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.
Inorganic salt used to stabilize emulsions and increase viscosity in cream formulations. A functional excipient with no direct skin-benefit role.
An ammonium salt of an acrylate copolymer used as a rheology modifier and film-former, particularly in toners and lightweight emulsions.
A crosslinked copolymer of ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate and beheneth-25 methacrylate used as a rheology modifier and emulsion stabilizer in serums and emulsions.
A synthetic copolymer (Aristoflex AVC) used to create elegant, lightweight gel textures and stabilize emulsions.
A synthetic acrylic polymer (ammonium salt form of polyacryloyldimethyl taurate) used to thicken and stabilize gel and emulsion formulas.
Extract from the stem of Aquilaria agallocha (agarwood/oud); one of the rarest and most prized ingredients in hanbang skincare, contributing to the luxury positioning of The History of Whoo and similar brands.
Extract from the stems of Arundo donax (giant reed), a fast-growing grass. Contains silica and phenolic antioxidants. Featured in Clarins prestige serums.
A non-essential amino acid (L-asparagine) used as a skin-conditioning agent in cosmetics, typically as part of amino acid complex formulas that mimic the skin's natural moisturizing factor.
A ferment produced by Aspergillus mold (koji), used in cosmetics as a source of enzymes and conditioning metabolites that support skin feel and radiance.
The essential oil extracted from the root of Atractylodes japonica, a traditional Korean and Japanese medicinal herb (byakujutsu); used for its herbal bioactives in hanbang formulas.
The fermentation product of Bacillus bacteria (typically B. subtilis or B. licheniformis), processed to yield a concentrated metabolite fraction. Rich in proteolytic enzymes (subtilisins), lipopeptides (iturin, surfactin), and bioactive peptides. In cosmetics, the enzyme content provides mild exfoliating activity while the lipopeptide fraction has antimicrobial and skin-conditioning properties. Distinct from Lactobacillus Ferment (lactic acid bacteria) and Saccharomyces Ferment.
An extract from the root of Baptisia tinctoria (wild indigo), containing isoflavonoids and alkaloids that provide antimicrobial, immunomodulating, and skin-conditioning properties in topical formulations.
An inorganic mineral (barite) used in cosmetics as an opacifier and to provide a brightening, luminous effect. Used in Elixir Reflet Oshiroi Milk SPF50+ to create a 'white milk' appearance and contribute to UV reflection.
A naturally occurring smectite clay mineral primarily composed of montmorillonite, used in cosmetics as an absorbent, thickener, and pore-cleansing agent in wash-off and clay mask formulations.
Vitamin B7 (biotin) used in cosmetics as a skin-conditioning agent, though topical bioavailability and efficacy evidence is limited compared to oral supplementation.
A hydroxyl-functionalized dimethicone silicone derivative that offers skin conditioning and emollient properties while being more water-compatible than standard dimethicone due to its hydroxyl end groups.
A dimethyl silane silicone copolymer with two PEG-18 chains that imparts a silky, slip-enhancing feel while being compatible with water-based formulas.
FD&C Blue No. 1 (CI 42090), a synthetic triphenylmethane dye used to impart blue color in cosmetics, personal care products, and food. FDA-certified colorant used in Darphin Intral's blue-violet serum.
A synthetic mineral powder with a hexagonal crystal structure that imparts a silky, blurring texture and is commonly used in color cosmetics and SPF formulas.
A liquefied hydrocarbon gas used as a propellant in aerosol and spray cosmetic products.
A synthetic copolymer of butylene, ethylene, and styrene used as a thickener and film-forming structurant in cosmetic formulas.
A synthetic ester of salicylic acid used primarily as a cosmetic solvent and emollient that also helps solubilize UV filters; not an approved sunscreen active ingredient.
A synthetic acrylic copolymer that functions as a thickener, film former, and emulsion stabilizer in sunscreen and other cosmetic formulas.
A synthetic azo dye used as a colorant in cosmetics. Provides red to orange coloration. Approved in some jurisdictions for cosmetic use.