The library

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.

All 2277 ingredients — page 48 of 95

Soothing
Lotus Japonicus Flower Extract

An extract from the flowers of Lotus japonicus (a leguminous plant, not the sacred lotus Nelumbo nucifera), used in cosmetics for soothing and skin-conditioning properties.

soothingantioxidantskin-conditioning
Soothing and calming propertiesAntioxidant flavonoid contentSkin-conditioning
Antioxidant
Lotus Leaf Extract
Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract

An extract from the leaves of the sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera), distinct from seed and flower extracts, rich in antioxidant alkaloids and flavonoids.

antioxidantsoothingsebum-control
Rich in flavonoids (nuciferine, quercetin) with strong antioxidant activitySoothes and calms skinTraditionally used to help regulate oil production
Soothing
Luffa Cylindrica Fruit/Leaf/Stem Extract
LUFFA CYLINDRICA FRUIT/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

An extract from the fruit, leaves, and stems of Luffa cylindrica (sponge gourd). Used in Japanese cosmetics for its antioxidant, soothing, and skin-conditioning properties.

soothingantioxidantskin-conditioning
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actionConditions skinTraditional Japanese botanical
+ Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract+ Astragalus Sinicus Extract
Soothing
Lupinus Albus Seed Extract

An aqueous or hydroglycolic extract of white lupine (Lupinus albus) seeds, used for skin-conditioning and antioxidant properties; distinct from the hydrolyzed white lupine protein (peptide fraction) already in the KB.

Skin-conditioning agentSoothing agentAntioxidant
Rich in isoflavones and flavonoids with antioxidant activitySkin-conditioning from seed polysaccharides and proteinsSoothing properties
May cause reactions in people with legume/pea allergies
Antioxidant
Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract

An antioxidant-rich extract from the goji berry (Lycium barbarum) fruit, providing polysaccharides and carotenoids that help defend skin from free-radical damage.

antioxidantskin-conditioning
Rich in polysaccharides, carotenoids, and betaineHelps protect skin against oxidative stressSupports skin luminosity
Antioxidant
Lycium Chinense Fruit Extract

An antioxidant-rich goji berry extract that helps defend skin against free-radical damage.

antioxidant
Rich in antioxidants and carotenoidsHelps protect skin from oxidative stress
+ Tocopherol+ Niacinamide
Soothing
Lycopodium Clavatum Extract

Lycopodium Clavatum Extract is derived from the stag's horn clubmoss (Lycopodium clavatum), a primitive vascular plant. The extract contains lycopodine and related alkaloids, flavonoids (apigenin, luteolin), and phenolic acids. In cosmetics it is used as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning botanical at low concentrations. Distinct from the spore powder (Lycopodium Powder) sometimes used as a bulking agent.

antioxidantsoothingskin-conditioning
Lycopodium clavatum (stag's horn clubmoss) extract provides lycopodine and related Lycopodium alkaloids alongside flavonoids and phenolic acids with antioxidant and skin-conditioning propertiesTraditional use in European and Asian herbal medicine for anti-inflammatory applications; in vitro evidence supports antioxidant activity of the phenolic fractionUsed at low concentrations in premium Korean skincare (Medicube deep vitamin formulas) as part of a multi-botanical antioxidant complex
+ Tocopherol+ Centella Asiatica Extract+ Ascorbic Acid
Humectant
Lysine

An essential amino acid used in cosmetics as a humectant to attract moisture and support the skin's natural moisturizing factor.

humectantamino-acid
Attracts and retains moistureSupports skin's natural moisturizing factors (NMF)
Humectant
Lysine HCl

The hydrochloride salt of the essential amino acid lysine, used in cosmetics as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent that also supports collagen production.

humectantamino-acid
Attracts and retains moistureSupports collagen synthesisStrengthens the skin's barrier proteins
Emollient
Lysolecithin

A hydrolysed form of phosphatidylcholine (lecithin) in which one of the two fatty acid chains has been enzymatically removed, leaving a single-chain lysophospholipid. Its asymmetric structure makes it a highly efficient emulsifier and penetration enhancer at low use levels. Distinct from Lecithin (two fatty acid chains) and Hydrogenated Lysolecithin (lysolecithin with saturated fatty acid chain). Used in K-beauty and Japanese formulations to stabilise emulsions and improve skin compatibility.

emulsifierskin-conditioningemollient
Effective emulsifier at low concentrations due to single-chain amphiphilic structureImproves skin feel and spreadability of formulationsStructurally similar to skin's own phospholipids for good skin compatibility
At high concentrations may act as a mild surfactant and disrupt barrier lipids — typically used at low levels (0.1–2%)Derived from soy or egg; those with soy/egg allergies should patch-test (though topical sensitization is rarely reported)
+ Lecithin+ Hydrogenated Lecithin+ Ceramide NP
Emollient
Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil

A cushiony emollient oil rich in fatty acids that mimic skin's own lipids.

emollient
SofteningReplenishes lipids
Soothing
Macrocystis Pyrifera (Kelp) Extract

An extract from giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) rich in antioxidant polyphenols, minerals, and polysaccharides that soothe skin and help maintain hydration.

soothingantioxidantconditioninghumectant
Soothes irritated or sensitized skinProvides antioxidant protection via polyphenols and fucoxanthinRich in minerals and vitamins that support skin health
Soothing
Madecassic Acid

A triterpenoid component of Centella asiatica known for soothing and barrier-supporting effects.

soothingbarrier-support
Soothes irritated skinSupports barrier repairCalms redness
+ Centella Asiatica+ Madecassoside
Soothing
Madecassoside

An isolated active from centella with strong soothing effects.

ANTIOXIDANTSKIN CONDITIONING
Calms rednessSupports healing
Other
Magnesium Aluminum Metasilicate
MAGNESIUM ALUMINUM METASILICATE

A synthetic clay-like aluminosilicate mineral used as an absorbent, mattifier, and rheology modifier in sunscreens and BB creams.

absorbentrheology-modifiermattifier
Controls excess sebum and shineImproves formula stability and spreadabilityMattifying effect
+ Silica+ Dimethicone
Other
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate

A naturally occurring clay mineral used as an absorbent, thickening, and opacifying agent in skincare formulations, particularly in cleansers and masks.

absorbentviscosity-controllingopacifying
Absorbs excess oil and sebumProvides texture and opacity to formulationsViscosity controlling agent in clay masks and cleansers
Can be drying if used in high concentrationsMay cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin
Antioxidant
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate

A stable, gentle vitamin C derivative that brightens and provides antioxidant support.

antioxidantbrightening
BrightensAntioxidant protection
+ Tocopherol+ Ferulic Acid
Other
Magnesium Aspartate

The magnesium salt of aspartic acid, used in cosmetics as a skin-conditioning agent to supply magnesium ions that support skin metabolism.

skin-conditioningmineral-supplement
Delivers bioavailable magnesium to skinSupports enzymatic skin processes
Other
Magnesium Chloride

An inorganic magnesium salt used as a skin-conditioning agent and viscosity modifier in cosmetic formulas.

skin-conditioningviscosity-modifier
Provides magnesium ions that can support skin barrier functionHelps balance electrolytes in formulas
Other
Magnesium Citrate

Magnesium salt of citric acid. Used in cosmetics as a skin-conditioning agent and electrolyte replenisher. Commonly included in amino acid/NMF complex formulations. A functional excipient at typical use levels.

skin-conditioningelectrolytepH adjuster
Other
Magnesium Gluconate

The magnesium salt of gluconic acid, used as a skin-conditioning agent to deliver magnesium ions that support enzymatic skin processes.

skin-conditioningmineral-supplement
Supplies bioavailable magnesium ions to support skin metabolismMay help soothe and condition skin
Humectant
Magnesium PCA

Magnesium salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA), a natural moisturizing factor (NMF) component naturally present in the stratum corneum. Used as a humectant and skin conditioning agent; particularly well-suited for formulas mimicking the skin's own hydration chemistry.

humectantskin-conditioning
Mimics the skin's natural NMF (Natural Moisturizing Factor) for effective hydrationHelps maintain skin's moisture balance throughout the dayMay support cellular functions as a source of bioavailable magnesium
+ Sodium PCA+ Sodium Hyaluronate+ Glycerin
Other
Magnesium Stearate

The magnesium salt of stearic acid used as a lubricant, anticaking agent, and texture enhancer in creams and powder formulations.

lubricantanticaking-agentemollient
Improves texture and spreadability of powders and creamsHelps stabilize formulas
Other
Magnesium Sulfate

An inorganic magnesium salt used to modify viscosity and improve the feel and stability of cosmetic formulas.

viscosity-modifierelectrolyte
Adjusts product viscosityCan improve skin feel in rinse-off formulas