Ingredient library
Every ingredient SkinAtlas knows about — all 2165 of them. What each one does, what it works well with, and what to watch for.
A broad INCI category covering protein hydrolysates from plant sources (soy, wheat, rice, corn, pea, etc.) broken down into amino acids and peptide chains by acid, alkali, or enzymatic hydrolysis. Amino acids are NMF components that support the skin's natural moisture-retention capacity. Frequently used in formulas where specific protein sources are not disclosed or where a blend is intentional.
A mixture of peptides and amino acids obtained by hydrolysis of wheat protein, used as a humectant and film-forming skin-conditioning agent.
A gentle urea-derived humectant that hydrates without the roughness of high-dose urea.
A modified form of urea with a hydroxyethyl group. Functions as a gentle humectant — less irritating than urea while retaining moisturizing properties. Used in Ishizawa's urea skincare line alongside regular urea.
A non-proteinogenic amino acid and key component of collagen used in cosmetics as a humectant; its presence in the NMF supports hydration and signals collagen stabilization.
A cationic quaternary-ammonium derivative of hyaluronic acid that binds electrostatically to negatively charged skin proteins, delivering sustained surface hydration.
An extract from Hypnea musciformis, a red macroalga, used as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent in cosmetics for its carrageenan content and antioxidant properties.
A desert-grass root extract valued for binding moisture and supporting hydration.
A naturally occurring cyclohexane polyol (commonly myo-inositol) found in cell membranes, used in cosmetics as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent.
An essential amino acid used as a humectant that contributes to skin moisturization, barrier integrity, and surface-level repair.
An enzymatically isomerized mixture of glucose and fructose. Used in Anessa sunscreens as a humectant to keep the sunscreen film hydrated and maintain UV filter efficacy throughout the day.
A branched-chain diol (3-methyl-1,3-butanediol) used in cosmetics as a humectant, co-solvent, and mild antimicrobial booster.
Extract from Kappaphycus alvarezii, a red algae cultivated for its carrageenan-rich polysaccharides; used as a marine humectant and skin-conditioning agent.
A ferment filtrate produced by culturing Lactococcus bacteria on a hyaluronic acid substrate, yielding a humectant ingredient that hydrates and smooths the skin.
An extract from the brown seaweed Laminaria japonica (Japanese kelp), rich in polysaccharides and minerals, used for hydration, antioxidant protection, and skin conditioning.
An essential branched-chain amino acid used as a humectant that helps maintain skin hydration as part of the skin's natural moisturizing factor.
An essential amino acid used in cosmetics as a humectant to attract moisture and support the skin's natural moisturizing factor.
The hydrochloride salt of the essential amino acid lysine, used in cosmetics as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent that also supports collagen production.
Magnesium salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA), a natural moisturizing factor (NMF) component naturally present in the stratum corneum. Used as a humectant and skin conditioning agent; particularly well-suited for formulas mimicking the skin's own hydration chemistry.
Aqueous extract of malted barley (Hordeum vulgare) rich in maltose, amino acids, and B vitamins. Used as a humectant and skin conditioner; gentle enough for all skin types.
A sugar alcohol derived from maltose that functions as a humectant to draw water into the skin and improve texture.
A disaccharide of two glucose units used in cosmetics as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent. Adds gentle hydration and a smooth skin feel in creams and emulsions.
A sugar alcohol derived from mannitose used as a humectant in cosmetics to attract water and improve skin hydration.
A simple monosaccharide sugar that functions as a humectant in cosmetic formulas, drawing water into the skin.