The library

Ingredient library

Every ingredient SkinAtlas knows about — all 2176 of them. What each one does, what it works well with, and what to watch for.

All 2176 ingredients — page 4 of 91

Humectant
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Polysaccharides

A concentrated polysaccharide extract from Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaves. Comprises primarily acemannan and other beta-glucans responsible for aloe's hydrating and skin-soothing benefits.

humectantsoothingfilm-forming
Purified polysaccharide fraction from aloe vera gel, primarily acemannan (acetylated mannose polymer)Stronger moisture-holding and soothing efficacy than whole-leaf extract — the concentrated bioactive fraction
+ Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract+ Glycerin
Soothing
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water

The distilled water (hydrosol) from aloe vera leaves, used as a soothing and hydrating water-phase ingredient distinct from expressed aloe leaf juice.

soothinghumectant
Soothes and refreshes skinLight hydrationCalms irritation
Soothing
Aloe Ferox Leaf Extract

An extract from the leaves of Aloe ferox (bitter aloe / Cape aloe), a South African aloe species with a distinct phytochemical profile from Aloe vera, used for soothing and moisturizing effects.

soothinghumectantantioxidant
Soothes and calms irritated skinProvides light hydration and moisturizationAntioxidant phytochemicals support skin against oxidative stress
May cause reactions in those with aloe or Asphodelaceae plant sensitivities
Soothing
Aloe Vera
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice

A hydrating botanical with cooling, soothing properties.

humectant
SoothesLight hydration
Humectant
Alpha-Glucan

A polysaccharide composed of glucose units in alpha-glycosidic linkages, used in cosmetics as a humectant and prebiotic to hydrate and support a balanced skin microbiome.

humectantprebiotic
Hydrates skin as a polysaccharide humectantPrebiotic support for the skin microbiome
Humectant
Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide

A short-chain alpha-glucan oligosaccharide used as a gentle humectant and prebiotic to hydrate skin and foster a healthy microbiome environment.

humectantprebiotic
Hydrates as a mild humectantActs as a prebiotic to support the skin microbiomeSoothes and conditions skin
Fragrance
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
ALPHA-ISOMETHYL IONONE

A synthetic fragrance ingredient used as a floral (violet/iris/powder) scent modifier in luxury cosmetics. An EU Annex III regulated fragrance allergen; formulators must declare it on-label above threshold concentrations.

fragranceperfuming
Violet/iris floral fragrance noteUsed in luxury perfumes and skincare fragrances
EU-regulated fragrance allergen — must be declared on label if >0.001% (leave-on) or >0.01% (rinse-off)Risk of contact sensitisation in susceptible individuals
+ Linalool+ Citronellol+ Geraniol
Emollient
Alpha-Olefin Oligomer
POLYALPHA-OLEFIN

A synthetic hydrocarbon polymer produced from alpha-olefin monomers, used as a lightweight, non-comedogenic emollient in toners and serums.

emollientskin-conditioning
Lightweight hydrocarbon emollientNon-greasy skin feelImproves formula spreadability
+ Silica+ Dimethicone
Fragrance
Alpha-Terpinene

A monoterpene hydrocarbon isomer naturally present in several essential oils including tea tree, thyme, and cardamom. Used as a fragrance component in cosmetics, particularly in products formulated with botanical essential oils.

fragrance
Naturally occurring monoterpene hydrocarbon found in cardamom, marjoram, and tea tree oils; contributes a herbal, citrus-like fragrance note
Oxidizes readily on air exposure, increasing sensitization potential; use within formula shelf life
Soothing
Alpinia Galanga Extract
ALPINIA GALANGA ROOT EXTRACT

An extract from the rhizome of Alpinia galanga (greater galangal), a plant in the Zingiberaceae (ginger) family native to Southeast Asia. Rich in diarylheptanoids such as galangin and 1'-acetoxychavicol acetate, along with phenylpropanoids and flavonoids. Used in Korean and Southeast Asian traditional medicine; adopted in K-beauty for its dual antioxidant and anti-inflammatory profile. A different species from Alpinia Katsumadai (seeds) and Alpinia Speciosa (shell ginger).

antioxidantsoothingantimicrobialskin-conditioning
Rich in diarylheptanoids (galangin, alpinin) and phenolic compounds with antioxidant activityAnti-inflammatory effects through inhibition of inflammatory mediatorsMild antimicrobial properties from essential oil components (1,8-cineole, methyl cinnamate)
Essential-oil-bearing rhizome; sensitization risk is low at typical extract dilutions but possible in fragrance-sensitive individualsPhenylpropanoids (methyl cinnamate) are known contact allergens at higher concentrations
+ Tocopherol+ Bisabolol+ Panthenol
Soothing
Alpinia Galanga Leaf Extract

Extract from the leaves of Alpinia galanga (greater galangal), a ginger-family plant. Used in La Roche-Posay's Hyalu B5 for its soothing and skin-conditioning properties.

soothingantioxidantskin-conditioning
Leaf extract from Alpinia galanga (greater galangal) with diterpenoid antioxidants and anti-inflammatory phenylpropanoidsGentler bioactive profile than the rhizome; well-suited to sensitive skin formulas
Antioxidant
Alpinia Katsumadai Seed Extract

An extract from seeds of Alpinia katsumadai (a member of the ginger family) rich in flavonoids used for antioxidant and soothing benefits in skincare.

antioxidantsoothing
Antioxidant protection from flavonoids and polyphenolsSoothes and calms skin
Antioxidant
Alpinia Speciosa Leaf Extract
ALPINIA SPECIOSA LEAF EXTRACT

Extract from the leaves of Alpinia speciosa (shell ginger / getto), a plant consumed and used medicinally in Okinawa, Japan. Rich in labdane diterpenoids and polyphenols with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Associated with longevity in Japanese folk medicine.

antioxidantsoothingskin-conditioning
Antioxidant-rich polyphenolsAnti-inflammatory and soothingTraditional Okinawan longevity botanical
+ Tocopherol+ Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Soothing
Alteromonas Ferment Extract

A marine bacterial ferment extract prized for its soothing and hydrating properties.

soothinghydrating
Soothes sensitive skinHydratesSupports skin comfort
Soothing
Althaea Officinalis Leaf/Root Extract

A combined extract from both the leaves and roots of Althaea officinalis (marshmallow), containing mucilaginous polysaccharides and flavonoids that soothe, condition, and provide a protective film on sensitive skin.

soothing agentskin-conditioning agentfilm-forming agenthumectant
Rich in mucilaginous polysaccharides that form a soothing, protective film on skinCalms redness and irritationProvides mild moisturizing and demulcent effects
No known risks at typical cosmetic concentrations
Soothing
Althaea Officinalis Root Extract
ALTHAEA OFFICINALIS ROOT EXTRACT

Extract from the root of Althaea officinalis (marshmallow plant). Rich in mucilaginous polysaccharides that form a protective, soothing film on skin. Traditionally used for its demulcent and anti-inflammatory properties. Used in Kanebo's sensitive formulations.

soothinghumectantfilm-former
Rich in mucilage polysaccharides — intensely soothing and moisturizingFilm-forming — protective coating on skinAnti-inflammatory
+ Allantoin+ Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Soothing
Althaea Rosea Flower Extract

An extract from the flowers of Althaea rosea (common hollyhock) containing mucilaginous polysaccharides and anthocyanins with soothing, hydrating, and mild antioxidant effects; distinct from the root extract.

skin-conditioninghumectantanti-inflammatory
Rich in mucilaginous polysaccharides that soothe and hydrateAnti-inflammatory — calms irritated skinSoftening and film-forming on the skin surface
Soothing
Althaea Rosea Root Extract

An extract from the root of Althaea rosea (hollyhock), rich in mucilaginous polysaccharides that soothe and hydrate irritated skin.

soothinghumectant
Soothes and calms irritated skinHydrates via mucilage polysaccharides
Other
Alumina

Aluminum oxide (Al2O3) used in cosmetics as a surface coating agent for pigments, an opacifier, and a gentle abrasive; distinct from Aluminum Hydroxide.

coating-agentopacifierabrasive
Used as a surface coating for mineral UV filter pigments to improve photo-stabilityImproves skin feel and dispersibility in sunscreens
Other
Aluminum Chloride
ALUMINUM CHLORIDE

An inorganic aluminum salt used in cosmetics as an astringent. At low concentrations, it tightens and tones skin; at higher concentrations, it is used as an antiperspirant active.

astringent
Pore-tightening astringent effectAntimicrobial
Potential irritation at high concentrations
+ Citric Acid
Other
Aluminum Hydroxide

An inorganic compound used primarily as a surface coating for mineral UV filter pigments (TiO2, ZnO) to improve their photo-stability and dispersibility in sunscreens.

coating-agentopacifierph-adjuster
Acts as a surface coating for TiO2 and ZnO pigments to improve photo-stability and skin feel in sunscreensAdjusts pH in cosmetic formulations
Other
Aluminum Silicate
ALUMINUM SILICATE

An inorganic mineral (aluminum silicate clay). Used as an absorbent, thickener, and opacifier in cleansers and face masks. Similar to kaolin but with a different Al:Si ratio.

absorbentthickeneropacifier
Mild absorbent — removes excess oilProvides matte finish
+ Kaolin+ Talc
Other
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
ALUMINUM STARCH OCTENYLSUCCINATE

A modified starch derived from corn or potato, esterified with octenylsuccinic anhydride and precipitated with aluminum. Used as an absorbent to control excess oil and provide a matte skin feel in creams and lotions.

absorbentmattifyinganti-caking
Oil and sebum absorption — mattifying effectAnti-caking agent in powders
Contains aluminum — those with concerns about topical aluminum may wish to avoid
+ Silica+ Dimethicone
Other
Aluminum Stearate

An aluminum salt of stearic acid used as a thickener and stabilizer in anhydrous and water-in-oil formulas, and as a dispersant for mineral pigments.

thickeneremulsion-stabilizerdispersant
Thickens and stabilizes oil-phase componentsImproves dispersibility of pigments in anhydrous formulas