Ingredient library
Every ingredient SkinAtlas knows about — all 2171 of them. What each one does, what it works well with, and what to watch for.
A cyclic amino acid that functions as a humectant and forms part of the skin's natural moisturizing factor.
An alpha-keto acid naturally occurring in the body's metabolic pathway, used in cosmetics at low concentrations as a keratolytic exfoliant with antimicrobial and sebostatic properties; at professional peel concentrations (35–50%) it has clinical evidence for acne, photoaging, and pigmentation.
A synthetic monoazo dye (CI 17200) used to give pink or red hues to toners, essences, and rinse-off products. Cosmetic-grade; not approved for use near the eyes in all markets.
An oil-soluble BHA that exfoliates inside the pore.
A naturally occurring amino acid that functions as a humectant and is a component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor.
The amino acid fraction obtained by hydrolysis of silk fibroin, the structural protein of silk from Bombyx mori silkworm cocoons. Rich in glycine (~46%), serine (~12%), and alanine (~29%). Distinct from 'Hydrolyzed Silk' (which refers to larger peptide fragments), though both are derived from the same source. Absorbs into skin to replenish NMF components and provides a smooth, slightly substantive skin feel.
A sodium salt copolymer of acrylic acid and maleic acid (MA) used as a polymeric thickener and rheology modifier in cosmetic creams, lotions, and serums.
The sodium salt of p-anisic acid (naturally derived from fennel/anise), used as a mild preservative that inhibits yeast and fungal growth in cosmetic formulations.
The sodium salt of ascorbic acid (vitamin C). More stable and less acidic than pure ascorbic acid, with a neutral pH. Used as an antioxidant and brightening agent in skincare. Found in Sana's eye cream.
The sodium salt of the amino acid aspartic acid, used as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent that helps maintain skin hydration.
Carboxymethylated hyaluronic acid — a modified form of sodium hyaluronate where additional carboxymethyl groups are added to the backbone. Enhanced adherence to the skin surface vs. standard HA. Used in Matsuyama's Hadauru toner for superior hydration.
A mild amino acid-based surfactant formed from coconut-derived fatty acids conjugated with amino acids from hydrolyzed apple protein, used in gentle cleansing formulations.
The sodium salt of glycolic acid. Functions primarily as a pH-buffering and stabilizing agent in cosmetic formulas.
An amino acid-derived anionic surfactant produced by condensing myristic acid (C14) with glutamic acid, used in gentle cleansers for mild, effective foaming with a favorable skin-compatibility profile.
A natural chelating agent derived from rice bran or corn that stabilizes formulas by sequestering trace metals and boosting preservative performance.
A fermentation-derived polymer (from natto) that binds water and forms a light moisturizing film, often described as more hydrating than hyaluronic acid by weight.
The sodium salt of ribonucleic acid (RNA), used as a skin-conditioning agent that improves the feel and suppleness of skin in cosmetic formulations.
A straight-chain unsaturated carboxylic acid used as a cosmetic preservative at up to 1% concentration to prevent microbial contamination and extend product shelf life.
A saturated C18 fatty acid used as an emollient, emulsifier and thickener that gives creams a rich texture.
A fatty acid-amino acid conjugate (stearic acid + glutamic acid) used as a mild emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent, particularly common in Japanese sunscreen formulations.
A naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid used in cosmetics primarily as a pH adjuster and mild chelating agent, with secondary humectant properties.
A mixture of sucrose esters of coconut fatty acids used as a mild emollient, emulsifier, and gentle surfactant in skin care products; well-tolerated and considered skin-friendly.
A plant-derived polyphenol (from oak bark, chestnut, and other sources) with astringent, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties used in pore-refining and soothing formulations.
A naturally occurring alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) found in grapes and wine, used in cosmetics for its mild exfoliating, pH-buffering, and antioxidant properties; gentler than glycolic acid due to its larger molecular size and slower skin penetration.