Bisabolol – how the herbal ingredient works on sensitive skin

Bisabo-what? Behind this plant-based ingredient, bisabolol, there is truly a versatile talent. That's why you can now find this ingredient in numerous skincare products, especially in moisturizing day creams, lotions, and even cleansing gels.

In this blog post, we have summarized everything you need to know about this plant-based ingredient and its versatile effects on the skin.

What's behind it?

Bisabolol is a natural, colorless, and viscous alcohol that comes in two forms: alpha-bisabolol, found mainly in chamomile, and beta-bisabolol, naturally occurring in cotton and corn.

Good to know: In our med cleansing gel, we exclusively use plant-based alpha-bisabolol from the chamomile plant, which is particularly known for its versatile, skin-soothing properties. Synthetically produced bisabolol, on the other hand, usually consists of equal parts alpha- and beta-bisabolol. However, since only the alpha form of bisabolol is active, the synthetic version is always only half as effective as natural alpha-bisabolol.

How does bisabolol affect the skin?

Bisabolol has a range of skin-caring properties that make it a valuable ingredient in natural cosmetics. Alpha-bisabolol acts as...

1. anti-inflammatory: Bisabolol has strong anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce redness and swelling. It can soothe skin irritations and is particularly helpful in treating inflammatory skin conditions such as acne or atopic eczema (neurodermatitis).

2. skin-calming: The soothing properties of bisabolol make it ideal for caring for sensitive, irritated, or allergy-prone skin. It helps calm the skin and sustainably relieves itching with regular use.

3. antioxidant: Bisabolol contains antioxidant compounds that protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. This can help prevent premature skin aging and keep the skin healthy and radiant.

4. antimicrobial: Bisabolol has antimicrobial properties that can help inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi on the skin. This is particularly useful in treating skin blemishes and minor skin infections.

5. wound-healing: Bisabolol supports the natural healing of the skin. It promotes the regeneration of damaged skin cells and can help minor wounds and scars heal faster.

Which skin types is bisabolol suitable for?

Bisabolol is an extremely versatile ingredient that is suitable for almost all skin types. The properties mentioned make it particularly valuable for people with sensitive, delicate, and dry skin, such as those with neurodermatitis.

The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of bisabolol also make it an effective ingredient for treating acne. Mature skin also benefits from this natural ingredient. Thanks to its antioxidant properties, bisabolol can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and combat the signs of premature skin aging.

Can bisabolol potentially trigger allergic reactions?

Bisabolol is generally considered to be very well tolerated by the skin. However, you should be aware that the effectiveness of chamomile extracts in treating skin problems always depends on various factors, including the concentration of the extract, the type of application, and individual skin reactions. So far, there are only a few reports of allergic reactions to bisabolol. If you have a proven chamomile allergy, you should avoid bisabolol as a precaution.