Ingredient library
Every ingredient SkinAtlas knows about — all 2161 of them. What each one does, what it works well with, and what to watch for.
All 2161 ingredients — page 1 of 91
A multifunctional glycol that hydrates and supports preservation.
A hydantoin derivative used in Korean skincare as a skin-conditioning active, often as part of amino acid / cell-energy complexes. Hydantoin-based compounds are known for their moisture-binding and skin-softening properties. Appears in Cell Fusion C's aquaporin-boosting formulas.
A glycol isomer (distinct from 1,3-butylene glycol) used as a humectant and solvent in toners, serums, and masks to hydrate skin and improve ingredient dispersibility.
A phospholipid-structure copolymer of 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine and butyl methacrylate (Lipidure PMB) that forms a biomimetic film on skin to lock in moisture and condition the barrier.
An ether derivative of L-ascorbic acid in which the 3-OH position is protected by an ethyl group, making it stable in water-based formulas. Converts to Vitamin C inside skin cells. Used widely in Japanese brightening products (Shiseido, Elixir) as a quasi-drug-adjacent brightening active.
A stable vitamin C derivative that converts to ascorbic acid in the skin to brighten and provide antioxidant protection.
A monoterpene alcohol occurring naturally in tea tree and other essential oils, classified as a fragrance allergen under EU Cosmetics Regulation 2023/1545.
A naturally occurring sterol and the direct precursor to vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) via UVB photolysis. Found in the skin's sebaceous secretions and epidermis. In skincare, applied topically as a barrier-supporting lipid and functional emollient; it behaves similarly to cholesterol in supporting lamellar body structure and skin-barrier integrity. Used in K-beauty formulas targeting compromised or sensitive skin.
An essential oil steam-distilled from Siberian fir (Abies sibirica) needles, used primarily as a natural fragrance ingredient in cosmetics.
Extract from the stem bark of Acacia arabica (gum arabic tree); provides tannins and polyphenol antioxidants in multi-ingredient prestige serums.
A natural wax from the flowers of Acacia decurrens (green wattle/mimosa). Used in Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm for its light, natural wax texture.
A natural exudate gum from the Acacia senegal tree used as a thickener, film-former, and emulsion stabilizer in cosmetic formulas.
An extract from the root of Acanthopanax senticosus (Siberian ginseng / eleuthero), rich in eleutherosides and lignans. Provides adaptogenic, antioxidant, and mild anti-inflammatory benefits in luxury Japanese skincare.
The pure synthetic acid (INCI: Acetic Acid) used at trace levels as a pH adjuster in cosmetic formulas, distinct from Vinegar (Acetum).
A synthetic cedarwood-derived aromatic ketone used as a fragrance fixative in cosmetics. Provides warm, woody, slightly ambery base notes.
A synthetic dipeptide-cetyl ester (trade name Lumiskin/Calmosensine) that modulates the skin's endorphin pathway to deliver soothing and anti-aging benefits.
An amino-sugar (a hyaluronic acid building block) that helps fade uneven pigmentation and supports skin hydration. Pairs well with niacinamide for tone.
An N-acetylated form of the amino acid glutamine that supports skin barrier function and stimulates hyaluronic acid synthesis in keratinocytes. Used in serums and liposome-based formulas.
A synthetic seven-amino-acid peptide (Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-Ala; trade name Fensebiome™) that acts as a microbiome-modulating active, strengthening the skin's barrier and defence against pathogens rather than acting on neuromuscular SNARE pathways.
A synthetic dipeptide derivative with a hexanoyl and acetyl modification. Has melanogenesis-inhibiting properties for skin brightening. Used in Ishizawa's urea face cream.
A synthetic hexapeptide (trade name Melitane) that activates the alpha-MSH receptor pathway to stimulate melanin synthesis and support an even skin tone.
A biomimetic hexapeptide that stimulates lipid accumulation in dermal adipocytes (fat cells). Used in anti-aging products to restore facial volume and firmness. Found in Minon's aging care products.
A synthetic six-amino-acid peptide used in premium Korean skincare formulas for its skin-conditioning and anti-aging properties. Distinct from Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline) and from Acetyl Heptapeptide-4 (Fensebiome).
An 8-amino-acid acetylated peptide (trade name SNAP-8), the extended version of Acetyl Hexapeptide-3. Acts as a neurotransmitter inhibitor that relaxes facial expression muscles, providing a topical anti-wrinkle mechanism similar to botulinum toxin. Used in premium K-beauty peptide ampoules.