What is "BISABOLOL" and what does it do?

Role: EMOLLIENT

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Bisabolol is an oily, colorless to light-yellow liquid, widely recognized for its soothing properties on the skin. It comes in two structural forms: alpha-bisabolol, mainly extracted from chamomile and other plants (although it can also be synthesized in the laboratory), and beta-bisabolol, found in cotton and corn. The alpha form is the one commonly used in skin care products.

Use in Cosmetology
Bisabolol is frequently found in many personal care products such as moisturizers, cleansers and serums. It often plays an active role in soothing the skin thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, making it a preferred ingredient in products for sensitive skin.

Additional Benefits
In addition to its soothing properties, research suggests that bisabolol may also help alleviate skin discoloration problems. Its naturally sweet, slightly floral fragrance is sometimes used in larger quantities to perfume a formula. However, in low doses, it gives off no noticeable fragrance, and its soothing compounds outweigh any risk of irritation.

Considerations and Safety
Bisabolol is generally derived from chamomile, a member of the ragweed family. As such, it may be best avoided if you have a confirmed allergy to ragweed. In 2017, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Board concluded that bisabolol is safe when used up to a concentration of 1 % in leave-on formulations.

Bisabolol: Definition and origins
Bisabolol, also known as alpha-bisabolol or levomenol, is an unsaturated monocyclic sesquiterpene alcohol found mainly in certain essential oils. It was first extracted in 1951 from chamomile recutita, a variety of wild chamomile. This plant contains between 5 and 70% of bisabolol, a fairly significant concentration that has aroused the interest of researchers and manufacturers alike.

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