(-)-Alpha Bisabolol 515-69-5

(-)-Alpha-Bisabolol (also known as Levomenol) is a naturally occurring monocyclic sesquiterpene alcohol. It is the primary bioactive component of German Chamomile (Matricaria recutitaor Chamocaelum nobile) essential oil, though it can also be found in other plants. It is highly valued in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries for its exceptional soothing and skin-friendly properties.

1. Cosmetic and Skincare Applications of (-)-Alpha-Bisabolol:

This is the most significant area of application for Alpha-Bisabolol, where it functions as a powerful active ingredient and soothing agent.

(1) Soothing and Anti-Irritant: Its most celebrated benefit is its ability to calm and soothe irritated, inflamed, or sensitive skin. It helps reduce redness and discomfort caused by environmental stressors, allergies, or other skin conditions.

(2) Anti-Inflammatory: It exerts a measurable anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting certain chemical mediators of inflammation (like cytokines), making it excellent for products designed for reactive skin.

(3) Antioxidant: It helps protect the skin from free radical damage caused by UV radiation and pollution, thereby contributing to anti-aging formulations.

(4) Enhances Penetration: It acts as a natural penetration enhancer, helping other active ingredients in a formulation (like vitamins, antioxidants, and moisturizers) absorb more effectively into the skin.

(5) Antimicrobial: It possesses mild antimicrobial properties, which can help keep formulations preserved and benefit acne-prone skin.

2. Pharmaceutical and Therapeutic Applications of (-)-Alpha-Bisabolol

The beneficial properties of Alpha-Bisabolol extend to the medical and therapeutic fields.

(1) Wound Healing: Studies have shown it can accelerate the wound healing process by promoting granulation tissue formation and re-epithelialization.

(2) Analgesic (Pain Relief): It exhibits mild analgesic properties, helping to reduce pain, which is useful in topical gels and ointments for muscle aches or minor cuts.

(3) Gastroprotective: Research indicates it can protect the gastric mucosa and may be beneficial in formulations aimed at treating gastritis or gastric ulcers due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic effects.

(4) Anti-Cancer Research: Notably, some scientific studies (in vitroand in vivo) have demonstrated that Alpha-Bisabolol can induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in certain types of cancer cells (e.g., pancreatic, leukemia, and melanoma). However, this is still at the research stage and not yet a mainstream clinical application.

3. Other Applications

Natural Preservative: Its antimicrobial activity makes it a useful component in natural preservation systems for cosmetic products, helping to reduce the reliance on synthetic preservatives.

Why the "(-)-" Enantiomer?

The "(-)" designation refers to its specific three-dimensional structure (its levorotatory enantiomer). This natural form, primarily isolated from chamomile, is considered to be significantly more active and effective than its synthetic counterpart or other structural forms (like α-Bisabolol oxide). Therefore, natural (-)-Alpha-Bisabolol is often preferred in high-end cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations for its superior efficacy.

In summary, (-)-Alpha-Bisabolol is a versatile, multi-functional ingredient prized for its exceptional soothing, anti-inflammatory, and skin-repairing properties , making it a cornerstone in products designed for sensitive skin and a valuable component in advanced therapeutic applications.