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.
20 ingredients in Exfoliant
A salt of betaine and salicylic acid (CAS 17671-53-3) used as a mild BHA exfoliant in Korean skincare; provides keratolytic and pore-clearing activity with significantly less irritation than free salicylic acid.
A papaya fruit extract containing the enzyme papain that gently exfoliates the skin surface.
An AHA most often used in small amounts to adjust pH.
Fresh juice from lime (Citrus aurantifolia). Contains citric acid (AHA) for mild exfoliation and brightening, along with vitamin C and flavonoids. Used in Tunemakers' peeling lotion.
Fresh juice from lemon (Citrus limon). Contains citric acid for mild exfoliation and pH adjustment, along with vitamin C and flavonoids. Used in Tunemakers' peeling lotion.
A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that exfoliates gently and hydrates.
The smallest AHA; a potent surface exfoliant.
A ground powder made from walnut shells used as a physical exfoliant in scrubs; its irregular particle shape may pose micro-tear risk on sensitive skin.
A lipophilic derivative of salicylic acid developed by L'Oréal, known as lipo-hydroxy acid (LHA), which exfoliates more gradually and selectively than salicylic acid with improved skin tolerability.
A gentler AHA that also has humectant properties.
A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that exfoliates very gently while also drawing in moisture and providing antioxidant benefits. Suited to sensitive skin.
A larger-molecule alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) often paired with glycolic or lactic acid; exfoliates the surface while being relatively gentle.
A large-molecule AHA that is gentle and good for sensitive skin.
A cysteine protease enzyme extracted from the papaya fruit (Carica papaya). Used in cosmetics as an enzymatic exfoliant: it cleaves peptide bonds in denatured keratin, dissolving dead skin cell buildup without mechanical abrasion. Produces a smoother, brighter complexion and aids cell turnover. However, papain carries a well-documented sensitization risk — peer-reviewed research confirms it disrupts tight junction proteins and can induce IgE-mediated allergic responses even at low concentrations (1 µg/ml in vitro). Sensitization is partly independent of enzymatic activity, meaning inhibited papain retains allergenic potential. Cross-reactivity with latex and tropical fruits is documented. Avoid on broken, compromised, or sensitized skin. Not appropriate for daily use.
A proteolytic enzyme that cleaves peptide bonds in denatured or dead skin proteins. Used in enzyme-based cleansers and wash-off exfoliants (Melano CC Enzyme Face Wash) to provide gentle exfoliation alongside vitamin C actives.
An alpha-keto acid naturally occurring in the body's metabolic pathway, used in cosmetics at low concentrations as a keratolytic exfoliant with antimicrobial and sebostatic properties; at professional peel concentrations (35–50%) it has clinical evidence for acne, photoaging, and pigmentation.
An oil-soluble BHA that exfoliates inside the pore.
Willow bark extract, a natural source of salicin (a salicylic-acid precursor). Acts as a mild BHA-like exfoliant with added soothing polyphenols.
Defatted almond seed meal (the residual cake after pressing sweet almond oil) used as a mild physical exfoliant and absorbent in cleansers and scrubs.
A naturally occurring alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) found in grapes and wine, used in cosmetics for its mild exfoliating, pH-buffering, and antioxidant properties; gentler than glycolic acid due to its larger molecular size and slower skin penetration.