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 59 of 101

Antioxidant
Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract
OLEA EUROPAEA LEAF EXTRACT

An extract from olive (Olea europaea) leaves, rich in oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, and flavonoids. Provides potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and mild antimicrobial benefits in skincare.

antioxidantsoothingskin-conditioning
Rich in oleuropein — potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatoryAntimicrobial supportSoothing for sensitive skin
+ Tocopherol+ Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
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
Surfactant
Oleth-10

A polyethoxylated (10 EO units) ether of oleyl alcohol, used as a nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer in cosmetic emulsions and cleansers.

emulsifiersurfactantsolubilizer
Helps blend water and oil phases in emulsionsImproves formula stability and texture
Ethoxylated ingredient; may contain trace 1,4-dioxane impurities depending on manufacturing qualityCan be mildly irritating at high concentrations
Surfactant
Oleth-3

A polyethoxylated (3 EO units) ether of oleyl alcohol with a low HLB value, used as a co-emulsifier in cosmetic formulations to assist water-in-oil stability.

emulsifiersurfactant
Low HLB emulsifier for water-in-oil type systemsAssists in blending hydrophilic and lipophilic components
Ethoxylated ingredient; possible trace 1,4-dioxane impuritiesLow HLB may cause instability in oil-in-water emulsions if used alone
Surfactant
Oleth-3 Phosphate

A phosphate ester of oleth-3 (polyethoxylated oleyl alcohol) used as an anionic co-emulsifier and surfactant in cosmetic emulsions, often combined with oleth-3.

emulsifiersurfactantpH-adjuster
Anionic co-emulsifier that aids emulsion stabilityCan contribute mild buffering capacity
Ethoxylated phosphate ester; possible trace 1,4-dioxane impuritiesPotential irritation at high concentrations
Surfactant
Oleth-5

A polyethoxylated (5 EO units) ether of oleyl alcohol with intermediate HLB, used as a nonionic emulsifier and co-solubilizer in cosmetic formulations.

emulsifiersurfactantsolubilizer
Intermediate HLB emulsifier for flexible emulsion systemsAssists solubilization of lipophilic actives
Ethoxylated ingredient; possible trace 1,4-dioxane impurities
Emollient
Oleyl Alcohol
OLEYL ALCOHOL

An unsaturated C18 fatty alcohol derived from oleic acid. Used as a rich emollient, co-emulsifier, and thickener in creams and lotions; softens and conditions skin.

emollientemulsifyingskin-conditioning
Rich emolliency and skin softeningCo-emulsifier in creamsImproves skin feel and spreadability
May be comedogenic for some skin types
+ Cetearyl Alcohol+ Behenyl Alcohol+ Dimethicone
Emollient
Oleyl Erucate

An ester of oleyl alcohol and erucic acid (C22:1) used as a lightweight, skin-softening emollient that imparts a silky, non-occlusive skin feel.

emollientskin-conditioning
Lightweight, non-greasy emolliencySilky skin feel with good spreadabilityCompatible with many cosmetic active systems
Generally well tolerated; low sensitization potential
Emollient
Oleyl Oleate
OLEYL OLEATE

An ester of oleyl alcohol and oleic acid that functions as a smooth, penetrating emollient. Imparts a silky, non-sticky skin feel and enhances the spreadability of oil-phase ingredients.

emollientskin-conditioning
Smooth, silky skin feelPenetrating emollient with good spreadabilityImproves skin softness
Moderately comedogenic — caution for acne-prone skin
+ Squalane+ Behenyl Alcohol+ Dimethicone
Active
Oligopeptide-1

A synthetic tripeptide composed of glycine, histidine, and lysine (GHK) that acts as a copper-binding signal peptide, stimulating collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis in fibroblasts and supporting skin repair and anti-aging.

activeskin-conditioninganti-aging
Stimulates collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis in fibroblastsHelps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinklesSupports skin repair and wound healing
Generally well-tolerated at cosmetic concentrations; rare skin sensitization possible
Active
Oligopeptide-2

A synthetic lysine-serine-threonine oligopeptide that functions as a skin conditioning and signal peptide, activating the skin's endogenous repair mechanisms to support anti-aging activity.

skin-conditioninganti-agingsignal-peptide
Short-chain synthetic peptide (lysine oligomer with serine and threonine) that signals skin's endogenous repair mechanismsSupports skin regeneration, structural integrity, and visible wrinkle reductionDistinct from sh-Oligopeptide-2 (recombinant IGF-1 analog) — a simpler synthetic oligopeptide
Active
Oligopeptide-4

A synthetic tetrapeptide (four amino acids) that acts as a signal peptide in cosmetics, stimulating skin's natural repair processes to improve firmness, elasticity, and reduce visible aging.

skin-conditioninganti-agingsignal-peptide
Synthetic tetrapeptide that signals skin to activate endogenous repair mechanismsStrengthens skin structure and reduces visible fine lines and wrinklesImproves skin elasticity and overall complexion
Active
Oligopeptide-6
OLIGOPEPTIDE-6

A synthetic hexapeptide that mimics the activity of EGF (epidermal growth factor). Stimulates cell proliferation and collagen synthesis, contributing to skin firming and anti-aging benefits. Used in Lululun's Hydra EX mask.

anti-agingskin-firmingskin-conditioning
Growth factor-mimetic peptideStimulates collagen and elastin synthesisAnti-aging and firming
+ Hyaluronic Acid+ Niacinamide
Active
Oligopeptide-68

A synthetic oligopeptide that targets tyrosinase — the key enzyme in melanin production — making it a precision brightening active suited for dark spots and uneven tone.

skin-brighteningtyrosinase-inhibitorpeptide
Inhibits tyrosinase to reduce melanin synthesis and brighten hyperpigmentationWorks at the cellular level for even-toned, luminous skin
+ Niacinamide+ Ascorbic Acid
Active
Oligopeptide-76

A synthetic oligopeptide used as an active ingredient in blemish and acne-targeted skincare formulations, distinct from other numbered oligopeptides in the KB.

peptide
Synthetic signal peptide used to target acne-related skin concernsSupports skin clarity and calming of blemish-prone skin
Emollient
Olive Glycerides

A refined mixture of glycerides derived from olive fruit oil (Olea europaea), used as a natural-positioned emollient and skin-conditioning agent.

emollientskin-conditioning
Skin-compatible emolliency rich in oleic acid triglyceridesSoftens and conditions skinDerived from olive oil for a natural positioning
Generally well tolerated; may be comedogenic for very acne-prone individuals given high oleic acid content
Emollient
Olive Oil Unsaponifiables
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil Unsaponifiables

The non-glyceride fraction of olive oil (squalene, sterols, tocopherols) that provides antioxidant and barrier-repair benefits with excellent skin compatibility.

emollientantioxidantskin conditioning
moisturizing with squalene and plant sterols that mimic skin lipidsbarrier repair support from phytosterolsantioxidant protection from vitamin E and polyphenols
Humectant
Olivine Extract

An extract derived from olivine, a magnesium-iron silicate mineral, used as a skin-conditioning ingredient valued for trace mineral content.

skin conditioning
Mineral-derived extract used for skin conditioningSource of trace minerals such as magnesium and iron silicates
Emollient
Olus Oil

INCI catch-all name for unspecified plant-derived oils used as emollients and skin conditioners.

emollientskin conditioning
moisturizing and skin softeninglightweight emollient
Active
Ononis Spinosa Root Extract
ONONIS SPINOSA ROOT EXTRACT

Extract from the root of Ononis spinosa (spiny restharrow), a plant used in traditional European herbal medicine. Contains isoflavonoids and other phytochemicals with tyrosinase-inhibiting and antioxidant properties. Used in brightening skincare.

skin-brighteningskin-conditioning
Inhibits tyrosinase — supports skin brighteningAntioxidant and anti-inflammatory
+ Tranexamic Acid+ Niacinamide
Other
Onsen-Sui

Onsen-Sui (温泉水) is the INCI-listed name for Japanese hot spring (onsen) water used as an ingredient in cosmetics. Onsens are geothermal mineral springs found throughout Japan, and their water carries dissolved minerals that vary by location and geological source. In cosmetics it is used as a mineral-enriched water alternative, replacing or supplementing regular purified water for marketing differentiation and the trace mineral benefits the water's source provides.

skin-conditioningmoisturizing
Natural geothermal mineral water (hot spring water) from Japan's volcanic onsen, rich in dissolved minerals including silica, sulfur, bicarbonates, and trace elements depending on the spring sourceThe mineral profile varies by onsen location — silica-rich onsens are associated with skin smoothness; sulfur springs with antibacterial benefits; bicarbonate springs with soothing propertiesUsed as a prestige water base in Japanese and Korean cosmetics as a marketing differentiator, with claims of enhanced skin conditioning versus deionized water
+ Glycerin+ Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract

An extract from the tuberous roots of Ophiopogon japonicus (lilyturf / Maidong), a classic TCM herb; rich in steroidal saponins and fructo-oligosaccharides that provide humectant, soothing, and skin-conditioning benefits.

humectantskin-conditioningsoothing
Deeply hydrates via mucilaginous polysaccharidesSoothing and anti-inflammatorySupports skin barrier moisture retention
Humectant
Opuntia Coccinellifera Fruit Extract

An extract from the fruit of Opuntia coccinellifera (nopal/prickly pear cactus), rich in polysaccharides, betalain pigments, and antioxidants; used in cosmetics for its moisturising and soothing properties.

humectantantioxidantsoothing
Humectant action from polysaccharides and mucilages that draw moisture to the skinAntioxidant protection from betalains, flavonoids, and vitamin CSoothes and calms irritated skin
+ Hyaluronic Acid+ Aloe Vera