The library

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.

All 2171 ingredients — page 6 of 91

Antioxidant
Anigozanthos Flavidus Extract

An extract of the kangaroo paw flower (Anigozanthos flavidus), a native Australian botanical used in premium cosmetics for its antioxidant and soothing properties.

antioxidantsoothing
Antioxidant protectionSoothes and conditions skinHelps defend against environmental stress
Fragrance
Anise Alcohol

A naturally occurring aromatic alcohol (4-methoxybenzyl alcohol) with a sweet, floral-anise character. Found in various essential oils and used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics.

fragrance
Aromatic alcohol with a sweet, floral anise-like scent naturally occurring in various essential oils
May cause skin sensitization in some individuals; patch test recommended
Soothing
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract

An extract of Roman chamomile flowers used in cosmetics for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties on sensitive and irritated skin.

soothingantioxidant
Calms redness and skin irritationAntioxidant protection from polyphenolsSuitable for sensitive skin
Sweet, apple-like natural fragrance; may sensitize highly reactive skin
Fragrance
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil

Roman chamomile essential oil steam-distilled from Anthemis nobilis flowers, used in cosmetics primarily as a fragrance ingredient and mild skin conditioner.

fragrantskin-conditioning
Contributes a soft, apple-like floral fragranceMild skin-conditioning properties
Fragrant essential oil that can irritate or sensitize skinRisk is higher for those with Asteraceae (daisy family) allergies
Humectant
Aphanothece Sacrum Exopolysaccharides

Exopolysaccharides secreted by Aphanothece sacrum (suizenji-nori), a blue-green algae traditionally found in Kyushu, Japan. The polysaccharide forms a gel-like hydrating film with strong moisturizing properties.

humectantfilm-formingskin-conditioning
Complex polysaccharide from Aphanothece sacrum (suizenji-nori), a rare Japanese freshwater algaeExceptional water-binding capacity; creates a protective moisture-locking film on skin
+ Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Aphanothece Sacrum Polysaccharide
APHANOTHECE SACRUM POLYSACCHARIDE

A high-molecular-weight polysaccharide from Aphanothece sacrum (Suizenji-nori), a rare freshwater cyanobacteria found in specific Japanese springs. Has exceptional water-retention capacity. Used in Hada Labo's premium formulations as a superior humectant.

humectantfilm-formerskin-conditioning
Exceptional water-holding capacity — up to 7,000x its weight in waterFilm-forming — locks in moistureRare Japanese ingredient from freshwater cyanobacteria
+ Hyaluronic Acid+ Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Aphanothece Sacrum Polysaccharides

A large-molecule polysaccharide (sacran) extracted from the freshwater microalgae Aphanothece sacrum, used in J-beauty (notably Hada Labo) for exceptional moisture retention.

humectantfilm-forming
Long-lasting, high-capacity hydrationForms a protective film on the skin surfaceSupports a plumped, conditioned feel
Soothing
Aquaphilus Dolomiae Ferment Filtrate

A ferment filtrate of Aquaphilus dolomiae, a microorganism isolated from Avène thermal spring water, used as a soothing active in sensitive and atopic-prone skin care.

soothingbarrier-support
Soothes sensitive and reactive skinSupports the skin barrierHelps calm atopic-prone skin
Other
Aquilaria Agallocha Stem Extract

Extract from the stem of Aquilaria agallocha (agarwood/oud); one of the rarest and most prized ingredients in hanbang skincare, contributing to the luxury positioning of The History of Whoo and similar brands.

skin-conditioningantioxidant
Rare luxury ingredient from agarwood stem used in Korean prestige hanbang formulasSesquiterpene compounds provide antioxidant activity
Barrier support
Arachidic Acid

A C20 saturated fatty acid naturally occurring in peanut oil, fish oils, and skin lipids, used as an emollient and barrier-supportive ingredient in skincare formulations.

emollientbarrier-supportskin-conditioning
Replenishes skin lipids as a long-chain fatty acidContributes to barrier integrity alongside ceramides and cholesterolProvides emollient softening of the skin
May be comedogenic for some skin types at high concentrations
Emollient
Arachidyl Alcohol

A long-chain (C20) fatty alcohol used as an emollient, co-emulsifier, and thickener in creams and lotions; commonly paired with Behenyl Alcohol.

emollientemulsifierthickener
Softens and conditions skinStabilizes emulsions and thickens creams
Surfactant
Arachidyl Glucoside

A nonionic glucoside ester of arachidyl alcohol and glucose used as a gentle emulsifier and solubilizer in cosmetics, especially sensitive skin formulations.

emulsifiersolubilizer
Gentle, mild emulsificationSuitable for sensitive skin formulas
Emollient
Arachis Hypogaea (Peanut) Oil
ARACHIS HYPOGAEA (PEANUT) OIL

Oil expressed from peanuts (Arachis hypogaea). A rich emollient high in oleic and linoleic fatty acids. Used as a carrier oil. Major allergen — should be clearly labeled and avoided by those with peanut allergies.

emollientskin-conditioning
Rich emollient — high in oleic and linoleic acidsSkin softening
STRONG WARNING: Contains peanut proteins — can cause severe allergic reactions including anaphylaxis in people with peanut allergy. Avoid in products used by or around peanut-allergic individuals.
+ Retinyl Palmitate+ Tocopheryl Acetate
Active
Arbutin

A gentle brightening agent that inhibits pigment formation.

brightening
Fades dark spotsEvens toneLow irritation
+ Niacinamide+ Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Arbutus Unedo Fruit Extract

Extract from the berry-like fruits of Arbutus unedo (strawberry tree), a Mediterranean shrub. Contains ellagitannins, natural arbutins, and flavonoids with antioxidant and brightening potential.

antioxidantbrighteningskin-conditioning
Fruit extract from Arbutus unedo (strawberry tree), rich in ellagic acid, natural arbutin precursors, and polyphenolsAntioxidant and potential skin-brightening activity via natural arbutinoid compounds
Soothing
Arctium Lappa Root Extract

An extract of burdock (Arctium lappa) root, used in cosmetics for its soothing, antioxidant, and traditionally skin-balancing properties.

soothingantioxidant
Soothes and calms skinAntioxidant supportTraditionally used to support clearer, balanced skin
Soothing
Arctium Majus Root Extract

An extract of the great burdock (Arctium majus) root, a larger-leafed relative of Arctium lappa, used in premium cosmetics for soothing and antioxidant benefits.

soothingantioxidant
Soothes skinAntioxidant support
Antioxidant
Argania Spinosa Kernel Extract

A water-soluble extract from argan kernels (distinct from argan oil), containing polyphenols and saponins used for antioxidant and soothing benefits in aqueous formulas.

antioxidantsoothing
Antioxidant protection from polyphenolsConditions and soothes skin
Emollient
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil

A vitamin-E-rich argan kernel oil that nourishes, softens and conditions skin.

emollientantioxidant
Nourishes and softens skinRich in fatty acids and vitamin E
+ Tocopherol
Humectant
Arginine

A naturally occurring amino acid that acts as a humectant and supports the skin's own moisture-retention system.

humectantamino-acid
Attracts and retains moistureSupports skin's natural moisturizing factors
Active
Argireline
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

A peptide marketed to relax expression lines.

peptide
Targets expression lines
Soothing
Arnica Montana Extract
ARNICA MONTANA EXTRACT

An extract from Arnica montana flowers, rich in sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, and thymol. Provides anti-inflammatory, soothing, and antioxidant benefits. Asteraceae family allergen risk — patch test for sensitive individuals.

soothinganti-inflammatoryantioxidant
Sesquiterpene lactones (helenalin) provide anti-inflammatory and soothing actionReduces redness and irritationTraditional European botanical
Potential allergen in the Asteraceae/Compositae family — contraindicated for those with ragweed or daisy allergy
+ Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract+ Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Soothing
Arnica Montana Flower Extract

An extract of arnica flowers used in cosmetics at low concentrations to soothe redness and irritation, with known sensitization risk in those with Compositae plant allergies.

soothingantioxidant
Calms redness and soothes irritated skinAntioxidant protection from flavonoids and polyphenols
Contains sesquiterpene lactones — may cause allergic contact dermatitis in those sensitized to Asteraceae/Compositae plantsFor external cosmetic use only at low concentrations; concentrated arnica is known to be irritating
Antioxidant
Aronia Arbutifolia Extract

Extract from Aronia arbutifolia (red chokeberry); its exceptionally high polyphenol (anthocyanin, procyanidin, chlorogenic acid) content makes it one of the most antioxidant-rich botanical extracts in cosmetics.

antioxidantbrightening
Exceptionally high anthocyanin and procyanidin content — among the richest of all berriesPotent antioxidant protection against free radical damage
+ Tocopherol+ Ascorbic Acid