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 24 of 94

Antioxidant
Crataegus Cuneata Fruit Extract
CRATAEGUS CUNEATA FRUIT EXTRACT

Extract from the fruit of Crataegus cuneata (Chinese hawthorn). Rich in flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, and organic acids with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Used in Tunemakers' peeling lotion.

antioxidantsoothing
Rich in flavonoids and oligomeric proanthocyanidinsAntioxidant and anti-inflammatory
+ Tocopherol+ Vitamin C
Antioxidant
Crataegus Monogyna Flower Extract

An extract from hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) flowers rich in flavonoids and polyphenols, used in cosmetics for antioxidant and soothing properties.

antioxidantsoothing
Antioxidant protection from flavonoids (vitexin, rutin)Soothes and calms skin
Active
Creatine

A naturally occurring nitrogenous compound that serves as a cellular energy buffer; applied topically it may support ATP regeneration in skin cells, with anti-aging and photoprotective properties suggested by early clinical studies.

anti-agingenergy-support
Supports ATP energy production in skin cellsHelps smooth fine lines and improve firmness with regular useMay protect against UV-induced DNA damage
Topical evidence, while promising, is limited compared to oral research; most consumer studies are industry-sponsored
Antioxidant
Crithmum Maritimum Extract

An extract of rock samphire (Crithmum maritimum), a coastal plant rich in antioxidant polyphenols and minerals, used in premium skincare for protective and conditioning benefits.

antioxidantsoothing
Antioxidant protection from polyphenols and mineralsSoothes and tones skinSupports skin barrier resilience against environmental stress
Soothing
Cryptomeria Japonica Leaf Extract

An extract from the leaves of Cryptomeria japonica (Japanese cedar) containing polyphenols and terpenes with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

skin-conditioninganti-inflammatoryantioxidant
Anti-inflammatory — calms redness and irritationAntioxidant polyphenols protect against oxidative stressAntimicrobial properties help address blemish-prone skin
Potential sensitizer in those with conifer/cedar allergies
Soothing
Cucumis Melo (Melon) Fruit Extract
Cucumis Melo Fruit Extract

An extract from melon (Cucumis melo) fruit used in cosmetics for its soothing, hydrating, and mild antioxidant properties.

soothinghumectantskin-conditioning
Soothes and calms irritated skinProvides light hydrationRich in vitamins A and C for antioxidant support
Soothing
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract

An extract from cucumber (Cucumis sativus) fruit, traditionally used to calm, hydrate, and refresh skin with a cooling, soothing effect.

soothinghumectant
Soothes and cools irritated skinLight hydration from natural sugars and amino acids
Other
Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Fruit Extract

An extract from pumpkin fruit rich in enzymes, vitamins A and C, and alpha-hydroxy acids.

skin-conditioningantioxidant
Contains enzymes and vitamins that nourish skinProvides antioxidant protectionNatural source of AHAs for gentle exfoliation
Soothing
Cupressus Sempervirens Leaf/Stem Extract

Cupressus Sempervirens Leaf/Stem Extract is an aqueous or hydroalcoholic extract from the leaves and stems of the Mediterranean (Italian) cypress. The extract provides proanthocyanidins, quercetin, rutin, and cedrol with antioxidant, astringent, and antimicrobial properties. Used in premium Korean skincare (Medicube vitamin C ampoules) as part of a multi-botanical complex for its pore-refining and antioxidant character.

astringentantioxidantsoothingantimicrobial
Cupressus sempervirens (Mediterranean cypress) leaf and stem extract is rich in proanthocyanidins, quercetin, rutin, and cedrol (sesquiterpene alcohol) with documented antioxidant and astringent propertiesThe tannin content of cypress extract provides a mild astringent-tightening effect on skin, contributing to pore-refining and oil-control formulasAntimicrobial activity against P. acnes (now C. acnes) makes it a useful addition to formulas targeting acne-prone and oily skin types
Essential oil from Cupressus sempervirens is a known sensitizer; the leaf/stem extract at cosmetic concentrations has a much lower sensitization risk than the oil but individuals with conifer sensitivity should be aware
+ Niacinamide+ Salicylic Acid+ Centella Asiatica Extract
Antioxidant
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract
Curcuma Longa Root Extract

An extract of turmeric root rich in curcumin, offering antioxidant and soothing benefits.

antioxidantsoothing
Antioxidant protectionSoothes and calms skinBrightening support
Can impart a yellow tint to formulas or skin
Active
Cyanocobalamin

The synthetic, stable form of vitamin B12, used in cosmetics for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties; studies suggest topical B12 can reduce eczema symptoms and support skin barrier recovery.

Skin conditioningVitaminAntioxidant
Antioxidant protectionSupports cell renewal and energy metabolismSoothes irritated skin
Other
Cyclobutanetetracarboxylic Acid
CYCLOBUTANETETRACARBOXYLIC ACID

A small molecule with four carboxylic acid groups arranged around a cyclobutane ring. Functions as a chelating agent, binding metal ions that would otherwise catalyze oxidative degradation of active ingredients. Found in Elixir Reflet SPF50+ as a stability enhancer.

chelating-agent
Metal ion chelator — prevents oxidative degradationEnhances preservative system efficacy
+ Phenoxyethanol+ BHT
Other
Cyclodextrin

Ring-shaped oligosaccharides (α, β, or γ forms) that form inclusion complexes with actives and fragrances to improve their stability, solubility, and skin delivery; distinct from the chemically modified Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin.

encapsulantstabilizersolubilizer
Encapsulates fragrance and active ingredients to improve stability and controlled releaseImproves solubility of poorly water-soluble activesReduces irritation potential of encapsulated actives
Emollient
Cyclohexasiloxane

A volatile cyclic silicone (D6) that imparts a lightweight, silky finish; subject to EU REACH concentration restrictions due to environmental persistence concerns.

emollientsolvent
Provides a lightweight, silky, fast-drying feelImproves spreadability
EU REACH Regulation (EU) 2024/1328 restricts D6 to <0.1% in both rinse-off and leave-on cosmetics from 6 June 2027Classified as a Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC) by ECHA due to environmental persistence and bioaccumulation (vPvB)
Humectant
Cyclohexylglycerin
CYCLOHEXYLGLYCERIN

A glycerin derivative with a cyclohexyl substituent that improves its skin-conditioning and moisturising properties. Used in leave-on treatments and creams for sustained hydration.

humectantskin-conditioningmoisturising
Long-lasting skin hydrationSupports barrier functionEnhances sensory feel
+ Glycerin+ Squalane+ Petrolatum
Emollient
Cyclomethicone

A trade/INCI name covering a mixture of volatile cyclic silicones (primarily D4 and D5) that impart a lightweight, dry, silky feel and improve spreadability.

emollientsolvent
Lightweight, volatile silicone providing a silky, fast-drying feelImproves spreadability and texture
EU has restricted D4 and D5 cyclic silicones in wash-off cosmetics at ≥0.1% due to environmental persistence concerns; the blend name 'Cyclomethicone' may cover restricted components
Emollient
Cyclopentasiloxane

A volatile cyclic silicone (D5) that provides a lightweight, dry, silky feel; EU-restricted in rinse-off applications due to environmental persistence.

emollientsolvent
Gives a lightweight, silky, fast-drying feelImproves spreadability of other ingredients
EU has restricted D5 in wash-off cosmetics at ≥0.1% due to environmental persistence concerns
Solvent / vehicle
Cyclotetrasiloxane
CYCLOTETRASILOXANE

A cyclic volatile silicone (D4, octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane) used as a lightweight carrier solvent. Restricted in the EU due to environmental persistence and bioaccumulation concerns (PBT substance).

solventemollientcarrier
Lightweight carrier solvent that evaporates cleanlyImproves spreadability
EU-restricted: prohibited in wash-off cosmetics and capped at 0.1% in stay-on products under REACH Annex XVII (Regulation 2020/2204) due to persistence, bioaccumulation, and potential endocrine-disruption concernsAvoid in leave-on products where EU compliance is required
+ Dimethicone
Other
Cymbopogon Citratus Extract

An extract from Cymbopogon citratus (West Indian lemongrass), distinct from the Cymbopogon schoenanthus (camel grass) entries in the KB; contains citral and flavonoids and is used for its refreshing scent and antioxidant properties, though its citral content carries sensitization risk.

Fragrance ingredientSoothing agentAntimicrobial agent
Refreshing citrus-herbal scent from natural citral contentAntioxidant flavonoids and phenolic acidsMild antimicrobial activity
Contains citral, a regulated EU fragrance allergen (Annex III); may cause sensitization or phototoxic reactions at high concentrationsPatch test recommended for sensitive skin
Fragrance
Cymbopogon Citratus Leaf Oil

Essential oil steam-distilled from Cymbopogon citratus (West Indian lemongrass) leaves. Distinct from Cymbopogon Schoenanthus (camel grass) and Cymbopogon Nardus (citronella). Composed primarily of citral (~75–80%, as a mixture of geranial and neral), with geraniol, nerol, and myrcene as minor constituents. The high citral content makes it one of the most potent fragrance allergen contributors in essential oil-containing formulas.

fragranceantimicrobialantioxidant
Bright, fresh citrus-herbal fragrance note widely used in aromatherapy and cosmetic formulationHigh citral content (~75–80%) provides mild antioxidant and antimicrobial activity alongside the primary fragrance roleTraditional aromatherapy use for its uplifting and clarifying scent
Citral (an EU-mandated fragrance allergen, Regulation 2023/1545) is present at very high levels (75–80%) — must be declared on leave-on product labels above 0.001% and rinse-off above 0.01%Geraniol and nerol are also present as declarable EU fragrance allergens
+ Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
Fragrance
Cymbopogon Martini Oil
Cymbopogon Martini (Palmarosa) Oil

Palmarosa essential oil (INCI: Cymbopogon Martini Oil) with a sweet, rose-like scent; contains very high concentrations of the EU-regulated allergen geraniol and multiple other declarable fragrance allergens.

fragrantantimicrobial
Contributes a sweet, floral rose-like fragranceMild antimicrobial properties
Contains very high levels of Geraniol (66–84%) — a regulated EU fragrance allergen requiring label disclosure above 0.001% in leave-on productsAlso contains Linalool, Citral, and Farnesol — additional EU-regulated allergens
Soothing
Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Extract
CYMBOPOGON SCHOENANTHUS EXTRACT

Extract from Cymbopogon schoenanthus (camel grass), related to lemongrass. Contains flavonoids and volatile compounds. Used in Meishoku's facial wash for its refreshing scent and antioxidant properties.

soothingantioxidantfragrance
Antioxidant and mild antimicrobialRefreshing, citrus-herbal fragrance noteSoothing
+ Allantoin+ Glycerin
Soothing
Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Leaf/Stem Extract
CYMBOPOGON SCHOENANTHUS LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

Extract from the leaves and stems of Cymbopogon schoenanthus (camel hay or rushgrass), a fragrant grass native to North Africa and the Middle East. Used as a soothing botanical in Japanese luxury skincare.

soothingantioxidant
Soothing plant extractAntioxidant phenolic compounds
Contains aromatic compounds; potential sensitizer in very sensitive individuals
+ Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate+ Allantoin
Fragrance
Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil
Cymbopogon Schoenanthus (Lemongrass) Oil

An essential oil from Cymbopogon schoenanthus (lemongrass) used as a fragrance in cosmetics; regulated in the EU under Annex III due to its content of Citral and Limonene allergens.

fragrantantimicrobial
Contributes a fresh, citrus-grassy fragranceMild antimicrobial properties
Contains Citral and Limonene — EU-regulated fragrance allergens; must be disclosed above threshold concentrationsSubject to EU Annex III restrictions; regulated under the EC Cosmetics Regulation