Ingredient library
Every ingredient SkinAtlas knows about — all 2402 of them. What each one does, what it works well with, and what to watch for.
An extract from the kernels of corn (Zea mays) containing polyphenols, carotenoids, and ferulic acid, used in cosmetics as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning ingredient.
Extract from the leaves of Zea mays (maize/corn), distinct from other Zea Mays derivatives such as Zea Mays Starch (a thickener), Zea Mays Germ Oil (an emollient), and Zea Mays Silk (corn silk). Leaf extract is valued for its flavonoid and phenolic acid content, particularly chlorogenic acid, which contributes antioxidant activity. Used as a supporting botanical in multi-extract soothing formulas.
Oil expressed from corn (Zea mays) germ. A moderate emollient rich in linoleic acid (53%) and tocopherols (vitamin E). Less expensive carrier oil used in formulations for its emollient properties.
A polysaccharide powder extracted from the endosperm of corn (Zea mays) kernels, used as an absorbent, anti-caking agent, and texture modifier in cosmetics.
A naturally occurring plant cytokinin (growth hormone), structurally related to kinetin, used in anti-aging formulas for its purported skin-conditioning and antioxidant effects.
A prolamin protein extracted from corn (Zea mays) endosperm. Forms a flexible, biodegradable film on skin; used as a film-former, binder, and skin-conditioning agent.
The zinc salt of gluconic acid used in cosmetics for its sebum-regulating, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, particularly in products for oily and acne-prone skin.
A chelated (amino-acid bound) form of zinc used in serums for its calming and oil-balancing effects, often paired with niacinamide.
A broad-spectrum mineral UV filter that is also soothing.
A zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid used to balance oil production and support clearer skin.
An inorganic zinc salt used in cosmetics as a mild astringent, skin conditioner, and antimicrobial agent.
An extract from Zingiber aromaticus (cassumunar ginger / plai), a ginger relative used in Thai and East Asian traditional medicine. Provides anti-inflammatory, soothing, and antioxidant benefits in luxury skincare.
A gingerol-rich ginger root extract that delivers antioxidants and soothes skin.
Extract from Zingiber purpureum (Cassumunar ginger), a member of the ginger family native to Southeast Asia. Contains terpinen-4-ol and other monoterpenes with significant anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. Used in luxury formulations.
An extract from the leaves of Ziziphus jujuba (jujube/Chinese date), distinct from the commonly used fruit extract. Jujube leaves are rich in polyphenolic antioxidants including flavonoids and triterpenoids. Used in skincare for antioxidant protection and mild soothing effects.
An extract from the fruit of Zizyphus jujuba (jujube / Chinese date). Contains cAMP, betulinic acid, and polysaccharides that provide soothing, antioxidant, and moisturising benefits in luxury Japanese and Chinese skincare.
sh-Decapeptide-7 is a recombinant human decapeptide produced synthetically to be identical to an endogenous neuropeptide sequence. It belongs to the enkephalin/neuropeptide family and functions as a skin-protecting and anti-irritant active, modulating the response to cutaneous stressors. Used as part of multi-factor growth factor complexes in K-beauty anti-aging formulas (cream, serum), typically alongside other sh- peptides such as sh-Octapeptide-4 and sh-Polypeptide-7.
sh-Octapeptide-4 (Neuropeptide-1; trade name SpecPed Sh-O4P by Spec-Chem Industry Inc) is a recombinant human octapeptide produced synthetically to be identical to Leu-Enkephalin, an endogenous opioid neuropeptide. In cosmetics, it functions primarily as an anti-seborrheic and skin-protecting active — modulating sebum output and reducing cutaneous oxidative stress. Its barrier-conditioning and chelating properties complement its neuropeptide-driven activity. Used in multi-peptide anti-aging and skin-balancing formulas.
A synthetic recombinant analog of human Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) comprising 53 amino acids, used in K-beauty actives to support skin repair, regeneration, and fibroblast activity.
A synthetic recombinant analog of human Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) used in K-beauty anti-aging formulas to support fibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis.
sh-Oligopeptide-9 is a recombinant human oligopeptide produced synthetically to be identical to an endogenous protein sequence. EU CosIng and INCI Beauty databases list its cosmetic functions as humectant, skin conditioning, and skin protecting. It appears in multi-factor growth factor cream formulas alongside sh-Decapeptide-7, sh-Octapeptide-4, sh-Pentapeptide-19, and sh-Polypeptide-7 as part of an integrated skin rejuvenation complex.
sh-Pentapeptide-19 is a recombinant human pentapeptide identical to a 5-amino-acid endogenous enkephalin-related sequence. It functions as a skin-conditioning and anti-aging active, used in multi-peptide growth factor complexes for improved skin elasticity, firmness, and overall skin quality. It may be paired with Tripeptide-7 in formulations as a complementary complex. Used in K-beauty premium moisturizers alongside other sh- growth factor peptides.
A synthetic recombinant analog of human basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF/FGF2) used in anti-aging formulas to stimulate fibroblasts and support structural protein synthesis.
A recombinant (biotech-derived) polypeptide modelled on silk growth factors, used in advanced peptide serums to support skin renewal and collagen synthesis.