We’e calling it now, this is going to be one of the hottest skincare ingredients next year. Bisabolol is a natural ingredient that’s been quietly making a name for itself for its skin calming and hydrating benefits. If you’ve ever sipped chamomile tea to relax after a long day, think of bisabolol as the equivalent of doing that for your skin. Whether you’re struggling with redness, dryness or simply want to give your skin an extra dose of TLC, bisabolol might help. In this article we’re going to the benefits of bisabolol for skin and how to use it properly in your skincare routine .
What is Bisabolol?
Also known as alpha-bisabolol, this is a natural compound that has quietly become a hero ingredient in skincare due to its healing and calming properties. Naturally, you find bisabolol in chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) or more commonly the Brazilian Candeia tree (Vanillosmopsis erythropappa). Chamomile has a long history of use in European herbal medicine for its calming effects on both the body and skin. In its natural state, chamomile contains bisabolol, which was historically used to soothe burns, reduce redness and promote the healing of minor wounds. Meanwhile, in South America, the Candeia tree served as a natural source of bisabolol. Indigenous communities have historically used its extract to treat cuts, skin infections and inflammation.
The use of bisabolol in modern skincare was inspired by these traditional uses and supported by a growing body of scientific research. Its unique chemical structure allows it to penetrate deeply into the skin and studies show that it possesses potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. This makes it a versatile ingredient that can address a wide range of skin concerns.
Where Does the Bisabolol in Skincare Come From?
The bisabolol used in skincare is primarily comes from two natural sources; chamomile plants and the Candeia tree. The bisabolol extracted from chamomile is widely regarded as sustainable due to its renewable agriculture methods. However, harvesting of bisabolol from the Candeia tree has raised environmental concerns. Overharvesting of these trees in Brazil has led to deforestation and the endangerment of the species in some areas.
To address these issues, many skincare brands now opt for synthetic forms which are chemically identical to the natural compound. Synthetic bisabolol is created in a controlled laboratory environment through chemical synthesis, replicating the exact molecular structure of natural bisabolol. This process typically involves the use of plant-based precursors or other renewable raw materials. This ensuring the synthetic version is both effective and sustainable without relying on natural resources like chamomile or Candeia trees. As such it can ensure sustainability while maintaining the same efficacy.
What Does Bisabolol Do for Your Skin?
Bisabolol is a multitasking ingredient with a variety of skin benefits. It is a safe skincare ingredient that it is suitable for almost every skin type. Here are the key benefits of bisabolol for skin:
- Calms Redness & Irritation: Bisabolol reduces redness and irritation by suppressing inflammatory molecules in the skin. This making it ideal for conditions like rosacea, eczema, post-acne redness or general sensitivity.
- Supports Skin Healing & Repair: Through its antimicrobial and healing properties, bisabolol can help accelerate the skin’s natural repair process and promotes skin regeneration. Bisabolol can help promote faster healing of acne scars, sunburns and minor wounds.
- Deeply Hydrates the Skin: One of bisabolol’s lesser-known benefits is its ability to improve the skin’s ability to retain moisture. This makes it a fantastic ingredient for anyone dealing with dryness, tightness or texture as it leaves the skin feeling soft and supple.
- Protects Against Antioxidant Damage & Premature Ageing: Bisabolol is a powerful antioxidant that helps fight free radicals. These are the unstable molecules that can damage skin cells, cause hyperpigmentation and accelerate ageing. Regular use of bisabolol skincare products can help maintain a youthful and brighter complexion.
- Boosts Absorption of Other Skincare Ingredients: Bisabolol acts as a natural penetration enhancer. This helps other active ingredients in your routine (like vitamin C, retinoids or hyaluronic acid) absorb better into your skin.
Is it Safe for All Skin Types?
One of the best things about bisabolol is that it’s incredibly gentle and has a variety of skin benefits. This makes it suitable for virtually every skin type. However, it’s particularly beneficial for:
- Sensitive Skin: Bisabolol is one of the best ingredients for sensitive skin due to its calming and non-irritating nature. It’s also safe to use alongside other actives like niacinamide, exfoliating acids or peptides. Its calming properties help reduce redness and irritation from these ingredients.
- Dry Skin: Bisabolol improves moisture retention which helps keep skin hydrated and plump. It also pairs well and boosts the absorption of other hydrators like hyaluronic acid and allantoin.
- Acne-Prone Skin: Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties can help reduce redness and breakouts.
- Mature Skin: Antioxidants in bisabolol combat signs of ageing like fine lines and dullness. It can also boost the effects of other anti-ageing and anti-oxidant ingredients like ceramides and Vitamin C.
Better still, bisabolol is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, individuals with allergies to chamomile or related plants (like ragweed) should exercise caution. This is because bisabolol may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. As always, if you have an underlying skin condition you should always seek the advice of your healthcare provider before introducing anything new to your routine. Also regardless of skin type, patch test any new skincare products to check for allergies.
How to Use Bisabolol in Your Skincare Routine
Alythough not a household name, you can find bisabolol in a range of products especially those targeting dry, sensitive and ageing skin. Whether you’re new to bisabolol or looking to maximise its benefits, here are our top tips for the best way to use it into your skincare routine:
- Prep Your Skin: Begin your routine with a soothing cleanser to prepare your skin for maximum absorption of the rest of your skincare. If you have sensitive skin, try to find a cleanser with bisabolol in it as it will help calm and hydrate your skin.
- Toners & Serums: These are the best ways to use bisabolol if you want to address redness, irritation or dryness. It helps you quickly introduce it and figure out the best frequency for you without changing the rest of your routine.
- Moisturiser: For very dry or mature skin, bisabolol moisturisers can help lock in hydration and strengthen your skin barrier.
- Protect with Sunscreen: Whilst bisabolol helps repair and calm the skin, prevention is key to maintaining long-term skin health. Sunscreen protects your skin from UV damage helping support bisabolol’s effects.
- Use For Post Treatment Relief: You can use bisabolol-containing creams and balms after treatments like chemical peels or laser therapy. This will help calm, sooth and repair your skin.
- Layer Mindfully: Pair bisabolol with ceramides or glycerin for enhanced hydration and barrier support. You can also layer bisabolol underneath other serums as it will help increase the absorption of active ingredients like Vitamin C and retinoids.
- Consistency is Everything: Bisabolol is gentle enough for daily use and can be incorporated into both your morning and evening routines. You do need to use it regularly and consistently to make the most of its benefits.
Comparison with Other Skin Soothing Ingredients
Whilst bisabolol is an outstanding ingredient for calming and soothing the skin, it’s not the only option available. There are several other ingredients that work to reduce irritation, redness, and sensitivity. Here’s how bisabolol compares to some of the most popular skin soothing ingredients:
- Aloe Vera: This is a widely loved ingredient for its cooling and hydrating properties. Aloe vera is often used to soothe sunburn or surface irritation. However, bisabolol penetrates deeper into the skin, making it more effective for reducing underlying inflammation and boosting the effects of other skincare products.
- Calendula: Known for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties, calendula is a great option for calming mild irritation and redness. Although calendula offers gentle relief, bisabolol provides a more concentrated and targeted effect. This makes it better for more reactive skin types or as a post-treatment balm.
- Chamomile: Bisabolol is one of the primary active compounds in chamomile. However, using pure bisabolol allows you to benefit more from its concentrated calming and healing properties. As such bisabolol is more effective than chamomile for sensitive or irritated skin.
- Beta-Glucan: Found in oats and certain fungi, beta-glucan is excellent for reducing redness and irritation while also providing hydration. Whilst beta-glucan might be better at strengthening the skin barrier, bisabolol offers additional benefits like improving absorption of other ingredients.
- Cica (Centella Asiatica): Cica is another go-to for calming sensitive or damaged skin. It’s particularly effective at promoting wound healing and reducing redness. Bisabolol and cica share many similarities though bisabolol is able to better penetrate skin and enhance absorption of other products.
- Marshmallow Root: This is a great natural alternative for reducing irritation and inflammation. However, marshmallow root lacks bisabolol’s antioxidant and penetration boosting qualities.
What makes bisabolol special is that it not only calms and heals but also boosts the absorption of other active ingredients. This means it can amplify the effects of your entire skincare routine. That said, other skin soothing ingredients are fantastic alternatives if you can’t find or are allergic to bisabolol. Even better, you can use them together as they boost each other’s skin calming and hydrating effects.
Bisabolol is a gentle and effective ingredient that can support and boost your skin’s health and appearance. It can help calm, protect and hydrate a variety of skin types especially those dealing with sensitivity, dryness or the early signs of ageing. Even better, it is available in many different types of skincare products and it is very easy to integrate into your routine to get its benefits. Beyond its own benefits, bisabolol cam also boost the effects of other skincare products. So, if you’ve been on the hunt for a soothing, hydrating and antioxidant-rich ingredient its worth considering adding it into your skincare routine.
At City Skin Clinic, we are super passionate about personalised skincare. We offer safe and effective compound skincare treatments with prescription-strength ingredients including Tretinoin and Hydroquinone where appropriate through our online skin clinic. Our doctors treat a range of conditions such as acne and scars, hyperpigmentation, melasma, skin ageing. To start your personalised skincare plan, book a virtual video consultation or use our online consultation form. The journey towards great skin starts here.
