Ingredient library
Every ingredient SkinAtlas knows about — all 2161 of them. What each one does, what it works well with, and what to watch for.
130 ingredients matching "acid" — page 1 of 6
An ether derivative of L-ascorbic acid in which the 3-OH position is protected by an ethyl group, making it stable in water-based formulas. Converts to Vitamin C inside skin cells. Used widely in Japanese brightening products (Shiseido, Elixir) as a quasi-drug-adjacent brightening active.
A stable vitamin C derivative that converts to ascorbic acid in the skin to brighten and provide antioxidant protection.
The pure synthetic acid (INCI: Acetic Acid) used at trace levels as a pH adjuster in cosmetic formulas, distinct from Vinegar (Acetum).
A straight-chain dicarboxylic acid used in cosmetics as a pH buffer and chelating agent. Extremely well-tolerated; appears in mist sprays and lightweight lotions where precise pH control is needed.
A naturally occurring amino acid used as a humectant that helps maintain skin hydration and supports the NMF.
An INCI-listed combination ingredient pairing the amino acids alanine and glutamic acid (glutamate), used in Korean prestige formulas as a skin-conditioning agent that contributes to the amino acid profile of the skin's natural moisturizing factor.
9,10,16-Trihydroxyhexadecanoic acid, a naturally occurring hydroxy fatty acid found in shellac resin secreted by Kerria lacca (lac insect). Used in cosmetics as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent with mild antimicrobial properties. The three hydroxyl groups give it some humectant character alongside its primary emollient role. Appears in ceramide-rich formulas (such as Holika Holika Good Cera) for its lipid-compatible moisturizing properties.
The sodium salt of alginic acid extracted from brown seaweed (Phaeophyta spp.). Used as a natural hydrocolloid thickener, film-former, and gel-stabiliser in skincare.
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.
A naturally occurring amino acid that acts as a humectant and supports the skin's own moisture-retention system.
Pure vitamin C; a potent antioxidant and brightener.
The dipalmitoyl ester of ascorbic acid (vitamin C). An oil-soluble vitamin C derivative with improved stability vs. pure ascorbic acid. Penetrates lipid-rich skin layers. Used in Lululun's Hydra EX mask.
A centella-derived triterpene active in the 'madecassic/asiatic' family, valued for soothing and barrier-supporting effects.
A non-essential amino acid (L-asparagine) used as a skin-conditioning agent in cosmetics, typically as part of amino acid complex formulas that mimic the skin's natural moisturizing factor.
A naturally occurring amino acid that functions as a humectant and is a component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor.
A multitasker for redness, acne and pigmentation.
A 22-carbon saturated long-chain fatty acid. Forms the free acid component paired with bases to create soap-like emulsifiers in luxury creams and serums. Found naturally in small amounts in rapeseed and peanut oil.
An aromatic acid used as a cosmetic preservative and pH adjuster, effective in acidic formulas; the free-acid form of sodium benzoate.
Ester mixture of cholesterol with branched C10-40 fatty acids. Mimics the composition of sebum, making it highly compatible with skin lipids. Used in luxury Japanese skincare (Kanebo, POLA) for barrier-restoring emolliency.
A naturally occurring hydroxycinnamic acid found in coffee, wine, and many plants; potent antioxidant used in prestige creams for its UV-protective, anti-inflammatory, and brightening polyphenol activity.
A hydroxamic acid derivative of caprylic acid used as a preservative and chelating agent. Considered a mild, natural-derived preservative alternative to parabens.
A hydroxamic acid preservative and chelator derived from caprylic acid that inhibits microbial growth by depriving bacteria and fungi of essential metal ions; popular in 'clean' and 'preservative-free' labelled formulas.
A lightweight emollient ester derived from coconut oil.
A semisynthetic polyester copolymer of glycerin, sebacic acid (castor-derived), and caprylic acid (coconut-derived) used as a biodegradable silicone alternative that films and conditions skin.