Chamomile essential oil, 1 L

German Chamomile Essential Oil, 1 L

This oil is steam distilled from the flower heads of German chamomile, Matricaria chamomilla, known in French as Camomille Allemande. The product card lists the INCI name Matricaria Chamomile Flower Oil, India as the country of production and a 1 L container. German chamomile oil should not be confused with Roman chamomile oil from Chamaemelum nobile, which differs in both composition and scent.

Where the blue colour comes from

The flowers themselves contain no blue pigment. During steam distillation, matricin converts into chamazulene, which turns the oil deep blue or blue-green. Alongside chamazulene, German chamomile oil typically contains alpha-bisabolol, bisabolol oxides and farnesene. Their proportions vary widely with cultivar and origin, so check the certificate of analysis for this lot. The card does not state the colour of this lot.

Scent and texture

Rich, herbaceous and sweetly fruity with a tobacco-like nuance. The oil is fairly viscous and thickens in the cold.

Applications

Products for sensitive skin

German chamomile oil is a classic choice in creams, serums and balms aimed at sensitive or dry skin, as both a fragrance and a care-oriented ingredient.

Gentle and baby care

Popular in mild product lines, though levels there are kept very low and the final decision rests with the safety assessor.

After-sun and aftershave

Soothing-feel gels and lotions, where the scent supports a comfortable feel.

Usage guidance

In facial products the usual level is 0.1 to 0.5 %, while body products can take up to 1 %. Add the oil to the oil phase during cool-down, once the batch is below 40 °C. Chamazulene is sensitive to light and oxygen, so the product should contain an antioxidant and be filled into opaque packaging.

Technical notes

Even small amounts tint pale creams blue, so assess the shade on a pilot batch. Chamomile blends well with lavender, bergamot, rose and sandalwood. People allergic to plants of the daisy family may react to chamomile, which is worth keeping in mind during development.

Product data

The oil is obtained from Matricaria chamomilla flowers and carries the INCI name Matricaria Chamomile Flower Oil. It is also known as German chamomile or Camomille Allemande. India is the country of production, and the oil is supplied in a 1 L container.

Example: calming-feel face serum oil, 30 ml

To make 30 ml of this serum oil, combine 15 ml of squalane with 8 ml of rosehip seed oil and 6.6 ml of jojoba oil. Then add 0.3 ml of tocopherol and finish with 0.1 ml of German chamomile essential oil.

Measure the oils into a clean glass beaker, add tocopherol and the chamomile oil, and stir gently. Fill into an amber dropper bottle. The chamomile content is about 0.3 %, and the serum will have a faint blue tint.

Storage and related products

Keep in a dark, tightly closed container in a cool place. For comparison, the catalogue also has Roman chamomile oil, 1 L and German chamomile in 50 ml. Antioxidants are in wholesale preservatives and antioxidants.

FAQ

Is German chamomile oil the same as Roman chamomile oil?

No. German chamomile oil comes from Matricaria chamomilla, while Roman chamomile oil is made from Chamaemelum nobile, and the two differ in composition and scent.

Why is German chamomile oil blue?

The blue colour comes from chamazulene, which forms from matricin during steam distillation. Before distillation the flowers show no blue colour at all.

What packaging suits products with German chamomile oil?

Opaque packaging is the safer choice, because chamazulene is sensitive to light and oxygen. An antioxidant in the product also helps.