Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Oil: 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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We verify all information on this page using publicly available nomenclature standards from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the European Commission's CosIng database and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Oil?

Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Oil is a fragrant, plant-derived oil extracted from the blossoms of the Chrysanthemum indicum plant, a member of the daisy family. The oil is rich in naturally occurring aromatic molecules such as monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes along with trace flavonoids that offer a pleasant floral scent and skin-loving properties. Chrysanthemums have been appreciated in East Asia for centuries in teas and beauty rituals; as steam distillation techniques advanced, the concentrated flower oil found its way into modern cosmetic labs. Today producers collect freshly harvested flower heads, dry them lightly then pass steam through the plant material. The heat releases the volatile compounds which condense into an essential oil that is later filtered and tested for purity. Thanks to its gentle aroma and conditioning feel, formulators blend this oil into facial serums, moisturizers, calming masks, lightweight lotions, scalp tonics and even fine-fragrance body mists.

Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Oil’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This floral oil adds both sensory appeal and skin care value to topical products.

  • Fragrance: Provides a soft, fresh scent that can mask unwanted base notes and enhance the overall experience of a cream, serum or hair product without relying on heavy synthetic perfumes
  • Skin conditioning: Helps soften and smooth the skin surface, supports a comfortable feel after application and can contribute a light occlusive effect that reduces moisture loss

Who Can Use Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Oil

This flower oil is generally suitable for normal, dry, combination and even oily skin because it is lightweight and non-greasy. Sensitive or reactive skin may need extra caution since essential oils contain natural fragrance allergens that could trigger redness or itching in that group.

Because the oil is extracted from a plant and involves no animal-derived substances, it is considered appropriate for both vegans and vegetarians. Cruelty-free status depends on the final brand’s testing policies, so check labels if that concern applies to you.

There is limited safety data on using this oil during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Although no specific risks have been flagged, essential oils in general can penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream. This is not medical advice: expectant or nursing mothers should show the product to their doctor before adding it to their routine.

Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Oil is not known to make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so it does not raise the risk of sunburn the way some citrus oils do. People with allergies to ragweed, marigold or other members of the daisy family should note the close botanical relation and proceed carefully.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Reactions to topical Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Oil differ from person to person. The points below cover potential side effects and most users will not notice any problems when the ingredient is properly formulated and used as directed.

  • Skin irritation such as stinging, burning or itching, especially on broken or very sensitive skin
  • Allergic contact dermatitis marked by redness, rash or swelling
  • Cross-reactive allergy flare-ups in people sensitive to ragweed or other Asteraceae plants
  • Watery eyes, sneezing or mild respiratory discomfort if the scent is inhaled in a confined space
  • Headache in individuals prone to fragrance-triggered migraines

If any of these effects occur stop using the product right away and consult a healthcare professional for guidance.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1 / 5

Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Oil is an essential oil composed mainly of volatile aromatic molecules rather than heavy triglycerides so it does not have the pore-clogging fatty acid profile that typically causes breakouts. It is also used at very low percentages in finished formulas which further lowers the risk of buildup inside pores. Because of this the ingredient is generally considered friendly for acne-prone skin, though individual reactions can vary.

Its main drawback for blemish-prone users is the potential for irritation. If the surrounding formula is too strong or if the skin barrier is already compromised, irritation can trigger secondary breakouts. Otherwise the oil itself is unlikely to cause comedones.

Summary

Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Oil serves two key roles in cosmetics: it brings a fresh floral fragrance that upgrades the sensory feel of creams, serums, masks and hair products, and it lightly conditions the skin by softening its surface and helping slow water loss. These benefits come from its mix of monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and trace flavonoids that are captured through steam distillation of chrysanthemum blossoms.

The ingredient sits in the middle ground of popularity. It appears in some K-beauty and niche botanical lines but is still far less common than lavender or rose oils, partly because the flowers are seasonal and the yield is modest.

Safety data and user feedback show that most people tolerate the oil well when it is properly diluted, with irritation or allergy remaining the main concerns for a small group of sensitive users. As with any new cosmetic ingredient it is smart to do a patch test before fully adopting a product containing Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Oil just to make sure your skin feels comfortable.

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