Ingredient library
Every ingredient SkinAtlas knows about — all 2277 of them. What each one does, what it works well with, and what to watch for.
A semi-essential amino acid naturally present in the skin's NMF that acts as a humectant and antioxidant to hydrate and protect skin.
The hydrochloride salt form of the amino acid histidine, used as a humectant, NMF component, and mild pH buffer in cosmetic formulations.
A classic UVB-absorbing chemical sunscreen filter commonly used to dissolve and stabilize other filters.
A sulfonamide-type antibacterial compound used in Japanese quasi-drug (OTC medicated) skincare products for acne treatment. Has antimicrobial activity against bacteria including Cutibacterium acnes. Used in Meishoku's medicated skin lotion.
A natural humectant that hydrates, soothes and conditions skin with mild antimicrobial activity.
A water-soluble extract of honey (INCI: Mel Extract) standardized for its humectant sugars and soothing bioactives, distinct from raw honey (Mel).
An extract from the whole grain of two-row barley (Hordeum distichon) containing beta-glucans, ferulic acid, and polyphenols used for antioxidant and conditioning effects in skincare.
A soothing botanical popular in K-beauty for calming redness and irritation.
A hydrosol (infused water) steam-distilled or water-infused from the whole Houttuynia cordata plant (flower, leaf, and stem), used in Korean skincare as a calming, antioxidant-rich water base; distinct from the concentrated extract form.
Dry ground powder of the Houttuynia cordata plant, providing the same soothing, antioxidant, and antimicrobial phytochemicals as the liquid extract but in a powder form for solid or low-water formulations.
An extract from the cones of hops (Humulus lupulus), rich in polyphenols and prenylated flavonoids, used as a soothing, antioxidant, and conditioning botanical in skincare.
An extract from the flowers or whole plant of Hyacinthus orientalis (common hyacinth). Used primarily as a fragrance-contributing botanical in perfumed skincare and body care. The extract introduces characteristic volatile compounds including cinnamyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, and homoveratric acid, several of which appear on EU fragrance allergen disclosure lists. Functional benefits beyond scent are minimal at cosmetic use levels. Fragrance-sensitive individuals should exercise caution.
A humectant that can hold many times its weight in water.
An extract from the leaves of Hydrangea macrophylla (bigleaf hydrangea) containing hydrangenol and polyphenols with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potential brightening properties via tyrosinase inhibition.
A hydrogen-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (silicone fluid) used as an emollient and film-former to improve the texture and spreadability of cosmetic formulas.
A hydrogenated polyolefin polymer (C6–C20 chain lengths) used as a lightweight emollient and film-former that imparts a smooth, non-occlusive skin feel.
Fully hydrogenated castor oil — converted to a hard, waxy solid by saturation of double bonds. Used as a structuring agent and opacifier in cleansers and creams. Distinct from (non-hydrogenated) castor oil.
Synthetic ester derived from hydrogenated castor oil and isostearic acid. Used as a light-textured emollient that enhances formula spreadability without leaving a heavy film.
An ester of hydrogenated castor oil and stearic acid. Functions as a thickener and emollient; contributes waxy consistency and rich skin feel to emulsions.
The glycerides of coconut oil fatty acids after hydrogenation — a process that converts unsaturated fatty acid chains to saturated ones, producing a solid or semi-solid emollient. Hydrogenation improves oxidative stability and modifies texture versus liquid coconut oil. Used as a rich emollient in sleeping masks and overnight creams, contributing to a soft, cushioned skin feel.
A hydrogenated (fully or partially) form of coconut oil that is solid at room temperature. Used as an emollient and thickener in creams; provides rich occlusive moisture with good stability.
A hydrogenated form of conchiolin protein, the structural protein from mollusk shells (pearl/nacre). Hydrogenation improves stability. Used as a conditioning film-former in Shiseido Elixir formulations.
A synthetic hydrocarbon emollient produced by dimerising decene (a C10 alpha-olefin) and then fully hydrogenating the dimer to saturate all double bonds. The resulting branched-chain alkane provides exceptional spreadability and a lightweight, non-greasy after-feel. Commonly used as a silicone alternative in K-beauty and Japanese formulations for its clean, dry finish and excellent chemical stability.
A hydrogenated ester derived from olive oil (oleic acid) and 2-ethylhexanol. Lighter and more stable than raw olive oil. Used in DAMDAM's light moisturizers as a lightweight, non-greasy emollient.