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 cationic quaternary-ammonium derivative of hyaluronic acid that binds electrostatically to negatively charged skin proteins, delivering sustained surface hydration.
A quaternized crosslinked maltodextrin polymer; forms a cationic conditioning film on skin that improves texture and provides a silky, smooth feel in premium serums.
A hydroxy fatty acid derived from castor oil used as a gelling and thickening agent in creams and sticks. Contributes minor emollient properties to formulas.
A hydroxy fatty acid derivative. Has mild antimicrobial properties. Used in Kanebo's Skin Harmonizer for conditioning and microbiome-supporting effects.
An extract from Hypericum erectum (Japanese St. John's Wort). Contains hypericin, pseudohypericin, and quercetin derivatives with antioxidant and soothing properties. Widely used in Elixir and other Shiseido brands.
Extract from St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum). Contains hypericin, hyperforin, flavonoids, and tannins with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and soothing properties. Used in European cosmetics for skin calming.
An extract from Hypnea musciformis, a red macroalga, used as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent in cosmetics for its carrageenan content and antioxidant properties.
A weak acid naturally produced by white blood cells to fight infection. In skincare (notably Tower 28 SOS Spray) it is generated by electrolyzing saline; antimicrobial and calming with near-zero irritation.
An extract from hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) herb rich in flavonoids and phenolic acids with antioxidant and mild soothing properties.
Leaf extract from Ilex paraguariensis (yerba mate), a South American plant rich in xanthines (caffeine, theobromine) and chlorogenic acid antioxidants.
An extract from the dried fruit of Illicium verum (star anise), containing polyphenols, flavonoids, and anethole; used in cosmetics for its mild soothing and antioxidant properties.
A desert-grass root extract valued for binding moisture and supporting hydration.
A botanical extract from the Indigofera tinctoria (true indigo) plant containing active compounds indirubin and tryptanthrin, used in skincare for anti-inflammatory, soothing, and antioxidant properties.
Extract from Inonotus obliquus (Chaga), a parasitic polypore mushroom that grows primarily on birch trees in cold Northern climates. The sclerotium is exceptionally dense in antioxidant compounds: beta-glucans, melanins, betulinic acid absorbed from the birch host, inotodiol, and polyphenols. Used in K-beauty anti-aging formulas targeting oxidative stress and free-radical skin damage.
A naturally occurring cyclohexane polyol (commonly myo-inositol) found in cell membranes, used in cosmetics as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent.
A lauroyl ester of inulin, a plant-derived polysaccharide (fructan). Functions as a film-former and has prebiotic properties that support the skin microbiome. Creates a powdery, velvety skin feel. Used in Sana's eye cream.
An ester of inulin (a fructan polysaccharide from chicory or agave) and stearic acid. It acts as a film-forming emollient, depositing a light conditioning layer on skin. The inulin backbone may also offer mild prebiotic-adjacent effects on the skin microbiome, though cosmetic evidence is limited.
An iodine-containing organic preservative with strong antifungal and antibacterial activity. Used as a co-preservative at very low concentrations. Subject to strict concentration limits under EU Cosmetics Regulation.
An extract from the rhizome (root) of Iris florentina (white iris/orris). Contains iridoids (irisin), isoflavones, and flavonoids that provide soothing, antioxidant, and conditioning properties.
Extract from the rhizome of Iris germanica (German iris / orris root). Contains irisone, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds with antioxidant and mild skin-brightening properties. Used in brightening and anti-aging formulations.
An extract from the blue flag iris (Iris versicolor) containing isoflavones and flavonoid polyphenols used for antioxidant and brightening benefits.
Inorganic mineral pigments (red, yellow, and black iron oxides) used as colorants in cosmetics including tinted sunscreens, CC creams, and foundation.
Extract from the leaves of Isatis tinctoria (woad/Chinese indigo), a plant used in traditional Chinese and European medicine. Contains glucobrassicin, flavonoids, and alkaloids. Used for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
A synthetic ester of isoamyl alcohol and lauric acid used as a lightweight, fast-spreading emollient and solvent in cleansing oils, serums, and moisturizers.