It is known for its calming properties in infusion and its lightening power on the hair. But this little yellow and white flower is also an ingredient of choice in cosmetics because it is softening, soothing and even, antioxidant.
Chamomile looks like a little daisy. Its fragrance with honey accents releases a soft and warm trail. In ancient Egypt, it symbolized the sun and was used to embalm the dead. In herbal teas or in certain medicines, it is theessential ingredient to relax and get ready for a good night’s sleep.
Two varieties are mainly cultivated. “German chamomile has anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties, but it is roman chamomile, calming and soothing, which is the most frequently used in cosmetics. It is preferred for its richness in active ingredients and its very powerful scent “, explains Catherine Apolinario, expert in vegetable raw materials at Aroma-Zone.
Floral water being less concentrated than an essential oil, it is necessary to distill a kg of flowers (pistils and petals) to produce a liter of hydrosol and thus obtain a maximum of molecules. Chamomile floral water is found in facial and body treatments, in which it is used for its soothing, relaxing and protective effect. Used in shampoos and lotions, it enhances the blondness of fair hair.
An ally of weakened skin
It is the essential oil of the plant, very concentrated in active molecules, which is found in creams that contain chamomile. Thanks to its high concentration of flavonoids, and more particularly of apigenin, it has calming and anti-inflammatory qualities. Sensitive skin particularly appreciates it because it is very effective in reducing itching. Some studies even lend it an action oneczema. “This little flower also contains bisabolol – a soothing active ingredient – and a molecule, sesquiterpene, whose odor has analgesic effects”, underlines Alexandre Panel, manager of management and botanical expertise at Pierre Fabre. Chamomile thus allowsreduce a hematoma or to comfort after a stroke. Finally, its antioxidant properties make it interesting for slowing down skin aging.
Against redness and tight skin
If chamomile is used to limit allergic reactions and relieve feelings of discomfort, it is partly thanks to azulene, its main active ingredient. Anti-inflammatory, it reduces redness, burning and swelling. And it acts at all levels (dermis, epidermis and mucous membranes) to limit the reactions that occur following an attack.
Chamomile floral water is a good ally for calm signs of discomfort of a sunburn. “She can tame the allergic reactions, on condition of using it as a cure for about twenty days, specifies Catherine Apolinario. In the form of floral water, its fluid form and low cost make it possible to treat a large area of the body without difficulty. ”
Its fragrance has anti-stress properties
Roman chamomile is famous for its relaxing action. With its sweet scent, it soothes tension. Rich in esters, it has a sedative action and regulates the central nervous system. In hydrosol form, its action is lighter, but the feeling of soothing really exists. It attenuates the stress attacks very soon after application.
Its best asset: it is very well tolerated even by the most fragile skins. We can therefore safely slip a few drops into a baby’s bath to calm him down. In facial treatments stamped with sensitive skin, chamomile floral water is very popular for softening the epidermis, limiting symptoms of discomfort and relieving tensions which tend to accentuate skin hyper-reactivity.
Its golden pigment enhances the hair
It has long been a popular ingredient in hair products for fair hair. Thanks to its yellow heart containing apigenin (a dye), chamomile hydrosol as the last rinse water revives the golden reflections of the hair. It also allows fine hair to better retain barrettes and other accessories, which often slip from sparse hair.
The yellow pigment is also suitable for infusions. “We make decoctions of the entire flower – petals included, therefore – to add them to hair formulas”, specifies Alexandre Panel. These extracts will allowlighten all hair shades, but the result will be much more visible on a clear basis. Infusions can also be used as eye care. It is enough to infuse a handful of chamomile flowers for a few minutes in a cup of hot water and to immerse two small compresses in it. We let them cool down and then, when they are at the right temperature, we apply them to the eyelids. Ideal for decongesting the eyes and soothing the fragile epidermis around the eyes …
4 products we love
Two-phase, this make-up remover eliminates all eyeshadows, even the most resistant. And this, without irritating thanks to an extract of chamomile.
Conditioning chamomile eye makeup remover, Lash-food, 40,15 € les 100 ml.
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In the form of a melting balm, this care for the body and the face enriched with chamomile matricaria celebrates its 60 years this year. It hydrates and protects the skin all at the same time.
Smooth face and body cream Pure calmille, Yves Rocher, € 6.90 for 125 ml.
See the product on Yves Rocher
Thanks to the chamomile it contains, this very gentle washing treatment gives pretty blonde highlights to the hair. It is suitable for everyone, from 3 years old.
Chamomile shampoo, blonde highlights, Klorane, € 6.50 for 200 ml.
To relieve irritated skin, we put on this very soft cream. Made from German chamomile and wild rose, its formula soothes while strengthening the hydrolipidic film.
