What is Bisabolol?
Bisabolol is a natural compound typically derived from the chamomile plant (although it can be produced synthetically, too). Also known as alpha-bisabolol or levomenol, this gentle, colorless oil is known for a few key skincare benefits. Most notably, bisabolol in skincare boasts anti-inflammatory properties that promote soothing and self-healing.
You can find bisabolol in various skincare products, from creams to serums to after-sun care. Due to its subtle sweet floral aroma, it's also used in fragrances.
What are the uses of Bisabolol?
So, what is bisabolol used for? If you have sensitive skin, this ingredient might be a good addition to your beauty routine. Here's why.
Provide antioxidant defense
Bisabolol has antioxidant properties. This means it can help protect your skin from environmental stressors like pollution, ultraviolet (UV) light and oxidative damage, which can lead to visible signs of skin aging such as fine lines and discoloration.
Smooth skin
As if bisabolol for skin needed more benefits, this ingredient is also a known skin-conditioning agent that effectively absorbs into the skin — without causing irritation or sun sensitivity.
Lighten pigmentation
Some studies show bisabolol can help reduce the appearance of dark spots associated with discoloration concerns like hyperpigmentation.
Where does Bisabolol come from?
An article in Nutrients shared that bisabolol was first identified and extracted from the German chamomile plant (Matricaria chamomilla), but it's abundant in many plant essential oils. Today, the most common natural sources are chamomile and Brazilian candeia tree (Vanillosmopsis erythropappa) bark.
Manufacturers primarily extract bisabolol through steam distillation, which involves submerging the plant in boiling water or steam-heating it to release the oil. But chemists can also make bisabolol synthetically in a lab using molecular engineering, which helps preserve plant life and ensure purity and consistency. This process typically entails fermenting organisms like yeast or bacteria.
Considered one of the "most-used herbal constituents" in the world, people across cultures have used bisabolol to support sensitive skin for hundreds of years. Today, these same healing properties make bisabolol a star ingredient in many soothing and reparative skincare products, from serums to sunscreens.
Where does Bisabolol come from?
An article in Nutrients shared that bisabolol was first identified and extracted from the German chamomile plant (Matricaria chamomilla), but it's abundant in many plant essential oils. Today, the most common natural sources are chamomile and Brazilian candeia tree (Vanillosmopsis erythropappa) bark.
Manufacturers primarily extract bisabolol through steam distillation, which involves submerging the plant in boiling water or steam-heating it to release the oil. But chemists can also make bisabolol synthetically in a lab using molecular engineering, which helps preserve plant life and ensure purity and consistency. This process typically entails fermenting organisms like yeast or bacteria.
Considered one of the "most-used herbal constituents" in the world, people across cultures have used bisabolol to support sensitive skin for hundreds of years. Today, these same healing properties make bisabolol a star ingredient in many soothing and reparative skincare products, from serums to sunscreens.
How to incorporate Bisabolol into your skincare routine
Want to reap bisabolol's benefits? Here's how to add this soothing ingredient to your skincare routine.
Apply Bisabolol products post-morning cleanse
Boost your routine by applying a moisturizer or serum with bisabolol after cleansing in the morning.
Moisturizer
To help relieve dry, irritated skin, slather on a moisturizer with bisabolol while your skin is still damp. Try Neutrogena® Triple Age Repair Moisturizer with Broad Spectrum SPF 25. This multitasking moisturizer is formulated with bisabolol and vitamin C to help smooth the appearance of wrinkles, even skin tone and visibly firm your skin.
For smooth, natural-looking skin with a dewy finish, try a tinted moisturizing treatment with bisabolol like Neutrogena Healthy Skin® Anti-Aging Perfector. In addition to bisabolol, this tinted moisturizer is formulated with retinol and SPF 20 to help smooth skin's texture and minimize the look of fine lines with blendable, sheer coverage.
Serum
Consider Neutrogena® Clear Face Serum Sunscreen with Green Tea Broad Spectrum SPF 60+. This formula combines many powerful skincare ingredients, including bisabolol and green tea extract, to help preserve your skin's moisture barrier and safeguard your complexion against the sun's harsh UV rays.
Use a Bisabolol-boosted sunscreen
You probably already know you should always apply sunscreen as the last step in your morning beauty routine to help shield your skin from sun damage and sunburns. So, sunscreen is one of the easiest ways to add soothing bisabolol to your routine.
Face
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, opt for a formula like Neutrogena® Clear Face Breakout-Free Liquid Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30. With an oil-free formula, water-light texture and matte finish, this sunscreen will protect your skin without clogging pores.
For active types, another must-try facial sunscreen with bisabolol is Neutrogena® Sport Face Oil-Free Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 70+. This non-comedogenic formula is oil-free and sweat- and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, and it resists wiping and rubbing for the most intense workouts.
Body
Remember to show your body some sun care love, too! Neutrogena® Clear Body Breakout-Free Liquid Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 contains bisabolol to condition the skin while protecting your body from breakouts and UV rays from head to toe.
Use Bisabolol skincare on irritation-prone areas
Put bisabolol's soothing, anti-inflammatory properties to work by applying it to irritation-prone areas. For example, consider applying an after-sun care lotion with bisabolol to sunburned areas, an after-shave lotion with bisabolol to recently shaved areas or a bisabolol-containing bug spray to itchy mosquito bites.
Combine Bisabolol with other soothing ingredients
Combine bisabolol with other popular ingredients for dry, irritated skin, like hyaluronic acid and aloe vera, for even more skin-soothing power.
Make Bisabolol part of your nighttime beauty regimen
Your skin repairs itself while you sleep, so consider adding bisabolol skincare products to your nighttime beauty routine.
