Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil
Roman chamomile oil
Genuinely relevant for some people, or depends on dose and pH.
Also written as: Roman Chamomile Oil · Chamaemelum Nobile Flower Oil · Chamomile Oil
What it is
Roman chamomile oil is distilled from the flowers of Anthemis nobilis, now often called Chamaemelum nobile. Unusually for an essential oil it is dominated by esters such as isobutyl angelate rather than terpene alcohols, which makes it comparatively low in the classic declared allergens. It is a different plant from German chamomile, Matricaria recutita, whose oil is blue from chamazulene.
What it does well
Traditionally used as a soothing ingredient
Chamomile has a long history in calming preparations, and German chamomile's bisabolol has some anti-inflammatory data. Direct clinical evidence for Roman chamomile oil in cosmetics is limited.
Traditional use
Worth knowing
Can cause reactions in people allergic to the daisy family
Chamomile is an Asteraceae plant, and people sensitised to sesquiterpene lactones from that family (including through ragweed, arnica or feverfew) can react to it.
Matters most toPeople with a known Compositae or ragweed allergy.
Where the EU stands
No specific restriction
Roman chamomile oil is not listed in Annex II and is not on the Annex III fragrance-allergen labelling list, so there is no maximum concentration and no direct labelling obligation.
