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.
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.
The simplest amino acid, used as a humectant that supports the skin's natural moisturizing factor.
The smallest AHA; a potent surface exfoliant.
The aglycone of glycyrrhizinic acid — the bioactive form after hydrolysis of licorice root compounds. Has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and barrier-supporting properties. Used in Rosette's clay cleanser and Meishoku's facial wash for soothing.
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 humectant that can hold many times its weight in water.
A zwitterionic biological buffer (HEPES) used in cosmetics to stabilize formula pH and provide gentle exfoliation by promoting keratinocyte shedding.
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.
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.
A hydroxy fatty acid derivative. Has mild antimicrobial properties. Used in Kanebo's Skin Harmonizer for conditioning and microbiome-supporting effects.
An essential amino acid used as a humectant that contributes to skin moisturization, barrier integrity, and surface-level repair.
A branched-chain C18 fatty acid used as an emollient, skin-conditioning agent, and co-emulsifier in cosmetic creams and lotions.
A lipophilic derivative of salicylic acid developed by L'Oréal, known as lipo-hydroxy acid (LHA), which exfoliates more gradually and selectively than salicylic acid with improved skin tolerability.
A gentler AHA that also has humectant properties.
A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that exfoliates very gently while also drawing in moisture and providing antioxidant benefits. Suited to sensitive skin.
A postbiotic ferment derived from Lactococcus lactic acid bacteria, delivering bioactive metabolites including lactic acid, bacteriocins, and exopolysaccharides that condition skin and support microbiome health.
A ferment filtrate produced by culturing Lactococcus bacteria on a hyaluronic acid substrate, yielding a humectant ingredient that hydrates and smooths the skin.
A medium-chain saturated fatty acid (C12) found naturally in coconut oil, used in cosmetics as an emollient, cleansing agent, and precursor to mild surfactants.
An essential branched-chain amino acid used as a humectant that helps maintain skin hydration as part of the skin's natural moisturizing factor.
A naturally derived keto-acid used in cosmetics primarily as a mild preservative and pH stabilizer, with additional skin-conditioning properties.
A synthetic long-chain diamide used in KAO/Curél products as a barrier-supporting emollient. Works alongside Intactamide (Hexadecyloxy PG Hydroxyethyl Hexadecanamide) in the Curél moisture retention system.
An essential amino acid used in cosmetics as a humectant to attract moisture and support the skin's natural moisturizing factor.