The library

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.

All 2255 ingredients — page 23 of 94

Humectant
Collagen

Undissolved native collagen protein used in cosmetics as a humectant and film-former that conditions the skin surface; distinct from hydrolyzed or soluble collagen forms.

humectantfilm-formerconditioning
Forms a conditioning film on the skin surfaceAttracts and retains moistureLeaves a smooth, supple feel
A topical moisturizing/film-forming agent — does not replace or rebuild the skin's own collagen
Humectant
Collagen Amino Acids
Hydrolyzed Collagen Amino Acids

The free amino acid mixture released by complete hydrolysis of collagen, used as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent.

humectantconditioningamino-acid
Attracts and retains moistureConditions the skin surfaceSupplies the key amino acids (glycine, proline, hydroxyproline) that make up skin's own collagen
Soothing
Colloidal Oatmeal
Avena Sativa

Finely milled oats that calm and protect sensitive skin.

Soothes itch and irritationSupports barrier
Antioxidant
Commiphora Myrrha Resin Extract

An extract from the resin of Commiphora myrrha (myrrh), used in cosmetics for its antioxidant, soothing, and mild astringent properties.

antioxidantsoothing
Antioxidant protectionSoothes and calms skinMild astringent and toning properties
May cause sensitivity in fragrance-reactive individuals due to naturally aromatic compounds
Fragrance
Copaifera Officinalis Resin

An oleoresin collected from Copaifera officinalis trees (South America), registered in EU CosIng (Ref 75473), used in cosmetics as a fragrance and film-forming ingredient; rich in sesquiterpenes including beta-caryophyllene and diterpene acids.

FragranceFilm formingSkin conditioning
Imparts a warm, balsamic woody fragrance noteForms a light film on skin that may aid moisture retentionContains beta-caryophyllene with mild anti-inflammatory properties
May cause contact sensitization in individuals sensitive to balsams or terpenesUse at low concentrations; sensitization risk increases at higher concentrations
Emollient
Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax Extract

A solvent-extracted fraction of carnauba palm wax (Copernicia cerifera) that provides emollient and film-forming properties; distinct from the whole wax (CERA) in texture and formulation use.

emollientskin-conditioningfilm-former
Conditions and smooths the skin surfaceProvides lightweight occlusionPlant-derived vegan emollient
Emollient
Copernicia Cerifera Wax
Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax

A hard plant wax from the leaves of the Brazilian carnauba palm, used as an occlusive emollient and thickener in lip products, creams, and balms.

emollientthickenerocclusive
Creates a smooth, protective film on skinAdds body and structure to balms and stick productsPlant-derived vegan wax
Other
Copper Gluconate

The gluconate salt of copper, used in cosmetics as a skin-conditioning and antimicrobial agent, and included in zinc-copper formulations targeting wound repair.

skin-conditioningantimicrobial
Supports skin repair and conditioningAntimicrobial propertiesPromotes wound healing at low concentrations
High concentrations may cause irritation
Other
Copper Heptapeptide-14 Pantothenate

A copper salt of an ester formed by pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) and heptapeptide-14, functioning as a skin conditioning agent.

skin conditioning
maintains skin conditionsupports cell renewalskin rejuvenation
Active
Copper Peptides
Copper Tripeptide-1

A signaling peptide that supports skin repair and firmness.

peptide
Supports collagenWound healingImproves firmness
× Ascorbic Acid× Glycolic Acid
Other
Copper Sulfate

An inorganic copper salt used at very low concentrations in restorative skin creams (notably the Avène Cicalfate+ copper-zinc sulfate complex) for its antimicrobial and skin-repair-supporting properties.

antimicrobialskin-conditioning
Antimicrobial action supports wound healing and skin restorationUsed in low concentrations as part of copper-zinc complexes to help restore compromised skin
Used only at very low concentrations in cosmetics; excessive copper exposure is toxicCIR Expert Panel considers it safe at cosmetic use levels
Soothing
Coptis Chinensis Root Extract

An extract from the roots of Coptis chinensis (Chinese goldthread), a plant native to China, rich in isoquinoline alkaloids including berberine with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.

antimicrobialanti-inflammatoryantioxidantskin-conditioning
Rich in berberine with potent anti-inflammatory activityAntimicrobial properties useful in acne-prone formulationsAntioxidant protection via isoquinoline alkaloids
High-concentration berberine may cause sensitization in some individuals
Soothing
Coptis Japonica Rhizome Extract
COPTIS JAPONICA RHIZOME EXTRACT

Extract from the rhizome of Coptis japonica (Japanese goldthread). Rich in berberine and other isoquinoline alkaloids with potent anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Used in traditional Japanese and Chinese medicine.

soothingantimicrobialantioxidant
Berberine-rich soothing and anti-inflammatoryAntimicrobial supportTraditional Japanese skin-brightening
+ Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate+ Niacinamide
Soothing
Coptis Japonica Root Extract

A botanical root extract used to calm and soothe irritated skin.

soothingantioxidant
Soothes irritationCalms rednessAntioxidant support
Humectant
Corallina Officinalis Extract

A mineral-rich red algae extract used to hydrate and condition the skin.

humectantmineral-rich
HydratesDelivers skin-conditioning minerals
Active
Cordyceps Militaris Mycelium Extract

An extract from the mycelium of Cordyceps militaris, a red-orange entomopathogenic fungus; distinct from the rare Cordyceps sinensis, it contains cordycepin, adenosine, and beta-glucans with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-revitalizing properties.

antioxidantskin-conditioningadaptogen
Cordycepin and adenosine provide anti-inflammatory and revitalizing effectsBeta-glucans support skin immunityDistinct from C. sinensis; cultivable and more sustainable
Active
Cordyceps Sinensis Extract

Extract from the mycelium of Ophiocordyceps sinensis (syn. Cordyceps sinensis), a high-altitude fungus. Key bioactives include cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine), adenosine, and beta-glucan polysaccharides. Cordycepin modulates cellular energy pathways via NAD+ biosynthesis and sirtuin activation, while polysaccharides contribute humectant and barrier-supporting properties. EU CosIng registers five cosmetic functions: antioxidant, humectant, and skin conditioning.

antioxidantskin-conditioninghumectantanti-aging
Boosts skin cell energy by increasing NAD+ levels and ATP production, supporting cellular longevity via sirtuin activationStimulates collagen production and reduces wrinkle depth — double-blind RCT evidence showing ~28% wrinkle reduction at 28 daysEffective for uneven skin tone: non-inferior to hydroquinone cream in reducing melasma in a 12-week RCT with significantly fewer adverse reactions
Most cosmetic-grade material is cultivated mycelium, not wild fruiting body; potency varies by sourceTheoretical sensitivity risk for individuals with mold or fungal allergies
+ Niacinamide+ Adenosine+ Sodium Hyaluronate
Active
Cordyceps Sinensis Mycelium Extract

An extract from the mycelium of Cordyceps sinensis (caterpillar fungus / Dong Chong Xia Cao), a rare Himalayan TCM fungus; contains polysaccharides, cordycepic acid, and nucleosides with antioxidant and adaptogenic skin-revitalizing properties.

antioxidantadaptogenskin-conditioning
Cordycepic acid and polysaccharides with adaptogenic propertiesAntioxidant protectionRare luxury TCM ingredient with revitalizing claims
Antioxidant
Cornus Officinalis Fruit Extract

An antioxidant-rich cornelian cherry extract that helps defend skin against free-radical damage.

antioxidantsoothing
Rich in antioxidants and organic acidsConditions and refreshes skin
+ Tocopherol+ Niacinamide
Emollient
Corylus Avellana Seed Oil

A dry-feel hazelnut oil that conditions skin with a light, quickly absorbed finish.

emollient
Lightweight, fast-absorbing emollientSoftens without heaviness
+ Tocopherol
Emollient
Cottonseed Oil
Gossypium Herbaceum Seed Oil

A fatty-acid- and vitamin-E-rich plant oil that softens and conditions skin.

emollientantioxidant
Nourishing emollientMild antioxidant from vitamin E
Can be comedogenic for very oily skin
Fragrance
Coumarin

A naturally occurring and synthetic aromatic lactone with a sweet, vanilla-hay scent; one of the 26 EU-mandated declarable fragrance allergens in cosmetic products.

fragrant
Contributes a sweet, vanilla-hay-like fragrance note
One of the 26 EU-regulated fragrance allergens; must be labeled on-product above 0.001% in leave-on and 0.01% in rinse-off cosmetics (EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex III)Classified as a skin sensitizer; IFRA restricts use in fragrance applications
Emollient
Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil

A lightweight seed oil from Crambe abyssinica exceptionally rich in erucic acid (C22:1), valued as a dry-feel, non-greasy emollient in serums and lightweight facial oils.

emollientantioxidant
Extremely lightweight, fast-absorbing oil feelRich in long-chain erucic acid (>55%) for smooth, non-greasy conditioningOxidatively stable — long shelf life
Emollient
Cranberry Seed Oil
Vaccinium Macrocarpon Seed Oil

A cold-pressed oil from cranberry seeds containing a unique balance of omega fatty acids and the full spectrum of vitamin E forms, providing rich emollient and antioxidant benefits.

emollientantioxidantskin-conditioning
Rich in omega-3, -6, and -9 fatty acids for deep hydrationAll eight forms of vitamin E for broad antioxidant protectionNon-comedogenic (comedogenic rating ~1)