The library

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.

30 ingredients in Humectant matching "acid" — page 1 of 2

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Humectant
Alanine

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

humectantamino-acid
Attracts and binds moistureSupports the skin's natural moisturizing factors (NMF)
Humectant
Arginine

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

humectantamino-acid
Attracts and retains moistureSupports skin's natural moisturizing factors
Humectant
Aspartic Acid

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
Collagen Amino Acids
Hydrolyzed Collagen Amino Acids

The free amino acid mixture released by complete hydrolysis of collagen, used as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent.

humectantconditioningamino-acid
Attracts and retains moistureConditions the skin surfaceSupplies the key amino acids (glycine, proline, hydroxyproline) that make up skin's own collagen
Humectant
Cysteine

A sulfur-containing amino acid that acts as a humectant and antioxidant in cosmetics, contributing to skin hydration and supporting the skin's own defense mechanisms.

humectantamino-acidantioxidant
Attracts and retains moistureSupports the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF)Antioxidant via thiol group
Humectant
Glutamic Acid

A naturally occurring amino acid that functions as a humectant and contributes to the skin's natural moisturizing factor.

humectantamino-acid
Attracts and retains moistureComponent of the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF)
Humectant
Glycine

The simplest amino acid, used as a humectant that supports the skin's natural moisturizing factor.

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

A semi-essential amino acid naturally present in the skin's NMF that acts as a humectant and antioxidant to hydrate and protect skin.

humectantamino-acid
Attracts and retains moistureSupports the skin's natural moisturizing factors (NMF)Antioxidant protection
Humectant
Histidine HCl

The hydrochloride salt form of the amino acid histidine, used as a humectant, NMF component, and mild pH buffer in cosmetic formulations.

humectantamino-acidph-adjuster
Attracts and retains moisture as part of the skin's NMFSupports the skin's natural moisturizing factorBuffers formula pH in acidic conditions
Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid

A humectant that can hold many times its weight in water.

Plumping hydrationImproves skin smoothness
+ Niacinamide+ Glycerin
Humectant
Hydroxyproline

A non-proteinogenic amino acid and key component of collagen used in cosmetics as a humectant; its presence in the NMF supports hydration and signals collagen stabilization.

humectantamino-acid
Attracts and retains moisture as a collagen-derived amino acidSupports collagen synthesis and skin firmnessComponent of the skin's natural moisturizing factor
Humectant
Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate

A cationic quaternary-ammonium derivative of hyaluronic acid that binds electrostatically to negatively charged skin proteins, delivering sustained surface hydration.

humectantfilm-former
Electrostatically adheres to skin surface for longer-lasting hydration than standard HAForms a breathable moisture-retaining filmSupports the skin barrier and may help reduce TEWL
Humectant
Isoleucine

An essential amino acid used as a humectant that contributes to skin moisturization, barrier integrity, and surface-level repair.

humectantamino-acid
Helps maintain skin hydrationSupports barrier function and surface repairMild anti-inflammatory properties
Humectant
Lactococcus/Hyaluronic Acid Ferment Filtrate

A ferment filtrate produced by culturing Lactococcus bacteria on a hyaluronic acid substrate, yielding a humectant ingredient that hydrates and smooths the skin.

humectant
Attracts and retains moisture as a fermentation-derived hyaluronic acid sourceFills the stratum corneum to improve skin smoothness
Humectant
Leucine

An essential branched-chain amino acid used as a humectant that helps maintain skin hydration as part of the skin's natural moisturizing factor.

humectantamino-acid
Attracts and retains moistureSupports the skin's natural moisturizing factors (NMF)
Humectant
Lysine

An essential amino acid used in cosmetics as a humectant to attract moisture and support the skin's natural moisturizing factor.

humectantamino-acid
Attracts and retains moistureSupports skin's natural moisturizing factors (NMF)
Humectant
Lysine HCl

The hydrochloride salt of the essential amino acid lysine, used in cosmetics as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent that also supports collagen production.

humectantamino-acid
Attracts and retains moistureSupports collagen synthesisStrengthens the skin's barrier proteins
Humectant
Natto Gum
NATTO GUM

Natto gum is polyglutamic acid (PGA) — a biopolymer produced by Bacillus subtilis during the fermentation of soybeans (natto). It has extraordinary water-holding capacity, exceeding even hyaluronic acid. Used in Matsuyama's Hadauru ceramide line for superior moisturization.

humectantfilm-formerviscosity-increasing
Polyglutamic acid — holds 5000x its weight in water (more than hyaluronic acid)Film-forming and moisture-lockingTraditional Japanese fermented food-derived ingredient
+ Hyaluronic Acid+ Ceramide NP
Humectant
Phenylalanine

An essential aromatic amino acid used in cosmetics as a humectant that contributes to the skin's natural moisturizing factor.

humectantamino-acid
Attracts and retains moistureSupports the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF)
Humectant
Polyglucuronic Acid

A polysaccharide polymer built from glucuronic acid units; acts as a humectant and film-former, providing hydration and a protective surface layer.

humectantfilm-formingskin-conditioning
Biopolymer that binds water and creates a moisture-retaining film on the skin surfaceSupports smooth, plump texture with a lightweight feel
+ Sodium Hyaluronate+ Glycerin
Humectant
Polyglutamic Acid

A large humectant that holds water at the skin surface; pairs well with hyaluronic acid.

Surface hydrationImproves moisture retention
+ Hyaluronic Acid
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
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
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