The library

Ingredient library

Every ingredient SkinAtlas knows about — all 2165 of them. What each one does, what it works well with, and what to watch for.

130 ingredients matching "acid" — page 4 of 6

Humectant
Lysine HCl

The hydrochloride salt of the essential amino acid lysine, used in cosmetics as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent that also supports collagen production.

humectantamino-acid
Attracts and retains moistureSupports collagen synthesisStrengthens the skin's barrier proteins
Soothing
Madecassic Acid

A triterpenoid component of Centella asiatica known for soothing and barrier-supporting effects.

soothingbarrier-support
Soothes irritated skinSupports barrier repairCalms redness
+ Centella Asiatica+ Madecassoside
Exfoliant
Malic Acid

A larger-molecule alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) often paired with glycolic or lactic acid; exfoliates the surface while being relatively gentle.

exfolianthumectant
ExfoliatesSmooths textureHelps even tone
+ Lactic Acid+ Gluconolactone
× Retinol
Exfoliant
Mandelic Acid

A large-molecule AHA that is gentle and good for sensitive skin.

aha
Gentle exfoliationBrighteningLower irritation risk
Mild sun sensitivity
× Retinol× Retinal
Emollient
Mixed Fatty Acid Triglyceride

A glyceryl triester of mixed plant-derived fatty acids (palm, olive, macadamia, rapeseed) used as an emollient in moisturizers.

emollientskin-conditioning
Rich multi-oil emollient blendPlant-derived skin conditioning
+ Glycerin+ Shea Butter
Emollient
Myristic Acid

A C14 saturated fatty acid used in cleansers as a saponified soap base and in creams as an emollient and emulsifier.

emollientemulsifiercleansing
Softens and conditions skinContributes to creamy, stable foam in cleansers
Can be comedogenic at higher concentrations
Humectant
Natto Gum
NATTO GUM

Natto gum is polyglutamic acid (PGA) — a biopolymer produced by Bacillus subtilis during the fermentation of soybeans (natto). It has extraordinary water-holding capacity, exceeding even hyaluronic acid. Used in Matsuyama's Hadauru ceramide line for superior moisturization.

humectantfilm-formerviscosity-increasing
Polyglutamic acid — holds 5000x its weight in water (more than hyaluronic acid)Film-forming and moisture-lockingTraditional Japanese fermented food-derived ingredient
+ Hyaluronic Acid+ Ceramide NP
Active
Niacin

Nicotinic acid, the free acid form of vitamin B3 (distinct from niacinamide/nicotinamide). At cosmetic use concentrations, functions as a skin conditioner and antioxidant. Included in Filorga Time-Filler 5-XP's NCEF complex alongside niacinamide and other B vitamins.

antioxidantskin-conditioning
The acid form of vitamin B3 (distinct from niacinamide/nicotinamide)At cosmetic concentrations, provides antioxidant and skin conditioning benefits; included in Filorga's NCEF vitamin panel
At high concentrations, may cause transient niacin flush (temporary redness/warmth) — not a concern at cosmetic use levels
+ Niacinamide
Active
Octadecenedioic Acid

A naturally derived dicarboxylic acid (C18 unsaturated) produced by bioconversion of oleic acid; used in premium skincare as a mild skin-brightening and antimicrobial active.

skin-brighteningantimicrobialskin-conditioning
A C18 long-chain dicarboxylic acid derived from oleic acid by biotransformationInhibits melanin synthesis (tyrosinase inhibition) for a brightening effectMild antimicrobial properties support skin clarity
+ Niacinamide+ Arbutin
Antioxidant
Oleanolic Acid

A pentacyclic triterpene naturally found in olive leaves, olive oil, and rosemary. In cosmetics, used for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and mild tyrosinase-inhibiting (brightening) properties. Also studied for its role in supporting the skin's own ceramide synthesis pathway.

antioxidantanti-inflammatoryskin-brightening
Pentacyclic triterpene with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activityMay inhibit tyrosinase to support a brighter, more even skin toneFound naturally in olive oil and rosemary; supports the skin barrier lipid matrix
+ Niacinamide+ Tocopherol+ Ceramide NP
Emollient
Oleic Acid

A naturally occurring omega-9 monounsaturated fatty acid (C18:1) found in many plant oils, used as an emollient and penetration enhancer that softens skin and replenishes surface lipids.

emollientskin-conditioningpenetration-enhancer
Softens and conditions skinEnhances penetration of other ingredientsReplenishes skin surface lipids
May worsen acne or barrier function in those with acne-prone or linoleic-acid-deficient skin at higher concentrationsCan feel heavy or occlusive for oily skin types
Preservative
P-Anisic Acid

An aromatic carboxylic acid preservative booster used at 0.05–0.3% in acidic formulas to inhibit bacteria and moulds and reinforce primary preservative systems.

preservativepreservative-booster
Broad-spectrum antimicrobial including anti-mould activityBoosts the efficacy of primary preservativesMild antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
Effective mainly in acidic systems (pH 4.5–5.5); efficacy drops significantly above pH 5.5Individual sensitivity possible at higher concentrations
Emollient
Palmitic Acid

A C16 saturated fatty acid naturally found in skin sebum, used as an emollient and emulsifier to soften skin and stabilize creams.

emollientemulsifier
Softens and conditions skinSupports the skin barrier by replenishing fatty acid content
High concentrations may be moderately comedogenic
Active
Pantothenic Acid

The free acid form of vitamin B5, distinct from panthenol (the alcohol form) and calcium pantothenate (the salt form); used in cosmetics as a skin-conditioning agent contributing to moisture retention and barrier support.

Skin conditioningVitaminMoisturizing
Precursor to panthenol (provitamin B5) activity in skinSupports skin hydrationConditions skin
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
Humectant
Phenylalanine

An essential aromatic amino acid used in cosmetics as a humectant that contributes to the skin's natural moisturizing factor.

humectantamino-acid
Attracts and retains moistureSupports the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF)
UV filter
Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
PHENYLBENZIMIDAZOLE SULFONIC ACID

A water-soluble UVB UV filter (Ensulizole). Approved by FDA and EU (up to 4%). Converts UV energy to heat. Best used in combination with UVA filters due to its narrow UVB-only spectrum.

UV-filter
UVB filter (290-320 nm)Water-soluble — suitable for lightweight sunscreens
Generates free radicals on UV exposure when used alone — typically combined with UVA filters
+ Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane+ Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
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
Humectant
Polyglucuronic Acid

A polysaccharide polymer built from glucuronic acid units; acts as a humectant and film-former, providing hydration and a protective surface layer.

humectantfilm-formingskin-conditioning
Biopolymer that binds water and creates a moisture-retaining film on the skin surfaceSupports smooth, plump texture with a lightweight feel
+ Sodium Hyaluronate+ Glycerin
Humectant
Polyglutamic Acid

A large humectant that holds water at the skin surface; pairs well with hyaluronic acid.

Surface hydrationImproves moisture retention
+ Hyaluronic Acid
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