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.
An extract of horse chestnut seeds rich in escin saponins and flavonoids, used in cosmetics for antioxidant protection, soothing redness, and supporting capillary integrity.
A polysaccharide gelling agent extracted from red algae (agar-agar) used to thicken and structure aqueous cosmetic gels.
Extract from Agastache rugosa (Korean mint / baechu-hyang), a native Korean aromatic herb; used in hanbang skincare for its soothing, anti-inflammatory rosmarinic acid and antimicrobial essential oils.
An extract from the leaves of the blue agave plant containing polysaccharides and fructans that hydrate and soothe skin.
An extract from the stems of Akebia trifoliata, a climbing vine used in East Asian traditional medicine. Contains triterpenoid saponins with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties for skin conditioning.
A naturally occurring amino acid used as a humectant that helps maintain skin hydration and supports the NMF.
An INCI-listed combination ingredient pairing the amino acids alanine and glutamic acid (glutamate), used in Korean prestige formulas as a skin-conditioning agent that contributes to the amino acid profile of the skin's natural moisturizing factor.
Extract from Albatrellus ovinus (sheep polypore / sheep mushroom), a wood-growing polypore fungus. Contains grifolin and its derivatives, which have been studied for sebum-regulating and anti-inflammatory effects. Used in Korean acne-targeted formulas as part of multi-botanical trouble-care complexes.
Extract or concentrated protein fraction derived from egg white (albumen). The primary proteins are ovalbumin (~54%), ovotransferrin (~13%), ovomucoid (~11%), and lysozyme (~3.5%). In skincare, the film-forming proteins create a temporary tightening and pore-minimizing effect as they dry on skin. Skinfood's signature ingredient in their Egg White product line. Distinct from 'Egg Extract' (whole egg) and 'Egg Yolk Extract' (lipid-rich fraction).
Extract from Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris), a European herb. Its high tannin content makes it a natural astringent and antioxidant, used in toners and essences for pore refinement.
An extract from the leaves of Alchemilla vulgaris (Lady's Mantle), a tannin-rich herb traditionally used for its astringent, soothing, and antioxidant properties in skincare.
Undenatured ethyl alcohol used as a solvent and penetration enhancer; the undiluted INCI-distinct form from Alcohol Denat.
A volatile alcohol used to thin formulas and speed drying.
9,10,16-Trihydroxyhexadecanoic acid, a naturally occurring hydroxy fatty acid found in shellac resin secreted by Kerria lacca (lac insect). Used in cosmetics as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent with mild antimicrobial properties. The three hydroxyl groups give it some humectant character alongside its primary emollient role. Appears in ceramide-rich formulas (such as Holika Holika Good Cera) for its lipid-compatible moisturizing properties.
A general term for extract derived from algae (seaweed). May come from red, brown, or green algae species. Contains polysaccharides (alginate, fucoidan, carrageenan), vitamins, and minerals. Used for its hydrating, antioxidant, and skin-conditioning properties.
The sodium salt of alginic acid extracted from brown seaweed (Phaeophyta spp.). Used as a natural hydrocolloid thickener, film-former, and gel-stabiliser in skincare.
A gentle soothing and skin-conditioning agent.
An extract from onion (Allium cepa) bulbs rich in quercetin and other flavonoids used for antioxidant and soothing benefits in cosmetics.
An extract from Allium victorialis (alpine leek / victory onion), a traditional Korean herbal ingredient valued for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in cosmetics.
An extract from the fruiting catkins of Alnus firmifolia (alder). Contains tannins, catechins, and phenolic acids that provide antioxidant and mild soothing benefits in luxury Japanese creams.
An extract from the leaves of Aloe arborescens (Krantz aloe), a species distinct from Aloe vera with a higher concentration of polysaccharides and antioxidant compounds, used for soothing and hydrating benefits.
An extract derived from the flowers of Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera), distinct from the more common leaf-derived extracts and juice, providing soothing and antioxidant benefits.
A dry extract of aloe vera leaves used to calm and hydrate skin, distinct from aloe leaf juice in processing and concentration.
The dried powdered form of Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice; functionally equivalent to liquid aloe leaf juice but used in anhydrous or powder formulations.