Bisabolol

Bisabolol (more specifically, α-bisabolol) is a naturally occurring antioxidant, soothing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-irritant ingredient.

It can be sourced naturally or synthesized; the naturally occurring version is more active than the synthesized version. Natural sources include chamomile essential oil, panama plinia, and salie.

Bisabolol

Clear to pale yellow liquid

0.1–1%

It can vary a lot from supplier to supplier! The first bottle I purchased had a weak floral scent that wasn’t noticeable in finished product. The bottle I have now has a far stronger smell and I’m struggling to formulate with it because of that smell.

Oil

Bisabolol offers soothing and anti-irritant properties to our formulations.

No

I would recommend the natural version as it is more active than the synthesized version.

Excellent soothing ingredient at low concentrations.

Not very commonly available.

Chamomile essential oil or an oil-soluble calendula or chamomile extract would be a good place to start. Check the bisabolol content in your chamomile essential oil to see how much bisabolol you’re getting and consider adjusting if necessary.

I typically include it with the essential oil blend in a formula, adding it during cool down.

Stored somewhere cool, dark, and dry, bisabolol has a stated shelf life of 24–36 months after manufacture (check with your supplier for details on what you’ve purchased).

Try including up to 1% bisabolol in your formulations for an anti-inflammatory boost.

10mL (1/3fl oz)

Buy it from an online DIY ingredient supplier or Amazon.