Ingredient library
Every ingredient SkinAtlas knows about — all 2178 of them. What each one does, what it works well with, and what to watch for.
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower/Leaf Extract is derived from both the flowers and leaves of German chamomile, yielding a broader phytochemical profile than flower-only extracts. Bioactives include alpha-bisabolol (wound-healing, anti-inflammatory), chamazulene (anti-inflammatory, blue pigment), apigenin and luteolin (flavonoid antioxidants), and phenolic acids from the leaf fraction. Distinct INCI from the flower-only extract; used in soothing and sensitive-skin formulations.
German chamomile flower extract rich in bisabolol and apigenin, used to calm and soothe sensitive or irritated skin.
Steam-distilled floral water (hydrosol) from Chamomilla recutita (German chamomile) flowers. Contains volatile compounds including alpha-bisabolol and chamazulene. Distinct from chamomile extract; functions as a soothing, mildly anti-inflammatory toner base.
Carbon-based charcoal (often activated or from bamboo). Used in skincare for its adsorptive properties — binds to oils, impurities, and toxins. Used in Rosette's peeling gel for pore-cleansing.
An extract from quinoa seeds (Chenopodium quinoa) rich in amino acids, flavonoids, and vitamins, used in premium skincare for antioxidant, brightening, and skin-conditioning properties.
Chitosan is a linear polysaccharide derived by partial deacetylation of chitin (found in crustacean shells, insect exoskeletons, and fungal cell walls). The degree of deacetylation determines its cationic charge density — cosmetic-grade chitosan is 75–90% deacetylated. Its cationic nature gives it substantive affinity for skin, excellent film-forming properties, and antimicrobial activity. Used in Korean skincare as a barrier-supportive, skin-conditioning, and gentle anti-microbial active.
Extract from Chloranthus japonicus, a small woodland shrub native to Japan used in traditional herbal medicine. Contains chloranthone and other sesquiterpenoids with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.
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.