The library

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.

28 ingredients in Other matching "acid" — page 1 of 2

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Other
Acetic Acid

The pure synthetic acid (INCI: Acetic Acid) used at trace levels as a pH adjuster in cosmetic formulas, distinct from Vinegar (Acetum).

ph-adjustersolvent
Lowers and adjusts formula pHImproves preservative efficacy at low pH
Concentrated form is corrosive; cosmetic use levels are highly diluted
Other
Adipic Acid
ADIPIC ACID

A straight-chain dicarboxylic acid used in cosmetics as a pH buffer and chelating agent. Extremely well-tolerated; appears in mist sprays and lightweight lotions where precise pH control is needed.

buffering agentchelating agentpH adjuster
Stabilises formula pHMild chelating action that supports preservative efficacy
+ Arginine+ Phenoxyethanol+ Disodium EDTA
Other
Alanine Glutamate

An INCI-listed combination ingredient pairing the amino acids alanine and glutamic acid (glutamate), used in Korean prestige formulas as a skin-conditioning agent that contributes to the amino acid profile of the skin's natural moisturizing factor.

Skin conditioningAmino acid complex
Delivers two amino acids (alanine and glutamate) to skin simultaneouslyConditions skinSupports natural moisturizing factor
Other
Algin
ALGIN

The sodium salt of alginic acid extracted from brown seaweed (Phaeophyta spp.). Used as a natural hydrocolloid thickener, film-former, and gel-stabiliser in skincare.

thickeningfilm-formingemulsifying
Natural seaweed-derived thickenerForms a moisture-retaining film on skinSoothing gel texture
+ Xanthan Gum+ Hydroxyapatite+ Glycerin
Other
Asparagine

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.

Skin conditioningAmino acid
Provides amino acid substrate for skin protein synthesisConditions skin
Other
Cyclobutanetetracarboxylic Acid
CYCLOBUTANETETRACARBOXYLIC ACID

A small molecule with four carboxylic acid groups arranged around a cyclobutane ring. Functions as a chelating agent, binding metal ions that would otherwise catalyze oxidative degradation of active ingredients. Found in Elixir Reflet SPF50+ as a stability enhancer.

chelating-agent
Metal ion chelator — prevents oxidative degradationEnhances preservative system efficacy
+ Phenoxyethanol+ BHT
Other
Cystine

The oxidized dimer of cysteine formed by a disulfide bond between two cysteine molecules; used in cosmetics as a conditioning amino acid with roles in keratin integrity and as a precursor to antioxidant glutathione — distinct from cysteine (the monomer free thiol form).

Skin conditioningAmino acidAntioxidant precursor
Supports keratin and hair protein structure via disulfide bondsPrecursor to glutathione antioxidant systemConditions skin
Other
Formic Acid

The simplest carboxylic acid. In cosmetics, listed at trace levels (typically at the end of amino acid complex formulas) as a pH adjuster. Safe at the very low concentrations used in skincare.

pH adjusterpreservative
Irritating to skin and mucous membranes at higher concentrations; safe at cosmetic use levels
Other
Glutamine

A free-form amino acid (L-glutamine) used in cosmetics as a skin-conditioning agent and component of amino acid complex formulas; distinct from acetyl glutamine which is the N-acetylated form with different stability and activity profile.

Skin conditioningAmino acidBarrier support
Supports keratinocyte function and skin barrier proteinsConditions skin as part of amino acid complexesSubstrate for glutathione synthesis
Other
Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer

A synthetic acrylic copolymer of glyceryl acrylate and acrylic acid used as a film-former and texture agent to enhance moisture retention and skin feel.

film-formermoisturizingtexture-agent
Forms a moisture-retaining film on the skin surfaceImproves texture and provides a smooth, non-sticky skin feel
Other
Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid

A zwitterionic biological buffer (HEPES) used in cosmetics to stabilize formula pH and provide gentle exfoliation by promoting keratinocyte shedding.

ph-adjusterbufferexfoliant
Stabilizes and buffers formula pHGentle exfoliating action by loosening dead skin cellsPromotes cell renewal and skin smoothness
Other
Hydroxystearic Acid

A hydroxy fatty acid derived from castor oil used as a gelling and thickening agent in creams and sticks. Contributes minor emollient properties to formulas.

viscosity-increasingemollientskin-conditioning
Provides structure to cream and balm formulas
Other
Hydroxyundecanoic Acid
HYDROXYUNDECANOIC ACID

A hydroxy fatty acid derivative. Has mild antimicrobial properties. Used in Kanebo's Skin Harmonizer for conditioning and microbiome-supporting effects.

antimicrobialskin-conditioning
Mild antimicrobial activitySkin conditioning
+ Glycerin
Other
Pentasodium Pentetate

A pentasodium salt of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) used as a chelating agent to bind trace metal ions and stabilize cosmetic formulas.

chelating-agentsequestrant
Chelates heavy metal ions to prevent formula oxidation and rancidityImproves preservative efficacy by binding trace metalsEnhances formula stability
Other
Pentylene Glycol Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer

A synthetic acrylic copolymer incorporating pentylene glycol and glyceryl moieties used as a film-former and texture agent to improve skin feel and moisture retention.

film-formermoisturizingtexture-agent
Forms a moisture-retaining film on skinProvides a soft, non-sticky texture
Other
Phytic Acid

The free-acid form of phytate (myo-inositol hexaphosphoric acid) used in cosmetics primarily as a chelating agent and mild brightening active; distinct from Sodium Phytate.

chelatorantioxidantbrightening
Chelates metal ions to stabilize formulas and prevent oxidative degradationMild brightening activity by inhibiting melanin formationAntioxidant support
Other
Polyacrylic Acid

A linear homopolymer of acrylic acid used as a thickener and film-forming agent in cosmetics; unlike Carbomer it is uncrosslinked, resulting in different rheological behavior.

thickenerfilm-forming agentemulsion stabilizer
Provides viscosity and gel-like texture in aqueous formulasImproves emulsion stabilityForms a light film that can enhance ingredient delivery
May cause mild irritation at high concentrations or very low pH; generally well-tolerated at cosmetic use levels
Other
Polyhydroxystearic Acid

A polymeric hydroxystearic acid used in sunscreens and color cosmetics as a dispersant for mineral UV filter pigments, reducing white cast and improving application feel.

dispersantemulsifier
Disperses mineral UV filters (TiO2, ZnO) evenly in oil-based systemsImproves texture and skin feel of mineral sunscreensReduces whitening effect of mineral filters
Other
Potassium Aspartate

The potassium salt of aspartic acid, used in cosmetics as a skin-conditioning agent that provides both a mineral component (potassium) and an amino acid (aspartate) associated with cellular energy metabolism.

Skin conditioningMineral saltAmino acid delivery
Delivers potassium mineral and aspartic acid amino acid to skinSkin conditioning
Other
Red 33
RED 33

A synthetic monoazo dye (CI 17200) used to give pink or red hues to toners, essences, and rinse-off products. Cosmetic-grade; not approved for use near the eyes in all markets.

colorant
Provides pink-to-red tint in cosmetic formulas
Rare azo-dye sensitisation in susceptible individuals
Other
Sodium Acrylic Acid/MA Copolymer

A sodium salt copolymer of acrylic acid and maleic acid (MA) used as a polymeric thickener and rheology modifier in cosmetic creams, lotions, and serums.

thickenerfilm-formerviscosity-modifier
Provides stable viscosity and gel texture in aqueous formulationsFilm-forming properties improve product spreadabilityCompatible with a wide pH range
Other
Sodium Glycolate

The sodium salt of glycolic acid. Functions primarily as a pH-buffering and stabilizing agent in cosmetic formulas.

bufferingpH-adjusting
Sodium salt of glycolic acid functioning as a pH buffer and processing aidMay contribute minimal exfoliating or chelating activity as a glycolate salt
Other
Sodium Phytate

A natural chelating agent derived from rice bran or corn that stabilizes formulas by sequestering trace metals and boosting preservative performance.

chelatorpreservative-booster
Binds trace metal ions (iron, copper, calcium) to prevent oxidation and formula degradationBoosts preservative efficacy by making the environment hostile to microbesBiodegradable alternative to synthetic EDTA
Other
Sodium RNA

The sodium salt of ribonucleic acid (RNA), used as a skin-conditioning agent that improves the feel and suppleness of skin in cosmetic formulations.

skin-conditioning
Skin conditioning; leaves skin softer and smootherNon-comedogenic
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