Bisabolol

At ORY^®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about bisabolol. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.

1. General Description and Role

Verification: Supported, with caveats. Bisabolol’s origin and chemistry are well documented. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel found it safe as used in cosmetics and reaffirmed that conclusion on re-review, with use reported at up to 1% in leave-on products. Its calming effects are supported mainly by laboratory and animal research; large human trials of bisabolol on its own are limited.

Citations:

• • Andersen, F. A. (Ed.). (1999). Final report on the safety assessment of bisabolol. International Journal of Toxicology, 18(Suppl 3), 33–40. https://doi.org/10.1177/109158189901800305
    • What it shows: The CIR safety review concluded bisabolol is safe as used in cosmetic formulations.
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review. Safety assessment of bisabolol as used in cosmetics (re-review document). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/bisabolol.pdf
    • What it shows: CIR re-review: reaffirmed safety, with a maximum reported use of 1% in leave-on products.
  • Kamatou, G. P. P., & Viljoen, A. M. (2010). A review of the application and pharmacological properties of α-bisabolol and α-bisabolol-rich oils. Journal of the American Oil Chemists’ Society, 87(1), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11746-009-1483-3
    • What it shows: Review of bisabolol’s sources (chamomile, candeia) and its uses in cosmetics and pharmacology.

2. Composition and Production

Verification: Supported. The chemistry, natural sources, and difference between natural and synthetic forms are described in the scientific literature.

Citations:

• • Kamatou, G. P. P., & Viljoen, A. M. (2010). A review of the application and pharmacological properties of α-bisabolol and α-bisabolol-rich oils. Journal of the American Oil Chemists’ Society, 87(1), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11746-009-1483-3
    • What it shows: Describes the natural (-)-α form, candeia and chamomile sources, and the synthetic isomer mixture.
  • Eddin, L. B., Jha, N. K., Goyal, S. N., et al. (2022). Health benefits, pharmacological effects, molecular mechanisms, and therapeutic potential of α-bisabolol. Nutrients, 14(7), 1370. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14071370
    • What it shows: Review summarizing bisabolol’s chemistry and sources.

3. Skin Type Suitability

Verification: Supported, with caveats. In human testing reviewed by the CIR, a product containing 0.1% bisabolol did not cause sensitization. The CIR also noted a small number of case reports, mostly in children, of reactions to a moisturizer containing bisabolol. Soothing effects come mainly from laboratory and animal studies.

Citations:

• • Cosmetic Ingredient Review. Safety assessment of bisabolol as used in cosmetics (re-review document). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/bisabolol.pdf
    • What it shows: Human sensitization testing and case reports summarized by the CIR.
  • Maurya, A. K., Singh, M., Dubey, V., et al. (2014). α-(-)-Bisabolol reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine production and ameliorates skin inflammation. Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, 15(2), 173–181. https://doi.org/10.2174/1389201015666140528152946
    • What it shows: Lab and mouse study: bisabolol reduced inflammatory signals and calmed induced skin inflammation.

4. Hair and Scalp Suitability

Verification: Limited evidence. We found no published clinical study of bisabolol on its own on the scalp. Our scalp claims are based on how bisabolol behaves on skin, so we keep them modest. ORY^® haircare products are not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to grow hair or prevent hair loss.

Citations:

• • Cosmetic Ingredient Review. Safety assessment of bisabolol as used in cosmetics (re-review document). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/bisabolol.pdf
    • What it shows: Confirms bisabolol is used in cosmetic products, including hair products, and is considered safe as used.

5. Benefits

Verification: Supported, with caveats. Laboratory and animal studies show bisabolol reduces inflammatory signals. Reviews also describe antimicrobial activity in the lab, but ORY^® does not make antibacterial claims because those are drug claims. Wound-healing research involves a related molecule (epi-α-bisabolol) in animals, so ORY^® does not make healing claims. The CIR notes bisabolol can increase skin penetration of other ingredients; ORY^® treats this as a formulation caution, not a benefit.

Citations:

• • Maurya, A. K., Singh, M., Dubey, V., et al. (2014). α-(-)-Bisabolol reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine production and ameliorates skin inflammation. Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, 15(2), 173–181. https://doi.org/10.2174/1389201015666140528152946
    • What it shows: Mouse and cell study: reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines and calmed skin inflammation.
  • Eddin, L. B., Jha, N. K., Goyal, S. N., et al. (2022). Health benefits, pharmacological effects, molecular mechanisms, and therapeutic potential of α-bisabolol. Nutrients, 14(7), 1370. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14071370
    • What it shows: Review of anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity, mainly from lab and animal studies.
  • Villegas, L. F., Marçalo, A., Martin, J., et al. (2001). (+)-epi-α-Bisabolol is the wound-healing principle of Peperomia galioides: Investigation of the in vivo wound-healing activity of related terpenoids. Journal of Natural Products, 64(10), 1357–1359. https://doi.org/10.1021/np0105679
    • What it shows: Animal study: wound-healing activity was linked to epi-α-bisabolol, a related but different isomer.
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review. Safety assessment of bisabolol as used in cosmetics (re-review document). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/bisabolol.pdf
    • What it shows: CIR note that bisabolol is a penetration enhancer.

6. Use Across ORY^® Product Lines

Verification: Supported, with caveats. The levels ORY^® uses are within or near the CIR’s reported maximum of 1% for leave-on products. We found no peer-reviewed data on how much bisabolol remains in cold-process soap, so ORY^® makes no efficacy claims for soap.

Citations:

• • Cosmetic Ingredient Review. Safety assessment of bisabolol as used in cosmetics (re-review document). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/bisabolol.pdf
    • What it shows: Reported use concentrations (up to 1% in leave-on products).
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap
    • What it shows: FDA explains when soap is regulated as soap, a cosmetic, or a drug.

7. Pros

Verification: Supported. Low use levels and natural sources are documented. Formulation stability comes from supplier data rather than peer-reviewed research.

Citations:

• • Kamatou, G. P. P., & Viljoen, A. M. (2010). A review of the application and pharmacological properties of α-bisabolol and α-bisabolol-rich oils. Journal of the American Oil Chemists’ Society, 87(1), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11746-009-1483-3
    • What it shows: Describes use levels, sources, and cosmetic applications.

8. Cons

Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:

• • Cost and sourcing. Natural (-)-α-bisabolol costs more and depends on managed candeia harvesting.
  • Mostly preclinical evidence. Few large human trials have tested bisabolol on its own.
  • Oil-soluble. Needs an oil phase or solubilizer.
  • Allergy. Reactions are uncommon but reported. People allergic to chamomile or ragweed should patch test.
  • Penetration enhancer. Bisabolol can help other ingredients absorb, so ORY^® formulates with this in mind.

Citations:

• • Cosmetic Ingredient Review. Safety assessment of bisabolol as used in cosmetics (re-review document). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/bisabolol.pdf
    • What it shows: Case reports of reactions and the penetration-enhancer note.
  • Eddin, L. B., Jha, N. K., Goyal, S. N., et al. (2022). Health benefits, pharmacological effects, molecular mechanisms, and therapeutic potential of α-bisabolol. Nutrients, 14(7), 1370. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14071370
    • What it shows: Summarizes the mostly preclinical evidence base.

9. Safety Notes

Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:

• • Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use, especially if you are allergic to chamomile, ragweed, or other daisy-family plants.
  • Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
  • For external use only. Avoid the eyes. Do not use on broken or seriously damaged skin.
  • If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.

Citations:

• • Cosmetic Ingredient Review. Safety assessment of bisabolol as used in cosmetics (re-review document). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/bisabolol.pdf
    • What it shows: Safety data and case reports reviewed by the CIR.

10. Product-line notes

• • ORY^® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
  • ORY^® Haircare: Designed for scalp comfort and the look and feel of hair. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss. If you notice sudden shedding or a persistent itchy, flaking scalp, see a dermatologist.
  • ORY^® Handmade Soap: Handmade soap is naturally alkaline, and each bar may vary slightly in color, scent, and texture. Not intended to treat eczema or any skin condition.
  • ORY^® Cosmetics: Lip products are not intended to treat or protect chapped or cracked lips. Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.

11. References

Peer-reviewed research

• • Andersen, F. A. (Ed.). (1999). Final report on the safety assessment of bisabolol. International Journal of Toxicology, 18(Suppl 3), 33–40. https://doi.org/10.1177/109158189901800305
  • Eddin, L. B., Jha, N. K., Goyal, S. N., et al. (2022). Health benefits, pharmacological effects, molecular mechanisms, and therapeutic potential of α-bisabolol. Nutrients, 14(7), 1370. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14071370
  • Kamatou, G. P. P., & Viljoen, A. M. (2010). A review of the application and pharmacological properties of α-bisabolol and α-bisabolol-rich oils. Journal of the American Oil Chemists’ Society, 87(1), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11746-009-1483-3
  • Maurya, A. K., Singh, M., Dubey, V., et al. (2014). α-(-)-Bisabolol reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine production and ameliorates skin inflammation. Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, 15(2), 173–181. https://doi.org/10.2174/1389201015666140528152946
  • Villegas, L. F., Marçalo, A., Martin, J., et al. (2001). (+)-epi-α-Bisabolol is the wound-healing principle of Peperomia galioides: Investigation of the in vivo wound-healing activity of related terpenoids. Journal of Natural Products, 64(10), 1357–1359. https://doi.org/10.1021/np0105679

Government and regulatory sources

• • Cosmetic Ingredient Review. Safety assessment of bisabolol as used in cosmetics (re-review document). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/bisabolol.pdf
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap