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Bisabolol

What Bisabolol is & what it does

A soothing component derived from chamomile that helps reduce the look of redness and irritation. It is mild and often included to make active formulas more comfortable.

What is Bisabolol and what does it do in sunscreen?

Bisabolol is a soothing ingredient classically derived from chamomile. It helps reduce the look of redness and visible irritation, making it a popular addition to sunscreens and other active formulas. Its job is comfort: it makes a product feel gentler on reactive or sensitive skin.

Is Bisabolol safe?

Yes. Bisabolol is a mild, well-tolerated ingredient used at low levels and is generally considered safe for skin, including sensitive skin. It is valued precisely because it is gentle and calming rather than active or harsh. Reactions are uncommon at the small amounts used in cosmetics.

Does Bisabolol clog pores?

Generally no. Bisabolol is used in very small amounts as a soothing agent, not as an oil or emollient, so it is not considered a pore-clogging ingredient. It has no notable comedogenic reputation. Breakouts are far more likely to come from richer ingredients elsewhere in a formula.

What is Bisabolol on an ingredient list (INCI)?

Bisabolol is the INCI name on the label, and it usually appears spelled out that way. It is the main soothing compound originally isolated from chamomile, though most cosmetic-grade bisabolol today is produced synthetically or from other plant sources for consistency. It typically sits low on the list, among the soothing or botanical ingredients.

Is Bisabolol natural?

It can be either. Bisabolol occurs naturally in chamomile and a few other plants, but much of the bisabolol used in cosmetics is made synthetically or derived from other botanicals to ensure purity and a steady supply. Chemically the natural and synthetic forms are the same soothing molecule, so both behave alike on skin.

Sunscreens with Bisabolol

We rate 809 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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