Bisabolol Key Facts
Rating: Best.
(Best / Excellent / Good / Average / Not Recommended)
Origin: Natural.
(Natural / Synthetic)
Vegan: Yes.
(Yes / No)
Functions: anti-inflammatory agent, anti-irritating agent, antioxidant, anti-ageing, skin brightening agent, radiance booster, skin barrier improver, skin hydrating agent.
Suitability: all skin types including sensitive skin.
Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin easily reacts to stimulants and triggers stinging, burning and itching sensations. If you suffer from sensitive skin, you have overactive nerve endings in the top layer of your skin. Sensitive skin can be caused by a weak skin barrier and external factors such as cosmetics, skincare products, medications, temperature changes, pollutants and others.
Skin sensitivity is on the rise globally. More than half world's population have some degree of sensitive skin. Sensitive skin can affect everyone from babies to elderly people. This can be either a lifelong or temporary condition.
What Is Bisabolol?
Bisabolol, which is also known as alpha bisabolol or α-bisabolol, is a substance which has been proven scientifically to have excellent anti-inflammatory, anti-irritant, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal and skin lightening properties. Originally extracted from german chamomile (matricaria chamomilla) plant, however it is also present in some other medicinal plants.
Bisabolol in Skincare
In skincare, bisabolol is known as a soothing agent to strengthen and calm sensitive skin. Bisabolol has an excellent skin penetration ability which makes it a very effective skincare ingredient. It is often added to skincare formulas and found in face serums, moisturisers and eye creams.
Why Bisabolol Is the Best Ingredient for Sensitive Skin
Bisabolol is extremely beneficial for all skin types and particularly known as the best skincare ingredient for sensitive skin for the following reasons:
1. Bisabolol prevents and reduces skin inflammation and irritation
Clinical studies showed that bisabolol has a great ability to calm the nerves. It penetrates well into the skin and immediately soothes sensitive skin. Bisabolol prevents and reduces skin inflammation and irritation. Bisabolol is very effective for almost all sensitive skin conditions including atopic dermatitis and eczema.
2. Bisabolol has an antioxidant activity which protects skin from free radicals, reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress.
Studies showed that bisabolol protects the skin against free radical damage. Free radicals produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). High presence of ROS can trigger oxidative stress in the skin which damages skin cells. The ability of bisabolol to reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the skin makes it an effective antioxidant. Bisabolol prevents skin damage caused by free radicals, reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress.
3. Bisabolol helps restore a healthy skin barrier.
Studies showed that bisabolol reinforces skin's barrier functions and improves skin health. By restoring a healthy skin barrier, bisabolol improves the overall skin condition including the skin's ability to retain moisture for longer. A healthy skin barrier helps prevent hypersensitivity and reduces the risk of having skin irritation.
4. Bisabolol restores skin radiance and reduces hyperpigmentation.
In addition to its soothing, calming and protective properties, bisabolol has been shown to reduce hyperpigmentation and restore skin radiance. A 8-week study involving 28 women who suffer with hyperpigmentation showed that bisabolol effectively fades hyperpigmentation and brightens skin tone. Bisabolol works effectively on both UV-induced hyperpigmentation and inflammatory-related hyperpigmentation caused by eczema, allergic contact dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis.
Can every skin type benefit from bisabolol in skincare products?
Yes, every skin type can benefit from bisabolol in skincare products. Always choose skincare products which suit your skin type, for example dry, oily or combination skin. If you have sensitive skin, always do a patch test before using any new skincare product.
Is it safe to use skincare products which contain bisabolol during the day?
Yes it is. Bisabolol is not known to be phototoxic and therefore, skincare products which contain bisabolol can be used both during the day and at night. Always make sure that other ingredients in the products are also non-phototoxic.
Can you use bisabolol skincare products during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Yes you can. Bisabolol skincare products are safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, however, always make sure that other ingredients in the products are also safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Is there any ingredient recommended to be used together with bisabolol?
For sensitive skin, it is highly recommended to use skincare products which contain bisabolol, allantoin and panthenol. Bisabolol, allantoin and panthenol are very soothing and calming to the skin. They strengthen skin barrier, slow down ageing and prevent irritation.
The Best Skincare Product with Bisabolol
AGEless Cream learn more >>>
Author:
Henry Tianus is a multi-award-winning Anti-Ageing Specialist with 3 decades experience in skincare research and product development. Henry Tianus's articles have been read by people in more than 100 countries with USA and UK at the top of the list.
Scientific Sources: (1) Health Benefits, Pharmacological Effects, Molecular Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Potential of α-Bisabolol, Nutrients, 2022 Apr; 14(7): 1370. (2) α-(-)-bisabolol reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine production and ameliorates skin inflammation, Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, 2014;15(2):173-81. doi: 10.2174/1389201015666140528152946. (3) Pharmacological and biological effects of alpha-bisabolol: An updated review of the molecular mechanisms, Life Sciences, Volume 304, 1 September 2022, 120728. (4) Soothing Effect of a Cosmetic Product on Skin Discomforts Induced by a Chemical Irritant (Capsaicin) and UV-Radiation, and after Mosquito Bites and Sunburn in a Real-World Setting, Cosmetics 2022, 9(6), 130. (5) Sensitive skin: review of an ascending concept, Anais Brasileiros De Dermatologia, 2017 Jul-Aug; 92(4): 521–525. (6) Whitening effect of alpha-bisabolol in Asian women subjects, International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2010 Aug;32(4):299-303.