Dealing With Redness and Acne? This Viral Ingredient Is My Secret Weapon

Normally, my skin is not its best self come January. The cold, dryness, and lack of daylight bring out a combination of redness and dullness—something I always forget is possible until I see it. But this year, miraculously, I’ve avoided my dreaded January Skin™, and I think I have one thing to thank: blue tansy. Three of the products in my regular rotation feature the jewel-toned ingredient: the Kate McLeod Face Stone Moisturizer, Testament Beauty Sleeping Mask, and Lord Jones Sublime Pore Detox CBD Face Oil

Aside from the fact that I knew blue tansy A) was pretty, B) smelled nice, and C) seemed to calm my sensitive skin, I didn’t know much about the ingredient. So I reached out to Tracy Evans MD, MPH, board-certified dermatologist and the medical director of Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology, to shed some light. 

What Is Blue Tansy?

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(Image credit: Lindy Segal)

"Blue tansy (Tanacetum annuum) has blooms that are actually yellow in color and is cultivated in Morocco,” explains Evans. So then, you may ask, how does it get that recognizable scent and color? "The oil has a sweet, herbal fragrance due to its camphor content,” explains the derm. "When the flowers and the stems are gathered and steam-distilled, one of the components of the oil, chamazulene, is released. When this chemical is heated, it turns a deep-blue, indigo color.” 

How Does Blue Tansy Benefit Skin?

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(Image credit: @dinahansen)

Aside from me and my red, inflamed skin, those with acne-prone skin may find blue tansy beneficial. "Although there is little evidence-based research, two components of the oil may have some positive anti-inflammatory actions that could be helpful for acne,” says Evans. "Sabinene and camphor both can aid in inflammatory disorders. As acne has an inflammatory component, especially when it is red and irritated, this oil may be helpful to calm the redness in the skin.”

While the ingredient is generally well tolerated, it is an essential oil, which some people find irritating. "People who are sensitive to herbal supplements should be cautious before using this topical,” says Evans, who also recommends a patch test. "Before using this oil, check for potential allergies by applying a small amount on the inner arm for three days to make sure no contact allergies appear on the skin.” 

Ready to give it a go? Keep reading for 16 of the best blue tansy products out there.

The Best Blue Tansy Skincare Products

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(Image credit: @peonylim)

Up next: These Worth-the-Money Night Creams Practically Transform My Skin Overnight

Freelance Contributor

Lindy Segal is a freelance writer, editor, and content strategist based in New York City. She's originally from Atlanta, but she's sorry to report she doesn't have an accent. However, she does still have her taste for carbohydrates, love of losing sports teams, and fear of driving during rush hour. She's been in editorial for over eight years as a social media manager and writer covering beauty, fashion, and lifestyle at Glamour and People. Most recently, she was the women's editor at Express. These days, in addition toBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , you can see her byline at places like Harper's Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, Ipsy, and WeWork. Both a skincare obsessive and a minimalist, she keeps her routine short, sweet, and effective—and she doesn't go a day without sunscreen. She's also deeply passionate about sustainability, and she strives to recommend products she truly believes are worth the investment. When she's not writing about the best and brightest beauty finds, she can usually be found hunting for vintage and secondhand treasures, attempting to find zen at a yoga class, bingeing Bon Appétit YouTube videos, or napping under her weighted blanket.