Bisabolol

Botanical0.1–1%

A plant-derived compound, first found in chamomile, that helps sunscreens and after-sun feel gentle and comfortable.

What it is

Bisabolol is a light, oil-soluble compound first known from chamomile, and most natural grades now come from the Brazilian candeia tree, with synthetic grades also available. At low levels it helps formulas feel soft and comfortable on sensitive or sun-exposed skin. It adds no sun protection.

Good for

Sensitive skinSun-exposed skinBaby skin

How it works

In lab and animal studies bisabolol damps several irritation signals in skin cells, which may explain its comforting feel, though human data are limited. It can also help other ingredients move into the skin's surface layers.

Ratings

Evidence

2/5

Mostly lab and animal data, with few controlled human trials.

Gentleness

5/5

Very well tolerated, and allergy is rare.

Formulation difficulty

1/5

Easy oil-phase or cool-down addition, stable across normal pH.

Cost

2/5

Low cost at typical levels, though natural grades cost more.

Popularity

3/5

A familiar soothing addition in sensitive and kids' sun care.

Pairs and cautions

Pairs well with

In a routine. Pairing in one formula depends on matching pH windows.

Take care with

None noted.

Formulations it suits

Sunscreen lotion After-sun gel Lotion Gel Toner, essence and face mist

Packaging

Regional considerations

Australia	A cosmetic ingredient with no set limit. In ARTG-listed sunscreens it is permitted only as an excipient in topical products, not as a listed active ingredient.
United States	Every US sunscreen is an OTC drug, so bisabolol is an inactive ingredient and must appear under Inactive ingredients on the Drug Facts label.

In the lab

Specifications

Typical use level

0.1–1%0525%

pH window

pH 4–82 acid7 neutral10 alkaline

Solubility

Oil-soluble

Most sunscreens and after-sun products use 0.1–0.5%; up to 1% suits a stronger soothing story.

INCI	Bisabolol
Also known as	Alpha-bisabolol, Levomenol ((−)-α-bisabolol)
Origin	plant-derived

Lab notes

Solubility and phase

Oil phase, or add at cool-down. Clear gels and mists need a solubiliser.

Stability

Check the certificate of analysis for (−)-α-bisabolol content, as natural grades are about 95% and synthetic racemic grades roughly half that, so the two do not perform the same. It is heat- and light-stable.

Regulatory, Australia

Cosmetic ingredient (AICIS). Permitted only as an excipient in topical listed medicines, including sunscreens (Permissible Ingredients Determination No. 3 2026).

Claims to take care with

'Soothes and comforts the feel of skin' is cosmetic, while 'anti-inflammatory', 'reduces sunburn redness' or 'relieves sunburn' are therapeutic. In listed sunscreens, excipients cannot carry therapeutic claims.