Ingredient library
Every ingredient SkinAtlas knows about — all 2178 of them. What each one does, what it works well with, and what to watch for.
A modern broad-spectrum chemical UV filter that absorbs across UVA and UVB and helps stabilize other filters.
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 synthetic amide-based wax that acts as an emollient and film-former, contributing a smooth, silky texture to creams and emulsions.
A PEG-modified dimethicone silicone that functions as an emollient and slip agent, improving spreadability and texture in serums and moisturizers while conditioning the skin.
A dimethyl silane silicone copolymer with two PEG-18 chains that imparts a silky, slip-enhancing feel while being compatible with water-based formulas.
A chamomile-derived soothing agent.
A diester solvent (trade name Sensiva SC 50) used primarily in sunscreen formulations to dissolve and carry UV-filter actives. It helps improve the homogeneity and stability of sunscreen emulsions without contributing significant occlusion or greasiness.
Oil pressed from the seeds of Bixa orellana (annatto / achiote). Exceptionally rich in bixin and tocotrienols (vitamin E analogues with strong antioxidant activity). Used in prestige K-beauty serums for its antioxidant and nourishing properties.
Bletilla striata (Bai Ji) is a terrestrial orchid native to East Asia whose dried tubers have been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine to stop bleeding and promote tissue healing. The root extract is valued in premium K-beauty formulations for its high polysaccharide content — primarily glucomannans — delivering both film-forming humectancy and meaningful barrier repair, supported by pharmacological research confirming fibroblast activity stimulation.
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.
An extract from the lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) fruit rich in anthocyanins, flavonoids, and vitamin C that provides antioxidant protection and skin-soothing benefits.
A root extract of the red spiderling herb rich in alkaloids, flavonoids, and lignans that provides soothing, antioxidant, and mild brightening benefits in skincare formulas.
A whole-plant or aerial-parts extract of borage (Borago officinalis), used for soothing and antioxidant benefits, distinct from the GLA-rich borage seed oil.
Borage (starflower) seed oil, rich in GLA, used to replenish and condition.
A synthetic amide derivative of borage seed oil and aminopropanediol used as a skin-conditioning emollient in cosmetic formulations.
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 steam-distilled essential oil from the resin of the Boswellia carterii tree (East African / Somali frankincense), composed primarily of monoterpenes including α-pinene (24–46%) and limonene (8–26%). Used in cosmetics principally for its distinctive woody-balsamic frankincense fragrance. Important distinction from Boswellia Serrata Resin Extract: the steam-distilled oil does NOT contain boswellic acids (non-volatile triterpenoids that cannot pass over in distillation), so the anti-inflammatory activity associated with resin extracts is absent from this form. A 2021 case report documented allergic contact dermatitis from this oil.
A resin extract from the Boswellia serrata tree containing boswellic acids that inhibit inflammatory enzymes and support skin barrier function.
Ester mixture of cholesterol with branched C10-40 fatty acids. Mimics the composition of sebum, making it highly compatible with skin lipids. Used in luxury Japanese skincare (Kanebo, POLA) for barrier-restoring emolliency.
An extract from Brassica campestris (rapeseed/canola), a cruciferous plant extract used in cosmetics for mild skin-conditioning and emollient properties; distinct from rapeseed oil (Brassica Campestris Seed Oil).
A plant sterol fraction isolated from Brassica campestris (rapeseed/canola). Phytosterols like rapeseed sterol support the skin's lipid bilayer structure and help maintain the integrity of the stratum corneum, making them useful in barrier-repair formulas. Found in 111SKIN Celestial Black Diamond Eye Mask.
Phytosterols derived from rapeseed that reinforce the skin's lipid barrier by filling intercellular gaps and reducing transepidermal water loss.
A leaf extract of kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) rich in polyphenols, vitamins A, C, and K, and glucosinolates that deliver antioxidant and skin-conditioning benefits.
An extract from the leaves of Brassica oleracea var. capitata (common cabbage), a cruciferous vegetable rich in polyphenols, vitamins, and glucosinolates, used for antioxidant and soothing properties; distinct from kale (var. acephala) and other Brassica oleracea varieties.