# Roman Chamomile essential oil

> Roman Chamomile is a soft, apple-sweet single oil traditionally used to support relaxation and gentle skincare, including for children.

Canonical page: https://essential-oils.club/oils/single/roman-chamomile

Type: Single oil

## At a glance

- **Botanical name:** Chamaemelum nobile
- **Plant part:** Flowering tops
- **Extraction:** Steam-distilled
- **Aroma:** Sweet, apple-like
- **Origin:** Western Europe
- **Blends with:** Lavender, sweet orange

## Composition (GC-MS research aggregate)

Based on 1 GC-MS samples from 1 peer-reviewed papers (2018–2018); Limited evidence base. 5 compounds reported in total. Typical share of the oil (median, with interquartile range):

| Compound | Class | Median % | IQR % | Max % | Papers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| pinocarvone | Oxygenated monoterpene | 3.9 | 3.9–3.9 | 3.9 | 1 |
| α-pinene | Monoterpene hydrocarbon | 2.4 | 2.4–2.4 | 2.4 | 1 |
| myrtenal | Oxygenated monoterpene | 1.2 | 1.2–1.2 | 1.2 | 1 |
| myrcene | Monoterpene hydrocarbon | 0.6 | 0.6–0.6 | 0.6 | 1 |
| β-pinene | Monoterpene hydrocarbon | 0.3 | 0.3–0.3 | 0.3 | 1 |

Chemotypes seen in the samples: methallyl angelate (100% of samples).

## Key constituents

- **Isobutyl angelate** (40-65%) — One of several fruity-sweet esters that dominate the oil's chemistry
- **Isoamyl angelate** — Another key ester contributing to the oil's apple-like sweetness
- **Alpha-pinene** — Minor constituent adding a light, fresh top note

## How to use it

- **In the diffuser:** 3–5 drops supports a calm atmosphere, a common choice for bedtime routines.
- **In skincare:** A frequent ingredient in facial- and baby-care blends, diluted 1–3% in a carrier oil.

## Safety

- Dilute to 1–3% in a carrier oil; it belongs to the same family as ragweed, so patch-test if you have related pollen allergies.
- Maximum dermal use: Dilute in a carrier oil for skin.
- One of the gentler oils, but still dilute for skin and use conservatively — especially with children, and only with professional guidance for the very young.
- Not phototoxic. Keep out of reach of children.

## What the research says

- Roman chamomile has a long traditional reputation as a calming, soothing oil. Its ester-rich chemistry is well characterised, but its relaxation uses remain traditional and preliminary rather than clinically established. — Omidbaigi et al. (1998), Journal of Essential Oil Research (https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1998.9700974)

## Evidence

- Roman chamomile is dominated by angelate esters (isobutyl and isoamyl angelate), an unusual profile that gives it a soft, sweet-herbaceous, apple-like aroma. — Omidbaigi et al. (1998), Journal of Essential Oil Research (https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1998.9700974)

## Frequently asked questions

### Is Roman chamomile the same as German chamomile?

No — they're different plants with different chemistry. Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) is ester-rich and pale; German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is deep blue from chamazulene. Both are gentle, but they smell and behave differently.

### Why does Roman chamomile smell fruity?

Its high content of angelate esters gives it a soft, sweet, apple-like aroma — quite different from the herbal smell people expect from chamomile tea.

### Is Roman chamomile phototoxic?

No — it isn't phototoxic. It's one of the gentler oils, though it should still be diluted for skin use.

## Sources (GC-MS studies)

- Sándor Z, Mottaghipisheh J, Veres K, Hohmann J, Bencsik T, Horváth A, Kelemen D, Papp R, Barthó L, Csupor D. Evidence Supports Tradition: The in Vitro Effects of Roman Chamomile on Smooth Muscles. _Frontiers in pharmacology_, 2018. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC5897738

_Educational reference only — not medical advice. Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease._