White wavy lines texture on a surfaceProfile: German Chamomile Hydrosol

Profile: German Chamomile Hydrosol

Commonly known as: Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Water (I.N.C.I.), also known as German Chamomile, Blue Chamomile, Small Chamomile, True Chamomile, Wild Chamomile, Common Chamomile, Sun's Eye, Camomèle, and Bull's Eye Chamomile.
Botanical name: Matricaria recutita / Chamomilla recutita.
Extraction process: Steam distillation of capitula derived from organic farming.
Family: Asteraceae.
Part of the plant extracted: Flowering tops (capitula).
Location: Originally from Eastern Europe and the Middle East, but now widespread across all continents.
Flowering: From May to October (in summer).
Provenance, origin: France, Italy.
Phytochemical composition: Sesquiterpenols (alpha-bisabolol), sesquiterpenes (chamazulene), flavonoids (apigenin, apigenin-7-glucoside, luteolin, quercetin, isorhamnetin, myricetin, patuletin).
Sensorial properties: Appearance: Clear liquid; Colour: Colourless; Scent: Mild, subtly herbaceous.
Physical characteristics: pH: 4.5 - 7.0.
Benefits: Soothing, healing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-radical, regenerating, vasodilating, brightening.
Concerns: All skin types, particularly sensitive, dry, and irritated skin; all hair types, especially those with irritated scalps and light brown to blonde hair.

Details

Properties

  • Anti-inflammatory, soothing: Preventing the onset of an inflammation process by inhibiting the release of histamine and blocking the entry of Ca2+ into mast cells and basophils, due to the presence of chamazulene in its composition, thus relieving sensitive skin prone to redness and allergies;

  • Antioxidant, anti-radical: Trapping free radicals by acting as non-enzymatic inhibitors of lipid oxidation, a property attributed to flavonoids;

  • Healing, regenerating: Promote cellular repair by locally stimulating the synthesis of prostaglandins and the renewal of cells;

  • Vasodilatory, brightening: Increasing blood flow to the skin by relaxing the walls of the blood vessels, an effect primarily due to bisabolol and to a lesser extent bisabolol oxides, for a luminous skin.

Applications

  • Facial Care (serums, lotions, makeup removers);

  • Body Care (soothing after-sun milks);

  • Haircare (hair masks, shampoos, detangling conditioners, lotions).

Method of Preservation

Store away from moisture, light and temperature fluctuations, at room temperature in a dry place. If you notice a change in appearance or smell, cease using your hydrosol.

Contraindications, Usage Precautions

The hydrosol of Roman chamomile presents no contraindications. It can be used by pregnant and/or breastfeeding women, as well as children. There is a very rare risk of skin reactions. As a precaution, always remember to test a small amount of the product in the crook of your elbow. Avoid contact with the eyes.

Find out more

Whether wild or cultivated, German chamomile owes its name to the Greek chamos, due to its growth close to the ground, and melos, which is explained by its flowers that have a scent similar to that of an apple. Also known as matricaria chamomile, it owes this genus name to the interest Central European populations had in it. The name "matricaria" comes from the Latin "matrix" which means "female, reproductive, mother" and the suffix "-aria" in reference to the emmenagogue virtues of the plant in the pelvic region and uterus by stimulating blood flow, the onset of menstruation. Indeed, it was mainly used to treat what was then called "women's diseases" (dysmenorrhea or amenorrhea). Moreover, in addition to its soothing properties, German chamomile is used in numerous hair products to maintain and enhance the blondness of hair.