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.
192 ingredients in Active — page 1 of 8
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.
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.
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.
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.
A synthetic signaling tetrapeptide that upregulates syndecan-1 and Collagen XVII expression in keratinocytes, supporting skin barrier cohesion and firmness.
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2 (ac-KDVY; trade names Peptigravity, Uplevity, Thymulen-4 by Lipotec/BASF) is a biomimetic signal peptide derived from the thymopoietin hormone sequence. Its principal mechanism is upregulation of the elastin assembly pathway — specifically FBLN5 and LOXL1, proteins required to cross-link tropoelastin into mature elastic fibers — alongside collagen I/IV/VI/XIV stimulation and MMP inhibition. Peer-reviewed AFM studies (PMC6208634) confirm dose-dependent increases in keratinocyte cell stiffness and upregulation of ACTN1, ITGB4, and COL17A1. Used at 0.005–2% in serums, ampoules, and eye creams targeting firmness and skin density loss.
Extract from Acmella oleracea (electric daisy / paracress), a flowering plant native to Brazil and widely used in traditional medicine for its anesthetic properties. Contains spilanthol and related isobutylamide alkaloids that create a tingling sensation and temporarily block sodium channels in sensory nerves and muscle cells. Used in anti-aging serums as a plant-derived peptide alternative for reducing the appearance of expression lines.
A nucleoside used at low concentrations to help smooth the look of fine lines; a common K-beauty anti-aging active.
An extract of horse chestnut seeds rich in escin saponins and flavonoids, used in cosmetics for antioxidant protection, soothing redness, and supporting capillary integrity.
Extract or concentrated protein fraction derived from egg white (albumen). The primary proteins are ovalbumin (~54%), ovotransferrin (~13%), ovomucoid (~11%), and lysozyme (~3.5%). In skincare, the film-forming proteins create a temporary tightening and pore-minimizing effect as they dry on skin. Skinfood's signature ingredient in their Egg White product line. Distinct from 'Egg Extract' (whole egg) and 'Egg Yolk Extract' (lipid-rich fraction).
A general term for extract derived from algae (seaweed). May come from red, brown, or green algae species. Contains polysaccharides (alginate, fucoidan, carrageenan), vitamins, and minerals. Used for its hydrating, antioxidant, and skin-conditioning properties.
A stable aminopropyl ester of ascorbyl phosphate that acts as a vitamin C pro-drug, converting to ascorbic acid in skin for brightening and antioxidant benefits.
Angelica Acutiloba Root Water is a hydrosol or aqueous extract from the roots of Angelica acutiloba (Toki, Japanese angelica), a plant in the Apiaceae family central to traditional Japanese and Korean herbal medicine. The root is a classic ingredient in Oriental medicine for promoting skin clarity and improving complexion. Its aqueous fraction delivers ferulic acid, chlorogenic acid, ligustilide, and related bioactives. Distinct from Angelica dahurica (Bai Zhi, with furanocoumarin phototoxicity concerns) — Angelica acutiloba has a different phytochemical profile.
Callus (plant cell culture) extract from Angelica archangelica root. Used in premium K-beauty anti-aging products; provides a concentrated, standardised source of the plant's bioactive compounds without seasonal variation.
Angelica Dahurica Root Extract (Bai Zhi / 白芷) is derived from a root in the Apiaceae family deeply embedded in traditional Chinese and Korean medicine for brightening, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activity. Its bioactives include coumarins, furanocoumarins, volatile oils, and polyacetylenes — the furanocoumarins (psoralen, bergapten) are photosensitizing agents that render standard extracts unsuitable for leave-on daytime use without confirmed furanocoumarin removal per SCCS limits.
A gentle brightening agent that inhibits pigment formation.