Ingredient library

A synthetic polymer formed by esterification of polyacrylic acid with glycerol. Functions as a water-retaining humectant and film-former, creating a gel-like texture on skin that binds moisture. Distinct from carbomer-family thickeners in that glyceryl polyacrylate contributes directly to skin hydration rather than just viscosity. Widely used in lightweight gel moisturizers and essence-type formulas.

The simplest amino acid, used as a humectant that supports the skin's natural moisturizing factor.

A polysaccharide (branched glucose polymer) used in cosmetics as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent. Distinct from mussel-derived glycogen; in skincare typically sourced from yeast or oyster glycogen.

A broad INCI category covering proteins covalently linked to carbohydrate chains. In cosmetics, 'Glycoproteins' as a listed ingredient typically refers to the glycoprotein fraction derived from yeast ferments (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) or bacterial ferments. Functions as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent. The term is less specific than named glycoproteins such as Fibronectin or Laminin — it indicates a mixed glycoprotein fraction rather than a single defined molecule.

A glucosylated trehalose produced enzymatically from hydrolyzed starch, used as a humectant, film-former, and emulsion stabilizer in moisturizing formulas.

Job's tears seed extract, a J-beauty heritage ingredient used for hydration and clarity.

Extract from okra (Hibiscus esculentus / Abelmoschus esculentus) fruit. High in mucilaginous polysaccharides that create a moisturizing, film-forming effect on skin. Used for hydration and a plumping skin feel.

A semi-essential amino acid naturally present in the skin's NMF that acts as a humectant and antioxidant to hydrate and protect skin.

The hydrochloride salt form of the amino acid histidine, used as a humectant, NMF component, and mild pH buffer in cosmetic formulations.

A natural humectant that hydrates, soothes and conditions skin with mild antimicrobial activity.

A humectant that can hold many times its weight in water.

A mixture of polyols (sorbitol, maltitol, and longer-chain sugar alcohols) obtained by hydrogenation of starch hydrolysate, used as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent.

A hydrolyzed form of algin (a polysaccharide from brown seaweeds) used as a humectant and film-forming agent in serums and moisturizers.

Enzymatically or chemically hydrolyzed protein from avocado (Persea gratissima), yielding small peptides and amino acids. These fragments have affinity for skin and hair surfaces, forming a moisture-retaining film and providing a soft, smooth feel. Used in moisturizers, serums, and hair treatments.

A modified hyaluronic acid where C12-13 alkyl glyceryl groups are attached via hydrolysis, creating an oil-dispersible form with improved skin penetration.

Enzymatically broken-down collagen peptides that hydrate and condition the skin surface.

A partial hydrolysate of corn (Zea mays) starch that acts as a film-former and skin-conditioning agent, distinct from the intact starch in its smaller molecular fragments and enhanced skin compatibility.

Hydrolysate of extensin, the major hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein (HRGP) of plant cell walls, cleaved into low-molecular-weight fragments for improved skin penetration. Most commonly sourced from carrot (Daucus carota). High hydroxyproline and glycosylated amino acid content parallels animal collagen, while abundant polysaccharide side chains confer water-binding and film-forming properties. Used in K-beauty effector serums for its skin-conditioning and moisture-retention activity.

Hydrolyzed fragments of glycosaminoglycans (such as chondroitin sulfate and dermatan sulfate) that function as humectants and skin-conditioning agents, similar in concept to hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid.

A hydrolyzed extract of malted barley (Hordeum vulgare) yielding a mixture of maltodextrins, amino acids, and simple sugars used as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent.

The enzymatically or chemically hydrolyzed form of rice (Oryza sativa) extract; yields smaller molecular weight saccharides and peptides for improved skin penetration and humectant activity.

Enzymatically hydrolyzed rice protein peptides that hydrate and condition the skin surface while forming a light film.

Enzymatically hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate with very low molecular weight for deeper skin penetration and enhanced hydration.

Enzymatically hydrolyzed soybean protein peptides used as a humectant and skin conditioner that helps retain moisture and smooth the skin surface.