Berberine

What it is

Berberine is a bright yellow plant alkaloid found in plants such as barberry. This listing is a berberine powder sold as a raw material for topical cosmetic products. Confirm the full INCI, purity and grade on the supplier CoA for each lot.

It is part of our cosmetic actives catalog. In clarifying gels for oily-looking skin it is often paired with zinc PCA and niacinamide.

Cosmetic uses

The supplier specification lists actives for oily and blemish-prone-looking skin, clarifying formulas, cleansers, soothing-look care for very dry and sensitive skin, and antioxidant care for skin with visible irritation. Typical formats are gels, creams, serums, toners and sprays.

How to work with it

Weigh the powder and dissolve or disperse it as the supplier CoA directs before adding it to the batch. Berberine has a strong yellow color, so check the effect on the shade of the finished product and on packaging and textiles, and choose the level accordingly. Keep the finished pH mild and preserve water-based formulas well.

Formulation tips

Pair it with zinc salts or niacinamide in clarifying ranges, and with panthenol or allantoin in soothing-look products. Opaque packaging protects the color.

Storage

Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place away from light and heat.