Chamomile Flowers

Chamomile Flowers — INCI Information

German chamomile

INCI name (whole dried flowers): Chamomilla Recutita Flower
Alternative label format: Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower
INCI name (ground flowers): Chamomilla Recutita Flower Powder
INCI name (extract): Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Botanical name: Matricaria chamomilla L.
Botanical synonyms: Matricaria recutita, Chamomilla recutita
Common names: German Chamomile, Blue Chamomile, Common Chamomile
Plant family: Asteraceae/Compositae
Part used: Dried flower heads
CAS number: 84082-60-0
EC number: 282-006-5

Product description

Chamomile Flowers are dried flower heads obtained from German chamomile. They possess a characteristic sweet, herbal and apple-like aroma and are used in cosmetic products for their botanical appearance and skin-conditioning properties.

Chamomile flower powder is officially classified as a skin-conditioning cosmetic ingredient. 

Physical properties

Appearance: Small dried flowers with yellow centres and white-to-cream petals
Odour: Sweet, herbal and mildly apple-like
Solubility: Insoluble in water and oil; suitable for dispersion or infusion
Typical usage rate:

• Facial masks and cleansing powders: 0.5–3%

• Soap: 0.1–2%

• Body scrubs: 0.5–3%

• Bath salts and bath teas: 1–10%

• Hair masks and herbal rinses: 1–5%

• Decorative product topping: As required

Applications

Suitable for facial masks, soaps, bath teas, bath salts, body scrubs, cleansing powders, herbal hair products, infused oils, balms, massage oils and decorative botanical formulations.

Formulation guidance

Use finely ground and sieved flowers in facial products to prevent excessive abrasion. Whole flowers may turn brown when exposed to high temperatures or alkaline soap formulations.

Dried chamomile can introduce microorganisms into water-based products. Use cosmetic-grade material, an effective preservative system and appropriate stability and microbial testing.

People sensitive to ragweed, daisies, chrysanthemums or other Asteraceae-family plants may also react to chamomile. Patch testing is advisable.

Label declarations

Whole German chamomile flowers:
Ingredients: Chamomilla Recutita Flower

Ground German chamomile flowers:
Ingredients: Chamomilla Recutita Flower Powder

Commercial extract: Use the supplier’s complete INCI, including carriers such as water, glycerine, propanediol or preservatives.

Roman chamomile distinction

Roman chamomile is a different botanical and should not use the German-chamomile INCI:

• Whole Roman chamomile: Anthemis Nobilis Flower

• Roman chamomile powder: Anthemis Nobilis Flower Powder

• Roman chamomile extract: Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract

• Botanical name: Chamaemelum nobile / Anthemis nobilis