Lighter pigmented skin on the back
Clinical trialSignificant lightening of pigmented skin in most participants. The trial covers the isolated molecule, on the back, with no concentration given in the abstract6.
Bisabolol (α-bisabolol)
Bisabolol (α-bisabolol) is a sesquiterpene alcohol isolated from German chamomile49, declared in cosmetics as a soothing and skin conditioning agent1. Human data are thin: one trial on pigmented skin6 and one trial with no measurable effect on induced irritation7. Cases of contact allergy are described4.
Bisabolol at a glance
Entry from our cosmetic ingredient glossary. Regulatory data from the European Commission's CosIng database1. Copy the identifiers in one click for your files.
- INCI name
- BISABOLOLAlso exists in a hydrogenated form, with another INCI name (HYDROGENATED BISABOLOL)1
- Other names
- α-Bisabolol, levomenolInternational nonproprietary name: levomenol1
- CAS number
- 515-69-5 / 23089-26-1CosIng links two numbers to this entry1
- EC number
- 208-205-9 / 245-423-3
- Formula
- C₁₅H₂₆OMolar mass 222.37 g/mol
- Origin
- Isolated from German chamomileAlso found in other plants9. CosIng describes the racemic form and the levorotatory form (levomenol)1. See the chamomile entry
- CosIng functions
- Soothing, skin conditioning, fragrance"Soothing", "skin conditioning" and "fragrance" in the European nomenclature1
- Appearance
- Colorless to pale yellow viscous liquidOil-soluble: formulated in the oil phase
- EU status
- No restrictionAbsent from Annexes II to VI of Regulation (EC) 1223/20092
- Allergen to declare
- Not listedAbsent from the fragrance allergen list of Regulation (EU) 2023/15453. Cases of sensitization are nevertheless reported4
- Safety
- No committee opinion retainedNo CIR or SCCS opinion specific to bisabolol is cited on this page; the reported contact allergies are described below4
What the research says
Each result shows the protocol and the level of evidence. The higher the level, the better the result carries over to a finished formula.
Clinical trialReview or consensusLaboratory
Facial skinSkincare
No measurable effect on induced irritation
Clinical trialOf four so-called soothing ingredients, only glycerin shows a dose response and a better effect than no care. Bisabolol has no significant effect and does not differ from the other two7.
Fewer free radicals in human fibroblasts
LaboratoryAt several concentrations, bisabolol limits the production of free radicals induced by hydrogen peroxide. A cell culture result: it does not predict the effect of a cream5.
Dermatologists' viewDermatology
A contact allergy described, a skin patch test possible
ReviewPresent in creams, cleansers, sun care, antiperspirants and makeup products, bisabolol has caused contact allergies in Europe. A patch test with the product or the molecule helps diagnosis, and sensitized people should avoid products that contain it4.
Mostly preclinical literature
ReviewThe reviews mostly gather work on cells and animals. Their authors judge that α-bisabolol deserves clinical trials and that further studies are needed before drawing conclusions in humans89.
A molecule first isolated from chamomile
Reviewα-Bisabolol was first obtained from Matricaria chamomilla and is found in the essential oil of many plants. Its use is permitted in cosmetics and perfumery9.
This page summarizes published literature on a cosmetic ingredient. It does not describe the effect of a finished product, which depends on its formula, and it is not medical advice. For bisabolol, clinical trials are rare and small, and part of the literature covers cell or animal models, set aside here. The results retained are those that concern skin.
Which products use bisabolol?
Our white label catalog includes 2 formulas with bisabolol, always as a supporting ingredient. Every category can be customized (formula, fragrance, packaging).
2Face
Supporting active in a hyaluronic acid serum and a retinol night cream.
In our formulas, it is most often paired with
Glycolic acid 1Lactobionic acid 1Allantoin 1Shea butter 1Propolis extract 1Bisabolol, chamomile extract, allantoin or panthenol?
Four ingredients often cited for skin comfort. They do not exclude each other and are combined in several of our formulas.
| Bisabolol | Chamomile extract | Allantoin | Panthenol | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nature | Isolated molecule, sesquiterpene alcohol49 | Complex extract, variable composition, see the chamomile entry | See the allantoin entry | See the panthenol entry |
| Clinical evidence | One trial on pigmented skin6, no effect on induced irritation7 | No clinical trial retained on the extract, see the entry | See the allantoin entry | See the panthenol entry |
| Contact allergy | Cases reported4 | Asteraceae: rare but documented, see the entry | See the allantoin entry | See the panthenol entry |
| EU regulation | No restriction12 | No restriction, see the entry | See the allantoin entry | See the panthenol entry |
Frequently asked questions about bisabolol
What is bisabolol?
Are bisabolol and chamomile the same thing?
No. Bisabolol is an isolated molecule, chamomile extract a complex mixture of compounds whose content varies with extraction. Results on one do not carry over to the other. See the chamomile entry.
What are the benefits of bisabolol for skin?
Is bisabolol dangerous, and can it cause an allergy?
It is not restricted in the EU2 and is not on the list of fragrance allergens to declare3. Contact allergies have nevertheless been reported in Europe, and sensitized people should avoid products that contain it4. During pregnancy, as with any skincare product, a healthcare professional's advice remains the rule.
What percentage of bisabolol should you use?
The cited trials do not give the concentration in their abstracts, and no European restriction sets one. The dose is decided with the formulator, depending on the format and the target tolerance profile.
Is bisabolol natural or synthetic?
Can you manufacture a bisabolol product for my brand?
Yes. Our ISO 22716 certified laboratory offers 2 formulas containing bisabolol (serum, night cream) to customize, or a custom formula. Free samples are included.
- Natural vs synthetic cosmetics: pros and limitsPlant-based or synthetic origin: a look at both approaches
- Top 10 trending cosmetic ingredients in 2026The actives to add to a white label range
- Fragrance allergen labeling in 2026: Canada, EU, USAThe allergens to declare, useful for associated oils and fragrances
Sources
Peer-reviewed studies and official regulatory sources, checked on November 3, 2026.
- European Commission. CosIng, entry BISABOLOL (CAS 515-69-5 / 23089-26-1, CE 208-205-9 / 245-423-3). ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing
- European Parliament and Council. Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products, consolidated version of May 1, 2025: Annexes II to VI. eur-lex.europa.eu
- Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/1545 of 26 July 2023 amending Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards labelling of fragrance allergens in cosmetic products. eur-lex.europa.eu
- Russell K, Jacob SE. Bisabolol. Dermatitis. 2010;21(1):57-58. PMID 20137740
- Mamalis A, Nguyen DH, Brody N, Jagdeo J. The active natural anti-oxidant properties of chamomile, milk thistle, and halophilic bacterial components in human skin in vitro. J Drugs Dermatol. 2013;12(7):780-784. PMID 23884490
- Lee J, Jun H, Jung E, Ha J, Park D. Whitening effect of alpha-bisabolol in Asian women subjects. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2010;32(4):299-303. doi:10.1111/j.1468-2494.2010.00560.x
- Andersen F, Hedegaard K, Petersen TK, et al. Anti-irritants I: dose-response in acute irritation. Contact Dermatitis. 2006;55(3):148-154. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0536.2006.00752.x
- Ramazani E, Akaberi M, Emami SA, Tayarani-Najaran Z. Pharmacological and biological effects of alpha-bisabolol: an updated review of the molecular mechanisms. Life Sci. 2022;304:120728. doi:10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120728
- Eddin LB, Jha NK, Goyal SN, et al. Health benefits, pharmacological effects, molecular mechanisms, and therapeutic potential of α-bisabolol. Nutrients. 2022;14(7):1370. doi:10.3390/nu14071370
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