Cosmetic Ingredients: The Chris Farrell Lexicon
Those who know the ingredients in their cosmetics take a more conscious approach to skincare. In this glossary, we explain the most important ingredients in Chris Farrell products: what they are, how they can affect the skin, and which skin types they are particularly suitable for.
A
Allantoin is a naturally occurring ingredient found in plants such as comfrey or horse chestnut, and it is frequently used in cosmetics. It is designed to soothe irritated skin and smooth its appearance. Allantoin is considered well-tolerated and is particularly suitable for sensitive skin that reacts quickly to irritants.
INCI: Allantoin | Suitable for: sensitive, irritated, and dry skin
CHRIS FARRELL products containing allantoin: Concentrate AB 3x4ml, Revitam A, Intens Vitamin Cream
Aloe Vera is a plant extract derived from the Aloe Barbadensis plant and is one of the classic botanical ingredients in cosmetics. The extract is designed to soothe the skin and provide it with moisture. It is particularly suitable for skin that needs calming after exposure to external influences such as sun or wind.
INCI: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract / Aloe Barbadensis Juice | Suitable for: sensitive, irritated, and sun-stressed skin
Argan oil is extracted from the kernels of the argan tree and is rich in unsaturated fatty acids as well as vitamin E. In cosmetics, it is used to supply the skin with lipids and support the natural protective barrier. It is particularly suitable for skin that requires more suppleness and care.
INCI: Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil | Suitable for: dry, mature and dehydrated skin
CHRIS FARRELL products with argan oil: Soft Skin Cleanser
Avocado oil is a vegetable oil that is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, and beta-carotene. It is designed to provide the skin with lipids and support the skin's natural oil content. Especially for dry and mature skin, it can help to leave the skin feeling supple and nourished.
INCI: Persea Gratissima Oil | Suitable for: dry, mature, and dehydrated skin
CHRIS FARRELL products with avocado oil: Revitam A
B
Beeswax is a natural consistency agent and refatting component in cosmetic formulations. It forms a breathable protective film on the skin and can help to reduce moisture loss and keep the skin supple. As a natural ingredient, beeswax is considered well-tolerated by the skin and is frequently used in creams and balms.
INCI: Cera Alba | Suitable for: dry, lipid-deficient, and sensitive skin
CHRIS FARRELL products containing beeswax: Phytamille
Bisabolol is a natural ingredient originally derived from the chamomile flower. It is designed to soothe irritated and sensitive skin and harmonize its appearance. Bisabolol is considered very well tolerated and is frequently used in formulations for sensitive skin that is prone to redness or hypersensitivity.
INCI: Bisabolol | Suitable for: sensitive, irritated skin prone to redness
Buckwheat extract, obtained from the seeds and leaves of the buckwheat plant, is rich in valuable rutin, which belongs to the flavonoid group. In selected care formulas, the plant extract supports an even complexion and helps to visually reduce the appearance of fine redness on the face. It is excellently suited for the daily care of skin prone to redness.
INCI: Polygonum Fagopyrum Extract | Suitable for: Skin with couperose, redness, and dilated capillaries
CHRIS FARRELL products containing buckwheat extract: Phytamille
C
Centella Asiatica, also known as tiger grass, is a plant extract from the tropical medicinal plant Centella asiatica. It is designed to soothe irritated skin and stabilize the complexion. In modern cosmetics, it is frequently used in formulations for sensitive and stressed skin.
INCI: Centella Asiatica Extract | Suitable for: sensitive, irritated skin in need of regeneration
CHRIS FARRELL products containing Centella Asiatica: Phytamille
Chlorella is a nutrient-rich algae complex containing chlorophyll and amino acids. In cosmetics, it is designed to maintain the skin’s natural balance, support the microbiome, and provide a refreshed, clear complexion.
INCI: Chlorella Vulgaris Extract | Suitable for: blemish-prone, unbalanced, and out-of-balance skin
CHRIS FARRELL products containing Chlorella: Clear Skin
Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone) is an essential, naturally occurring component whose natural production decreases with age. As a proven anti-aging ingredient, it gives mature skin new energy, visibly softens the signs of tired skin, and protects against fine lines. It helps the complexion achieve noticeably more vitality, firmness, and a fresh-looking radiance.
INCI: Ubiquinone | Suitable for: mature, dehydrated skin
CHRIS FARRELL products with Coenzyme Q10: Vivienne Regeneration Soft
D
GABA is a bioactive amino acid that occurs in the human body as a neurotransmitter and is considered a skin-relaxing ingredient in cosmetics. It can reduce the visual depth of expression lines and fine lines, thereby ensuring a visibly more even and smoothed skin texture. It is primarily used in anti-aging formulations.
INCI: Aminobutyric Acid | Suitable for: mature skin with a loss of elasticity
CHRIS FARRELL products containing GABA: No Age Juvenizer, Shape Resurfacing
Glycerin is a natural humectant and one of the most frequently used ingredients in cosmetics. It is designed to draw moisture from the air into the upper layers of the skin and bind it there. Glycerin is considered very well-tolerated and is suitable for almost all skin types.
INCI: Glycerin | Suitable for: all skin types, especially dry and dehydrated skin
Glycine is the smallest and simplest amino acid and a natural component of the skin's own Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF). In cosmetics, it is used to provide the skin with amino acids and support its natural moisture balance. It is frequently used in formulations for intensive hydration.
INCI: Glycine Suitable for: dehydrated, dry skin
CHRIS FARRELL products containing glycine: Moisture Mask
Glycosphingolipids are natural lipid molecules that play an important role in skin structure as a component of cell membranes. In cosmetics, they are designed to support the skin barrier and skin stability. They are particularly suitable for mature and sensitive skin that suffers from a weakened protective function.
INCI: Glycosphingolipids Suitable for: mature, dry and sensitive skin
CHRIS FARRELL products containing glycosphingolipids: No Age Juvenizer
Green tea extract is obtained from the leaves of Camellia sinensis and is characterized by a high content of valuable polyphenols and catechins. As a powerful antioxidant, the botanical extract effectively protects the skin from oxidative stress and environmental influences. It soothes sensitive areas, helps to balance the skin's appearance when prone to blemishes, and ensures a fresh, clarified complexion.
INCI: Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract Suitable for: blemish-prone, oily, and sensitive skin
CHRIS FARRELL products containing green tea extract: Green Fire Water
H
Hyaluronic acid is a natural building block of the skin and is characterized by its high water-binding capacity. In cosmetics, it is used specifically to provide the skin with intensive moisture and to give it a smoother and more supple appearance. Since the body's own hyaluronic acid content decreases over time, coordinated skincare can help support the skin's moisture reserves.
INCI: Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate | Suitable for: dehydrated, dry, and mature skin
I
Inositol is a plant-based polyol that acts as an intensive hydrator in skincare. The active ingredient specifically anchors moisture in the stratum corneum and reliably protects the skin against noticeable moisture loss. The result is a silky-smooth skin texture, improved suppleness, and a fresh, plump complexion.
INCI: Inositol | Suitable for: dehydrated and dry skin
CHRIS FARRELL products with Inositol: Soft Skin Tonic
K
Collagen is the most important structural protein in the skin and is responsible for its firmness and elasticity. In cosmetic formulations, it is used as a nourishing ingredient to make the skin's surface appear supple. It should be noted that collagen used in cosmetics remains on the skin's surface and does not penetrate into deeper layers of the skin.
INCI: product-dependent (e.g., Soluble Collagen, Hydrolyzed Collagen) | Suitable for: mature, dry skin
M
Butcher's broom is a plant extract derived from the deep roots of the butcher's broom shrub. In cosmetics, butcher's broom extract brings stressed facial skin back into balance. Its plant-based ingredients act like a soothing impulse on reddened areas of skin, making fine red lines visually recede and ensuring a relaxed, thoroughly harmonious complexion. It is primarily used in formulations for couperose skin and skin prone to redness.
INCI: Ruscus Aculeatus Root Extract | Suitable for: Skin with couperose, redness, and dilated vessels
CHRIS FARRELL products with butcher's broom extract: Phytamille
Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that occurs naturally in the skin and is also produced biotechnologically. In cosmetics, it is designed to gently loosen dead skin cells and clarify the complexion. In low concentrations, it is also suitable as a moisturizer and to support the skin's natural pH level.
INCI: Lactic Acid | Suitable for: impure skin, skin with clogged pores and uneven texture
CHRIS FARRELL products with lactic acid: Concentrate L 3x4ml
N
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 and is one of the well-researched ingredients in modern cosmetics. It is designed to refine the skin's appearance, make pores appear less visible, and support the balance of sebum production. Niacinamide is considered well-tolerated and is suitable for various skin types.
INCI: Niacinamide Suitable for: blemish-prone, oily, and uneven skin
Derived from state-of-the-art plant cell culture, Noni extract acts directly on the language of the skin flora: the active ingredient interrupts the silent exchange of distress signals between skin bacteria before they can cause unrest. Without disrupting the microbiome or drying out the skin, this biotechnological approach ensures a peaceful skin environment and prevents blemishes from dominating the overall appearance.
INCI: Morinda Citrifolia Callus Culture Lysate | Suitable for: blemish-prone, imbalanced and microbiome-stressed skin
CHRIS FARRELL products with Noni extract: Clear Skin
P
Panthenol is the alcoholic precursor to pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) and is one of the well-researched skincare ingredients in cosmetics. It is designed to moisturize the skin, soothe the complexion, and support natural regeneration. Panthenol is considered very well-tolerated and is also suitable for sensitive and irritated skin.
INCI: Panthenol Suitable for: irritated, dry, and stressed skin
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as signaling molecules in the skin. In cosmetics, they are used because they are designed to support the skin in its natural production of collagen and elastin. They are particularly suitable for mature skin that wishes to benefit from a visibly firmer and smoother appearance.
INCI: e.g. Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 | Suitable for: mature skin with wrinkles and loss of elasticity
Proline is an amino acid that is a natural component of the skin's own natural moisturizing factor (NMF) and plays a role in collagen synthesis. In cosmetics, it is used as a conditioning ingredient to supply the skin with amino acids and support its natural moisture balance. It is frequently used in moisturizing formulations.
INCI: Proline | Suitable for: dehydrated skin
CHRIS FARRELL products containing proline: Moon Drops
R
Marigold extract is obtained from the flowers of Calendula officinalis and is one of the classic plant ingredients in cosmetics. It is designed to soothe irritated skin and harmonize the complexion. The extract is considered well-tolerated and is frequently used in formulations for sensitive and demanding skin.
INCI: Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract | Suitable for: sensitive, irritated, and dry skin
CHRIS FARRELL products containing calendula extract: Phytamille
Rose extract is obtained from the blossoms of various rose species and is rich in natural ingredients such as flavonoids and organic acids. In cosmetics, it is used to soothe the skin and promote a pleasant skin feel. It is particularly suitable for sensitive skin looking for a balanced, well-groomed appearance.
INCI: Rose Extract | Suitable for: sensitive and dry skin
CHRIS FARRELL products containing rose extract: Soft Skin Tonic
Horse chestnut extract is a soothing plant-based ingredient containing aescin. It reduces the intensity of visible redness, conceals fine red lines on the face, and gives sensitive skin a renewed sense of calm.
INCI: Aesculus Hippocastanum Extract | Suitable for: Skin prone to couperose, redness, and dilated capillaries
CHRIS FARRELL products containing horse chestnut extract: Phytamille
S
Saccharide Isomerate is a biotechnologically derived carbohydrate complex that mimics the structure of the skin's own natural moisturizing factor (NMF). In cosmetics, it is designed to bind moisture in the skin over the long term and sustainably improve the skin's appearance. It is considered to be well-tolerated and is particularly suitable for very dry and dehydrated skin.
INCI: Saccharide Isomerate | Suitable for: dry and dehydrated skin
CHRIS FARRELL products with Saccharide Isomerate: Intens Moisture Cream
Shea butter is extracted from the nuts of the shea tree (Butyrospermum parkii) and is rich in oleic and stearic acid as well as valuable unsaponifiable components and vitamins. It is designed to intensively nourish the skin with lipids and support the skin's natural protective barrier. Shea butter is particularly suitable for very dry skin that requires intensive care and protection.
INCI: Butyrospermum Parkii Butter | Suitable for: very dry, lipid-deficient, and vulnerable skin
Sodium PCA (sodium 2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylate) is the sodium salt of pyroglutamic acid and a natural component of the skin's own natural moisturizing factor (NMF). In cosmetics, it is used as an effective humectant designed to bind water in the skin and promote a long-lasting, pleasant skin feel.
INCI: Sodium PCA | Suitable for: dry and dehydrated skin
CHRIS FARRELL products containing Sodium PCA: Moon Drops
Soybean oil is extracted from the seeds of the soybean plant (Glycine max) and is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E. In cosmetics, it is designed to provide the skin with lipids and strengthen its natural barrier function. It is considered well-tolerated and is used in many creams and masks.
INCI: Glycine Soja Oil | Suitable for: dry, dehydrated, and sensitive skin
CHRIS FARRELL products containing soybean oil: Phytamille
Sunflower oil is extracted from the seeds of the sunflower (Helianthus annuus) and contains primarily linoleic acid and vitamin E. In cosmetics, it is used as a refatting ingredient designed to provide the skin with lipids and support the skin barrier. Sunflower oil is considered to have a light texture and is suitable for many skin types.
INCI: Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil | Suitable for: all skin types, especially dry and dehydrated skin
CHRIS FARRELL products with sunflower oil: Balance pH-Mask facial mask
Squalane is a saturated hydrocarbon that is structurally similar to the skin's own squalene and is derived from plant sources such as olives. In cosmetics, it is designed to provide the skin with lipids and support the natural protective barrier without leaving a greasy film. It is considered to be very well tolerated and is suitable for almost all skin types.
INCI: Squalane | Suitable for: all skin types, especially dry and mature skin
T
Troxerutin is a refined bioflavonoid for a balanced complexion. In cosmetics, it is designed to reduce the appearance of visible redness, soften the visual prominence of red lines, and provide a noticeably soothed skin feeling.
INCI: Troxerutin | Suitable for: Skin with couperose, redness, and dilated capillaries
CHRIS FARRELL products containing Troxerutin: Phytamille
U
Urea is a natural component of the skin's own natural moisturizing factor (NMF) and one of the most effective humectants in cosmetics. In low concentrations, it is designed to bind moisture in the skin and improve skin texture. At higher concentrations, urea can additionally help to gently loosen hardened areas of skin.
INCI: Urea | Suitable for: very dry, flaky, and dehydrated skin
CHRIS FARRELL products with urea: Moisture Mask
V
As a gentle form of vitamin A, retinyl palmitate unfolds its effects with clear consideration for the skin barrier. Thanks to its gradual conversion in the stratum corneum, even sensitive skin types can enjoy its regenerative properties. The active ingredient helps the skin surface achieve a more even texture, counteracts restless-looking pores, and makes fine lines appear less visible.
INCI: Retinyl Palmitate | Suitable for: blemished, mature, and sensitive skin
All CHRIS FARRELL products with vitamin A / retinyl palmitate
Vitamin E (tocopherol) is a fat-soluble vitamin and a natural component of the skin. It is known as a valuable conditioning agent used in cosmetics to support the skin during oxidative stress and to bolster the natural protective barrier. It is considered well-tolerated and is used in many nourishing formulations.
INCI: Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate | Suitable for: dry, stressed, and mature skin
CHRIS FARRELL products with Vitamin E: Rich Vitality System
W
Extracts from grapevine leaves are rich in valuable flavonoids that reliably support stressed facial skin. The plant-based complex acts like a protective shield against free radicals on the skin's surface, reduces the visibility of bothersome redness, and helps to balance an uneven complexion. Even sensitive areas gain noticeable resilience and a harmonious skin feeling.
INCI: Vitis Vinifera Leaf Extract | Suitable for: Skin with couperose, redness, and dilated vessels
CHRIS FARRELL products with grapevine leaf extract: Phytamille
Frequently Asked Questions about Cosmetic Ingredients
General information on cosmetic ingredients and INCI
All components of a cosmetic product, from nourishing agents and preservatives to consistency enhancers, are referred to as cosmetic ingredients. In the EU, manufacturers are legally required to list all ingredients in full and in descending order of their concentration on the packaging.
INCI stands for "International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients," the internationally standardized nomenclature for ingredients in cosmetics. The INCI designation is the official spelling you will find on the packaging of every cosmetic product. It allows you to identify ingredients across different products, regardless of which brand name or common name is used for the same substance.
You can check cosmetic ingredients by comparing the INCI list on the packaging with this glossary. All ingredients are listed transparently on every Chris Farrell product page. For a more in-depth cosmetic ingredient analysis, there are also publicly accessible databases such as the European Commission's CosIng database.
The ingredients in an INCI list are listed in descending order of their concentration in the product. The first substance mentioned is therefore present in the highest amount, usually water (Aqua). Ingredients present in a concentration of less than 1% may be listed in any order at the end of the list.
