The library

Ingredient library

Every ingredient SkinAtlas knows about — all 2178 of them. What each one does, what it works well with, and what to watch for.

197 ingredients in Humectant — page 7 of 9

Humectant
Polygonatum Odoratum Rhizome Extract

An extract from the rhizome of Polygonatum odoratum (scented Solomon's seal / angular Solomon's seal), a TCM botanical distinct from P. officinale; contains polysaccharides, steroidal saponins, and flavonoids with humectant and antioxidant properties.

humectantskin-conditioningantioxidant
Polysaccharide-rich humectantAntioxidant and anti-inflammatory flavonoidsDistinct species from P. officinale with overlapping TCM uses
Humectant
Polygonatum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract

An extract from the rhizome or root of Polygonatum officinale (Solomon's seal / Yuzhu), a TCM tonic herb; rich in polysaccharides and flavonoids that provide humectant, antioxidant, and skin-conditioning benefits.

humectantskin-conditioningantioxidant
High polysaccharide content for moisturizationAntioxidant flavonoidsTCM tonic herb with skin-conditioning properties
Humectant
Polymnia Sonchifolia Root Juice

The expressed juice of yacon (Polymnia sonchifolia / Smallanthus sonchifolius) tubers, rich in fructooligosaccharides that humectate, support the skin microbiome, and strengthen the moisture barrier.

humectantskin-conditioningprebiotic
Rich in beta-fructooligosaccharides (FOS) that attract and retain moistureSupports skin microbiome balance via prebiotic effectNatural source of potassium, calcium, and amino acids for skin nourishment
Humectant
Polyoxyethylene Methyl Glucoside
METHYL GLUCETH-20

A polyoxyethylene derivative of methyl glucoside. Functions as a humectant, drawing and retaining moisture in the skin. The Japanese JSCI name corresponds to INCI Methyl Gluceth-20. Used in Shiseido d program moist-care products.

humectantskin-conditioning
Binds water to skin for lasting hydrationGentle on sensitive skinNon-sticky humectant
+ Glycerin+ Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Potassium Hyaluronate

The potassium salt of hyaluronic acid, a humectant that draws and binds moisture into the skin; a distinct INCI form from the more common sodium hyaluronate.

humectant
Deeply hydrates skinPlumps and improves skin smoothness
Humectant
Proline

A cyclic amino acid that functions as a humectant and forms part of the skin's natural moisturizing factor.

humectantamino-acid
Attracts and retains moistureSupports the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF)
Humectant
Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Juice

Fresh-pressed juice from apricot (Prunus armeniaca), distinct from apricot kernel oil or fruit extract, supplying humectant sugars and skin-conditioning vitamins.

humectantconditioningantioxidant
Attracts and retains moistureProvides vitamins A and C that support skin healthSoftens and refreshes skin
Humectant
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Water
Pyrus Malus Fruit Water

A water distillate or pressed juice of Pyrus malus (apple) fruit used as a hydrating skin-conditioning agent and partial water substitute in cosmetic formulas.

humectantskin-conditioning agentsolvent
Provides light hydration with a fresh, natural skin feelContains trace amounts of apple-derived organic acids and sugarsCan partially replace water in formulas while adding botanical identity
No known risks at typical cosmetic concentrations
Humectant
Raffinose

A naturally occurring trisaccharide (glucose + galactose + fructose) found in plants such as sugar beets, used in cosmetics as a humectant and prebiotic to hydrate skin and support a balanced microbiome.

humectantprebiotic
Attracts and retains moisture for long-lasting hydrationSupports the skin microbiome as a prebiotic oligosaccharideGentle and well-tolerated
Humectant
Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Juice

Juice pressed from red raspberry (Rubus idaeus) fruit, used as a mild humectant and antioxidant-rich conditioning agent in lip and skin products.

humectantskin-conditioningantioxidant
Provides trace vitamins and antioxidantsLight hydrationAdds fruit-derived conditioning
Humectant
Saccharide Hydrolysate

A hydrolyzed complex of mixed saccharides (polysaccharides broken into smaller sugar units) used as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent in toners, essences, and hydrating serums.

humectantskin-conditioningfilm-former
Attracts and retains moisture in the upper skin layersForms a thin conditioning film on the skin surfaceCompatible with sensitive skin
Humectant
Saccharide Isomerate

A plant-derived carbohydrate complex that binds to skin for long-lasting, anchored hydration.

humectant
Long-lasting hydrationReduces tightness
Humectant
Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract

An extract from sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) that naturally contains glycolic acid and polysaccharides, providing mild exfoliation and humectant moisture retention.

humectantexfoliantconditioning
Naturally contains glycolic acid (AHA) that lightly exfoliates and refines textureAttracts and retains moistureHelps brighten and even skin tone
May cause sensitivity in those reactive to AHAs at higher concentrations
Humectant
Salicornia Herbacea Extract

Extract of Salicornia herbacea (glasswort or sea pickle), a salt-tolerant coastal plant used in skincare for its humectant and antioxidant mineral-rich content.

humectantantioxidantskin-conditioning
Hydrates skinProvides trace mineralsAntioxidant support from marine plant polyphenols
Humectant
Sea Grape Extract
Caulerpa Lentillifera Extract

An extract from the green seaweed Caulerpa lentillifera ('sea grapes'), rich in polysaccharides and antioxidants, used for hydration and skin soothing in beauty formulations.

humectantantioxidantsoothing
Hydrates and plumps skinAntioxidant protection from polyphenolsSoothes skin
Humectant
Sea Water

Filtered and sterilized natural seawater used in cosmetics as a mineral-rich conditioning agent and mild humectant.

HumectantSkin-conditioningMineral supplierToning agent
Supplies trace marine minerals (magnesium, potassium, calcium) to skinProvides mild hydrationSupports skin barrier mineral balance
High salinity may be drying in large amounts or with prolonged exposurePotential for environmental contaminants in unprocessed sea water; cosmetic grade is purified
Humectant
Selaginella Lepidophylla Extract

Extract of Selaginella lepidophylla, the 'resurrection plant', used in skincare for its remarkable hygroscopic and humectant properties derived from its desiccation-tolerance mechanisms.

humectantantioxidantsoothing
Strong humectant activity — the plant survives extreme desiccationAntioxidant supportSoothing
Humectant
Sericin

The sericin protein from silkworm cocoons, distinct from fibroin-based silk extracts; used as a humectant and film-forming agent that imparts a smooth, conditioned skin feel.

humectantfilm-formerconditioning
Attracts and retains moistureLeaves a smooth, silky film on skinConditions and softens skin surface
Silk-derived — those with silk or protein sensitivities should patch test
Humectant
Serine

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

humectantamino-acid
Attracts and retains moistureSupports the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF)
Humectant
Silk Amino Acids

The amino acid fraction obtained by hydrolysis of silk fibroin, the structural protein of silk from Bombyx mori silkworm cocoons. Rich in glycine (~46%), serine (~12%), and alanine (~29%). Distinct from 'Hydrolyzed Silk' (which refers to larger peptide fragments), though both are derived from the same source. Absorbs into skin to replenish NMF components and provides a smooth, slightly substantive skin feel.

humectantfilm-formingskin-conditioning
Low-molecular-weight amino acids from hydrolyzed silk fibroin absorb readily into skin, providing deep moisture bindingRich in serine, glycine, and alanine — skin-identical amino acids that act as natural moisturizing factor (NMF) componentsForms a light, semi-permeable film on the skin surface that reduces TEWL while retaining a non-tacky, smooth finish
Silk-derived — individuals with silk allergies or sensitivities should patch test
+ Sodium Hyaluronate+ Glycerin+ Panthenol
Humectant
Silk Extract

A silk-derived protein extract that hydrates and imparts a smooth, conditioned feel.

humectantconditioningfilm-forming
Attracts moistureConditions and smooths skinLeaves a soft, silky finish
Humectant
Snow Mushroom
Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract

A mushroom-derived polysaccharide humectant with a small particle size for lightweight hydration.

antioxidant
Lightweight hydrationAntioxidant support
+ Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate

An acetylated form of sodium hyaluronate with enhanced surface-binding properties that provides long-lasting, film-forming hydration.

humectantfilm-former
More lipophilic than sodium hyaluronate — stays at skin surface longerLong-lasting surface hydrationForms a moisturizing film
Humectant
Sodium Aspartate

The sodium salt of the amino acid aspartic acid, used as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent that helps maintain skin hydration.

humectantskin-conditioning
Attracts and retains moisture in skinAmino acid derivative that supports skin's natural moisturizing factors