the outermost layer of your skin. Though it works to keeps irritants out, things like environmental conditions or the use of harsh products can weaken it. When your skin barrier is weakened, irritants can make their way in and lead to irritation and sensitivity.

According to the Molecular Medicine Reports study, chamomile contains other compounds that have anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds include alpha-bisabolol, alpha-bisabolol oxides A & B and matricin. They’re all flavonoids, which are a class of substances found in plants. One international study found that the flavonoids in chamomile have the ability to penetrate deep into the skin and inhibit the release of chemicals that cause inflammation. It makes sense then that the study highlights the fact that chamomile is used topically to treat diaper rash, chicken pox, poison ivy and the list goes on.

Chamomile and Acne- or Rosacea-Prone Skin

Dr. Hart adds that in addition to calming sensitive skin, chamomile also helps decrease inflammation in those with acne- or rosacea-prone skin. A study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology found that the most useful herbs for treating the facial redness of rosacea includes chamomile, green tea and lavender, thanks to their ability to block the release of inflammatory chemicals in the body.

As for acne, a study published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine states that chamomile essential oil contains compounds called α-pinene and terpinen-4-ol that have antimicrobial effects, meaning they kill or stop the growth of certain germs. This study explains that these antimicrobial compounds help kill Staphylococcus aureus, a type of bacteria that causes acne.

Precaution to Note

As great as chamomile can be to sensitive and problematic skin, the one caveat is that chamomile is a relative to ragweed, a common weed that produces pollen and that many people are allergic to. So those with ragweed allergies may want to hold back on this ingredient to avoid a potential reaction to chamomile, notes Dr. Hart. If you're not sure whether you're allergic to this ingredient, always do a patch test before slathering a new product with chamomile on the rest of your skin.

Best Skin Care Products With Chamomile 

Ready to take advantage of all of the beauty benefits chamomile has to offer? Here are some products formulated with chamomile that you can add to your skin care routine.

1. The Organic Pharmacy Rose and Chamomile Cleansing Milk (100 ml.)

The Organic Pharmacy Rose and Chamomile Cleansing Milk (100 ml.)

6 reviews

RRP: $67.00Current price: $40.20

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Though washing your face is a necessary step, if you have dry skin or rosacea, washing your face can lead to even more dryness and sensitivity, since cleansing removes oils that work to keep your skin hydrated. Enter this cleansing milk, which is the perfect option for those with rosacea, dry skin and serious sensitivity. It's formulated with anti-inflammatory chamomile, as well as rose, which is also soothing to sensitive skin. Unlike traditional cleansers that often contain detergents that can strip the skin of moisture, this cleansing milk actually adds moisture to the skin thanks to ingredients like aloe, shea butter and jojoba oil.

2. Indie Lee CoQ-10 Toner 125ml

Indie Lee CoQ-10 Toner 125ml

228 reviews

$38.00

125ml

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Toners often get a bad rap for being drying, but not this one. In fact, this particular toner was specially formulated to address issues plaguing those with dry and sensitive skin. Many toners have an alcohol base and alcohol can be drying and irritating to the skin. Instead, this toner relies on chamomile flower to target inflammation, ease irritation and prevent moisture loss, setting it apart from traditional toners.

3. Eminence Organic Skin Care Calm Skin Chamomile Moisturizer 2 fl. oz

Eminence Organic Skin Care Calm Skin Chamomile Moisturizer 2 fl. oz

Eminence Organic Skin Care Full Size Gift

69 reviews

$65.00

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4. Yon-Ka Paris Skincare Nutri-Contour (0.5 oz.)

Yon-Ka Paris Skincare Nutri-Contour (0.5 oz.)

1 reviews

$74.00

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Noticed wrinkles around your eyes? This gentle under-eye cream relies on the antioxidant properties of chamomile to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in the eye area.

5. Supergoop!® Sunnyscreen SPF 50 Spray 3.4 fl. oz.

Supergoop!® Sunnyscreen SPF 50 Spray 3.4 fl. oz.

1 reviews

$30.00

COMING SOON

Babies have delicate skin that is especially prone to irritation. If you're looking for a product to protect your little one without adding to their irritation, your search is officially over. This baby sunscreen is packed with soothing ingredients like coconut oil, mango butter, calendula and chamomile. As a bonus, it can be applied to your baby's face and body, saving you room in your diaper bag.