Chamomile butter is a soft, waxy natural butter made from the extracts of chamomile flowers (Matricaria chamomilla), prized for its calming, skin-soothing feel and gentle floral character. You can use it on its own as a rich moisturiser, or blend it into creams, balms, lotions, soaps and hair masks as a nourishing base.
At room temperature it stays a semi-solid, aqua-green butter with a melting point of around 36\into on contact, making it easy to smooth over skin. Azlok's chamomile butter is made in India and comes free from added chemicals, preservatives, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, SLS and SLES.
What is chamomile butter?
Chamomile butter is a blended butter that carries the aromatic and soothing qualities of chamomile in a creamy, spreadable form. It has a characteristic herbal-floral odour, a melting point close to body temperature (about 36\u00b0C) and is insoluble in water, which is typical of cosmetic butters. Because it softens so readily, it is comfortable to apply and blends easily with oils and other butters.
Common uses
This is a versatile ingredient for both simple home use and small-batch DIY projects.
- Body and hand butter: Warm a small amount between your palms and massage into dry areas like elbows, knees, heels and hands.
- Face care: Use sparingly as a night-time moisturiser for normal to dry skin, ideally after a patch test.
- Hair and scalp: Work a little into the ends or use as part of a pre-wash mask to soften dry, frizzy hair.
- DIY formulations: Add it to lotions, cold cream, lip balms, whipped body butters, massage bars and handmade soaps for a soothing, conditioning feel.
- Candle and cosmetic crafters: Its low melting point makes it convenient to fold into balm and salve bases.
How to use it
For direct use, scoop out a pea-sized amount, rub it between your fingers to melt, and apply to clean skin. A little goes a long way.
- For a whipped body butter, gently melt chamomile butter with a carrier oil such as almond or jojoba, let it cool until it starts to set, then whip until light and fluffy.
- For a balm or salve, melt it with a firmer butter or a little beeswax, add essential oils if you like, and pour into tins to set.
- For a hair mask, melt a small quantity, mix with a carrier oil, apply to lengths and ends, leave for 20\u201330 minutes, then shampoo out.
When melting, use low, gentle heat (a double boiler works well) to protect the butter's character.
Safety and skin tips
Chamomile butter is for external cosmetic use only \u2014 do not eat it. A few sensible precautions:
- Patch test first: Apply a small amount to your inner forearm and wait 24 hours, especially if you have sensitive skin or plant allergies. People allergic to ragweed or the daisy family should be cautious.
- Keep away from eyes and out of reach of children.
- Avoid overheating: Its flash point is around 91\u00b0C, so keep it away from open flames when melting.
- Discontinue use if you notice redness or irritation, and consult a doctor if it persists.
Buying and storage
Azlok offers chamomile butter in sizes to suit both home users and small businesses \u2014 500 g, 1 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg and 20 kg \u2014 starting at \u20b9899. The larger packs are handy for soap makers and cosmetic brands producing in batches.
Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep the container tightly closed to protect it from moisture and air. Kept well, it has a shelf life of about two years. If it softens in summer heat, simply let it firm up again in a cool spot \u2014 this does not spoil the butter.
FAQ
Can I apply chamomile butter directly to my skin?
Yes. Warm a small amount between your fingers and massage it into clean skin. Do a 24-hour patch test first if your skin is sensitive.
Is chamomile butter safe for the face?
It can be used on the face in small amounts, particularly for normal to dry skin. Start with a little at night and observe how your skin responds.
Does chamomile butter melt easily?
Yes. With a melting point around 36\u00b0C, it softens quickly on contact with skin and may become soft in warm weather. Cool it to firm it up again.
Can I use it in soap and cream making?
Absolutely. It blends well with carrier oils and other butters and is popular in soaps, lotions, balms and whipped body butters. The larger packs from Azlok are suited to batch production.
How long does it last?
Roughly two years when stored in a cool, dry place in a tightly closed container, away from sunlight and moisture.