Common Name(s): Coptis chinensis rhizome extract,coptis extract,berberine-rich rhizome,antimicrobial brightening anti-inflammatory
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides antimicrobial protection against c. acnes and s. aureus from berberine's dna intercalation, mild tyrosinase cuยฒโบ chelation for brightening, and anti-inflammatory nf-kb inhibition from the planar quaternary nitrogen.
Why It's Used: Berberine's planar aromatic ring intercalates dna bases disrupting bacterial dna replication โ the mechanism provides potent antimicrobial activity against multiple acne-associated pathogens simultaneously.
How It Works: Berberine (isoquinoline alkaloid, permanent positive charge): dna intercalation (tm increase 5-8ยฐc, dna strand separation inhibition) โ antimicrobial; competitive tyrosinase inhibition via amino group cuยฒโบ chelation (ic50 ~100 ฮผm) โ mild brightening; nf-kb inhibition via ikk-ฮฒ interaction โ anti-inflammatory.
Typically Found In: Anti-acne,brightening,anti-inflammatory
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ antioxidant
Secondary Functions: Free radical scavenging,anti-aging
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.01%โ1%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; well-tolerated.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Vitamin c,vitamin e,ferulic acid,spf,other antioxidants
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Berberine's yellow colour: berberine provides an intense yellow colour that must be considered in formulation โ high concentrations cause visible product yellowing requiring colour masking or limiting use levels.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Cosing database,coptis berberine antimicrobial brightening anti-inflammatory review