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What Is Azulene?

J. Picard
J. Picard

Azulene, named after the Spanish word for "blue," azul, is an organic compound derived from the steam distillation of chamomile; Tanacetum anuum, or blue tansy; Anthemis nobilis, or Roman chamomile; or Achillea millefolium, or yarrow. The oil obtained from this steam distillation is often found in products used topically, such as skincare products and some cosmetics. It is widely regarded as a useful ingredient for both its lustrous blue color and wide array of healing properties.

This compound dates to the 15th century, when it was derived from the steam distillation of German chamomile. It was later discovered to be present in several other plants, including yarrow and blue tansy, during the late 1800s. It was officially named in 1863 by English perfumer Septimus Piesse, and it has been used over the centuries in various herbal remedies.

Bath salts containing azulene.
Bath salts containing azulene.

As an additive to its use in salves and ointments, azulene is thought to assist in calming a wide variety of skin irritations and conditions because of its soothing properties, anti-inflammatory effects and antibacterial properties. Azulene can be found as an ingredient in bath salts, cosmetics, shaving creams and other topicals to help prevent or soothe minor skin irritations. It is believed to assist in cell regeneration, so the oil is often found in skin care products used to combat wrinkles and skin blemishes.

Azulene can be found in certain skin care products to fight blemishes and diminish wrinkles.
Azulene can be found in certain skin care products to fight blemishes and diminish wrinkles.

Azulene is an herbal ingredient used topically, and many of its properties are thought to be derived from the chamomile plant, through which it is distilled. Chamomile is a common name used to refer to several daisy-like plants that are most well known for their ability to be used in teas. Chamomile has long been thought to be useful as a sleep aid, though some people claim that it has other useful benefits that help in the healing of a variety of other ailments. Azulene is also derived from yarrow, a flowering plant believed to have natural astringent properties, and blue tansy, another flowering plant believed to have anti-inflammatory properties.

Azule is named for the Spanish word "azul", which means blue.
Azule is named for the Spanish word "azul", which means blue.

There is limited scientific data regarding the safe use of azulene or any of the related herbal plants in any product. Caution should be exercised when one uses any of the ingredients or products that contain those ingredients. Rare allergic reactions can and do occur, so a physician should be consulted before any of these products are used, especially by pregnant or nursing women or by anyone currently taking other medications.

Discussion Comments

anon995912

As a man of 'a certain age', I have had hairs starting in my ears. For the past six months, I have been using pure distilled Azulene in a pump bottle an it has dramatically reduced the hair growth. I could not be happier with the product. I would recommend it to any man even for shaving bumps - the purer form - rather than a cream with some in it - works far better. My only problem is to find it again!

Azuza

My mother has this natural ointment she uses on her face daily that she swears by. I believe azulene is one of the ingredients, and in fact, there is a chamomile flower pictured on the front of the bottle.

However, I'm sad to say, I don't think it really works that well. Not to say that my mom looks bad or anything, but I haven't noticed any reduction in wrinkles since she started using it. I would never tell her that though!

sunnySkys

This is very interesting. I find chamomile tea very relaxing. However, I had no idea that chamomile derived azulene was soothing to the skin as well!

I think I'm going to head over to my local natural foods store and look for some of this oil soon. I've been looking for an anti-wrinkle solution, but I don't like all the chemicals in traditional anti-wrinkle creams. This could be just what I've been looking for!

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    • Bath salts containing azulene.
      By: Jiri Hera
      Bath salts containing azulene.
    • Azulene can be found in certain skin care products to fight blemishes and diminish wrinkles.
      By: picsfive
      Azulene can be found in certain skin care products to fight blemishes and diminish wrinkles.
    • Azule is named for the Spanish word "azul", which means blue.
      By: Africa Studio
      Azule is named for the Spanish word "azul", which means blue.
    • Skin creams with azulene can be used to combat wrinkles.
      By: red150770
      Skin creams with azulene can be used to combat wrinkles.
    • Azulene is used in products such as shaving creams.
      By: photoCD
      Azulene is used in products such as shaving creams.
    • Chamomile may be useful as a sleep aid.
      By: Valua Vitaly
      Chamomile may be useful as a sleep aid.
    • Azulene is a common additive in ointments.
      By: agephotography
      Azulene is a common additive in ointments.
    • Azulene can be used as an additive to anti-inflammatory cream.
      By: konami11
      Azulene can be used as an additive to anti-inflammatory cream.
    • Azulene may be found in some cosmetics products.
      By: Gennadiy Poznyakov
      Azulene may be found in some cosmetics products.
    • Azulene is commonly added to skincare lotions.
      By: Mikhail Malyugin
      Azulene is commonly added to skincare lotions.
    • Azulene may have a calming affect on skin irritations.
      By: Ocskay Mark
      Azulene may have a calming affect on skin irritations.