Everything You Need to Know About Bisabolol
Find out why this under-the-radar ingredient is a must-have for sensitive skin.
While chamomile has long been recognized for its soothing properties, what you might not know is that its benefits aren’t confined to a calming cup of tea before bedtime. Here’s why: one of the primary bioactive components of chamomile is Bisabolol. And while this ingredient may not get the same attention as, say, Retinol, Vitamin C, or Squalane, it too has some serious skin-boosting superpowers and is especially beneficial for sensitive skin.
What is Bisabolol?
Bisabolol, also known as Alpha Bisabolol or A-Bisabolol, is a natural component of essential oils and a monocyclic sesquiterpene alcohol obtained through distillation. While historically this ingredient was primarily derived from German Chamomile, most of the isolated forms of Bisabolol in skincare formulations are sourced from the endangered Brazilian Candeia Tree. More recently, thanks to innovations in biotechnology, Bisabolol is produced synthetically using clean, sustainable methods.
What are the benefits of Bisabolol in skincare?
While we don’t hear much about Bisabolol, this ingredient is a true hero in your skincare arsenal. Thanks to its moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, it delivers a host of benefits to the skin including moisturizing, soothing, and anti-aging effects. Here’s how:
• Rich in Panthenol, a natural source of Vitamin B5, Bisabolol is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture into the skin
• Bisabolol has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties and works to calm irritation, sensitivity, and redness
• Studies* have found that Bisabolol can help prevent hyperpigmentation, as it inhibits the synthesis of melanin
• Bisabolol has antioxidant properties and can protect the skin from free radical damage
• Bisabolol has antimicrobial properties and works to inhibit bacterial growth on the skin
• Bisabolol helps to enhance penetration of other skincare ingredients, meaning it can boost their efficacy
How should I use Bisabolol?
Bisabolol can be found in a range of skincare products from serums to face and body creams. Because of this ingredient’s soothing properties, it is also a hero active in shave creams, sunscreens, and scalp treatments, as it works to calm skin irritation and redness. This also makes Bisabolol ideal for use after sun exposure or in conjunction with actives like Retinol. Because Bisabolol enhances the absorption of other ingredients, it is often combined with other actives such as Peptides and Niacinamide to improve their efficacy.
Here, four of our favorite clean beauty picks that contain Bisabolol:
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This transformative serum combines Extra Virgin Olive Oil with the botanical powers of Sea Lavender, Hyaluronic Acid, Bioactive Peptides, and Bisabolol to reduce inflammation, repair sun-damaged skin, and deliver day-long hydration. It should be used after cleansing morning and night for supremely soft, supple skin and is suitable for all skin types.
This luxurious, buttery body moisturizer is formulated with the brand's signature TFC8, a patented technology consisting of Amino Acids, Vitamins, and Peptides, along with Shea Butter, Glycerin, Sunflower Seed Oil, and Bisabolol to calm stressed skin. Fragrance-free, it intensely hydrates, conditions, and renews, while visibly improving skin tone and texture.
A nourishing, velvety balm cleanser that immerses the skin with pure hydration and gently cleanses away debris and impurities, while delivering a healing dose of nutrients to the skin. Radiance-inducing and deeply hydrating essential oils Kukui Nut and Camellia make skin glow with health. Plus, a few breaths of the calming lemon rose aroma melt away stress.
Say goodbye to razor burn with this soothing, protective shave cream. Jackfir's shave cream is formulated with Aloe and Cucumber Extracts and Panthenol to soften the hair and ensure natural moisture is locked into the skin before and after shaving, while Bisabolol calms and soothes irritated skin.
