Blue Tansy Essential Oil, 5 ml

Blue Tansy essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of the flowers of blue tansy (Tanacetum annuum), which grows in North Africa. In cosmetics, it is primarily used in formulations for skin prone to redness and irritation. The manufacturer attributes calming properties and a mildly warming effect to it, which is why you will find it in facial oils, balms, massage blends, and scalp care products.

It differs from most essential oils by its deep dark blue colour, which will carry over into the finished product. When designing a formulation with it, this must be taken into account alongside its herbal scent.

What it brings to the formulation

• Skin calming – according to the manufacturer's documentation, it has a calming effect and helps reduce visible redness. It is therefore suitable for formulations for sensitive and irritated skin.
• Warming sensation – the mild warmth upon application described by the manufacturer is used in massage oils and creams designed for relaxation.
• Cleansing effect – the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties from the manufacturer's documentation complement other active ingredients in formulations for problematic skin. It does not replace a preservative.
• Scalp – in hair cosmetics, it is intended to calm the scalp.
• Natural colouring – even at low dosages, it gives oils and balms a blue to greenish tint without added colorant.

Use in formulation

It dissolves in oils, butters, and waxes, but not in water. In anhydrous products, it is blended directly into the oil phase. It is added to emulsions only after cooling, when the cream is finished and only being stirred, so the fragrance is not lost to heat. Aqueous products, such as toners or facial mists, require a solubiliser, otherwise the oil will remain on the surface.

Dosage is determined by the product type. An overview of IFRA categories with definitions can be found in the product parameters, and the upper limit for the relevant category must be observed. Lip products, eye area products, and products for children are assessed separately.

The colour of the finished product depends on the dose and the base. In a clear yellow oil, a green tint will develop; in a white cream, a light blue hue. Before producing a larger batch, it is worth testing a small sample.

Suitable for products such as

• facial oils and oil serums for redness-prone skin,
• balms and ointments for dry and irritated areas,
• massage oils and creams for relaxation,
• hand creams and body lotions,
• shampoos and rinse-off formulations for the scalp,
• fragrance compositions and scent blends, where it complements herbal notes.

Good to know

The name tansy leads to confusion. Blue tansy (Tanacetum annuum) and common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) are two different plants. This oil comes from blue tansy, which is confirmed by the INCI name Tanacetum Annuum Flower Oil. When comparing with other offers, always refer to the INCI name, not the common name.

The oil is a concentrate and must not be applied to skin undiluted. For finished products, we recommend a patch test on a small area, especially if intended for sensitive skin.

Frequently asked questions