Cannabis & Cannabinoids · Terpenes · A soft, floral aroma compound best known from chamomile and the candeia tree

Bisabolol

Q: What is bisabolol?

Bisabolol (alpha-bisabolol) is a sweet, floral-smelling plant molecule with the formula C15H26O. It is found in German chamomile oil and candeia oil and is added to many skin-care products.

Q: Is bisabolol the same as levomenol?

Levomenol is the name for the natural (-) form of alpha-bisabolol, the form found in chamomile and candeia. Papers often just say "bisabolol" without saying which form.

Q: Where does bisabolol come from?

It is best known from German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and the Brazilian candeia tree (Eremanthus erythropappus). It is also found in small amounts in some cannabis and hemp.

Q: Is there bisabolol in cannabis?

Yes, in some samples, as a minor compound. A cell study calls it one of the predominant cannabis terpenes. Amounts vary a lot between samples: see "What the lab numbers show".

Q: Does bisabolol calm or heal skin?

Not proven. In mice and cells it lowered inflammation signals. In a cosmetic panel document, bisabolol creams did not show an anti-irritant effect on irritated skin in guinea pigs and people. Some people are allergic to it.

Q: Can bisabolol cause an allergy?

Yes, in some people. Case series report allergic contact dermatitis, mostly in children with eczema who also react to daisy-family plants. No rate in the general public was found.

Q: Is bisabolol safe in cosmetics?

A cosmetic safety panel concluded in 1999 that it is safe as used in cosmetic formulations, and a 2015 re-review draft reports a highest use level of 1% in leave-on products. That panel is industry-funded, and this is a judgement about skin products only.

Q: Does bisabolol relieve pain?

In mice it reduced some pain responses and partly blocked a nerve calcium channel. No human pain trial was found.

Q: Is bisabolol an anti-cancer treatment?

No. Cancer-cell results are from dishes and animals, and a 2025 review lists barriers to clinical use. No clinical trial was found.

Q: Is bisabolol safe in pregnancy or for children?

No human data on bisabolol use in pregnancy were found. A cosmetic panel document says it was not teratogenic in one rat oral study, which does not prove safety. Children with eczema may be more likely to react to it. Ask a doctor or pharmacist.

(2S)-6-methyl-2-[(1S)-4-methylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl]hept-5-en-2-ol ((-)-alpha-bisabolol, levomenol), C15H26O · also called Bisabolol, alpha-bisabolol, levomenol, (-)-alpha-bisabolol

Bisabolol is a small, sweet-smelling plant molecule (a sesquiterpene alcohol). It is best known as a main part of German chamomile flower oil and of oil from the Brazilian candeia tree. It is added to many skin-care products. In cannabis it is a minor terpene. Most research is in cells and animals, and there is no trial of bisabolol on its own in people. When people say "bisabolol" they usually mean the natural (-) form, also called levomenol, but papers do not always say which form they used.

General information, not medical advice. Last substantive update October 25, 2026 · Not medically reviewed. A named clinician has not signed off on this page. How this page is made

About Bisabolol

Bisabolol (alpha-bisabolol, levomenol) is a sweet, floral aroma molecule. It is best known from German chamomile and the Brazilian candeia tree, it is used in skin-care products, and it is a minor terpene in some cannabis. Almost all research is in cells and animals. In mice it lowered skin and paw inflammation and some pain responses. One small study tested a bisabolol cream on 28 women. No trial of bisabolol alone in people was found, so no health benefit is established. Skin allergy is the best-documented problem.

What it is and where it comes from

Bisabolol is a sesquiterpene alcohol with the formula C15H26O (PubChem compound 442343 for the natural (-) form, called levomenol; compound 10586 is the general name without stated handedness). It comes in more than one handed form, and papers and lab reports do not always say which one they mean. The natural form from chamomile and candeia is the (-) form. A hemp paper names "epi-alpha-bisabolol", a different isomer, so figures for different forms should not be mixed.

Bisabolol is best known from German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla). Reviews list it with its oxides A and B, bisabolone oxide A and chamazulene as main parts of the flower oil, and the cosmetic safety panel says chamomile oil may contain up to 41.45% (-)-alpha-bisabolol. The amount varies with plant type and weather. The other well-known source is the Brazilian candeia tree (Eremanthus erythropappus), whose oil is rich in (-)-alpha-bisabolol; a 2018 paper says wild trees have been cut at large scale for extraction and the species is at risk of extinction. We do not have a candeia page. In cannabis, a cell study calls alpha-bisabolol one of the predominant terpenes, and in one hemp cultivar epi-alpha-bisabolol made up 2.7 to 5.5% of female leaf oil.

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What the lab numbers show

Our data hold 212 bisabolol entries for 177 named strains (some values are listed twice), including 24 of the 28 strains that have a profile page on this site. They come from different sources and units, and we do not compare numbers across units. A Nevada regulator dataset gives one median per strain for 65 strains, in percent by weight (the source does not label the unit per column). These medians run from 0.0018% (Cinex, 413 samples, 381 with a value) to 0.55% (Harlequin, only 3 samples, 2 with a value, so treat it with care). A California dispensary paper (2015 to 2016) reports means for 15 strains from 0.4 to 1.1 mg/g (5 to 14 samples each). A hemp trial reports means of three replicate plots for 27 varieties from 0.019 to 0.812 mg/g, and 20 varieties in ppm (22.8 to 704). A paper table printed under a "% dry wt" header lists single batches for 49 strains with very small numbers (0.0000587 to 0.00249 as printed), and 15 more values are printed in % with no basis stated (0.013 to 0.13).

The same strain name varies a lot. Blue Dream appears as 0.0458% (Nevada median, 293 of 363 samples with a value) and as three single batches of 0.0000587, 0.00215 and 0.00222 under the "% dry wt" header; Jack Herer as 0.0253% (Nevada median of 129 samples), 0.013% (batch not stated) and 0.00046 (one batch); White Widow as 0.17% (Nevada median, 123 samples) and 0.051% (batch not stated). These are different units and samples and cannot be compared. The data do not say which bisabolol form was measured. These numbers are measurements of flower content from regulator datasets and published papers, not from our own testing. They say nothing about effects.

Examples within the same unit and source type (Nevada medians, percent by weight) among our profile strains: lowest were Amnesia Haze (0.006%, 9 samples, 5 with a value), Granddaddy Purple (0.011%, 21 samples, 4 with a value) and Super Lemon Haze (0.015%, 184 samples); highest were Harlequin (0.55%, 3 samples), AK-47 (0.19%, 37 samples) and Chemdawg (0.18%, 18 samples). Sample counts differ a lot, so small groups are less certain. Bisabolol is a minor compound in most samples.

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The popular claims

"Bisabolol soothes and heals skin." In mice and cells it lowered inflammation signals, but tests of bisabolol creams on irritated skin in guinea pigs and people, as summarised by a cosmetic safety panel, did not show an anti-irritant effect, and bisabolol itself can cause skin allergy.

"Bisabolol is a promising natural medicine." A 2022 review calls it a promising nutraceutical, but it also says the work is mostly in cells and animals and that more studies are needed before human use. A 2025 review of cancer research lists poor solubility and limited absorption data as barriers. We found no human trial of bisabolol alone.

"The bisabolol in cannabis changes the effect (the entourage effect)." We found no human study of bisabolol with any cannabinoid.

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What the research shows

In mice, (-)-alpha-bisabolol by mouth reduced paw swelling and some pain responses, and applied to the skin it reduced ear swelling. Alpha-bisabolol partly blocked the Cav3.2 calcium channel in nerve cells and mouse pain behaviour depended on it. In rats, bisabolol improved markers in a colitis model and in a doxorubicin kidney-injury model. In cultured cells it gave modest protection from amyloid-beta. Cancer-cell results are reported in a 2025 review. The only human skin study read tested a cream with bisabolol on 28 women for skin lightening.

A mixture of four skin-care ingredients (including bisabolol) lowered UVB-induced inflammation signals in human skin cells in a dish. That is a mixture study and cannot show what bisabolol does alone.

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Regulatory status

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review concluded in 1999 that bisabolol is safe as used in cosmetic formulations, and a 2015 re-review draft, which we read, reports it in 999 products. It is an industry-funded panel, not a government regulator. The same document says bisabolol is not restricted under EU cosmetics rules; we read that only second-hand. Company reports to the European chemicals agency, summarised by PubChem, list "may cause an allergic skin reaction" for some of the reports. We could not open the 2017 published CIR entry or the fragrance-industry (RIFM) assessment, so we do not state what they conclude. We found no regulator approval of bisabolol on its own as a medicine. This is not legal advice.

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At a glance

Traditional uses history, not proof

German chamomile, whose oil is rich in bisabolol, is used in traditional medicine for many complaints (according to a 2022 review)
Oil of the Brazilian candeia tree, rich in (-)-alpha-bisabolol, is known from ethnobotanical information for wound-healing and pain-relieving properties (according to a 2018 plant paper)

Studied for research

Skin inflammation and irritation, in mouse skin and cells, very low
Inflammation-linked pain, in mice, very low
Skin lightening, one small study of a cream with bisabolol in 28 women, very low
Gut inflammation (rats), kidney protection from a chemotherapy drug (rats), skin ageing (mice), nerve cells and cancer cells (laboratory), all very low
Skin allergy: reported in case series, a safety issue rather than a benefit

Main compounds

alpha-Bisabolol (C15H26O)
Often found with bisabolol oxides A and B, bisabolone oxide A and chamazulene in chamomile oil

Common forms

Natural part of German chamomile flower oil and candeia oil
Added to creams, lotions, deodorants, make-up and other cosmetics
Minor natural part of some cannabis and hemp flower
Pure compound given by mouth, injected or applied in animal studies

Research links: PubChem: Levomenol ((-)-alpha-bisabolol) · 2022 review of alpha-bisabolol (PubMed) · Cosmetic Ingredient Review: Bisabolol re-review draft (PDF) · Research Library · Genes & Biomarkers Library

What it is and its history

Name: alpha-Bisabolol (also called levomenol when it is the natural (-) form)
Chemical name: (2S)-6-methyl-2-[(1S)-4-methylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl]hept-5-en-2-ol (levomenol, the (-) form, CID 442343); 6-methyl-2-(4-methylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)hept-5-en-2-ol (handedness not specified, CID 10586)
Other names: levomenol; (-)-alpha-bisabolol; alpha-(-)-bisabolol; Levomenolum (INN-Latin); alpha-bisabolol; (+/-)-alpha-bisabolol; dl-alpha-bisabolol; epi-alpha-bisabolol
Common names: Bisabolol (English); Alpha-bisabolol (English); Levomenol (English)
Formula: C15H26O
Molecular weight: 222.37
CAS number: 23089-26-1 for the (-) form (levomenol); 515-69-5 appears for alpha-bisabolol in the RIFM and CIR documents
PubChem ID: 442343
Chemical class: Sesquiterpene alcohol (monocyclic): a plant aroma molecule built from fifteen carbon atoms with an alcohol group
How the plant makes it: Plants make it from farnesyl pyrophosphate with a bisabolol synthase enzyme. In the Brazilian candeia tree the gene EeBOS1 makes (-)-alpha-bisabolol from farnesyl pyrophosphate in a test tube and its activity tracks bisabolol build-up in the plant (Alves Gomes Albertti 2018, PubMed 30294334).
Where it is found: German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla / recutita): bisabolol is a main component of the flower essential oil, with alpha-bisabolol oxides A and B, bisabolone oxide A, chamazulene and beta-farnesene (2022 review). The CIR document says the oil may contain up to 41.45% (-)-alpha-bisabolol. In a 3-year field study the share varied with plant type and weather (Gosztola 2010).; Candeia (Eremanthus erythropappus), a Brazilian tree: its oil is high in (-)-alpha-bisabolol; wild trees have been cut at large scale for extraction and the species is described as at risk of extinction (2018 paper). Rocha 2011 names Vanillosmopsis erythropappa as another source plant.; Cannabis: a 2022 cell study calls alpha-bisabolol one of the terpenes predominant in cannabis. In the essential oil of the hemp cultivar Culver (Oregon), epi-alpha-bisabolol made up 2.7 to 5.5% of female leaf oil and 3.9% of male flower oil (dense-seeded system). See the Overview tab for measured amounts in named strains.; Cosmetics: used as a skin-conditioning or fragrance ingredient in creams, lotions, deodorants, make-up and other products; 999 reported products in 2015 (CIR document).
Related or similar compounds: Name: Beta-bisabolol and other bisabolol isomers (including epi-alpha-bisabolol); Note: Same formula, different shape. A cotton-waste paper studied beta-bisabolol (PubMed 35056836); it was not read here. Do not assume results for one form apply to another.

Traditional use and history history, not clinical proof

Tradition or era	Documented use	Source
Source plants and first isolation	A 2022 review says alpha-bisabolol was first obtained from Matricaria chamomilla (German chamomile) and that chamomile and other bisabolol-containing plants are used in traditional medicine.	Eddin et al. 2022 (PubMed 35405982)
Chamomile in traditional medicine	A 2022 review says chamomile is widely used in traditional medicine for infections, nervous, breathing, stomach and liver complaints and as a sedative, antispasmodic, antiseptic and antiemetic. It says laboratory findings fit these uses; this does not show benefit in people from bisabolol itself.	El Mihyaoui et al. 2022 (PubMed 35454969)
Candeia (Brazil)	The 2018 plant paper says candeia oil is known from ethnobotanical information to have wound-healing and pain-relieving properties, ascribed to (-)-alpha-bisabolol, and that bisabolol is valued by the cosmetic industry.	Alves Gomes Albertti et al. 2018 (PubMed 30294334)
Cosmetic industry	The Cosmetic Ingredient Review published a safety assessment in 1999 and re-reviewed it from 2015 (draft read). Reported cosmetic uses rose from 184 products in 1997 to 999 in 2015.	CIR re-review draft, February 2015

History shows how a substance was used or discovered. It does not show that a product works or is safe today.

What is inside, and how it may work

What it contains and how those compounds act in cells and animals. Laboratory and animal mechanisms are not proven effects in people.

Main compounds

Compound	Family	Where it is concentrated	Activity studied	Level of evidence
alpha-Bisabolol / levomenol PubChem 442343	Sesquiterpene alcohol (monocyclic)	Chamomile flower oil, candeia wood oil Varies by plant and batch; see 'What the lab numbers show' for measured cannabis values.	Studied for effects on inflammation, pain, skin and other models in cells and animals; one small human cream study; no human trial of the pure compound. ^{22 18 9 17}	Animal research
Bisabolol oxides A and B and bisabolone oxide A	Oxidised bisabolane compounds	Chamomile flower oil Not given in the abstracts.	Named as main components of chamomile oil beside bisabolol; chamomile bisabolol oxide A varies a lot from year to year. ^{6 11}	Plant analysis
epi-alpha-Bisabolol	Stereoisomer of alpha-bisabolol	Hemp essential oil 2.7 to 5.5% of Culver hemp female leaf oil (dense-seeded system)	No health studies were read for this form. ^{25 29}	Plant analysis
Chamazulene	Azulene-type chamomile oil compound	Chamomile flower oil Not given.	Named in a 2022 chamomile review among main oil components; we read nothing on its effects. ⁶	Plant analysis

Mechanisms, receptors and pathways

Target or pathway	Gene or receptor	What was found	Level
Inflammation signals (TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-1beta, NF-kB, MAPK)	TNF, IL6, IL1B, NFKB, MAPK	In mouse and rat experiments bisabolol lowered TNF-alpha and IL-6, and reviews list lowered NF-kB, ERK1/2, JNK and p38 activation. Evidence labels are mouse, rat and cell work. ^{18 22 3 21}	Animal research
Cav3.2 T-type calcium channel	CACNA1H	Partial block in cells and mouse nerve cells; the pain effect was missing in mice without Cav3.2. ⁹	Animal research
Neutrophil degranulation and 5-HT swelling	n/a	Reduced neutrophil degranulation to PMA in cells and swelling caused by 5-HT but not histamine in mice. ²²	Animal research
Liver enzyme markers (CYP2B1 PROD, CYP1A1 EROD)	CYP2B1, CYP1A1 (rat)	Inhibited in rat liver microsomes (IC50 2.76 and 33.67 micromolar). A 2025 review also says bisabolol is metabolised by CYP2C9/CYP2J. No human enzyme data read. ^{10 20}	In vitro
Human womb-muscle tissue: cAMP, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta	n/a	In human myometrium samples, lowered cAMP and LPS-induced TNF-alpha and IL-1beta at high concentrations (up to 1,860 micromolar). ¹⁹	Human tissue (in a dish)
Amyloid-beta clumping	n/a	Reduced fibril formation in test tube assays and protected cultured nerve-like cells. ¹⁶	In vitro
Pigment cells (cAMP, melanin)	n/a	A CIR document cites a 2008 letter saying bisabolol lowers cAMP in pigment cells. The letter itself was not read. ^{8 15}	In vitro (not read)

Absorption, metabolism and elimination

Absorption: The CIR document says animal studies indicate bisabolol is well absorbed after skin application, and that it is a penetration enhancer in a lab test. A 2025 review reports computer predictions of high gut absorption. No human absorption data were found.
Distribution: Not described in the sources read.
Metabolism: A 2025 review names CYP2C9/CYP2J as involved in its metabolism; no human metabolism data read. A fungal study of its biotransformation exists (PubMed 35164145) but was not read.
Elimination: Not described in the sources read.
Bioavailability: Not established in people. The review lists poor water solubility and limited in vivo pharmacokinetics as barriers.

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9benefits and uses looked at

30studies and sources checked

Very low certaintybest evidence rating found

11lab markers tracked in trials

9 very low certainty

What was looked at

The 9 benefits and uses checked for Bisabolol, each with how strong the evidence is. Tap one to open it.

Skin inflammation and irritation (cell and animal research)Very low certainty
Inflammation-linked pain (animal research)Very low certainty
Skin lightening in a cosmetic cream (one small human study of a cream)Very low certainty
Gut inflammation (rat research)Very low certainty
Protection of the kidney from a chemotherapy drug (rat research)Very low certainty
Skin ageing (cell and mouse research)Very low certainty
Protection of nerve cells in a dishVery low certainty
Cancer cells in the laboratory (not a treatment)Very low certainty
Womb-muscle contractions (human tissue in a dish)Very low certainty

Lab markers tracked in the studies

TNF-alpha and IL-6 (inflammation signals)Ear swelling after a skin irritantPaw swelling (oedema)Pain behaviour in miceCav3.2 T-type calcium channel currentSkin lightness (clinical and instrument measurement)Colon damage and calprotectin (rat)Kidney oxidative-stress and inflammation markers (rat)Skin barrier and collagen (mouse)Amyloid-beta clumping (test tube)Womb-muscle contraction in a dish

What is Bisabolol good for?

The uses people ask about and how strong the evidence is for each. For bisabolol, almost all of it is from animals or cells, and there is no human trial of the pure compound.

Benefits, one by one

Each card is a research question, not a promise. Tap a goal to filter. Open a card to see the studies, doses and limits.

Skin inflammation and irritation (cell and animal research)

Very low certainty

In mouse skin and in immune cells, bisabolol applied to the skin or added to cells lowered inflammation signals. These are laboratory and animal results. Tests of bisabolol creams on irritated skin in guinea pigs and people, as summarised by a cosmetic safety panel, did not show an anti-irritant effect.

6 studiesIsolated (-)-alpha-bisabolol in rodents and cells. Not a supplement o…

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

No trial of pure bisabolol for any skin disease was found. A Cosmetic Ingredient Review document says several studies of base creams with up to 0.5% (-)-alpha-bisabolol on induced skin irritation in guinea pigs and people did not show an anti-irritant effect, and one guinea-pig study suggested a worsening of cumulative irritation. We read this only as summarised in that document.

Results

Mouse ear: topical (-)-alpha-bisabolol reduced ear thickness and weight and tissue damage after TPA, in a dose-dependent way. Cells: lower TNF-alpha and IL-6. Four-ingredient mixture (allantoin, bisabolol, D-panthenol, glycyrrhizinate) in UVB-exposed human skin cells in a dish: lower PGE2 and several cytokines, but this is a mixture, so it cannot show what bisabolol does alone.

Why this rating

All the positive results are from cells or mice using chemical irritants, and the only human-skin tests summarised (in a cosmetic panel document) did not show an anti-irritant effect. No trial in people with a skin condition.

Form and dose studied

Isolated (-)-alpha-bisabolol in rodents and cells. Not a supplement or cannabis product; amounts used in animals cannot be turned into amounts for people. The mixture study used a four-ingredient skincare combination.

Who was studied

Mouse macrophage cells, mouse ears, human skin cells in a dish (mixture study).

Limits

Acute chemical irritation in mice is not eczema or any human skin disease. The animal studies do not give group sizes in the abstracts. The positive mouse paper comes from a group that also reports a toxicity test; none of it replaces human trials. Bisabolol can also cause allergic contact dermatitis in some people (see the Safety tab).

Why researchers looked

Bisabolol is a main aroma compound of German chamomile oil and is added to many creams and lotions as a skin-soothing ingredient.

Traditional use

German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) has long been used in traditional medicine, and bisabolol is the compound the cosmetic industry takes from it or from the Brazilian candeia tree. A 2022 review says chamomile is used for many complaints in traditional medicine.

Proposed mechanism Animal and laboratory

In mouse immune cells, (-)-alpha-bisabolol lowered TNF-alpha and IL-6 made after LPS or TPA. On mouse ears, skin application lowered swelling, weight, lipid peroxidation and tissue damage after the irritant TPA. Reviews list lowered NF-kB, ERK1/2, JNK and p38 activation in experiments.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Bisabolol itself can cause skin allergy in some people, so soothing claims need to be seen next to that.

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Inflammation-linked pain (animal research)

Very low certainty

In mice, (-)-alpha-bisabolol by mouth reduced paw swelling and pain responses that go with inflammation. Injected into the spinal canal, alpha-bisabolol also reduced pain behaviour by partly blocking a calcium channel called Cav3.2. No human pain trial was found.

2 studiesIsolated (-)-alpha-bisabolol in rodents and cells. Not a supplement o…

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

No human trial of bisabolol for pain or inflammation was found.

Results

By stomach tube in mice (100 and 200 mg/kg for swelling; 25 and 50 mg/kg for pain): smaller paw swelling, fewer pain responses in some tests, less leukocyte migration, less protein leakage, less TNF-alpha. Spinal injection in mice: less pain behaviour after formalin and after Complete Freund's adjuvant, and less touch sensitivity in a nerve-pain model.

Why this rating

Rodent studies from two groups with consistent direction, but all short and acute. No human data.

Form and dose studied

Isolated (-)-alpha-bisabolol in rodents and cells. Not a supplement or cannabis product; amounts used in animals cannot be turned into amounts for people. Doses in mice are far above anything in a cosmetic.

Who was studied

Mice.

Limits

Spinal injection is not a way people use bisabolol. Group sizes and p-values are not in the abstracts. Hot-plate pain did not change. Animal pain tests do not predict pain relief in people.

Why researchers looked

Pain and swelling are the two main targets of folk use of chamomile and candeia oil. Researchers tested bisabolol for these in standard mouse tests.

Traditional use

The Brazilian candeia tree, whose oil is rich in (-)-alpha-bisabolol, is described in a 2018 plant paper as known from ethnobotanical information to have wound-healing and pain-relieving properties.

Proposed mechanism Animal and laboratory

Mouse paw swelling fell after carrageenan, dextran and 5-HT, but not after histamine. Pain responses fell in the acetic acid test and the late phase of the formalin test, but not on a hot plate, so the authors think the action is not central. A second group found that alpha-bisabolol partly blocks Cav3.2 T-type calcium channels in cells and mouse nerve cells, and the pain effect was missing in mice lacking that channel.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Nothing here is an approved use. See the Safety tab.

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Skin lightening in a cosmetic cream (one small human study of a cream)

Very low certainty

In one small study, 28 women applied a cream containing alpha-bisabolol and a plain cream to ultraviolet-darkened skin on the back. The abstract says the bisabolol cream gave a significant lightening effect for most women. This is a study of a cream, not the pure compound, and the result is cosmetic.

2 studiesCream with an unstated amount of bisabolol, applied once daily to the…

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

One randomized comparison with a vehicle cream in 28 Asian women (Int J Cosmet Sci 2010). It is a product study (a cream with bisabolol in a base), not a study of pure bisabolol.

Results

After 8 weeks of once-daily use on the back, the bisabolol cream gave a significant lightening in the pigmented skin of most women, compared with their vehicle control cream. No numbers are given in the abstract.

Effect sizes as reported

Not given in the abstract.

Why this rating

One small study of 28 women, a cream product, no numbers in the abstract, no independent repeat found. The outcome is skin colour, not a health outcome.

Form and dose studied

Cream with an unstated amount of bisabolol, applied once daily to the back for 8 weeks.

Who was studied

28 Asian women with ultraviolet-induced pigmentation.

Limits

Small, short, one skin site; induced (not natural) pigmentation; concentration not stated in the abstract; funding not stated in the abstract. A cosmetic cream cannot show what the pure compound does.

Why researchers looked

Dark patches after skin irritation are a common cosmetic complaint, and bisabolol is used in skin-care creams.

Traditional use

No traditional use for skin lightening was found in the sources read.

Proposed mechanism Laboratory (not read)

A 2008 letter in a skin-science journal is cited by a cosmetic safety panel as showing that bisabolol lowers cAMP in pigment-making cells in a dish. We did not read that letter (no abstract available).

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Allergic skin reactions to bisabolol are reported (Safety tab).

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Gut inflammation (rat research)

Very low certainty

In rats with colitis caused by acetic acid, bisabolol by mouth improved weight, colon damage and inflammation markers. No human trial.

1 studiesIsolated alpha-bisabolol by mouth in rats, 50 mg/kg/day.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

No human trial of bisabolol for bowel disease was found.

Results

Rats given 50 mg/kg/day by mouth had better body weight, colon appearance and lower inflammation markers than untreated colitis rats.

Why this rating

One rat study, one chemical-injury model, one dose.

Form and dose studied

Isolated alpha-bisabolol by mouth in rats, 50 mg/kg/day.

Who was studied

Male Wistar rats.

Limits

Acetic acid colitis is a model, not Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.

Why researchers looked

Researchers test plant compounds in gut-injury models.

Traditional use

Not described in the sources read.

Proposed mechanism Animal research

Lower MPO, MDA, calprotectin and cytokines (IL-1, IL-23, TNF-alpha), and restored antioxidants in the rat colon.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Nothing here is an approved use.

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Protection of the kidney from a chemotherapy drug (rat research)

Very low certainty

In rats given the cancer drug doxorubicin, injected bisabolol lessened kidney damage markers. Nothing in people.

1 studiesIsolated alpha-bisabolol injected into the abdomen of rats.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

No human study found.

Results

Rats given doxorubicin 12.5 mg/kg once plus bisabolol 25 mg/kg injected daily for 5 days kept their weight and antioxidants better, with less inflammation and cell-death signalling, than rats given doxorubicin only.

Why this rating

One rat experiment, injected, one dose. Whether bisabolol would change how a cancer drug works was not tested here.

Form and dose studied

Isolated alpha-bisabolol injected into the abdomen of rats.

Who was studied

Male Wistar rats.

Limits

Injected route; no human data; interaction with cancer treatment untested.

Why researchers looked

Doxorubicin can injure the kidney; researchers test natural compounds as add-ons in animals.

Traditional use

Not described in the sources read.

Proposed mechanism Animal research

Lower lipid peroxidation, lower TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-1beta, iNOS and COX-2, and changes in NF-kB/MAPK and cell-death markers in the rat kidney.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Do not combine any supplement with cancer treatment without your cancer team's advice.

Skin ageing (cell and mouse research)

Very low certainty

In skin cells made to age in a dish and in 9-month-old mice, a (-)-alpha-bisabolol gel improved skin-ageing markers. No human trial.

1 studies(-)-alpha-Bisabolol gel on mouse skin; compound added to cells.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

No human trial of bisabolol for skin ageing was found.

Results

Mice treated with 0.5% and 2% gel for 30 days had better skin water loss, barrier index, epidermal thickness and collagen than untreated aged mice (P<0.05).

Why this rating

One study; cells and mice.

Form and dose studied

(-)-alpha-Bisabolol gel on mouse skin; compound added to cells.

Who was studied

Human skin fibroblasts in a dish; aged mice.

Limits

No human trial; group sizes not in abstract.

Why researchers looked

Bisabolol is an ingredient of anti-ageing creams.

Traditional use

No traditional use found.

Proposed mechanism Animal and laboratory

Lower senescence staining and SASP inflammation genes in cells; better skin barrier, thickness and collagen in mice; more elastin and collagen III gene activity.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Nothing here is an approved use.

¹²

Protection of nerve cells in a dish

Very low certainty

In cultured nerve-like cells, alpha-bisabolol gave modest protection against an oxidant and against amyloid-beta, and reduced amyloid clumping in test tubes. No animal or human data.

1 studiesIsolated alpha-bisabolol in cultured cells.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

No human study found.

Results

Terpenes were benign to the cells up to 100 micromolar; alpha-bisabolol protected cell viability against amyloid-beta and reduced fibril formation.

Why this rating

One cell study.

Form and dose studied

Isolated alpha-bisabolol in cultured cells.

Who was studied

NSC-34 cells.

Limits

Cells and test tubes only; amounts used in a dish are not amounts reached in a person.

Why researchers looked

Cannabis terpenes are being screened for effects on brain-cell damage.

Traditional use

No traditional use found.

Proposed mechanism Laboratory

Reduced amyloid-beta fibril and aggregate density; modest lipid-peroxidation protection.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

The authors suggest the result matters for cannabis formulations; that is a hypothesis, not a finding.

¹⁶

Cancer cells in the laboratory (not a treatment)

Very low certainty

A 2025 review says bisabolol killed cancer cells in dish and animal models of leukaemia, pancreatic, lung and brain cancer, but it also lists barriers such as poor water solubility and limited absorption data. Bisabolol is not a cancer treatment.

1 studiesIsolated bisabolol and derivatives in cells and animals.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

No clinical trial in cancer patients found in our sources.

Results

Reported in the review only; we did not read the individual papers.

Why this rating

Review of laboratory work; the individual studies were not read.

Form and dose studied

Isolated bisabolol and derivatives in cells and animals.

Who was studied

Cell lines and animal models.

Limits

Cell-line results rarely carry over to people.

Why researchers looked

Natural compounds are often screened against cancer cell lines.

Traditional use

No traditional use found.

Proposed mechanism Laboratory and animal (review)

Reviewed mechanisms include mitochondrial cell death and changes in PI3K/Akt-related pathways.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Do not use any compound in place of cancer treatment.

²⁰

Womb-muscle contractions (human tissue in a dish)

Very low certainty

At very high concentrations, alpha-bisabolol reduced contractions of pregnant human womb-muscle samples in a dish and lowered two inflammation signals. This does not show it is safe or useful in pregnancy.

1 studiesIsolated alpha-bisabolol added to tissue samples.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

Human tissue samples, not people.

Results

Significant reduction of spontaneous contractions at the highest concentration (1,860 micromolar).

Why this rating

One lab study; sample size not in the abstract.

Form and dose studied

Isolated alpha-bisabolol added to tissue samples.

Who was studied

Pregnant human myometrium samples.

Limits

Very high concentrations in a dish. It cannot be taken as safe in pregnancy.

Why researchers looked

Researchers looked for compounds that calm womb contractions.

Traditional use

No traditional use found.

Proposed mechanism Laboratory (human tissue)

Lower cAMP and lower LPS-induced TNF-alpha and IL-1beta; the effect was not linked to a rise in cAMP.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

No data show bisabolol is safe in pregnancy. See the Safety tab.

¹⁹

Connections to the rest of health

How Bisabolol connects to the rest of our health knowledge graph. Every link says what kind of connection it is. A safety link (for example to the liver) is a warning, not a benefit. A study that merely mentions a topic never creates a benefit link.

Explore every connection: goals, body systems, organs, symptoms, genes

Kind of connection Connected to Search

B. Body systems

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Immune System	Biological association	Very low certainty	Studied for: Skin inflammation and irritation (cell and animal research) Studied for: Inflammation-linked pain (animal research)	^{18 21 8 24 6 1 22 9 20}
Integumentary System	Biological association	Very low certainty	Studied for: Skin inflammation and irritation (cell and animal research) Studied for: Skin lightening in a cosmetic cream (one small human study of a cream)	^{18 21 8 24 6 1 17 12}
Nervous System	Biological association	Very low certainty	Studied for: Inflammation-linked pain (animal research) Studied for: Protection of nerve cells in a dish	^{22 9 16}
Digestive System	Biological association	Very low certainty	Studied for: Gut inflammation (rat research)	⁴
Urinary System	Biological association	Very low certainty	Studied for: Protection of the kidney from a chemotherapy drug (rat research)	³
Reproductive System	Biological association	Very low certainty	Studied for: Womb-muscle contractions (human tissue in a dish)	¹⁹

I. Biomarkers

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
TNF-alpha and IL-6 (inflammation signals)	Biological association	Very low certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	^{18 22}
Ear swelling after a skin irritant	Biological association	Very low certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	¹⁸
Paw swelling (oedema)	Biological association	Very low certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	²²
Pain behaviour in mice	Biological association	Very low certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	^{22 9}
Cav3.2 T-type calcium channel current	Biological association	Very low certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	⁹
Skin lightness (clinical and instrument measurement)	Biological association	Very low certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	¹⁷
Colon damage and calprotectin (rat)	Biological association	Very low certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	⁴
Kidney oxidative-stress and inflammation markers (rat)	Biological association	Very low certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	³
Skin barrier and collagen (mouse)	Biological association	Very low certainty	Measured in trials: raised. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	¹²
Amyloid-beta clumping (test tube)	Biological association	Very low certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	¹⁶
Womb-muscle contraction in a dish	Biological association	Very low certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	¹⁹

L. Active compounds

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
alpha-Bisabolol / levomenol	Biological association	Animal	Studied for effects on inflammation, pain, skin and other models in cells and animals; one small human cream study; no human trial of the pure compound. Preparation or compound: Chamomile flower oil, candeia wood oil	^{22 18 9 17}
Bisabolol oxides A and B and bisabolone oxide A	Biological association	Plant analysis	Named as main components of chamomile oil beside bisabolol; chamomile bisabolol oxide A varies a lot from year to year. Preparation or compound: Chamomile flower oil	^{6 11}
epi-alpha-Bisabolol	Biological association	Plant analysis	No health studies were read for this form. Preparation or compound: Hemp essential oil	^{25 29}
Chamazulene	Biological association	Plant analysis	Named in a 2022 chamomile review among main oil components; we read nothing on its effects. Preparation or compound: Chamomile flower oil	⁶

Each connection is stored with the ingredient, the connected record, the kind of connection, the evidence status, the supporting studies, the preparation or compound involved, and a review date (last reviewed October 25, 2026).

Evidence at a glance: what changed in 11 lab markers

Tap a number to show only those markers. Counts are markers, not people.

Other101

The evidence

The research centre for Bisabolol. Every record here was checked against PubMed or the publisher's page; we never list a study we have not verified.

Evidence by outcome

Bars show how many studies we found for each outcome, not how well it works. People are added up across trials only (reviews are not added, to avoid double counting).

How we rate evidence

High certainty

Several well-run trials or reviews agree; further research is unlikely to change the picture much.

Moderate certainty

Good trials point the same way, but some doubt remains.

Low certainty

Small, short or inconsistent trials. The finding could change with better research.

Very low certainty

Very little or very weak human data. Treat as a possibility only.

Mixed findings

Trials or reviews disagree with each other.

Not enough evidence

Not enough human research to say either way.

Evidence against

Good research found no benefit, or found harm.

We take the reviewers' own risk-of-bias and GRADE statements where they exist, and otherwise judge from study size, design, consistency, directness and whether a product matches what is sold. Many publications do not make evidence high. Method note: We searched PubMed and read abstracts of about 25 sources, read the Cosmetic Ingredient Review re-review draft in full, and read PubChem through its public interface. We could not open the 2017 CIR entry or the fragrance-industry (RIFM) assessment (blocked or no abstract). Only abstracts were read for papers. Certainty ratings are the compiler's own reading. The lab numbers are from public regulator datasets and published papers, not our own testing.

Study library: every study we checked 30

Design Research type Year from Search

Study	Design	People	Product, dose, length	Result
Alves Gomes Albertti 2018 Identification of the Bisabolol Synthase in the Endangered Candeia Tree ( Front Plant Sci · PMID 30294334 · DOI	Lab analysis plant	Candeia tree (Eremanthus erythropappus) tissues and E. coli expression	Gene study (no treatment) Candeia tree tissues	The abstract says candeia is a Brazilian tree whose essential oil has a high content of (-)-alpha-bisabolol, valued by the cosmetic industry. Timber has been collected at large scale from wild stands for bisabolol extraction and the species is at risk of extinction. The EeBOS1 gene makes (-)-alpha-bisabolol from farnesyl pyrophosphate in a test tube, and its activity matches bisabolol build-up in the plant. Identifies how the tree makes (-)-alpha-bisabolol Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: A gene (EeBOS1) that makes (-)-alpha-bisabolol from farnesyl pyrophosphate; gene activity in tissues at different ages Limitations: A plant biology study; says nothing about health effects. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract
Api 2020 RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, α-bisabolol, CAS registry number 515-69-5. Food Chem Toxicol · PMID 32224217 · DOI	Authoritative guidance n/a	n/a	Bisabolol	Not read (no abstract available). Listed so readers can find the record; no claims on this page rest on its content. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment of alpha-bisabolol (Food Chem Toxicol 2020); no abstract in PubMed and the full text returned an access error (403). Limitations: Not read. Funding and conflicts: Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (the fragrance industry's safety body). Read: not read
Arunachalam 2022 α-Bisabolol Attenuates Doxorubicin Induced Renal Toxicity by Modulating NF-κB/MAPK Signaling and Caspase-Dependent Apoptosis in Rats. Int J Mol Sci · PMID 36142441 · DOI	Animal research rat	Male Wistar rats given doxorubicin (a chemotherapy drug) to injure the kidney	alpha-Bisabolol (isolated) Isolated compound 25 mg/kg injected into the abdomen (intraperitoneal), daily 5 days, together with a single doxorubicin dose of 12.5 mg/kg · vs Rats given doxorubicin only	Bisabolol prevented body-weight loss, restored antioxidants, lowered lipid peroxidation and inflammation signals and changed cell-death markers in the rat kidney after doxorubicin. Protected the rat kidney from a chemotherapy drug in one experiment Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Kidney antioxidants, lipid peroxidation, inflammation signals (TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-1beta, iNOS, COX-2), NF-kB/MAPK, cell-death markers, kidney microscopy Limitations: Rats; injected (not eaten or applied); one dose; no human data. Whether bisabolol would affect how a cancer drug works was not tested here. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract
Bastaki 2025 α-Bisabolol, a Dietary Bioactive Terpene Attenuates Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Colonic Mucosa of Acetic Acid-Induced Colitis in Rats. Int J Mol Sci · PMID 40943092 · DOI	Animal research rat	Male Wistar rats with acetic-acid colitis	alpha-Bisabolol (isolated) Isolated compound 50 mg/kg/day by mouth 3 days before, or 30 minutes after, colitis induction; followed for 7 days · vs Untreated colitis rats	Bisabolol improved the weight loss, colon tissue appearance and antioxidant levels, and lowered MPO, MDA, calprotectin and inflammation signals in the rats. Improved markers in a rat colitis model Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Body weight, colon appearance and microscopy, calprotectin, MPO, GSH, MDA, cytokines (IL-1, IL-23, TNF-alpha) Limitations: Rats; one chemical-injury model; one dose; no human data. The abstract is the only part read. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract
Eddin 2022 Health Benefits, Pharmacological Effects, Molecular Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Potential of α-Bisabolol. Nutrients · PMID 35405982 · DOI	Narrative review review	Review of cell and animal studies on alpha-bisabolol (2022)	alpha-Bisabolol Isolated compound Various	Seven authors; says alpha-bisabolol was first obtained from Matricaria chamomilla (German chamomile), is used in traditional medicine through chamomile and other plants, and that its effects were mostly studied in cell lines or animals. It says further studies are needed on pharmaceutical, pharmacological and toxicological aspects before clinical or nutritional use in humans. It also says regulatory approval for food additives, cosmetics and fragrance supports human use. Mostly cell and animal evidence Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Reported activities: anticancer, antinociceptive, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, antimicrobial Limitations: A narrative review; the abstract is optimistic ("promising nutraceutical") although it says the evidence is mostly cells and animals. Its statements about regulatory approval were not checked against a regulator. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract
El Mihyaoui 2022 Chamomile ( Life (Basel) · PMID 35454969 · DOI	Narrative review review	Review of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) uses, chemistry and research (2022)	Chamomile essential oil and extracts Matricaria chamomilla flowers Various	Says the plant contains over 120 constituents. Its essential oil is made of terpenoids such as alpha-bisabolol and its oxides A and B, bisabolone oxide A, chamazulene and beta-farnesene. Extracts are dominated by phenolic compounds. Reports many lab activities and traditional uses. Chemistry overview Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Phytochemistry and pharmacology Limitations: A narrative review; mostly laboratory findings; says nothing about the share of bisabolol in any shop product. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract
Fiume 2017 Bisabolol. Int J Toxicol · PMID 29025339 · DOI	Authoritative guidance n/a	n/a	Bisabolol	Not read (no abstract available). Listed so readers can find the record; no claims on this page rest on its content. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: CIR 2017 published entry "Bisabolol" (Int J Toxicol); the abstract is empty in PubMed and the full text could not be opened. Limitations: Not read. Funding and conflicts: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (a US industry-funded expert panel). Read: not read
Fiume MM (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) 2015 Safety Assessment of Bisabolol as Used in Cosmetics: Re-Review for Panel Review (Cosmetic Ingredient Review, released 20 February 2015; PDF from cir-safety.org, full text read 2026-10-25) Cosmetic Ingredient Review · Source	Authoritative guidance n/a	n/a	n/a	This is a draft re-review document for the CIR Expert Panel, not a final report. It quotes the 1999 conclusion: bisabolol is safe as used in cosmetic formulations. It summarises the 1999 findings (animal LD50 values; short-term oral rat and dog studies with liver, trachea, spleen, thymus and stomach changes in rats and higher liver weight in dogs; a 28-day rat skin study with a no-effect level of 200 mg/kg/day; not teratogenic in a rat oral study; negative bacteria and chromosome tests; a clinical sensitisation test with a 0.1% product that was negative). It lists use levels: 999 reported products in 2015 versus 184 in 1997; maximum reported use 1% in leave-on products (lipsticks and make-up bases) in a 2014 survey. It says the ingredient is a skin penetration enhancer and cautions formulators about baby products. It says chamomile flower oil may contain up to 41.45% (-)-alpha-bisabolol, and that bisabolol is not restricted in the EU cosmetics rules (citing the EU CosIng database, which we did not open). Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: 1999 conclusion; 1999 summary of animal and human findings; 1995 and 2014 use levels; case reports; skin-lightening study; the draft re-review text and tables Limitations: An industry-funded panel; a draft document; the 1999 data are quoted second-hand; I did not find the final 2015 or 2017 decision text. Read: full text
Gadotti 2021 The terpenes camphene and alpha-bisabolol inhibit inflammatory and neuropathic pain via Cav3.2 T-type calcium channels. Mol Brain · PMID 34775970 · DOI	Animal research mouse and cells	tsA-201 cells, mouse sensory neurons, and mice (pain models)	alpha-Bisabolol (and camphene), commercially available terpenes Isolated compound Injected into the spinal canal (intrathecal); doses not in the abstract Single treatments · vs Vehicle; Cav3.2 knock-out mice	Alpha-bisabolol partly blocked Cav3.2 T-type calcium channels in cells and in mouse sensory neurons (IC50 in the low micromolar range). Injected into the spinal canal it reduced pain behaviour after formalin (more than camphene) and heat sensitivity after Complete Freund's adjuvant, and it reduced touch sensitivity in a nerve-pain model. The effect was missing in mice lacking Cav3.2. Reduced pain behaviour in mice via Cav3.2 channels Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: T-type calcium channel current (Cav3.2); pain behaviour after formalin, Complete Freund's adjuvant and a neuropathic pain model Limitations: Spinal injection in mice is not a way people use bisabolol; sex, doses and group sizes are not fully given in the abstract; no human data. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract
Gomes-Carneiro 2005 Evaluation of mutagenic and antimutagenic activities of alpha-bisabolol in the Salmonella/microsome assay. Mutat Res · PMID 15936245 · DOI	Laboratory research bacteria and rat microsomes	Salmonella typhimurium bacteria strains and rat liver microsomes	alpha-Bisabolol (isolated) Isolated compound Up to 50 microg/plate (with S9) and 150 microg/plate (without) Laboratory exposure · vs Solvent control; known mutagens	Alpha-bisabolol did not increase mutations in any of four bacterial strains, with or without liver extract. It lowered the mutagenic effect of several known mutagens. In rat liver microsomes it inhibited PROD (CYP2B1 marker, IC50 2.76 micromolar) and EROD (CYP1A1 marker, IC50 33.67 micromolar). No mutation signal in the Ames test; inhibits two rat liver enzyme markers in a dish Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Mutagenicity (Ames test); effect on mutagens; CYP enzyme activity (PROD, EROD) Limitations: Bacteria and rat liver extract, not people; enzyme findings are rat enzymes and are not shown to matter in humans. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract
Gosztola 2010 Variability of the essential oil content and composition of chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) affected by weather conditions. Nat Prod Commun · PMID 20420329	Lab analysis plant	28 wild populations and 4 registered cultivars of chamomile (Matricaria recutita) grown in field experiments in 2005 to 2007	Chamomile essential oil analysis (no treatment) Chamomile flowers Three years	Oil content and the alpha-bisabolol share varied between populations and with the weather. The best populations and the four cultivars gave oil above 0.6 g/100 g. The chemotype was stable over three years, but the actual proportions were influenced by weather: 2006, moderately warm and relatively wet, gave the highest oil and alpha-bisabolol contents. Bisabolol oxide B varied least. Bisabolol content in chamomile oil varies with plant type and year Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Essential-oil content and composition including alpha-bisabolol Limitations: Field study of one region; numeric percentages are not in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract
He 2024 (-)-α-Bisabolol inhibits D-Gal-induced HSF cellular senescence Iran J Basic Med Sci · PMID 39055870 · DOI	Animal research mouse and human cells	Human skin fibroblasts made senescent with D-galactose, and 9-month-old BALB/c mice	(-)-alpha-Bisabolol (isolated), as a gel on mouse skin Isolated compound 0.5% and 2% gel on the back skin of mice 30 days · vs Untreated aged mice and cells	In the cell model (-)-alpha-bisabolol lowered senescence staining and SASP gene levels. In aged mice the gel improved skin water loss, the skin barrier index, epidermal thickness and collagen fibre content (P<0.05) and raised elastin and collagen III gene levels. Improved skin ageing markers in cells and aged mice Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Senescence markers (SA-beta-gal) and inflammatory SASP genes in cells; skin water loss, skin barrier index, epidermal thickness, collagen I and III, elastin in mice Limitations: Cells and mice; no human trial of skin ageing; doses are gel percentages in mice; group sizes not in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract
Jacob 2010 Reactions to Aquaphor: is bisabolol the culprit? Pediatr Dermatol · PMID 20199429 · DOI	Case series	3 Three children with recalcitrant atopic dermatitis using an emollient	Bisabolol-containing emollient (patch testing) Skin	The authors describe three more children with atopic dermatitis found to have potential allergic contact dermatitis to bisabolol, a component of an emollient they were using. They say only two adult case reports existed before. They note that Compositae allergy is more common in children with atopic dermatitis. Case reports of contact allergy Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Allergic contact dermatitis to bisabolol Limitations: Three cases; selected patients; no rate. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract
Jacob 2011 Compositae-associated allergic contact dermatitis from bisabolol. Dermatitis · PMID 21504695	Case series	7 Children (mostly with atopic dermatitis) with a history of intolerance to a moisturizer, and other patch-tested patients	Patch tests with a moisturizer and its components, including bisabolol Skin patch tests Single patch tests	Of seven children with intolerance to the moisturizer (six with atopic dermatitis), four reacted to the moisturizer and to bisabolol. The authors say bisabolol should be considered a possible cause of allergic contact dermatitis in children with atopic dermatitis and a history of moisturizer intolerance. 4 of 7 selected children reacted to bisabolol on patch testing Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Positive allergic skin reactions to bisabolol Limitations: A small clinic chart review of selected patients who already had problems; it cannot give a rate of allergy in the general public. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract
Kim 2008 Mechanisms of depigmentation by alpha-bisabolol. J Dermatol Sci · PMID 18692366 · DOI	Other n/a	n/a	Bisabolol	Not read (no abstract available). Listed so readers can find the record; no claims on this page rest on its content. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Letter on how bisabolol lightens skin (J Dermatol Sci 2008); no abstract in PubMed; only a CIR document's summary was read. Limitations: Not read. Read: not read
Laws Iii 2022 Cannabis terpenes display variable protective and anti-aggregatory actions against neurotoxic β amyloid in vitro: highlighting the protective bioactivity of α-bisabolol in motorneuronal-like NSC-34 cells. Neurotoxicology · PMID 35278524 · DOI	Laboratory research cells	NSC-34 motor-neuron-like cells in a dish	alpha-Bisabolol, myrcene and beta-caryophyllene (isolated) Isolated compounds 1 to 1,000 micromolar for 48 hours (viability); sub-toxic concentrations for protection tests 48 hours · vs Untreated cells; other terpenes	Terpenes were benign to the cells up to 100 micromolar. Alpha-bisabolol gave a modest but significant rise in cell viability after t-BHP in undifferentiated cells, and a significant protective effect against amyloid-beta; it also reduced amyloid fibril and aggregate density in test tubes. Beta-caryophyllene gave a smaller protection; myrcene did not show clear antioxidant effects. Modest protection of cultured cells from amyloid-beta Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Cell viability (MTT), protection against t-BHP and amyloid-beta 1-42, amyloid fibril formation (ThT, circular dichroism, electron microscopy) Limitations: Cells and test-tube assays only; no animal or human data. The abstract names these as three terpenes predominant in cannabis; it does not give amounts in any product. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract
Lee 2010 Whitening effect of alpha-bisabolol in Asian women subjects. Int J Cosmet Sci · PMID 20642768 · DOI	Controlled trial	28 28 female volunteers (Asian) with ultraviolet-induced skin pigmentation	Base cream containing alpha-bisabolol (cosmetic preparation) Cream applied to the skin of the back Concentration of bisabolol not stated in the abstract Once daily for 8 weeks · vs Vehicle control cream applied by the same women	After 8 weeks the bisabolol cream gave a significant lightening effect in the pigmented skin for the majority of the women who tested it, compared with the vehicle cream. Lightening of induced skin pigmentation (cosmetic result) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Skin lightening by clinical and biophysical tests Limitations: Small study of 28 women; a cream product, not the pure compound; concentration and numeric results not in the abstract; skin colour change is a cosmetic result, not a medical outcome. The abstract was read; the full paper was not. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract
Maurya 2014 α-(-)-bisabolol reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine production and ameliorates skin inflammation. Curr Pharm Biotechnol · PMID 24894548 · DOI	Animal research mouse and cells	Mouse macrophage cells and mice with ear inflammation	alpha-(-)-Bisabolol (isolated) Isolated compound Applied to the skin (topical) in a dose-dependent manner; doses not in the abstract Single or short exposures · vs Untreated inflamed ears / untreated cells	In macrophage cells, bisabolol significantly lowered TNF-alpha and IL-6 made after LPS or TPA. In mice, skin application significantly reduced ear thickness, ear weight, lipid peroxidation and tissue damage after TPA, in a dose-dependent way. The authors say their in-vitro and in-vivo toxicity tests suggest it is safe on skin. Docking showed binding to inflammation-related proteins on a computer. Lowered skin inflammation markers in cells and mice Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: TNF-alpha and IL-6 in macrophages; ear thickness, ear weight, lipid peroxidation and tissue damage after TPA; toxicity profiles; computer docking Limitations: Cells and mice; acute chemical irritation (not eczema or any human skin disease); doses and group sizes not in the abstract; computer docking is not evidence of an effect in people. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract
Muñoz-Pérez 2018 Anti-inflammatory and utero-relaxant effect of α-bisabolol on the pregnant human uterus. Korean J Physiol Pharmacol · PMID 29962853 · DOI	Laboratory research human tissue (ex vivo)	Human myometrium (womb muscle) samples from pregnant women, in a dish	alpha-Bisabolol (isolated; form not stated) Isolated compound 560, 860, 1,200 and 1,860 micromolar Laboratory exposure · vs Forskolin (positive control); untreated tissue	At the highest concentration alpha-bisabolol significantly reduced spontaneous contractions of the muscle samples. It lowered cAMP and lowered LPS-induced TNF-alpha and IL-1beta in a concentration-dependent way; IL-10 did not rise significantly. The effects were not linked to a rise in cAMP. Reduced contractions and inflammation signals in human womb-muscle tissue in a dish Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Spontaneous muscle contractions; cAMP; TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and IL-10 after LPS Limitations: Tissue samples in a dish; very high concentrations (up to 1,860 micromolar); sample size not in the abstract. It does not show that bisabolol is safe or useful in pregnancy; the authors' suggestion about preterm birth is a hypothesis. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract
Prasher 2025 Bisabolol as a natural anticancer agent: molecular insights and therapeutic potential in oncology. Med Oncol · PMID 40974418 · DOI	Narrative review review	Review of anticancer research on bisabolol (2025)	alpha-Bisabolol and derivatives Isolated compound Various	Says experimental anticancer results come from leukaemia, pancreatic, lung and glioblastoma models, and describes mitochondrial apoptosis and other pathways. It lists poor water solubility, limited in vivo pharmacokinetics and CYP2C9/CYP2J-mediated metabolism as barriers to clinical translation. It reports computer (in silico) predictions of high gut absorption and minimal P-glycoprotein and CYP450 interactions. Cell and animal cancer research; no clinical use Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Anticancer findings in leukaemia, pancreatic, lung and glioblastoma models; computer predictions of absorption and drug interactions; translation barriers Limitations: Mostly cell and animal work and computer predictions; the computer predictions of low interaction risk are not human data and conflict in spirit with the CYP findings in the same review. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract
Ramazani 2022 Pharmacological and biological effects of alpha-bisabolol: An updated review of the molecular mechanisms. Life Sci · PMID 35753438 · DOI	Narrative review review	Review of molecular mechanism papers on alpha-bisabolol published 2010 to 2021	alpha-Bisabolol Isolated compound Various	Says alpha-bisabolol is one of the "most-used herbal constituents" in the world. Lists lowered TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, iNOS and COX-2 and lowered ERK1/2, JNK, NF-kB and p38 activation in experiments. Concludes it is worth testing in clinical trials. Mechanism review of lab and animal work Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, brain-cell and cancer mechanisms Limitations: A review of experimental papers; it does not rate quality and calls for clinical trials, which means they have not yet been done. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract
Rocha 2011 Anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of (-)-α-bisabolol in rodents. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol · PMID 21870032 · DOI	Animal research mouse	Mice (inflammation and pain tests)	(-)-alpha-Bisabolol (isolated) Isolated compound By stomach tube: 100 and 200 mg/kg (inflammation tests); 25 and 50 mg/kg (pain tests) Single treatments before an irritant · vs Vehicle-treated mice	Mice given (-)-alpha-bisabolol had smaller paw swelling after carrageenan, dextran and 5-HT, but not after histamine. Pain responses fell in the acetic acid test and in the second phase of the formalin test, but not on a hot plate. It lowered white-cell migration, protein leakage and TNF-alpha, and reduced neutrophil degranulation in cells. Reduced swelling and inflammation-linked pain in mice; no effect on a hot-plate (central) pain test Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Paw swelling (carrageenan, dextran, 5-HT, histamine); pain responses (acetic acid, formalin, hot plate, mechanical); leukocyte migration, protein leakage and TNF-alpha in the abdominal cavity; neutrophil degranulation Limitations: Mice; short, single-dose tests; group sizes and p-values not in the abstract; oral doses of 25 to 200 mg/kg are not comparable to amounts in cosmetics or cannabis. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract
Russell 2010 Bisabolol. Dermatitis · PMID 20137740	Narrative review review	Short dermatology review of bisabolol as a contact allergen (2010)	Bisabolol Skin products	Says bisabolol is an extract isolated from German chamomile, is a common additive in moisturisers, ointments, lotions, cleansers, sunscreens, antiperspirants and makeup, and that contact dermatitis from bisabolol has been reported in Europe and is purported to occur in the United States. Suggests patch testing may be useful in the work-up of some patients with suspected allergic contact dermatitis and counsels sensitised patients to avoid bisabolol-containing products. Allergy is possible but uncommon Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Contact dermatitis from bisabolol Limitations: A brief review; no allergy rate given in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract
Tan 2024 The combination of allantoin, bisabolol, D-panthenol and dipotassium glycyrrhizinate mitigates UVB-induced PGE Int J Cosmet Sci · PMID 38433250 · DOI	Laboratory research human cells	Human epidermal keratinocytes (skin cells) in a dish, exposed to UVB light	Combination of allantoin, bisabolol, D-panthenol and dipotassium glycyrrhizinate (AB5D); individual ingredients in antioxidant tests Mixture of four skincare ingredients Dose-response; concentrations not in the abstract Laboratory exposure · vs UVB-exposed cells without AB5D	AB5D lowered inflammation-related gene sets and lowered UVB-induced PGE2, several cytokines and mitochondrial superoxide in the skin cells. Lowered UVB-induced inflammation markers in skin cells (mixture) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Gene activity (transcriptomics); PGE2, IL-1alpha, IL-6, IL-8, IL-1RA, TNF-alpha; antioxidant capacity (ORAC); mitochondrial superoxide Limitations: Cells in a dish; this is a four-ingredient mixture study, not a study of bisabolol alone; the abstract does not say who funded it (several authors may work for a skincare company; affiliations were not read). Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract
Zheljazkov 2022 Terpenes and Cannabinoids Yields and Profile from Direct-Seeded and Transplanted CBD- J Agric Food Chem · PMID 35436102 · DOI	Lab analysis plant analysis	Hemp (Cannabis sativa) cultivar Culver grown in central Oregon, USA: female leaves, chaff, male flowers and colas	Essential oil and cannabinoid analysis (no treatment) Hemp plant parts One growing season, two planting systems · vs Open clonal transplants versus dense seeding	The abstract lists epi-alpha-bisabolol as a main essential-oil constituent: 2.7 to 5.5% in female leaves and 3.9% in male flowers of the dense-seeded system. Plants from open clonal transplants had higher epi-alpha-bisabolol in colas than the dense-seeded plants. The abstract does not give values for the other parts. Occurrence data only Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Essential-oil composition and yield, cannabinoids Limitations: One high-CBD hemp cultivar in one place; the abstract names the stereoisomer epi-alpha-bisabolol, which may not be the same as (-)-alpha-bisabolol, so it cannot be used to say how much of the chamomile form hemp contains. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract
n/a 2026 PubChem GHS classification summary for Levomenol (CID 442343), from ECHA C&L Inventory notifications, read through PUG View on 2026-10-25 PubChem (NCBI) / ECHA C&L Inventory · Source	Authoritative guidance n/a	n/a	n/a	Of 401 company reports (7 notifications): 3% (12) said it does not meet GHS hazard criteria. Among reports giving hazard codes: H317 (may cause an allergic skin reaction) 18.7%; H411 (toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects) 64.1%; H412 32.9%. These are company self-notifications, not a regulator decision. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Company hazard notifications Limitations: Company self-classification of the pure chemical; says nothing about the low concentrations used in cosmetics. Read: api
n/a 2026 PubChem GHS classification summary for alpha-Bisabolol (CID 10586), from ECHA C&L Inventory notifications, read through PUG View on 2026-10-25 PubChem (NCBI) / ECHA C&L Inventory · Source	Authoritative guidance n/a	n/a	n/a	Of 4 reports from 1 notification: H317 (may cause an allergic skin reaction) 100%; H401 100%; H411 100%. These are company self-notifications, not a regulator decision. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Company hazard notifications Limitations: Very few reports; self-classification of the pure chemical. Read: api
n/a 2026 PubChem compound record: Levomenol ((-)-alpha-bisabolol), CID 442343, read through the PubChem REST API PubChem (NCBI) · Source	Authoritative guidance n/a	n/a	n/a	Read on 2026-10-25. The record lists (-)-alpha-Bisabolol and Levomenol as synonyms (also INN-Latin Levomenolum) and CAS 23089-26-1. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: CID 442343; C15H26O; 222.37; IUPAC name (2S)-6-methyl-2-[(1S)-4-methylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl]hept-5-en-2-ol; synonyms include Levomenol, (-)-alpha-Bisabolol, CAS 23089-26-1 Limitations: A database record; not a study. Read: api
n/a 2026 PubChem compound record: alpha-Bisabolol (stereochemistry not specified), CID 10586, read through the PubChem REST API PubChem (NCBI) · Source	Authoritative guidance n/a	n/a	n/a	Read on 2026-10-25. This record is the general name without stated handedness. A separate record, CID 1549992, is the (R,R) form ("Bisabolol") and CID 1201551 is the (+)-epi form. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: CID 10586; C15H26O; 222.37; IUPAC name 6-methyl-2-(4-methylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)hept-5-en-2-ol; synonyms include (+/-)-alpha-Bisabolol and dl-alpha-Bisabolol; CAS 72059-10-0 and 72691-24-8 listed among synonyms Limitations: A database record; not a study. Read: api
n/a 2026 Lab numbers for bisabolol: docs/cannabis/labdata/bisabolol.json (212 entries for 177 named strains), taken from cannabis_lab_data.json AlternativeMed lab-number collection (regulator datasets and published papers) · Source	Lab analysis n/a	n/a	n/a	Nevada regulator-dataset medians (65 strains, percent by weight), a California dispensary paper (15 strains, mg/g), a hemp trial (27 varieties, mg/g, and 20 varieties, ppm), a paper table printed under a "% dry wt" header (49 strains, single batches), and 15 values printed in % with no basis stated. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Bisabolol measurements in named cannabis flower samples Limitations: Not our own testing; units and methods differ; the isomer measured is not stated. Read: file

What we do not know yet

What the evidence supports: everything is very low certainty. Most is from cells and animals.
No human trial of isolated bisabolol was found for any use.
The only human trial read tested a cream with bisabolol in 28 women, not the pure compound.
No human data on use by mouth, in pregnancy, with medicines, or with cannabis.
Papers and lab reports seldom say which bisabolol form was used.
The 2017 CIR entry and the RIFM assessment could not be read.

How new research is added

New studies are found by a saved PubMed search and are placed in a review queue. A person reads each one before it changes any evidence rating or safety wording. New publications never change ratings automatically.

Lab markers

What changed in blood or saliva tests during trials. A changed number is not the same as feeling or being healthier, and we give no "normal ranges".

Other 11

▼

TNF-alpha and IL-6 (inflammation signals)

Lowered in trials

Small proteins made by immune cells that rise when tissue is inflamed. Lower levels mean less inflammation signalling in the model.

Very low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Standard readout in cells and mice for anti-inflammatory compounds.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Consistent in two mouse papers; not tested in people.

Safety implication

None specific.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹⁸	Bisabolol lowered TNF-alpha and IL-6 made by mouse macrophages after LPS or TPA.	Mouse macrophage cells	alpha-(-)-Bisabolol
²²	Bisabolol lowered TNF-alpha in the abdominal fluid of mice given carrageenan.	Mice	(-)-alpha-Bisabolol by mouth

^{18 22}

▼

Ear swelling after a skin irritant

Lowered in trials

How much a mouse ear thickens and gains weight after an irritant is painted on. Less swelling means less inflammation in the model.

Very low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Standard mouse skin-inflammation test.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

One mouse model from one group.

Safety implication

None specific.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹⁸	Skin application of bisabolol reduced ear thickness, ear weight, lipid peroxidation and tissue damage after TPA, in a dose-dependent way.	Mice	Topical alpha-(-)-bisabolol

¹⁸

▼

Paw swelling (oedema)

Lowered in trials

How much a rodent paw swells after an irritant is injected. Less swelling means less inflammation in the model.

Very low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Standard rodent test.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

One paper; acute model.

Safety implication

None specific.

Study	Result	People	Product
²²	Smaller paw swelling after carrageenan, dextran and 5-HT, but not after histamine.	Mice	(-)-alpha-Bisabolol by stomach tube, 100 and 200 mg/kg

²²

▼

Pain behaviour in mice

Lowered in trials

Licking or flinching, writhing or sensitivity to touch or heat after a painful trigger. Fewer responses means less pain-like behaviour in the model.

Very low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Standard animal pain tests.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Two groups, both mouse; not a human pain measure.

Safety implication

None specific.

Study	Result	People	Product
²²	Fewer responses in the acetic-acid and late-phase formalin tests, not in the hot-plate test.	Mice	(-)-alpha-Bisabolol by stomach tube, 25 and 50 mg/kg
⁹	Less pain behaviour after formalin, less heat sensitivity after Complete Freund's adjuvant, less touch sensitivity in a nerve-pain model; missing in mice without Cav3.2.	Mice	alpha-Bisabolol into the spinal canal

^{22 9}

▼

Cav3.2 T-type calcium channel current

Lowered in trials

Electrical current through a calcium channel in pain-sensing nerve cells. Lower current means the channel is partly blocked.

Very low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Cav3.2 is a drug target in pain research.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

One group; lab measure.

Safety implication

None specific.

Study	Result	People	Product
⁹	Partial, significant block of Cav3.2 current with IC50 in the low micromolar range, in cells and mouse sensory neurons.	Cells and mouse neurons	alpha-Bisabolol

⁹

▼

Skin lightness (clinical and instrument measurement)

Lowered in trials

How light or dark an area of skin is, judged by an examiner and by an instrument.

Very low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Cosmetic outcome for pigmentation.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

One small cream study; cosmetic.

Safety implication

None specific.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹⁷	Significant lightening of induced pigmentation with the bisabolol cream compared with vehicle for the majority of women, no numbers in abstract.	28 Asian women	Cream with alpha-bisabolol, once daily, 8 weeks

¹⁷

▼

Colon damage and calprotectin (rat)

Lowered in trials

Colon appearance under the microscope and calprotectin, a protein released by neutrophils in gut inflammation.

Very low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Readouts of colitis severity in rats.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

One rat paper.

Safety implication

None specific.

Study	Result	People	Product
⁴	Bisabolol improved weight loss and colon appearance and lowered calprotectin, MPO, MDA and cytokines.	Rats with acetic-acid colitis	alpha-Bisabolol 50 mg/kg/day by mouth

⁴

▼

Kidney oxidative-stress and inflammation markers (rat)

Lowered in trials

Lipid peroxidation, antioxidants and cytokines measured in kidney tissue.

Very low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Readout of kidney injury from doxorubicin.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

One rat paper.

Safety implication

None specific.

Study	Result	People	Product
³	Lower lipid peroxidation and inflammation signals, restored antioxidants.	Rats given doxorubicin	alpha-Bisabolol 25 mg/kg injected daily for 5 days

▲

Skin barrier and collagen (mouse)

Raised in trials

Water loss through the skin, epidermal thickness and collagen content.

Very low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Markers of skin ageing.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

One mouse paper.

Safety implication

None specific.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹²	Gel improved skin barrier index, epidermal thickness and collagen I; raised elastin and collagen III gene levels.	Aged mice	(-)-alpha-Bisabolol gel 0.5% and 2%, 30 days

¹²

▼

Amyloid-beta clumping (test tube)

Lowered in trials

How much amyloid-beta forms fibrils and aggregates in a test tube.

Very low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Alzheimer's research readout.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

One lab paper.

Safety implication

None specific.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹⁶	Alpha-bisabolol reduced fibril and aggregate density.	Test tube and NSC-34 cells	alpha-Bisabolol

¹⁶

▼

Womb-muscle contraction in a dish

Lowered in trials

Spontaneous contractions of pregnant human womb-muscle samples.

Very low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Preterm-birth research readout.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

One lab paper.

Safety implication

Do not read this as pregnancy safety.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹⁹	Significant reduction at the highest concentration (1,860 micromolar).	Human myometrium samples	alpha-Bisabolol in a dish

¹⁹

Safety

What studies and official sources say about side effects, medicines and who should check first. Each point shows what kind of evidence it comes from.

Main points to know 5

No human safety study of bisabolol on its own was found. We found no trial of bisabolol taken by mouth or inhaled, and no study of it with cannabis. Most of what is known comes from cosmetic safety documents (use on skin, small amounts), animal studies and a few skin-allergy case reports. Gap ⁸
Skin allergy is the best-documented problem. Bisabolol can cause allergic contact dermatitis in some people. Case series describe it in children with eczema (atopic dermatitis), many of whom also react to other plants in the daisy family. Company reports to the European chemicals agency list "may cause an allergic skin reaction" for the pure chemical. No rate in the general public was found. Human case ^{14 13 23 26 27}
A cosmetic safety panel judged it "safe as used" in cosmetics. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (a US industry-funded expert panel) concluded in 1999 that bisabolol is safe as used in cosmetic formulations. A 2015 re-review draft that we read reports a highest use level of 1% in leave-on products. That is a judgement about cosmetics on skin, not about eating, inhaling or using it in cannabis products. We could not open the later published CIR entry (2017) or the fragrance-industry (RIFM) assessment. Authoritative guidance ^{8 7 2}
It can help other ingredients cross the skin. The CIR document says bisabolol is a skin penetration enhancer in a lab test, especially with propylene glycol, and it cautions formulators about baby products. In practice this means other ingredients in the same product may be absorbed more. Authoritative guidance ⁸
Risks of THC cannabis are separate. Bisabolol is a minor aroma compound in some cannabis. The risks of THC-containing cannabis (impairment, anxiety, psychosis risk, dependence, vomiting syndrome) belong to THC and are not caused by or reduced by bisabolol. See the THC page. Other

Side effects 3

Effect	How often	Severity and recovery	Evidence
Allergic contact dermatitis (skin rash after skin contact) Selected patients, mostly children with eczema and Compositae (daisy-family) allergy. A 2024 case report of severe reaction to a facial cream and a 2008 lipstick case exist but were not read (no abstract).	No rate found. 4 of 7 selected children with moisturizer intolerance reacted to bisabolol on patch testing; 3 more children reported in another series.	variable Not described in the abstracts	Human case ^{14 13 23}
Inflammatory changes in organs in short-term oral animal studies The CIR document says short-term oral exposure produced inflammatory changes in the liver, trachea, spleen, thymus and stomach in rats and higher liver weight with lower body weight in dogs. Doses were not read.	Not given	unknown Not described	Animal research ⁸
Moderate skin redness at 20% on rat skin From the 1999 rat skin study quoted in the CIR document (4 weeks, 6 hours a day).	Seen at 20%; not at 1% or 4%	mild Not described	Animal research ⁸

Liver

No human case of liver injury from bisabolol was found, and LiverTox was not read. In the CIR document, short-term oral studies in rats and dogs showed liver changes (inflammatory changes in rats; higher liver weight in dogs). Separately, in rat liver extract, bisabolol blocked two liver enzymes in a dish. We do not know whether any of this happens in people. ^{8 10}

How often. No human rate was found.

Monitoring. No agency monitoring advice was read.

This is a safety connection. It is not evidence that Bisabolol supports liver health.

Medicines and supplements 4

With	Why it matters	Importance	Evidence	What to do
Medicines broken down by liver enzymes (CYP enzymes) drug-metabolism	In rat liver extract bisabolol inhibited PROD (CYP2B1 marker, IC50 2.76 micromolar) and EROD (CYP1A1 marker, IC50 33.67 micromolar). A 2025 review says bisabolol is broken down by CYP2C9/CYP2J, while a computer prediction in the same review says it has minimal CYP450 interactions. These do not agree and none is human data.	Unknown in people.	Laboratory research Very low certainty ^{10 20}	Treat drug-interaction risk as unstudied. If you take medicines, ask a pharmacist before using bisabolol supplements or concentrated products.
Other ingredients in the same skin product skin-absorption	Bisabolol acted as a skin penetration enhancer in a lab test (CIR document), which could increase absorption of other ingredients.	Not measured in people; the panel only cautioned formulators.	Authoritative guidance Low certainty ⁸	If you react to skin products, patch-test and ask a doctor.
THC, CBD and other cannabinoids cannabinoid	Some write that terpenes modify cannabis effects (the entourage idea). We found no human study of bisabolol with any cannabinoid.	Unknown.	Gap Not enough evidence	Treat the idea that bisabolol changes the effect of THC or CBD as unproven.
Alcohol, sedatives and other drugs that cause drowsiness sedation	No study found.	Unknown.	Gap Not enough evidence	No data. Cannabis with THC does interact with sedatives and alcohol; see the THC page.

Who should check first 7

Situation	Advice	Evidence
Allergy to daisy-family plants (chamomile, ragweed, arnica and similar) or to a bisabolol product	Case series link bisabolol reactions with daisy-family (Compositae) allergy. Avoid products that caused a rash and ask a doctor or allergist about patch testing.	Human case ^{14 13 23}
Pregnancy and breastfeeding	No human data on bisabolol use were found. The CIR document says bisabolol was not teratogenic in a rat oral study, but animal results do not prove safety in pregnancy. A lab study on human womb-muscle tissue in a dish does not show safety. Ask your doctor before use. Bisabolol in cosmetics is a separate question: the CIR document does not address pregnancy.	Gap ^{8 19}
Babies and young children	The CIR document notes bisabolol is used in baby products and cautions about other ingredients being absorbed more. Children with eczema may be more likely to react. Ask a doctor before using bisabolol products on eczema.	Authoritative guidance ^{8 14}
Teens and young people	No data on bisabolol specifically. Risks of THC cannabis for teens are covered on the THC page.	Gap
Older adults	No data on bisabolol in older adults were found. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if you take several medicines.	Gap
Driving and impairment	No study of bisabolol and driving was found. This page does not say bisabolol impairs or does not impair driving. Cannabis with THC can impair driving; see the THC page.	Gap
Cancer treatment	A rat study injected bisabolol with doxorubicin; how it would affect any cancer drug in people is unstudied. Talk to your cancer team before using any supplement.	Animal research ³

Overdose, product quality and regulators

Summary. Animal data come from cosmetic-safety documents and are quoted second-hand. No human toxicity data on swallowed or inhaled bisabolol were found.

Animal. From the CIR document (quoting the 1999 review): acute LD50 values of 15.1 ml/kg in mice and 14.9 and 15.6 ml/kg in male and female rats; not determinable in dogs or rhesus monkeys; a 28-day rat skin no-effect level of 200 mg/kg/day (a 4% solution, 87.5% pure); not teratogenic in a rat oral study; negative in a guinea-pig skin photosensitisation test.

High dose or long term signals. Short-term oral rat and dog studies showed organ changes (see liver). Long-term studies were not found.

Overdose response. Not described in the sources read.

Genotoxicity. Not mutagenic in an Ames test with four bacterial strains with or without liver extract (Gomes-Carneiro 2005), and negative in Ames and chromosome tests as quoted by the CIR document. Not genotoxic in a fruit-fly test at the concentrations used (also quoted).

A bisabolol figure on a cannabis lab report or product label is one batch result for flower content. We did not find a study that tested whether bisabolol labels on cannabis, chamomile oil or cosmetic products match what is inside.

Natural variation in chamomile oil. In a three-year field study of 28 wild populations and 4 cultivars of chamomile, oil yield and the alpha-bisabolol share varied between plants and with the weather. ¹¹

Which form of bisabolol. PubChem keeps separate records for the natural (-) form (levomenol), the general name without stated handedness, and other forms. A cannabis lab report seldom says which form it measured, and a hemp paper reported "epi-alpha-bisabolol" specifically. ^{28 29 25}

Same strain name, different numbers. In our lab numbers the same strain name has very different bisabolol values in different samples and sources; see the Overview tab. ³⁰

Body	Action	Date
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (US industry-funded expert panel; not a government regulator) (United States)	Concluded in 1999 that bisabolol is safe as used in cosmetic formulations. The 2015 re-review draft (for Panel meeting 17-18 March 2015) reports 999 products in 2015 versus 184 in 1997, and a maximum reported use of 1% in leave-on products in a 2014 survey; it cautions formulators about penetration enhancement in baby products. source	2026-10-25
ECHA C&L Inventory notifications (read via PubChem), levomenol (European Union)	Of 401 company reports, 3% said it does not meet hazard criteria; among reports giving hazard codes, "may cause an allergic skin reaction" (H317) was given in 18.7%, aquatic toxicity codes in 64.1% (H411) and 32.9% (H412). For the general alpha-bisabolol record, 4 reports from 1 notification gave H317, H401 and H411. source	2026-10-25

When to get medical help

Swelling of the face or lips, hives, or trouble breathing after using a skin product or an oil
A spreading, blistering or weeping rash after skin contact: stop the product and seek medical advice
Rash around the eyes, lips or mouth after using a product containing chamomile-derived ingredients
A child or pet has swallowed a concentrated oil or cannabis product: call US Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 (or your local emergency number)
Chest pain or severe breathing trouble after smoking or vaping

Stop using the product and contact a clinician or emergency service. In the US, Poison Control is 1-800-222-1222.

General information only, not medical advice. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before use, especially with medicines, in pregnancy or with a health condition. See the Natural Remedy Safety guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is bisabolol?

Bisabolol (alpha-bisabolol) is a sweet, floral-smelling plant molecule with the formula C15H26O. It is found in German chamomile oil and candeia oil and is added to many skin-care products.

^{28 5}

Is bisabolol the same as levomenol?

Levomenol is the name for the natural (-) form of alpha-bisabolol, the form found in chamomile and candeia. Papers often just say "bisabolol" without saying which form.

^{28 8}

Where does bisabolol come from?

It is best known from German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and the Brazilian candeia tree (Eremanthus erythropappus). It is also found in small amounts in some cannabis and hemp.

^{6 1 16 25}

Is there bisabolol in cannabis?

Yes, in some samples, as a minor compound. A cell study calls it one of the predominant cannabis terpenes. Amounts vary a lot between samples: see "What the lab numbers show".

^{16 30}

Does bisabolol calm or heal skin?

Not proven. In mice and cells it lowered inflammation signals. In a cosmetic panel document, bisabolol creams did not show an anti-irritant effect on irritated skin in guinea pigs and people. Some people are allergic to it.

^{18 8 14}

Can bisabolol cause an allergy?

Yes, in some people. Case series report allergic contact dermatitis, mostly in children with eczema who also react to daisy-family plants. No rate in the general public was found.

^{14 13 23}

Is bisabolol safe in cosmetics?

A cosmetic safety panel concluded in 1999 that it is safe as used in cosmetic formulations, and a 2015 re-review draft reports a highest use level of 1% in leave-on products. That panel is industry-funded, and this is a judgement about skin products only.

⁸

Does bisabolol relieve pain?

In mice it reduced some pain responses and partly blocked a nerve calcium channel. No human pain trial was found.

^{22 9}

Is bisabolol an anti-cancer treatment?

No. Cancer-cell results are from dishes and animals, and a 2025 review lists barriers to clinical use. No clinical trial was found.

²⁰

Is bisabolol safe in pregnancy or for children?

No human data on bisabolol use in pregnancy were found. A cosmetic panel document says it was not teratogenic in one rat oral study, which does not prove safety. Children with eczema may be more likely to react to it. Ask a doctor or pharmacist.

^{8 19 14}

Does bisabolol interact with medicines?

Unknown in people. In rat liver extract it blocked two liver-enzyme markers, and reviews disagree about its enzyme interactions. If you take medicines, ask a pharmacist.

^{10 20}

Do the lab numbers tell me what a strain will do?

No. They are measurements of flower content in specific samples. The same strain name can have very different chemistry, and the numbers say nothing about effects.

³⁰

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Editorial transparency

Written by: AlternativeMed editorial team. Research compiled with AI assistance, then checked against PubMed records.
Medical review: None. This page has not been reviewed by a physician or pharmacist.
First published: 2026-10-25
Last substantive update: 2026-10-25
How we research: We searched PubMed and read abstracts of about 25 sources, read the Cosmetic Ingredient Review re-review draft in full, and read PubChem through its public interface. We could not open the 2017 CIR entry or the fragrance-industry (RIFM) assessment (blocked or no abstract). Only abstracts were read for papers. Certainty ratings are the compiler's own reading. The lab numbers are from public regulator datasets and published papers, not our own testing.
How we rate evidence: See "How we rate evidence" in the Evidence tab.
Independence: No product is promoted on this page. No affiliate links are shown, and none will be added for bisabolol. This page is information, not a recommendation to use it.

Sources 30

Each source was opened and checked. Where we read only the abstract, it says so. The small numbers in the text point here.

Alves Gomes Albertti L, et al. Identification of the Bisabolol Synthase in the Endangered Candeia Tree (. Front Plant Sci. 2018. PMID 30294334. DOI 10.3389/fpls.2018.01340. (abstract)
Api AM, et al. RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, α-bisabolol, CAS registry number 515-69-5.. Food Chem Toxicol. 2020. PMID 32224217. DOI 10.1016/j.fct.2020.111238. (not read)
Arunachalam S, et al. α-Bisabolol Attenuates Doxorubicin Induced Renal Toxicity by Modulating NF-κB/MAPK Signaling and Caspase-Dependent Apoptosis in Rats.. Int J Mol Sci. 2022. PMID 36142441. DOI 10.3390/ijms231810528. (abstract)
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n/a. PubChem GHS classification summary for Levomenol (CID 442343), from ECHA C&L Inventory notifications, read through PUG View on 2026-10-25. PubChem (NCBI) / ECHA C&L Inventory. 2026. (api)
n/a. PubChem GHS classification summary for alpha-Bisabolol (CID 10586), from ECHA C&L Inventory notifications, read through PUG View on 2026-10-25. PubChem (NCBI) / ECHA C&L Inventory. 2026. (api)
n/a. PubChem compound record: Levomenol ((-)-alpha-bisabolol), CID 442343, read through the PubChem REST API. PubChem (NCBI). 2026. (api)
n/a. PubChem compound record: alpha-Bisabolol (stereochemistry not specified), CID 10586, read through the PubChem REST API. PubChem (NCBI). 2026. (api)
n/a. Lab numbers for bisabolol: docs/cannabis/labdata/bisabolol.json (212 entries for 177 named strains), taken from cannabis_lab_data.json. AlternativeMed lab-number collection (regulator datasets and published papers). 2026. (file)

Education, not medical advice. This page is for general information. It does not diagnose or treat any condition and is not a substitute for care from a qualified health professional. Natural does not automatically mean safe. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before changing your care, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition.