Which plants are in the Compositae allergy family?

Chamomile, arnica, calendula and yarrow share the sesquiterpene lactones behind Compositae allergy.

A plant family whose members share sesquiterpene lactones. Sensitivity to one commonly extends across the family, which matters because several are marketed as soothing ingredients.

Ingredients in this family (10)

This list is not complete. This family covers more materials than can be listed — an ingredient not shown here is not evidence that a product is safe for you.

ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM EXTRACT
ANTHEMIS NOBILIS FLOWER OIL
ARNICA MONTANA FLOWER EXTRACT
ARTEMISIA ABSINTHIUM EXTRACT
CALENDULA OFFICINALIS FLOWER EXTRACT
CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA FLOWER EXTRACT
ECHINACEA PURPUREA EXTRACT
HELIANTHUS ANNUUS SEED OIL
TANACETUM PARTHENIUM EXTRACT
TARAXACUM OFFICINALE EXTRACT

Commonly co-reacts with

Documented co-reactivity. Not everyone sensitised to one reacts to the others, but they are worth discussing with your clinician.

propolis

Evidence

Source:: Paulsen E. Contact Dermatitis. 2017;76(1):1-10
Member list is:: partial — this family cannot be fully enumerated
What this does not establish:: Whether you personally react. Contact allergy is confirmed by patch testing, not by an ingredient list.
Last reviewed:: 2026-09-26

Information, not medical advice. A suspected contact allergy should be confirmed by a dermatologist through patch testing.