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.
Hydrosol (flower water) distilled from Helichrysum italicum (Immortelle / Everlasting) flowers. Milder than the essential oil; retains some soothing and antioxidant activity.
A full aerial extract of Helichrysum italicum (curry plant/immortelle) using both flowers and stems. Provides a richer polyphenol and arzanol profile than flower-only extract. Key functional ingredient in L'Occitane's Immortelle Divine Cream alongside separate Helichrysum Italicum Flower Oil.
An extract from the flowers of Hemerocallis fulva (common orange daylily), containing flavonoids and phenolic compounds used in cosmetics for antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties.
A seven-carbon fatty alcohol used primarily as a fragrance/perfuming agent in cosmetic formulations.
A targeting peptide that seeks out receptors on collagen and elastin-producing cells, functioning as a skin conditioning and anti-aging agent.
A heptasodium salt of a hexacarboxymethyl-functionalised dipeptide-12, used in cosmetics as a chelating and sequestering agent. It binds metal ions that can interfere with preservative systems and formula stability, functioning similarly to EDTA but as a peptide-derived alternative.
A mild alkyl polyglucoside surfactant derived from glucose and heptanol, used in gentle, sulfate-free cleansers and micellar waters for all skin types including sensitive skin.
An ester emollient derived from undecylenic acid that provides a lightweight, non-greasy feel while softening and smoothing skin.
Hesperidin is a flavanone glycoside found primarily in citrus fruit peel — particularly orange and lemon. It is one of the most studied citrus bioflavonoids, with documented antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vascular-protective properties. In cosmetics, hesperidin is used for its antioxidant activity and potential contribution to brightening and anti-aging effects. It is distinct from the semisynthetic Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone, which is more specifically used for capillary strengthening.
A synthetic ceramide-functional molecule developed by Kao/Curél (trade name: Intactamide). Structurally mimics ceramide NP to intercalate into the stratum corneum lipid bilayer and reinforce the skin barrier.
A synthetic aromatic compound used as a fragrance ingredient with a clean, sweet, musky, floral, woody odor, restricted in EU cosmetics due to allergenic properties.
A six-amino-acid peptide that acts as an alpha-MSH antagonist, blocking one of the key signals that triggers melanin synthesis in melanocytes.
A synthetic matrikine hexapeptide (Gly-Pro-Gln-Gly-Pro-Gln) that mimics a collagen sequence to stimulate extracellular matrix protein synthesis and support skin regeneration.
A synthetic jasmine-scented aldehyde and one of the 26 EU-regulated fragrance allergens, requiring label disclosure above defined concentration thresholds in cosmetics.
A lightweight synthetic ester of hexanol and lauric acid used as a dry-feel emollient and solvent that improves the texture and spreadability of serums and creams.
A hexyl ester of nicotinic acid (niacin) that acts as a mild vasodilator when applied topically, temporarily increasing local blood flow and enhancing penetration of other ingredients.
A branched C6 glycol used as a solvent and mild humectant that improves formula spreadability and ingredient penetration.
Extract from okra (Hibiscus esculentus / Abelmoschus esculentus) fruit. High in mucilaginous polysaccharides that create a moisturizing, film-forming effect on skin. Used for hydration and a plumping skin feel.
An extract from hibiscus flowers rich in anthocyanins, citric, and malic acids with antioxidant, brightening, and mild exfoliating properties.
Extract from Himanthalia elongata (sea spaghetti), a brown algae harvested from Atlantic coasts. Rich in phenolic compounds and fucoidan polysaccharides, providing antioxidant activity and skin-conditioning properties in marine-inspired skincare formulas.
A carotenoid-rich sea buckthorn fruit extract delivering antioxidants and skin-nourishing nutrients.
The pressed oil from sea buckthorn fruit, distinct from a water extract, delivering a highly concentrated source of carotenoids, omega-7 fatty acids, and tocopherols.
The water fraction obtained from the fruit of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides), distinct from the steam-distilled hydrosol (Hippophae Rhamnoides Water) and the lipid-rich fruit oil; used primarily as a solvent and mild skin-conditioning agent in water-based cosmetic formulas.
The steam distillate (hydrosol) of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides), distinct from the fruit extract and seed oil; used for its mild antioxidative and skin-conditioning properties in water-based formulas.