Bisabolol
α-Bisabolol is FEMA GRAS as a flavoring substance (FEMA 3650), and JECFA evaluated it as no safety concern at current levels of intake. The CIR Expert Panel concluded it is safe in topical cosmetic products.
What it is
α-Bisabolol, a sesquiterpene alcohol naturally found in chamomile and Vanillosmopsis erythropappa; widely used in cosmetics for skin-soothing properties.
Mainly a cosmetic ingredient and flavoring component; FEMA GRAS for use in flavorings (FEMA 3650).
Why it's flagged
- potential skin sensitization (rare)
- high-dose hepatotoxicity in animal studies
What regulators actually say
"α-Bisabolol - FEMA No. 3650 - GRAS in flavoring use as evaluated by FEMA Expert Panel."
"JECFA concluded that α-bisabolol does not pose a safety concern at current levels of intake when used as a flavouring agent."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
FEMA GRAS 3650 as a flavor; cosmetic ingredient.
European Union — EFSA
Authorised flavouring; assessed by JECFA at 65th meeting (2005).
Scan it before you buy it
Get Ube on iOS or Android — point at any barcode, see what's actually in there.
Get the app