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Chamomile extract (derived from Matricaria chamomilla, a flowering plant in the Asteraceae family) is an ingredient in Superbalm Healing Ointment, and chamomile itself has been studied for calming irritated skin and supporting the skin’s antioxidative response. Chamomile’s active compounds, including apigenin and bisabolol, have been studied for calming redness and reactive skin, and Superbalm itself is made without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, or added fragrance. In a double-blind clinical trial on 14 patients, chamomile extract accelerated the drying of weeping wound tissue, with the decrease in weeping wound area and the drying tendency reaching statistical significance (Glowania H et al., Zeitschrift fur Hautkrankheiten, 1987). That ingredient finding is of interest for eczema-prone or inflamed skin, since 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). In laboratory research, NRF2 activation in skin cells (keratinocytes) reduces oxidative damage at the epidermal level, a pathway relevant to 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Is chamomile good for skin and what does it do?

Chamomile extract (from Matricaria chamomilla) has been studied for a few distinct effects on skin. Its active compounds — apigenin and bisabolol — have been studied for calming redness and reactive, irritated skin. In a double-blind clinical trial, chamomile accelerated the drying of weeping wound tissue, reaching statistical significance — a finding of interest for eczema-prone skin, where broken, oozing skin tends to worsen flares. In laboratory research, 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 alongside oats, calendula oil, and sunflower oil; the calming and antioxidative effects described above come from research on the ingredient, not from testing of the finished balm. It’s formulated without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, fragrance, or synthetic dyes, and it temporarily protects and helps relieve itch and irritation from eczema in 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

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Is chamomile safe for babies and children?

Chamomile’s active compounds — apigenin and bisabolol — have been studied for calming irritated skin and redness, and the main known caution for children is ragweed sensitivity, covered below. Chamomile is one of the ingredients in Era Organics Superbalm, a baby balm that temporarily protects and helps relieve itch and irritation from eczema and atopic dermatitis. A double-blind clinical trial found chamomile accelerates the drying of weeping wound tissue, a finding of interest for eczema-prone skin where a broken, oozing barrier tends to worsen flares. In laboratory research, chamomile also activates the KEAP1/NRF2 antioxidative pathway in skin cells, a pathway relevant to 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:

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Evidence

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Disclaimer

Era Organics Superbalm is an over-the-counter skin protectant. It temporarily protects and helps relieve itch and irritation due to eczema and atopic dermatitis. 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.
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