Ingredient library
Every ingredient SkinAtlas knows about — all 2277 of them. What each one does, what it works well with, and what to watch for.
An extract of the red alga Gelidiella acerosa rich in phycocolloids, used in cosmetics for humectant, soothing, and antioxidant properties.
A linear anionic polysaccharide produced by fermentation of Sphingomonas elodea. Composed of tetrasaccharide repeating units of glucose, glucuronic acid, and rhamnose. Used as a gelling and suspending agent in cosmetics at concentrations of 0.1–1%. The deacylated (low acyl) form produces clear, brittle gels; the high acyl form produces flexible, cloudy gels. Distinct from xanthan gum (branched, bacterial) and carrageenan (algae-derived).
An isoflavone extracted from soy. Acts as a phytoestrogen in the skin — stimulating collagen production, providing antioxidant protection, and mildly inhibiting melanin synthesis for a brightening effect.
An extract of the root of Gentiana lutea (yellow gentian) rich in secoiridoid glycosides and xanthones, used in cosmetics for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-brightening effects.
A naturally occurring monoterpene alcohol with a sweet rose-citrus scent; a regulated EU fragrance allergen with moderate sensitization potential.
An essential oil steam-distilled from wild geranium (Geranium maculatum) aerial parts, used primarily as a fragrance ingredient; contains geraniol and linalool, both EU-listed fragrance allergens subject to IFRA concentration limits.
An extract from the aerial parts of Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum), rich in tannins and flavonoids, used as an astringent and tonic in cosmetic formulations.
Extract from Geranium thunbergii (Gennosyoko, ゲンノショウコ), a Japanese wild geranium used in traditional kampo medicine. Contains geraniin, an ellagitannin with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties. Used in Transino's brightening serum.
A naturally occurring fragrance ester with a fresh, floral-rosy character, found in geranium oil, palmarosa, and many other essential oils. Used as a fragrance component in fine fragrances and skincare.
Polysaccharide-rich extract from Gigartina stellata (star carrageen), a North Atlantic red algae related to Irish Moss. Contains sulphated carrageenans for moisture-binding and skin-soothing. Used in Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Cream.
A flavonoid-rich ginkgo leaf extract that provides antioxidant protection and soothes skin.
Extract from the nut of Ginkgo biloba (maidenhair tree); distinct INCI from the more common leaf extract. Used in Korean hanbang formulas alongside other traditional herbal ingredients.
Water sourced from glaciers or alpine meltwater, used as a solvent and carrier in cosmetics; the ingredient is functionally equivalent to water but carries a natural provenance claim.
Gleditsia Australis Thorn Extract is sourced from the thorns of the honey locust tree (Gleditsia sinensis/australis), long used in traditional Korean and Chinese medicine as Zao Jiao Ci (皂角刺) for skin-clearing and anti-inflammatory purposes. The extract is rich in triterpenoid saponins, flavonoids, and alkaloids that contribute to its calming, clarifying, and sebum-modulating effects.
A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that exfoliates gently and hydrates.
The hydrochloride salt of glucosamine, an amino sugar. In topical skincare, studied for its ability to inhibit tyrosinase-related pigmentation pathways and stimulate hyaluronic acid production. Often paired with niacinamide for complementary brightening effects.
A simple sugar humectant that draws moisture into the skin and serves as a substrate for skin-microbiome-friendly formulations.
A glycosphingolipid and natural ceramide precursor that the skin converts into active ceramides, progressively reinforcing the stratum corneum lipid barrier.
An enzymatically glycosylated form of hesperidin (a citrus bioflavonoid) with superior water solubility. Provides antioxidant and mild anti-inflammatory benefits, and is often paired with other flavonoids in sensitive-skin and brightening formulas.
An enzymatically glycosylated form of rutin (a bioflavonoid from buckwheat and apple) with greatly improved water solubility. Provides antioxidant and mild anti-inflammatory benefits, and is often used in brightening and barrier-support formulas.
Glucosylrutin is rutin (a flavonoid glycoside: quercetin-3-rutinoside) with one or more glucose units attached via enzymatic transglucosylation, producing a more water-soluble derivative. The modification preserves the antioxidant and vascular-protective activity of rutin while enabling its use in aqueous cosmetic formulas where native rutin is poorly soluble. Used in K-beauty serums as a gentle antioxidant and anti-redness active.
A naturally occurring amino acid that functions as a humectant and contributes to the skin's natural moisturizing factor.
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.
A synthetic dipeptide-like active (L-glutamylamidoethyl indole) used as a cutaneous neuroprotective agent to reduce skin sensitivity and stress-related aging.