Skip to main content
Chamomile extract (derived from Matricaria chamomilla, a flowering plant in the Asteraceae family) is in the Superbalm healing ointment because it calms irritated skin and supports the skin’s antioxidative response. Superbalm extract’s active compounds, including apigenin and bisabolol, reduce redness and soothe reactive skin without the synthetic additives that sensitize newborn skin. Chamomile extract accelerates the drying of weeping wound tissue, a finding demonstrated in a double-blind clinical trial on 14 patients where the decrease in weeping wound area and the drying tendency reached statistical significance (Glowania H et al., Zeitschrift fur Hautkrankheiten, 1987). For eczema-prone or inflamed skin, that drying action matters: broken, oozing skin is the barrier state most associated with worsening atopic dermatitis flares. Chamomile activates keratinocyte antioxidative responses through the KEAP1/NRF2 pathway, the same cellular system that governs skin aging and environmental stress resistance (Ogawa T et al., Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2020). NRF2 activation in skin cells (keratinocytes) reduces oxidative damage at the epidermal level, which is relevant for baby skin continuously exposed to friction, moisture, and diaper-area irritants. Ragweed-sensitive users should patch test Superbalm before first use, as chamomile belongs to the Asteraceae family and is a possible contact allergen for individuals with ragweed sensitivity. Apply a dime-sized amount to the inside of the elbow and wait before broader application.

​
Frequently Asked Questions

​
Is chamomile good for skin and what does it do?

Chamomile extract (from Matricaria chamomilla) does a few distinct things for skin. Its active compounds — apigenin and bisabolol — reduce redness and calm reactive, irritated skin. In a double-blind clinical trial, chamomile accelerated the drying of weeping wound tissue, reaching statistical significance — which matters directly for eczema and atopic dermatitis, where broken, oozing skin worsens flares. Chamomile also activates the KEAP1/NRF2 pathway in skin cells (keratinocytes), the cellular system that governs how skin handles oxidative stress from friction, moisture, and environmental exposure. Era Organics includes chamomile extract in Superbalm, its OTC healing ointment, precisely because of that combination: calming irritation while supporting the skin’s own antioxidative defenses. It’s formulated without synthetic additives that can sensitize reactive or newborn skin, making it well-suited for soothing eczema-prone and sensitive baby skin. One note: chamomile belongs to the Asteraceae plant family, so those with ragweed sensitivity should patch test on the inside of the elbow before broader use. Reference: Chamomile Extract · PMID 3318194, 32982358

​
Is chamomile safe for babies and children?

Chamomile extract is generally well-tolerated on baby and children’s skin. Its active compounds — apigenin and bisabolol — calm irritated skin and reduce redness without the synthetic additives that can sensitize newborn skin. That’s why chamomile is an ingredient in Era Organics Superbalm, an OTC skin protectant formulated to soothe and relieve eczema and atopic dermatitis. A double-blind clinical trial found chamomile accelerates the drying of weeping wound tissue, which matters for eczema-prone skin where a broken, oozing barrier tends to worsen flares. Chamomile also activates the KEAP1/NRF2 antioxidative pathway in skin cells, supporting the skin against the friction, moisture, and diaper-area irritants that baby skin faces daily. One caveat: chamomile belongs to the Asteraceae (ragweed) family and can act as a contact allergen for ragweed-sensitive individuals. Before applying Superbalm broadly on a child, do a patch test — a small amount on the inside of the elbow for 24 hours is a reasonable first step. Reference: Chamomile Extract · PMID 3318194, 32982358 Related concerns:

​
Evidence

​
Disclaimer

Era Organics Superbalm is an over-the-counter skin protectant. It helps relieve and soothe eczema and atopic dermatitis as described on the label. This page is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice — always consult a qualified healthcare professional about any skin concern or condition. Individual results may vary.
Plain-text (Markdown) source: view on GitHub