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.
A naturally occurring sesquiterpene alcohol found in cedar essential oil and other conifers, used in cosmetics primarily as a fragrance ingredient with a warm, woody, cedarwood character.
An essential oil steam-distilled from the bark of Cedrus atlantica (Atlas cedar), used primarily as a woody fragrance ingredient with warm, balsamic notes.
The primary structural polymer of plant cell walls, used in cosmetics as a thickener, stabiliser, and texture agent. Entirely inert and gentle on skin.
Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), a water-soluble cellulose derivative used to thicken, stabilize, and texture aqueous cosmetic formulas.
An extract from cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) blooms, rich in anthocyanins, apigenin, and quercetin. Used in cosmetics for gentle soothing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Common in eye-area and sensitive skin products.
Extract from the seeds of the cornflower (Centaurea cyanus), distinct from the more common flower extract. The seed extract is used in Elixir serums for antioxidant conditioning.
A calming botanical (cica) prized for soothing stressed skin.
Plant-cell-culture-derived extracellular vesicles (exosome-like) from Centella asiatica callus, carrying bioactive lipids, proteins, and miRNAs that stimulate skin repair, collagen synthesis, and barrier recovery.
A comprehensive extract from the aerial portions (flower, leaf, and stem) of Centella asiatica — distinct from root-focused or unspecified 'Centella Asiatica Extract'. Delivering the full spectrum of the plant's triterpenoid saponins alongside flavonoids and polyphenols from all above-ground tissues. Particularly popular in Laneige's barrier-focused sleeping mask line for its soothing and barrier-repairing benefits.
The distilled water (hydrosol) from Centella asiatica leaves, used as a soothing and hydrating water-phase ingredient distinct from concentrated Centella asiatica extract.
A plant stem-cell culture medium from the meristem (undifferentiated growing tissue) of Centella asiatica, harvested for its soothing, antioxidant, and barrier-supporting phytochemicals.
Extract specifically from the roots of Centella asiatica — functionally distinct from the general 'Centella Asiatica Extract' (which typically derives from aerial parts) and from 'Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract'. Roots contain higher concentrations of polysaccharides and a different triterpenoid ratio. Used in multi-part centella extractions (leaf + root + flower/stem) to deliver the full phytochemical breadth of the plant.
A generic term for ceramide lipids — the primary lipid component of the skin's stratum corneum. When used as an INCI ingredient without a specific number designation, typically indicates a ceramide complex. Essential for skin barrier integrity.
Ceramide AG is the INCI name for Ceramide 6-II, characterized by an alpha-hydroxy fatty acid (A) and dihydrosphingosine (G). One of the naturally occurring ceramides in the stratum corneum. Used in multi-ceramide formulations (Matsuyama Hadauru, Kiku-Masamune, Ishizawa) to restore barrier.
A barrier ceramide that works best alongside other ceramides.
A ceramide class containing an alpha-hydroxy fatty acid bonded to a sphingosine base (alpha-hydroxy fatty acid + sphingosine). Present naturally in the outer layers of human skin and contributes to the intercellular lipid lamellar structure. Typically paired with Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, and Cholesterol in barrier repair formulations.
A long-chain ceramide important to barrier structure.
A skin-identical ceramide (N-acylated sphinganine; formerly ceramide 2) that reinforces the lamellar lipid barrier to reduce transepidermal water loss and soothe dry, flaking skin.
A skin-identical lipid that rebuilds the barrier.
One of the nine ceramide classes found naturally in human skin (non-hydroxy fatty acid + sphingosine base). Works synergistically with other ceramides and cholesterol to form the intercellular lipid matrix of the stratum corneum. Used in barrier-repair moisturizers alongside Ceramide NP and Ceramide AP.
A natural galactomannan polysaccharide from the seeds of Ceratonia siliqua (carob tree). Used as a thickener, emulsifier, and film-former in natural and eco-certified formulas.
A nonionic ethoxylated fatty alcohol emulsifier (PEG-20 cetyl/stearyl ether) widely used to create stable, smooth oil-in-water creams and lotions.
A nonionic ethoxylated cetyl/stearyl ether emulsifier with a low ethoxylation level (6 EO units), typically paired with a higher-HLB co-emulsifier to build stable cream textures.
A fatty alcohol that softens skin and stabilizes emulsions.