Ingredient library

An extract from the leaves of the blue agave plant containing polysaccharides and fructans that hydrate and soothe skin.

A naturally occurring amino acid used as a humectant that helps maintain skin hydration and supports the NMF.

A concentrated polysaccharide extract from Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaves. Comprises primarily acemannan and other beta-glucans responsible for aloe's hydrating and skin-soothing benefits.

A polysaccharide composed of glucose units in alpha-glycosidic linkages, used in cosmetics as a humectant and prebiotic to hydrate and support a balanced skin microbiome.

A short-chain alpha-glucan oligosaccharide used as a gentle humectant and prebiotic to hydrate skin and foster a healthy microbiome environment.

A dehydrated xylitol derivative used as a humectant, typically found alongside xylitylglucoside and xylitol in biomimetic moisturizing complexes.

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.

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.

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

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

An extract of Ascophyllum nodosum, a North Atlantic brown algae, used in cosmetics for its humectant, antioxidant, and mineral-rich properties.

An extract from the tuberous roots of Asparagus cochinchinensis (Tiandong), a TCM herb distinct from edible asparagus; contains steroidal saponins and polysaccharides with humectant, soothing, and skin-conditioning properties.

A naturally occurring amino acid that functions as a humectant and is a component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor.

Extract from the fruiting body of Auricularia polytricha (cloud ear / wood ear mushroom). Rich in water-soluble polysaccharides and beta-glucans that form a moisture-retaining hydrogel on skin. Similar to Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide in humectant function. Core ingredient in DAMDAM's Snow Mushroom Pore Cleanser.

A polysaccharide humectant that hydrates and calms; often compared to hyaluronic acid.

A gentle humectant derived from sugar beets.

An extract from Betaphycus gelatinum, a red algae (carrageenan-type seaweed), used in cosmetics for its hydrating and film-forming properties.

The sap (juice) of Betula alba (white birch), used as a hydrating alternative to water in ferment and essence formulas. Naturally rich in minerals, amino acids, and xylitol-related sugars that support skin hydration. Distinct from Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice (Japanese white birch).

A polysaccharide that binds to skin to provide lasting hydration and a soothing film.

A biotechnology-derived polysaccharide (distinct from Biosaccharide Gum-1) that adheres to skin to provide lasting hydration, soothing, and a protective film.

A lipid-modified hydrolyzed hyaluronate (C12-13 alkyl glyceryl ether conjugate) that combines humectant hydration with barrier-recovery benefits in the stratum corneum.

An extract from Chondrus crispus (Irish moss), a red alga rich in carrageenan polysaccharides and minerals, used as a hydrating, film-forming, and soothing ingredient.

A non-essential amino acid naturally occurring in watermelon rind. In the skin, citrulline is part of the natural moisturizing factor (NMF) and participates in the urea cycle. Used in skincare as a humectant and NMF-mimicking conditioning agent.

Undissolved native collagen protein used in cosmetics as a humectant and film-former that conditions the skin surface; distinct from hydrolyzed or soluble collagen forms.