Bisabolol is a name that often appears in the ingredient lists of soothing skincare products, and it is frequently mistaken for chamomile extract. For someone who is sensitive to chamomile or bisabolol, this distinction is the first step to reading a label correctly.
In short: Bisabolol (INCI: Bisabolol) is a single molecule isolated from German chamomile; it is not the same as chamomile extract. It is thought to be soothing, but human studies are limited and allergic reactions have been reported. At s'hevec it is a supporting ingredient in Rice Vibes Only, 11th in the ingredient list, with no stated concentration; Magic Foam Party contains not bisabolol but the flower extract of Anthemis nobilis, a different type of chamomile.
| INCI name | Bisabolol |
|---|---|
| Product types it appears in | Moisturising creams, lotions, cleansers, sunscreens, make-up |
| Level of evidence | Studied in cell culture, in a mixture with other ingredients; human studies are limited |
| Allergy | Reported (see side effects) |
| At s'hevec | Rice Vibes Only; supporting ingredient with no stated concentration |
What does bisabolol do, and how strong is the evidence?
Bisabolol is added to formulas to support skin comfort; the data on its soothing effect are so far at laboratory level. In a study on human skin cells (keratinocytes) exposed to UVB, a mixture of bisabolol, allantoin, D-panthenol and dipotassium glycyrrhizinate was associated with a reduction in mediators involved in redness (such as PGE2) and in oxidative stress inside the cells.
The limit is clear: the study was carried out in cell culture, and because it tested four ingredients together, it does not show the effect of bisabolol on its own. Another study looking at products for sensitive skin also states that studies in people with the active ingredients in these products are few and methodologically weak. We cover allantoin, from the same mixture, separately in our article what is allantoin.
Are bisabolol and chamomile extract the same thing?
No. Bisabolol is a single molecule isolated from chamomile; chamomile extract is an extract obtained from the plant that carries several components together. Seeing chamomile extract on a label does not mean that bisabolol has also been added to the product; added bisabolol appears in the list under its own name. At s'hevec, the two are in different products:
| Feature | Bisabolol | Chamomile extract |
|---|---|---|
| What is it? | A single molecule | Multi-component plant extract |
| s'hevec product | Rice Vibes Only | Magic Foam Party |
| INCI spelling | Bisabolol | Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract |
| Product warning | Not to be used if you are sensitive to bisabolol or chamomile | Not to be used if you are sensitive to chamomile or yarrow |
If you have a known sensitivity to chamomile, the warnings for both products apply to you. If you know you are sensitive only to bisabolol, do not use Rice Vibes Only Rice Peel-Off Mask. The ingredient list of Magic Foam Party Foaming Face Cleanser contains no bisabolol; the product's warning covers sensitivity to chamomile and yarrow.
Which s'hevec product contains bisabolol?
In our product data, bisabolol is found only in Rice Vibes Only. The key actives of this peel-off mask are 3% rice extract and 3% niacinamide; bisabolol is a supporting ingredient, together with gotu kola (Centella asiatica), and its concentration is not stated. The mask's application steps and how to peel it off are in our guide how to use a peel-off mask. The mask is listed alongside the rinse-off peels in our peels and masks collection.
Does bisabolol have side effects, and who should be careful?
There are reports of allergic reactions to bisabolol: such reactions have been reported in Europe, and it has been suggested that they also occur in the US. According to the source, people who have become sensitised to bisabolol should avoid all products that contain it; this is why it helps to look for the name “Bisabolol” in the ingredient list.
- If the cause of a reaction is unclear: whether it is linked to bisabolol can be investigated with patch testing carried out by a doctor. Which s'hevec product not to use if you are sensitive to chamomile or bisabolol is shown in the table above.
- When starting a new product: trying it on a small area first is a step that the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) also recommends; how to do it is explained in our steps for testing a product on a small area.
- If you react after the mask: if an area of the face remains red, itchy or raised after you peel off the mask, gently rinse the area with water and do not use the product again. Appearance alone cannot tell whether a reaction comes from bisabolol or from another ingredient; if the reaction is severe and does not ease with a cold compress, see your doctor.
- During pregnancy or breastfeeding: our sources contain no data specific to bisabolol. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a skin condition, consult your doctor before use. Take the ingredient list of Rice Vibes Only to the appointment.
Frequently asked questions
How is bisabolol written on the label?
As a single word: “Bisabolol”. In the ingredient list of Rice Vibes Only it comes after Centella Asiatica Extract and Sodium PCA and before Allantoin; the mask's key actives, however, are rice extract and niacinamide, whose concentrations are stated.
Is bisabolol suitable for every skin type?
That cannot be said of any ingredient. Suitability is determined by the formula as a whole, not by a single ingredient: although Rice Vibes Only contains bisabolol, it is designed for combination, normal and oily skin.
Can a product with bisabolol be applied to irritated skin?
The presence of a soothing ingredient in a formula does not make this possible on its own; the product's own instructions apply. Rice Vibes Only is not applied to irritated, broken or sunburnt skin.
Is bisabolol only found in facial skincare products?
No. According to the source, bisabolol is a common additive not only in moisturising creams and ointments but also in lotions, cleansers, sunscreens, antiperspirants and make-up. For someone who is sensitive to bisabolol, label checks should not stop at facial skincare.
Sources
- Russell K et al. Bisabolol. Dermatitis. 2010.
- Tan C et al. The combination of allantoin, bisabolol, D-panthenol and dipotassium glycyrrhizinate mitigates UVB-induced PGE(2) synthesis by keratinocytes. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2024.
- Ferreira MS et al. Sensitive skin: Active ingredients on the spotlight. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2022.
- American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). How to test skin care products.
This content is for information only and does not replace medical advice. s'hevec products are cosmetic products and are not intended for medical treatment. It was prepared by the s'hevec Team on the basis of the s'hevec product data library and the sources listed above.
