Chamomilla Recutita Flower: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: June 24, 2025
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All information on this page is verified using publicly available nomenclature standards and reference materials from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) and the European Commission's CosIng database. Our analyses are based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Chamomilla Recutita Flower?

Chamomilla Recutita Flower is the blossom of the German chamomile plant, a daisy family member long prized for its gentle soothing nature. The flower heads are loaded with flavonoids such as apigenin and luteolin along with bisabolol, chamazulene and matricin, compounds that help calm skin and support its natural barrier. Historical records show that crushed chamomile flowers were applied to the skin as far back as ancient Egypt for their softening properties, and the extract transitioned into modern cosmetics as formulators looked for botanical alternatives to harsher synthetic additives.

To create the ingredient, freshly harvested flowers are dried then macerated in a solvent like glycerin, propylene glycol or water. The liquid is filtered and concentrated, yielding an amber or blue-tinged extract rich in those active molecules. Some suppliers also offer CO₂ extracts that preserve more of the flower’s oil-soluble components.

You will spot Chamomilla Recutita Flower in a wide range of leave-on or rinse-off products, including calming face masks, hydrating moisturizers, after-sun gels, baby lotions, scalp tonics and anti-aging serums that aim to keep skin comfortable while delivering other actives.

Chamomilla Recutita Flower’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This botanical’s primary role is skin conditioning, meaning it helps maintain skin softness and overall healthy appearance. By supplying soothing flavonoids and barrier-supporting bisabolol, it can ease temporary redness, reduce the tight feeling that follows cleansing and lend a supple touch to formulas. As a result products containing Chamomilla Recutita Flower often feel more comforting on sensitive or freshly exfoliated skin, and they support a smoother, well hydrated complexion.

Who Can Use Chamomilla Recutita Flower

Because it is mild and soothing, Chamomilla Recutita Flower suits almost every skin type including dry, normal, combination, oily and especially sensitive or easily irritated skin. The only group that may need extra caution is anyone with a known allergy to plants in the ragweed or daisy family, as they could react to similar proteins found in chamomile.

The ingredient is plant derived with no animal by-products so it is generally considered appropriate for vegans and vegetarians. As always product labels should be checked to confirm that the full formula meets individual lifestyle standards.

Topical chamomile has a long history of safe use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and no research has flagged it as a concern when applied to the skin in cosmetic amounts. Still this is not medical advice and pregnant or nursing people should run any skincare routine past their doctor just to be on the safe side.

Chamomilla Recutita Flower does not increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight so it is not regarded as a photosensitising ingredient. It can be used both day and night and layers well with most other actives.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Reactions to topical Chamomilla Recutita Flower differ from person to person. The points below outline possible side effects yet most users will not experience them when the ingredient has been formulated and applied correctly.

  • Allergic contact dermatitis – itching, redness or small bumps can develop in people who are sensitive to ragweed or other Asteraceae plants
  • Contact urticaria – rare immediate hives or stinging soon after application
  • Eye irritation – stinging or watering if product accidentally gets into the eyes
  • Cross-reactivity with other botanicals – using several daisy family extracts at once may raise the risk of a combined reaction in very allergy-prone individuals
  • Temporary staining – some concentrated extracts have a natural blue tint that can leave a faint color on very light fabrics or towels

If any of these issues occur stop use and seek advice from a healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Chamomilla Recutita Flower scores a 0–1 on the comedogenic scale, which places it firmly in the non comedogenic category. The extract is rich in lightweight water soluble flavonoids and only trace amounts of volatile oils, so it does not leave behind pore clogging residues. It is usually present at low percentages in formulas, further reducing any risk of buildup. In practical terms this makes the ingredient well suited to skin that is prone to acne or frequent breakouts.

Keep in mind that the finished product’s overall base and supporting ingredients will have more influence on comedogenicity than the chamomile itself, so always consider the full ingredient list when evaluating a product for blemish prone skin.

Summary

Chamomilla Recutita Flower is valued for its skin conditioning ability, delivering soothing flavonoids and barrier friendly bisabolol that ease redness, boost softness and promote a comfortably hydrated complexion.

While not the flashiest plant extract on the market, it maintains steady popularity in moisturizers, after sun lotions, baby products, calming toners and scalp treatments thanks to its long track record of gentle performance.

The ingredient is generally very safe, with issues limited to uncommon ragweed related allergies. Still, a quick patch test is a smart move whenever you try a new product containing Chamomilla Recutita Flower to ensure your skin is happy with it.

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