Ingredient library
Every ingredient SkinAtlas knows about — all 2161 of them. What each one does, what it works well with, and what to watch for.
A synthetic signaling tetrapeptide that upregulates syndecan-1 and Collagen XVII expression in keratinocytes, supporting skin barrier cohesion and firmness.
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2 (ac-KDVY; trade names Peptigravity, Uplevity, Thymulen-4 by Lipotec/BASF) is a biomimetic signal peptide derived from the thymopoietin hormone sequence. Its principal mechanism is upregulation of the elastin assembly pathway — specifically FBLN5 and LOXL1, proteins required to cross-link tropoelastin into mature elastic fibers — alongside collagen I/IV/VI/XIV stimulation and MMP inhibition. Peer-reviewed AFM studies (PMC6208634) confirm dose-dependent increases in keratinocyte cell stiffness and upregulation of ACTN1, ITGB4, and COL17A1. Used at 0.005–2% in serums, ampoules, and eye creams targeting firmness and skin density loss.
An acetylated ester of stearic acid and ethylene glycol used as an emollient and emulsifier in skin care. Creates a waxy texture and helps build lamellar emulsion structures for improved skin feel and moisture retention.
An extract of yarrow (Achillea millefolium) flowers, traditionally used to calm redness and irritation due to its flavonoid content and anti-inflammatory properties.
Extract from Acmella oleracea (electric daisy / paracress), a flowering plant native to Brazil and widely used in traditional medicine for its anesthetic properties. Contains spilanthol and related isobutylamide alkaloids that create a tingling sensation and temporarily block sodium channels in sensory nerves and muscle cells. Used in anti-aging serums as a plant-derived peptide alternative for reducing the appearance of expression lines.
An extract from the rhizome of Acorus calamus (sweet flag). Contains beta-asarone, which is restricted by EU Cosmetics Regulation to 0.1 mg/kg in finished products due to genotoxicity concerns. Used in small amounts in Japanese luxury creams.
Extract from Acorus gramineus (Japanese sweet flag / seokchangpo), used in traditional Korean herbal medicine; provides soothing and mild antimicrobial benefits in skincare.
A synthetic acrylic copolymer used to thicken and stabilize gel and emulsion formulas, producing a smooth, non-tacky texture similar to the Aristoflex series.
A generic acrylic acid/acrylate ester copolymer used as a film-former and thickener in sunscreens, tinted formulas, and emulsions.
A cross-linked copolymer of acrylate and alkyl acrylate monomers. Used as a thickener and film-forming agent in lotions and serums, helping maintain skin feel and product stability.
A copolymer of acrylate and alkyl methacrylate monomers. Used as a film-forming and thickening agent in skincare and cosmetics. Contributes to a smooth, velvety skin feel and product stability.
A copolymer of acrylate and ammonium methacrylate esters used as a film-former and stabilizer in color cosmetics and tinted formulas.
A polymeric rheology modifier and emulsion stabilizer (trade name Aculyn 28) consisting of acrylate monomers copolymerized with a beheneth-25 methacrylate macromonomer. Commonly used in sunscreen and moisturizer formulations to build viscosity, stabilize emulsions, and deliver a pleasant skin feel.
A cross-linked acrylic acid copolymer used to thicken and stabilize gels, serums, and emulsions.
A hybrid acrylic-silicone copolymer used as a film-former and emollient to enhance texture, skin feel, and formula stability in tinted formulas and sunscreens.
A flexible acrylate copolymer used as a film-former and texture agent in cosmetic emulsions, often found in sunscreens and essences.
Acrylates/Methoxy PEG-15 Methacrylate Copolymer is an amphiphilic copolymer of acrylic acid monomers and methoxy-terminated polyethylene glycol methacrylate. The hydrophilic PEG-15 side chains and hydrophobic acrylic backbone give it associative thickening and emulsion-stabilizing properties. Used in cleansing balm formulations (notably Banila Co's Clean It Zero) as a rheology modifier that aids the oil-to-emulsion phase transition during rinsing.
Synthetic acrylic polymer used as a film former and texture modifier in serums and emulsions. Imparts a velvety, non-sticky finish.
An extract from kiwi (Actinidia chinensis) fruit rich in vitamin C, polyphenols, and organic acids used to provide antioxidant and brightening benefits.
Extract from the leaves of Adansonia digitata (baobab tree). Distinct from baobab seed oil — the leaf extract provides a concentrated source of antioxidant polyphenols (quercetin, kaempferol, rutin) and vitamin C. Used in K-beauty sunscreens and botanical-rich formulas.
An extract from the seeds of the baobab tree (Adansonia digitata) containing antioxidant polyphenols and conditioning compounds; distinct from the fruit extract.
A cold-pressed oil from baobab seeds rich in omega fatty acids (oleic, linoleic, palmitic) and tocopherols that deeply nourishes and conditions the skin.
A nucleoside used at low concentrations to help smooth the look of fine lines; a common K-beauty anti-aging active.
A straight-chain dicarboxylic acid used in cosmetics as a pH buffer and chelating agent. Extremely well-tolerated; appears in mist sprays and lightweight lotions where precise pH control is needed.