The library

Ingredient library

Every ingredient SkinAtlas knows about — all 2171 of them. What each one does, what it works well with, and what to watch for.

192 ingredients in Active — page 5 of 8

Active
Oligopeptide-4

A synthetic tetrapeptide (four amino acids) that acts as a signal peptide in cosmetics, stimulating skin's natural repair processes to improve firmness, elasticity, and reduce visible aging.

skin-conditioninganti-agingsignal-peptide
Synthetic tetrapeptide that signals skin to activate endogenous repair mechanismsStrengthens skin structure and reduces visible fine lines and wrinklesImproves skin elasticity and overall complexion
Active
Oligopeptide-6
OLIGOPEPTIDE-6

A synthetic hexapeptide that mimics the activity of EGF (epidermal growth factor). Stimulates cell proliferation and collagen synthesis, contributing to skin firming and anti-aging benefits. Used in Lululun's Hydra EX mask.

anti-agingskin-firmingskin-conditioning
Growth factor-mimetic peptideStimulates collagen and elastin synthesisAnti-aging and firming
+ Hyaluronic Acid+ Niacinamide
Active
Oligopeptide-68

A synthetic oligopeptide that targets tyrosinase — the key enzyme in melanin production — making it a precision brightening active suited for dark spots and uneven tone.

skin-brighteningtyrosinase-inhibitorpeptide
Inhibits tyrosinase to reduce melanin synthesis and brighten hyperpigmentationWorks at the cellular level for even-toned, luminous skin
+ Niacinamide+ Ascorbic Acid
Active
Ononis Spinosa Root Extract
ONONIS SPINOSA ROOT EXTRACT

Extract from the root of Ononis spinosa (spiny restharrow), a plant used in traditional European herbal medicine. Contains isoflavonoids and other phytochemicals with tyrosinase-inhibiting and antioxidant properties. Used in brightening skincare.

skin-brighteningskin-conditioning
Inhibits tyrosinase — supports skin brighteningAntioxidant and anti-inflammatory
+ Tranexamic Acid+ Niacinamide
Active
PDRN
Polydeoxyribonucleotide

Polynucleotide fragments (often salmon-derived) popular in K-beauty for skin repair and barrier recovery.

regenerativesoothing
Supports skin repair and recoverySoothes stressed skin
Stronger evidence for injectable use than topical
+ Centella Asiatica+ Panthenol
Active
Palmitoyl Dipeptide-10

A synthetic signal peptide composed of palmitic acid, alanine, and histidine that provides antioxidant protection, inhibits glycation, and supports skin barrier function with a well-tolerated safety profile.

peptideantioxidantanti-glycation
Neutralizes collagen-degrading enzymesInhibits advanced glycation end-products (AGEs)Supports skin barrier function and moisture retention
Active
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12

A signal peptide used to support firmness and a smoother, conditioned skin surface.

peptide
Supports firmnessConditioning
+ Matrixyl+ Copper Peptides
Active
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
PALMITOYL PENTAPEPTIDE-4

A palmitoyl-modified pentapeptide (Lys-Thr-Thr-Lys-Ser) known commercially as Matrixyl. Stimulates collagen synthesis and extracellular matrix production, improving skin firmness and reducing wrinkle depth.

anti-agingskin-conditioningcollagen-stimulating
Stimulates collagen I, III, and IV synthesisReduces appearance of wrinkles and fine linesImproves skin firmness and elasticity
+ Adenosine+ Niacinamide+ Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
Active
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7

A signal peptide (part of the Matrixyl 3000 system) that helps reduce inflammatory response and supports collagen production for firmer-looking skin.

anti-agingsoothing
Signals collagenCalms inflammationSupports firmness
+ Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1+ Niacinamide+ Hyaluronic Acid
Active
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1

A collagen-signalling peptide (the second half of Matrixyl 3000) that prompts skin to rebuild structural proteins, improving firmness over time.

anti-aging
Signals collagenSupports firmnessSmooths fine lines
+ Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7+ Hyaluronic Acid
Active
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5

A biomimetic signal peptide of palmitic acid and lysine-valine that stimulates collagen and elastin synthesis through the TGF-beta pathway, improving firmness and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

peptideanti-agingcollagen-stimulating
Stimulates collagen synthesis via TGF-beta pathwayImproves skin elasticity and firmnessReduces appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Active
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8

A palmitoylated synthetic tripeptide that mimics the anti-inflammatory signaling domain of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Activates melanocortin MC-1R receptors on keratinocytes and immune cells, triggering the same anti-inflammatory cascade as the endogenous neuropeptide. Used in Dr. Jart+ Cicapair formulas and other K-beauty calming products for its potent yet gentle anti-inflammatory and sensitivity-reducing properties.

anti-inflammatoryskin-conditioningsoothing
Mimic of the body's anti-inflammatory neuropeptide α-MSH — activates MC-1R receptors to downregulate skin inflammationReduces the release of substance P and other pro-inflammatory cytokines, calming reactive and sensitive skinPalmitoyl chain improves lipid compatibility and skin penetration versus the unmodified peptide
+ Niacinamide+ Centella Asiatica Extract+ Allantoin
Active
Panax Ginseng Extract

An extract from Panax ginseng (unspecified or whole-plant derivation), delivering ginsenosides and polysaccharides for antioxidant and revitalizing skin benefits; distinct from the root-specific INCI Panax Ginseng Root Extract.

antioxidantskin revitalizinganti-aging
Provides ginsenosides with antioxidant and skin-energizing activityBroader ginsenoside profile than root-specific extract when derived from whole or unspecified plant partsSupports skin microcirculation and radiance
Active
Panax Ginseng Flower Extract

Panax Ginseng Flower Extract is derived from the flowers of the ginseng plant, a distinct botanical part with a unique ginsenoside profile compared to the root (the most commonly used part). Flower extracts are enriched in specific saponins and polyphenolic antioxidants that provide skin-brightening and anti-aging benefits. Used in premium Korean beauty products as part of multi-part ginseng complexes (root + flower + seed + berry).

antioxidantskin-brighteningskin-conditioninganti-aging
Ginseng flowers contain a distinct ginsenoside profile enriched in flower-specific saponins (including F1, F2) with potent antioxidant and skin-brightening activity compared to root extractsRich in polyphenols and flavonoids that protect skin from UV-induced oxidative damage and support collagen maintenanceHarvested from the aerial flowering parts of Panax ginseng — a premium, rare ingredient used in high-end Korean skincare alongside root and seed extracts for a full-plant ginseng complex
+ Panax Ginseng Root Extract+ Hydrolyzed Ginseng Saponins+ Niacinamide
Active
Panax Ginseng Leaf/Stem Extract

An extract derived from the leaves and stems (aerial parts) of Panax ginseng, providing a ginsenoside and polyphenol profile distinct from root extracts, with antioxidant and soothing properties.

antioxidantsoothingskin conditioning
Aerial parts (leaf and stem) of ginseng are rich in ginsenosides Rb1, Rd, and Re as well as polyphenolsHigher polyphenol content compared to root extracts in some studiesAntioxidant and mild anti-inflammatory activity
Active
Panax Ginseng Root Protoplasts

Panax Ginseng Root Protoplasts are plant cell protoplasts — intact ginseng cells with their cellulose cell walls enzymatically removed — derived from Panax ginseng root tissue culture. The protoplast encapsulates the complete intracellular content of the ginseng root cell, including the full ginsenoside profile, polysaccharides, amino acids, enzymes, and cellular organelles, in their natural ratios. Used by Sulwhasoo in their top-tier Timetreasure Honorstige line as a differentiated premium active representing the most complete form of ginseng-derived ingredient delivery.

skin-conditioninganti-agingantioxidantskin-brightening
Plant cell protoplasts of Panax ginseng root — intact ginseng cells with cell walls enzymatically removed — deliver a complete cellular matrix of ginsenosides, polysaccharides, amino acids, and growth-regulatory peptides in their native proportionsThe protoplast format preserves the full range of intracellular ginseng actives (including rare ginsenosides not typically present in aqueous root extracts) for a more comprehensive bioactive deliveryUsed by Sulwhasoo in their ultra-premium Timetreasure line as a signature ingredient representing the pinnacle of their ginseng-derived complex — associated with anti-aging, firming, and skin energy-boosting claims
+ Panax Ginseng Root Extract+ Hydrolyzed Ginseng Saponins+ Panax Ginseng Flower Extract
Active
Pancratium Maritimum Extract

An extract of sea daffodil bulbs (Pancratium maritimum) that inhibits melanogenesis and provides antioxidant and hydrating benefits for a more even, radiant skin tone.

brighteningantioxidanthumectant
Inhibits melanin production to reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentationAntioxidant protection against UV and environmental damageRetains moisture even in extreme conditions for lasting hydration
Active
Pantethine

A dimeric form of pantetheine and intermediate in Coenzyme A synthesis that provides antioxidant protection, inhibits tyrosinase activity for brightening, and supports skin cell metabolism and regeneration.

antioxidantbrighteningskin-conditioning
Antioxidant via disulfide bond activityInhibits tyrosinase to reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spotsSupports cellular metabolism and skin regeneration
Active
Pantothenic Acid

The free acid form of vitamin B5, distinct from panthenol (the alcohol form) and calcium pantothenate (the salt form); used in cosmetics as a skin-conditioning agent contributing to moisture retention and barrier support.

Skin conditioningVitaminMoisturizing
Precursor to panthenol (provitamin B5) activity in skinSupports skin hydrationConditions skin
Active
Pearl Powder
Margarita

A finely ground powder of natural pearls (nacre from Margarita/oyster species), composed of calcium carbonate, amino acids, and trace minerals; used in cosmetics for skin brightening, conditioning, and mild exfoliation, with traditional roots in Chinese medicine (TCM).

skin-conditioningbrighteningexfoliantantioxidant
Rich source of calcium carbonate, over 30 trace minerals (magnesium, selenium, zinc), and more than a dozen amino acids supporting skin conditioning and repairAmino acid profile may stimulate fibroblast activity and collagen synthesis, improving skin firmness and elasticityBrightening and skin tone-evening effects; may help reduce appearance of dark spots and uneven pigmentation
Pearl is an animal-derived ingredient (mollusk shell nacre); not veganClinical evidence for topical efficacy is limited — many claimed benefits are based on traditional use (TCM) and in vitro studies
Active
Pelargonium Graveolens Extract

A non-volatile extract obtained from the aerial parts of Pelargonium graveolens (geranium), distinct from the steam-distilled Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil; retains water-soluble bioactives such as polyphenols and tannins providing astringent, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory benefits with a reduced fragrance-allergen profile.

skin-conditioningantimicrobialastringentanti-inflammatory
Non-volatile aqueous extract of geranium (Pelargonium graveolens), retaining water-soluble polyphenols, flavonoids, and tanninsAntimicrobial and astringent properties beneficial for acne-prone and oily skin typesAnti-inflammatory action may help calm mild redness and irritation
May still contain trace amounts of fragrance-active compounds (geraniol, citronellol, linalool); individuals with geranium oil sensitivity should patch testLower sensitization risk than Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil but not risk-free for highly reactive skin
Active
Pentapeptide-3

A synthetic pentapeptide (Gly-Pro-Arg-Pro-Ala-NH2) modeled on waglerin-1 neurotoxin that acts as an acetylcholine receptor antagonist, reducing facial muscle contraction to soften dynamic wrinkles.

Skin-conditioningAnti-wrinkleNeuromuscular relaxant (topical)
Competitively antagonizes acetylcholine receptors, reducing facial muscle contractions that cause dynamic wrinklesSmooths expression lines and deep wrinkles with a topical Botox-like mechanismSupports skin firmness and elasticity
Generally well tolerated; long-term topical safety data is limited compared to injectable neurotoxinsSynthetic peptide — individuals with hypersensitivity to peptide ingredients should patch-test
Active
Phaseolus Radiatus Seed Extract

An extract derived from the seeds of Phaseolus radiatus (mung bean), used in cosmetics for its antioxidant and skin conditioning properties.

Skin conditioningAntioxidant
Antioxidant protectionSkin brighteningSupports skin smoothness
Active
Phaseolus Radiatus Sprout Extract

An extract derived from the sprouts of Phaseolus radiatus (mung bean), used in cosmetics for its antioxidant and skin conditioning properties.

Skin conditioningAntioxidant
Antioxidant protectionSkin brighteningSupports cell renewal