Common Name(s): 7-ethyl-1,4-dimethylazulene,blue chamomile active
CAS Number: 0529-05-05
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides potent azulene anti-inflammatory with the iconic blue chamomile colour from chamazulene.
Why It's Used: Blue chamomile's anti-inflammatory icon โ chamazulene's distinctive blue colour and potent dual cox/5-lox inhibition provide the signature anti-inflammatory activity of chamomile oils in a visually distinctive ingredient.
How It Works: Azulene ring system (10ฯ aromatic system) provides unusual thermodynamic stability and strong uv absorption at 610nm (giving blue colour). inhibits cox-2 and 5-lox for potent anti-inflammatory. antioxidant from azulene radical donation. not present in fresh chamomile โ formed by steam distillation from non-blue precursor matricine via thermolytic decarboxylation.
Typically Found In: Anti-inflammatory blue chamomile products
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ soothing / anti-inflammatory
Secondary Functions: Redness reduction,anti-inflammatory,calming
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%โ2%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes โ from matricaria recutita essential oil or tanacetum annuum
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; ideal for reactive and sensitive skin.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes โ particularly recommended for sensitive skin
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Ceramides,panthenol,allantoin,hyaluronic acid,centella asiatica
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Chamazulene's formation during distillation (from colourless matricine to blue chamazulene via thermal decarboxylation) means the most valuable pharmaceutical property of chamomile oil is created artificially during processing โ not present in the original plant. this provides an unusual case where 'natural' plant distillation creates an artificial chemical transformation, and the product of this industrial process is often marketed as a 'natural' active.
Last Verified: 2026-03-12
Primary Sources: Cosing database,schilcher chamazulene review