» Chamomile

Botany

Latin name

Matricaria recutita ou Chamomilla recutita

Common name

German Chamomile, Chamomile

Family

Asteraceae

Origin

Europe, temperate Asia, North Africa

Macroscopic view of the surface of a chamomile flower
© Imagery Laboratory – Rocher Group

Identifying the flavonoids in the tubular Chamomile flowers
© Imagery Laboratory – Rocher Group

Botanical Engineering
Seduction

Chamomile is a perfect example of evolution. Firstly, because the characteristic scent of its flowers, both herbaceous and fruity, enables it to defend itself against herbivores but attracts pollinating insects too! Secondly, because once they have landed on the Chamomile, its morphology allows it to profit even more from their visit. Chamomile flowers are composed of many tiny flowers or flowerets. These female flowerets around the flower, blossom before the hermaphrodites in the center, encouraging pollination by pollen carried from another flower. This trick allows for a much bigger genetic variety and therefore a better survival of the species!

Origins of the plant

Grown in La Gacilly since 1979, Chamomile was one of the first plants cultivated by the Yves Rocher Brand. Sown in the autumn, this plant, essential to the Yves Rocher Brand, flowers early which enables a mechanical harvest from May onwards. Chamomile, like all the plants grown in La Gacilly, is farmed organically, combining best environmental practices, respect for biodiversity and the use of natural products. Even if it is essentially used in beauty products, this flower produces a lot of pollen. Its perfume gives the Honey from La Gacilly and herbal teas served in Yves Rocher’s Eco-Hotel Spa, particular aromas that are really appreciated.

Chamomile field, La Gacilly, France
©Dominique Rolland

Chamomile flower harvest, la Gacilly, France
©Michel Cambornac

Chamomile field, La Gacilly, France

Our extract

How do we keep our skin soft? Research in beauty care has been looking into the question for many years and with Chamomile, Yves Rocher laboratories found a precious ally as an answer. Recognized for its soothing and softening properties, it was added to a Yves Rocher beauty product in 1964! In La Gacilly, our Botanical Beauty researchers have selected a variety of Chamomile that is especially rich in actives. Found in our Pure Calmille products, it helps to make the skin supple, soft and comfortable while leaving it gently perfumed. Pure Calmille’s gentle face and body cream offers 96% of women a soft finish to their skin (use test carried out on 27 volunteers over 3 weeks).

Chamomile