Ingredient library
Every ingredient SkinAtlas knows about — all 2255 of them. What each one does, what it works well with, and what to watch for.
A green microalgae extract rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and amino acids.
A biguanide antimicrobial agent widely used in medical and cosmetic applications. Effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Used in Bijin Nuka's rice moisture cream as a preservative.
The green pigment from plants and algae, used in cosmetics as an antioxidant and natural colorant; often present as sodium copper chlorophyllin (a stable, water-soluble derivative) in formulas.
A semisynthetic green colorant (CI 75810) produced by replacing the magnesium atom in chlorophyll with copper, yielding a stable water-soluble dye. Also functions as a mild antioxidant.
A chlorinated glycerol ether used as a broad-spectrum preservative at ≤0.3%, effective against bacteria and fungi with a low irritation profile.
A key barrier lipid that works synergistically with ceramides.
A cholesterol ester of hydroxystearic acid that mimics the skin's natural lipid composition. Used in premium Japanese moisturizers to reinforce the stratum corneum barrier and restore hydration.
The isostearic acid ester of cholesterol. A liquid crystal-forming lipid that integrates into the skin's lipid bilayer structure, supporting barrier function. Used in luxury Japanese skincare (Kanebo) for its skin-mimetic emolliency.
An ester of cholesterol and macadamia nut fatty acids. Because cholesterol is a key lipid in the skin barrier, this ingredient acts as a biomimetic emollient that integrates well with the stratum corneum and supports barrier function.
The succinate half-ester of cholesterol. Cholesterol is a critical structural component of the skin's lamellar lipid bilayers, maintaining fluidity and barrier integrity. The succinate modification improves water dispersibility compared to free cholesterol, enabling its use in O/W emulsion systems. Commonly included in ceramide-complex formulas alongside Ceramide NP and free fatty acids for a multi-component barrier repair effect.
A mixed lauroylglutamate ester of cholesterol, behenyl alcohol, and octyldodecanol used in luxury cream formulations. Forms lipid lamellar structures that mimic skin membrane lipids and support barrier function.
An ester of N-lauroyl glutamic acid with cholesterol and octyldodecanol. Forms liquid crystalline structures that mimic the skin's lamellar lipid matrix, integrating and reinforcing barrier function. Used in Naturie's Hatomugi gel and milk for barrier-compatible emolliency.
A cholesterol ethoxylate (24 EO units) used as a mild nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer in aqueous cosmetic formulas.
An extract from Chondrus crispus (Irish moss), a red alga rich in carrageenan polysaccharides and minerals, used as a hydrating, film-forming, and soothing ingredient.
A dried powder of Chondrus crispus (Irish moss), a carrageenan-yielding red seaweed, used as a natural thickener and film-forming agent in masks and gels.
A stable inorganic green mineral pigment (CI 77288) derived from chromium oxide, used as a cosmetic colorant in foundations, eye shadows, and color-correcting products.
An extract from Chrysanthellum indicum, a small daisy-family herb distinct from the chrysanthemum flower. Rich in flavonoids and saponins; provides antioxidant and soothing benefits in luxury cream formulas.
An extract of Chrysanthemum indicum flowers rich in luteolin and apigenin flavonoids, used in Japanese skincare for soothing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Distinct from Chrysanthemum parthenium (feverfew).
An extract of feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium / Tanacetum parthenium) used in skincare for its anti-inflammatory, soothing, and antioxidant properties.
Extract from Chrysanthemum sinense (Chinese chrysanthemum / ju hua); used in Korean hanbang formulas for its cooling, soothing, and antioxidant polyphenols.
Cimicifuga racemosa (black cohosh) root extract is derived from the rhizome of a plant native to eastern North America, used in Native American and Western herbal medicine. In cosmetics, its triterpene glycosides and phenolic acids deliver anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity for calming sensitive or reactive skin. The hepatotoxicity concerns from oral supplementation do not apply to topical cosmetic formulations.
Cinnamaldehyde — the primary aromatic compound of cinnamon oil. Provides a warm, sweet cinnamon fragrance. Listed as a significant fragrance allergen under EU Cosmetics Regulation.
Essential oil from the bark of Cinnamomum camphora (camphor tree). Contains camphor, linalool, and eucalyptol. Used at trace levels in sunscreen and outdoor formulas for its fresh, cooling scent and minor antimicrobial contribution. A known fragrance allergen requiring caution.
A cosmetic extract derived from the leaves of Cinnamomum camphora (camphor tree), delivering antioxidant and mild soothing benefits via leaf polyphenols; distinct from camphor essential oil or the linalool-rich ho wood oil variant.