Chamomilla Recutita Flower/Leaf Extract: 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/Leaf Extract?

Chamomilla Recutita Flower/Leaf Extract comes from the blooms and foliage of German chamomile, a daisy-like plant long prized in folk skin care for its calming touch. The flowers and leaves are rich in flavonoids such as apigenin, essential oils like alpha-bisabolol and chamazulene plus minor amounts of phenolic acids. Together these molecules lend the plant its characteristic soft grassy scent and protective traits.

The beauty world’s interest in chamomile began centuries ago when herbal poultices were used to soothe weather-worn skin. As cosmetics modernized formulators started isolating the water-soluble and oil-soluble fractions to capture the plant’s benefits in creams and lotions. Today manufacturers harvest and dry the plant parts then steep them in water, glycerin, propylene glycol or a gentle oil to pull out active compounds. After filtration and standardization the liquid or powdered extract is added to products.

You will spot Chamomilla Recutita Flower/Leaf Extract in calming face masks, redness-reducing toners, daily moisturizers, after-sun gels, baby lotions, scalp-soothing shampoos and even color-care conditioners where it helps keep formulas fresh while comforting the skin or scalp.

Chamomilla Recutita Flower/Leaf Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

When included in a formula this botanical mainly serves one key role.

Antimicrobial: The extract helps curb the growth of bacteria and fungi that can spoil a product or stress the skin. By limiting unwanted microbes it supports product safety, extends shelf life and gives an extra layer of protection to sensitive complexions prone to blemishes or irritation.

Who Can Use Chamomilla Recutita Flower/Leaf Extract

This gentle botanical usually agrees with all skin types, including sensitive, dry, oily and combination complexions. Its soothing profile and low oil content mean it rarely feels heavy or pore clogging, making it friendly for acne-prone users as well. Those with extremely reactive or ragweed allergies should proceed cautiously since chamomile belongs to the same plant family and cross-sensitivities can occur.

The extract comes straight from a plant and no animal-derived processing aids are typically required, so products featuring it are generally suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Always confirm the full ingredient list to be sure the finished formula is cruelty-free.

No specific warnings tie Chamomilla Recutita Flower/Leaf Extract to pregnancy or breastfeeding. Still, hormonal shifts can make skin more reactive and every person is unique. This information is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should ask a doctor before adding new skincare.

The extract does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and can safely be worn during the day. As with any new ingredient, individual tolerance can differ so monitor your skin for changes.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to topical Chamomilla Recutita Flower/Leaf Extract differ from person to person. The effects listed below are possible yet uncommon when the ingredient is used in a well-formulated product.

  • Allergic contact dermatitis – redness, itching or rash may appear in people allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family such as ragweed or marigold
  • Eye irritation – stinging or watering can occur if a product containing the extract accidentally gets into the eyes
  • Skin sensitization over time – rare buildup of sensitivity leading to mild burning or flushing after repeated use
  • Interaction with leave-on actives – very high concentrations of acids or retinoids in the same routine might heighten the chance of mild irritation in vulnerable skin

If any discomfort, swelling or persistent redness develops stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0 / 5

Chamomilla Recutita Flower/Leaf Extract is mostly composed of water soluble flavonoids and trace essential oils that are present at very low concentrations. It lacks the heavy lipids and waxes typically linked with clogged pores so it sits light on the skin and rinses away easily. Studies and anecdotal reports do not flag it as pore blocking or breakout provoking.

Suitable for acne prone and easily congested skin.

Because manufacturers can use different solvents, an extract carried in a rich oil might raise the overall product’s comedogenic potential, but the plant component itself remains non clogging.

Summary

Chamomilla Recutita Flower/Leaf Extract lends antimicrobial support that helps formulas fight off spoilage microbes while also giving the skin a clean calm feel. Its flavonoids, alpha bisabolol and chamazulene deliver this benefit by weakening bacterial membranes and reducing surface irritation.

The extract is a familiar sight in soothing toners, baby lotions and after sun gels yet it is not a superstar marketing buzzword, so many users enjoy its quiet effectiveness without even noticing it on the label.

Overall safety is high with few documented reactions except in those with ragweed related allergies. As with any new skincare ingredient it is wise to perform a quick patch test before full use.

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