Chlorophyll[1] ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is primarily a natural green colorant, used to tint formulas or visually signal botanical positioning. It may also contribute mild deodorizing or antioxidant support, but color is its main formulation role.
What does Chlorophyll[1] do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is primarily a natural green colorant, used to tint formulas or visually signal botanical positioning. It may also contribute mild deodorizing or antioxidant support, but color is its main formulation role.
Is Chlorophyll[1] clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, it is generally well tolerated and not a common restricted-list concern. The main quality considerations are botanical source control, residual extraction solvents, and color instability in finished formulas.
Is Chlorophyll[1] sustainable?
This material is typically sourced from plants or algae, making it renewable when supply chains are responsibly managed. It is expected to be biodegradable and has low persistence concerns, although extraction and purification methods affect its overall footprint.
Is Chlorophyll[1] COSMOS-approved?
It is permitted under COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic when derived from approved natural sources and processed with allowed methods. It fits Green Chemistry well when extracted with benign solvents and used at low levels, though light and oxidation sensitivity can create formulation waste if not managed.
How does Chlorophyll[1] work chemically?
The molecule is a magnesium-centered tetrapyrrole pigment with a hydrophobic side chain, which explains its strong green color and better compatibility with oil phases than water. It is usually used at very low colorant levels, often below 0.1%, and is sensitive to strong acid, heat, oxygen, and light, so packaging and antioxidant support matter.
Last updated 2026-05-15