The library

Ingredient library

Every ingredient SkinAtlas knows about — all 2402 of them. What each one does, what it works well with, and what to watch for.

All 2402 ingredients — page 56 of 101

Soothing
Mugwort Extract
Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract

A calming botanical (Korean 'ssuk') used to soothe sensitive, reactive skin.

antioxidant
Calms sensitive skinAntioxidant support
+ Centella Asiatica+ Panthenol
Active
Mulberry Extract
Morus Alba Root Extract

An extract typically from the root bark of Morus alba (white mulberry), one of the most studied natural tyrosinase inhibitors used for skin brightening.

brighteningantioxidant
Inhibits tyrosinase to reduce melanin production and fade dark spotsAntioxidant protectionHelps even skin tone
Soothing
Mung Bean Extract
Vigna Radiata Seed Extract

An extract from mung bean (Vigna radiata) seeds containing flavonoids, polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals, used in K-beauty for antioxidant, soothing, and oil-balancing properties.

soothingantioxidantskin-conditioning
Antioxidant protection from flavonoids and polyphenolsSoothes and calms irritated skinHelps regulate sebum and control shine
Rarely causes sensitivity reactions; generally well tolerated
Humectant
Musa Sapientum (Banana) Fruit Extract

An extract derived from the fruit of Musa sapientum (banana), rich in sugars, vitamins, and potassium, used as a skin-conditioning humectant with mild antioxidant properties.

humectantskin-conditioningantioxidant
Provides humectant moisturizationAntioxidant support from vitamins C and ESoftens and conditions skin
Generally well tolerated at cosmetic concentrations
Humectant
Mussel Glycogen
MUSSEL GLYCOGEN

A glycogen polysaccharide extracted from mussels (Mytilus species) used in Japanese skincare as a moisturizing and film-forming agent that helps maintain the skin's water balance.

humectantskin-conditioningfilm-forming
Attracts and retains moistureStrengthens skin barrier functionMarine-derived moisturizing agent
Not suitable for individuals with severe shellfish allergies — glycogen is a carbohydrate not a protein, but cross-reactivity, though extremely rare, is possible in highly sensitive individuals
+ Sodium Hyaluronate+ Glycerin
Soothing
Myosotis Sylvatica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

A full-plant extract from Myosotis sylvatica (wood forget-me-not), containing flavonoids and tannins with soothing and antioxidant properties, used in botanical skincare formulations.

soothingantioxidantskin-conditioning
Flavonoids and tannins with mild anti-inflammatory and soothing propertiesAntioxidant support from polyphenol contentTraditionally used for sensitive and delicate skin
Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) — regulatory bodies (EFSA) advise limits on PA-containing botanical extracts; topical exposure considered low risk at typical cosmetic concentrations
Antioxidant
Myrciaria Dubia (Camu Camu) Fruit Extract

Myrciaria Dubia (Camu Camu) Fruit Extract is derived from the camu camu fruit native to the Peruvian and Brazilian Amazon. The fruit has one of the highest natural vitamin C concentrations of any food, providing both ascorbic acid and related polyphenol antioxidants (anthocyanins, ellagic acid) in the extract. Used in premium Korean skincare as part of natural vitamin C complex ingredients alongside synthetic derivatives.

antioxidantskin-brighteningskin-conditioning
Camu camu (Myrciaria dubia) from the Amazon basin contains up to 2800 mg vitamin C per 100g fresh pulp — one of the highest natural ascorbic acid concentrations of any fruitBeyond vitamin C, the fruit is rich in anthocyanins (cyanidin-3-glucoside, delphinidin-3-glucoside) and ellagic acid providing multi-pathway antioxidant protectionUsed alongside Kakadu plum, acerola, and rosehip as part of natural high-dose vitamin C complexes in brightening and antioxidant serums
+ Ascorbic Acid+ Niacinamide+ Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract
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
Barrier support
Myristoyl Methyl Beta-Alanine (Phytosteryl/Decyltetradecyl)
MYRISTOYL METHYL BETA-ALANINE (PHYTOSTERYL/DECYLTETRADECYL)

A complex amino acid ester of myristic acid and phytosterol/decyltetradecyl alcohol. Forms liquid crystalline structures similar to the skin's intercellular lipid matrix. A barrier-supportive ceramide analogue. Used in Ishizawa's urea eye cream.

barrier-supportemollientskin-conditioning
Liquid crystal-forming — integrates into skin's lamellar structureBarrier repair and moisture retentionCeramide-like lamellar lipid
+ Ceramide NP+ Hydrogenated Lecithin
Barrier support
Myristoyl/Palmitoyl Oxostearamide/Arachamide MEA

A synthetic ceramide-analogue combining myristoyl/palmitoyl fatty chains with oxostearamide/arachamide MEA, designed to replenish ceramide NP-type lipids in the skin barrier; used in Real Barrier formulations.

ceramide-analoguebarrier-repairskin-conditioning
Reinforces the skin lipid barrier by mimicking ceramide NPReduces transepidermal water lossSuitable for sensitive and atopic skin
Emollient
Myristyl Alcohol

Myristyl Alcohol (1-tetradecanol) is a C14 saturated fatty alcohol derived from coconut or palm kernel oil. In the fatty alcohol family (alongside cetyl C16, stearyl C18, behenyl C22), myristyl alcohol provides lighter emolliency and more fluid emulsion character than its longer-chain analogues. Used in eye creams, moisturizers, and serums as an emollient, emulsion stabilizer, and mild opacifier.

emollientemulsion-stabilizingopacifying
C14 fatty alcohol with a smooth, non-greasy skin feel — provides softer, lighter emolliency than stearyl (C18) or behenyl (C22) alcohols while still contributing to emulsion stability and opacityWorks as an emulsion co-emulsifier alongside fatty acid-based emulsifiers, stabilizing the lamellar liquid crystal structure that supports slow, even active ingredient releaseCommon in eye cream formulas where a rich-but-light emollient texture and good stability are required
As a fatty alcohol, myristyl alcohol can be comedogenic for highly acne-prone individuals at higher concentrations in leave-on formulas — not a concern in the amounts typical for use as an emulsion stabilizer
+ Cetyl Alcohol+ Stearyl Alcohol+ Glyceryl Stearate
Surfactant
Myristyl Glucoside

A nonionic alkyl glucoside surfactant derived from myristyl alcohol and glucose, used as a mild emulsifier and co-emulsifier in skincare formulations.

emulsifiersurfactant
Mild, skin-compatible emulsifier derived from sugar and fatty alcoholSupports stable emulsion formationGood tolerability for sensitive skin
Generally non-irritating; well tolerated at cosmetic use levels
Humectant
Myristyl Malate Phosphonic Acid

A synthetic phospholipid-type skin-conditioning agent (marketed as Revidrate) that promotes cellular pathways involved in the skin's natural moisturizing factor production.

skin-conditioningmoisturizing
Supports the skin's natural moisturizing factor pathwaysPromotes keratinocyte maturation linked to hydration
Emollient
Myristyl Myristate

A wax ester of myristyl alcohol and myristic acid that provides a rich, waxy emollient texture to creams and lotions.

emollient
Rich, velvety skin feelSoftens and conditions dry skin
Can be comedogenic — may not suit acne-prone skin
Humectant
Myrothamnus Flabellifolia Leaf/Stem Extract

An extract from the leaf and stem of Myrothamnus flabellifolia (the 'resurrection plant'), native to the Namib Desert, rich in trehalose, arbutin, and polyphenols; used for deep hydration and antioxidant protection.

humectantantioxidantskin-conditioning
Exceptional skin hydration via trehalose and polyphenol compoundsRobust antioxidant protection from polyphenols and galloylquinic acidHelps skin resist dehydration and environmental stress
Generally well tolerated; patch test recommended for sensitive skin
Preservative
Myrtrimonium Bromide

A quaternary ammonium compound (also known as cetrimide) used as a cationic antimicrobial preservative and antistatic agent, EU-restricted to 1% as a preservative.

preservativeantistatic
Broad-spectrum antimicrobial preservativeProvides antistatic and conditioning benefits, particularly in hair/rinse-off products
EU-restricted to 1% concentration when used as a preservative
Antioxidant
Myrtus Communis Extract

An extract from the leaves and berries of common myrtle (Myrtus communis), rich in flavonoids, tannins, and myricetin, used for its antioxidant and soothing properties.

antioxidantsoothingastringent
Antioxidant protection from flavonoids and tanninsSoothes and calms skinMild astringent action to refine pores
Generally well tolerated at cosmetic concentrations; rare sensitivity possible
Antioxidant
Myrtus Communis Leaf Extract

Extract from the leaves of Myrtus communis (common myrtle), a Mediterranean plant. Contains polyphenols, flavonoids, and volatile compounds providing antioxidant and mild astringent benefits. Used in both skincare and fragrance compositions.

antioxidantantimicrobialastringent
Rich in myrtle tannins, flavonoids, and myricetin; provides antioxidant and mild astringent propertiesTraditional Mediterranean skin remedy; antimicrobial activity supports formula preservation
Fragrance
Myrtus Communis Oil
Myrtus Communis (Myrtle) Oil

A volatile essential oil steam-distilled from the leaves and twigs of Myrtus communis, used primarily as a fragrance ingredient with a fresh, herbal, camphoraceous scent.

fragranceskin-conditioning
Provides herbal, woody fragrance characterMinor antioxidant contribution from phenolic compounds
Contains naturally occurring fragrance allergens (linalool, geraniol, limonene); potential sensitizer in fragrance-sensitive individualsPhotosensitivity possible at higher concentrations
Humectant
N-Amidino-L-Proline
N-AMIDINO-L-PROLINE

A guanidine-modified proline amino acid derivative. Functions as a humectant in skincare formulations. Found in Kanebo premium skincare.

humectantskin-conditioning
Amino acid derivative humectantSkin conditioning
+ Glycerin+ Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
N-Hydroxysuccinimide

A synthetic succinimide derivative used in eye-area cosmetics to help reduce the appearance of dark circles by aiding clearance of iron-containing blood pigments.

skin conditioning
Used in eye creams to help reduce the appearance of dark circles and under-eye inflammationHelps solubilize and clear iron-containing pigments linked to dark circles
Can be mildly irritating to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes at higher concentrations
Humectant
N-Methyl-L-Serine
N-METHYL-L-SERINE

A methylated derivative of the amino acid L-serine. Functions as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent, helping attract and retain water in the skin.

humectantskin-conditioning
Amino acid humectantSkin conditioning
+ Glycerin+ Hyaluronic Acid
Active
N-Prolyl Palmitoyl Tripeptide-56 Acetate

An anti-aging peptide (the acetate salt of palmitoyl tripeptide-56 modified with proline) marketed as Matrixyl Morphomics that boosts collagen production and reduces visible aging signs.

anti-agingskin firmingcollagen synthesis
Stimulates mature skin regeneration and strengthens skin structureBoosts collagen and fibronectin productionReduces visible signs of aging including wrinkles
Barrier support
N-Stearoyl Dihydrosphingosine
N-STEAROYL DIHYDROSPHINGOSINE

A synthetic ceramide analogue — the N-stearoyl amide of dihydrosphingosine. Structurally similar to natural ceramide 2 (Ceramide NS). Directly integrates into the intercellular lipid matrix of the stratum corneum, strengthening the skin barrier. Used in premium Japanese skincare brands.

barrier-supportskin-conditioning
Directly replenishes ceramide-like lipids in the stratum corneumStrengthens skin barrierImproves skin hydration
+ Ceramide NP+ Hydrogenated Lecithin+ Cholesterol