Ingredient library
Every ingredient SkinAtlas knows about — all 2165 of them. What each one does, what it works well with, and what to watch for.
A collective term for free fatty acids found in the skin's stratum corneum lipid matrix. Together with ceramides and cholesterol they form the lamellar bilayer that controls skin barrier function and water retention.
A glycosphingolipid and natural ceramide precursor that the skin converts into active ceramides, progressively reinforcing the stratum corneum lipid barrier.
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Peptide is a hydrolyzed soy protein fraction consisting of small peptides (oligopeptides and amino acids) derived from soybean. The peptide fraction is separated from larger proteins and lipids, providing a concentrated mixture of skin-conditioning small molecules. In cosmetics it functions as a barrier-supportive humectant and skin conditioner, contributing bioactive peptides with potential collagen-stimulating and elasticity-improving activity.
Phytosterols extracted from soybean that reinforce the skin lipid barrier and condition the skin surface.
A specialized glycolipid containing caffeine moieties. Used in Tunemakers' moisture cream for barrier-supporting and skin-conditioning properties.
Glycosphingolipids are sphingolipids with one or more sugar residues. Structural components of the skin's intercellular lipid matrix. Used in Tunemakers' peeling lotion to support barrier function.
A synthetic ceramide-functional molecule developed by Kao/Curél (trade name: Intactamide). Structurally mimics ceramide NP to intercalate into the stratum corneum lipid bilayer and reinforce the skin barrier.
A hydrogenated form of lysolecithin, a phospholipid with one fatty acid chain. Hydrogenation improves oxidative stability. Used as an emulsifier and barrier-supportive ingredient in ceramide-rich and sensitive-skin formulations.
A fully saturated form of phosphatidylcholine (lecithin) obtained by hydrogenation of unsaturated bonds, used as a stable emulsifier, skin barrier-supportive lipid, and liposome-forming ingredient in high-end serums and creams.
A hydrogenated form of soybean-derived phospholipids. Hydrogenation improves oxidative stability while maintaining structural similarity to skin lipids. Used as an emulsifier and barrier-supporting ingredient in premium formulations.
A phytosphingosine-derived lipid that supports the skin barrier and helps soothe.
A ceramide-analogue from the SKIN-MIMIC technology with lauroyl (C12) chains on a hydroxypropyl-MEA backbone; used alongside Hydroxypropyl Bispalmitamide MEA in Aestura Atobarrier 365 formulations.
A ceramide-like lipid from the SKIN-MIMIC technology combining a hydroxypropyl backbone with two palmitoyl chains and an MEA headgroup, integrating into the skin's intercellular lipid bilayer.
Milk Protein Extract is derived from bovine milk and contains a complex of caseins, whey proteins, lipids, and amino acids. In cosmetics, it functions as a skin-conditioning and barrier-supportive ingredient — the protein hydrolysate fraction provides amino acids and hydrolyzed peptide fragments, while the lipid fraction contributes emollient and barrier-reinforcing activity. Commonly used in anti-aging toners and pads at low concentrations for a combined conditioning and barrier benefit.
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.
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.
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.
A naturally occurring phospholipid (the main component of soy lecithin) that closely mirrors the lipid structure of the skin's own cell membranes, making it highly biocompatible for barrier repair and as a liposomal delivery vehicle.
A generic INCI listing for a mixture of phospholipids (phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and related compounds) that are structural components of cell membranes, used to reinforce the skin barrier and aid active delivery.
A precursor lipid that supports barrier function and has soothing properties.
A filtrate from fermenting Camellia sinensis seed oil with Pseudozyma epicola yeast, yielding mannosylerythritol lipid (MEL) glycolipids. MELs have a lamellar structure similar to skin's natural lipids, enabling enhanced penetration and barrier-supportive delivery of fatty acids and antioxidants. Key ingredient in Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream.
A sphingolipid fraction extracted from rice bran that supports barrier function by replenishing skin-identical glycosphingolipids in the stratum corneum.
Sphingoglycolipids (ceramide-like lipids) extracted from rice bran. Structurally similar to skin ceramides, they integrate into the intercellular lipid matrix of the stratum corneum to reinforce the skin barrier. Used in Tunemakers' ceramide essence.
A salicylic acid ester of phytosphingosine that combines sphingolipid barrier-repair activity with soothing and mild anti-aging properties, shown in clinical studies to improve wrinkles and ECM protein levels.