Summary: 🌼 Quick Look: Soothe, Brighten & Treat.
💟 Benefits: Often referred to as a natural skin brightener, Chamomile Oil can help lighten blemishes and redness, regenerate skin, tighten pores, and slow down the visible signs of aging.
✅ Can help treat active acne and prevent future breakouts.
✅ Reduces bacteria and cleanses the skin gently.
✅ A powerhouse of antioxidants that protects the skin from free-radical damage.
✅ Accelerates cell and tissue regeneration.
💜 A study in human volunteers demonstrated that chamomile flavonoids and essential oils penetrate below the skin surface into the deeper skin layers (37), making them effective topical anti-inflammatory agents. Some research has documented that it may be as effective as hydrocortisone cream for eczema.
🌿 Treatments: Ideal for anti-aging, dry skin, oily skin, and acne-prone skin (when properly diluted).
🌻 Best used as: Cleanser, Toner (when diluted in a hydrosol).
💐 Best combined with: Witch Hazel (as a toner), Rosehip Oil (for added nourishment), or other skin-benefiting extracts.
⚠️ Caution: Always dilute Chamomile Essential Oil in a carrier oil. The recommended dilution is 1-2 drops of Chamomile Essential Oil per 12 drops of carrier oil. Essential oils are not generally recommended for very sensitive skin due to their concentrated nature, which can potentially cause irritation even when diluted. Perform a patch test before using on the entire face.
💲 Approximate cost: $15.00 - $20.00 CAD (for a small bottle of Chamomile Essential Oil; recipe cost will vary based on carrier oil and other additions).
Yields: Approximately 1 ounce (adjust recipe as needed) Prep time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon Lightweight Carrier Oil (choose one suitable for your skin type):
Oily/Acne-Prone: Jojoba Oil, Grapeseed Oil
Dry/Mature: Rosehip Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Argan Oil
Normal/Combination: Sunflower Seed Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil
2-4 drops Chamomile Essential Oil (Chamomilla Recutita) - Start with 2 drops for sensitive skin and adjust up to 4 if tolerated.
(Optional) 1/2 teaspoon Witch Hazel (alcohol-free) - to be used after cleansing as a toner on a cotton pad.
(Optional) A few drops of a skin-benefiting extract of your choice (e.g., Calendula extract for soothing, Green Tea extract for antioxidants).
Equipment:
Small glass bottle with a dropper or airtight container
Small mixing bowl or beaker
Small stirring rod or spoon
Instructions:
Select Carrier Oil: Choose a carrier oil that suits your skin type.
Combine Carrier Oil and Essential Oil: In your small mixing bowl or beaker, pour in the carrier oil. Carefully add the diluted Chamomile Essential Oil (1-2 drops per 12 drops of carrier oil). For a 1 tablespoon (approximately 300 drops) of carrier oil, use 2-4 drops of Chamomile Essential Oil. Stir gently to combine thoroughly.
(Optional) Add Extract: If using an extract, add a few drops to the oil mixture and stir well.
Transfer to Bottle: Carefully pour the mixture into your clean glass bottle with a dropper or airtight container.
Shake Gently: Gently shake the bottle to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
How to Use as a Cleanser:
Dispense: Place a small amount of the Chamomile Oil Cleansing Serum (about 1/2 teaspoon to start) into the palm of your dry hand.
Massage: Gently massage the oil onto your dry face and neck in circular motions for 1-2 minutes. This helps to dissolve makeup, dirt, and impurities. Pay extra attention to areas with makeup or congestion.
Warm Cloth: Wet a clean, soft washcloth with warm (not hot) water and wring out the excess.
Steam & Wipe: Gently drape the warm cloth over your face for a few seconds to allow the steam to soften the skin and oil.
Wipe Away: Gently wipe away the oil and impurities with the warm cloth. Rinse the cloth as needed. You may need to repeat this step once to remove all the oil.
Pat Dry: Pat your skin gently dry with a soft towel.
(Optional) Tone: If using Witch Hazel as a toner, apply a small amount to a cotton pad and gently sweep it across your face after cleansing and drying.
(Optional) Moisturize: Follow with a light moisturizer if your skin feels like it needs additional hydration.
Notes:
Dilution is Crucial: Never use Chamomile Essential Oil undiluted on your skin. Always mix it with a carrier oil.
Patch Test: Perform a patch test on a small, inconspicuous area of your skin (like the inside of your wrist) for 24 hours before using this cleanser on your entire face, especially if you have sensitive skin or are new to essential oils. Discontinue use if any irritation occurs.
Quality of Essential Oil: Use a high-quality, 100% pure Chamomile Essential Oil (Chamomilla Recutita).
Storage: Store your Chamomile Oil Cleansing Serum in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Use within 3-6 months for best quality.
Adjust Ratios: You can adjust the amount of carrier oil and essential oil slightly based on your skin's needs and tolerance, but always maintain a safe dilution ratio. Start with a lower concentration of essential oil and increase gradually if well-tolerated.