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 49 of 95

Soothing
Majorana Leaf Extract
MAJORANA LEAF EXTRACT

Extract from the leaves of Majorana hortensis (sweet marjoram). Contains rosmarinic acid, ursolic acid, and flavonoids with antioxidant and mild soothing properties.

soothingantioxidant
Antioxidant polyphenolsAnti-inflammatory soothing
Essential oil components may cause sensitivity in some individuals
+ Tocopherol+ Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Antioxidant
Malachite Extract

A copper-rich mineral extract derived from malachite that enhances the skin's cellular antioxidant defences, particularly superoxide dismutase, to protect against oxidative stress.

antioxidantsoothing
Boosts skin's own antioxidant enzyme (SOD) activityHelps protect against environmental stressorsSupports collagen and elastin synthesis
Exfoliant
Malic Acid

A larger-molecule alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) often paired with glycolic or lactic acid; exfoliates the surface while being relatively gentle.

exfolianthumectant
ExfoliatesSmooths textureHelps even tone
+ Lactic Acid+ Gluconolactone
× Retinol
Antioxidant
Mallotus Japonicus Leaf Extract

Mallotus japonicus leaf extract (EU CosIng REF 82898) is derived from the leaves of akamedoki/akamegashiwa, a deciduous East Asian tree in the Euphorbiaceae family. Its phytochemical profile — ellagitannins (mallotinic acid, mallotusinic acid, corilagin, geraniin) and the dominant flavonoid rutin — delivers EGCG-equivalent antioxidant activity, tyrosinase-inhibiting brightening, and iNOS/NO-suppressing anti-inflammatory properties. Sourced from Jeju Island (Korea); listed in EU CosIng for antioxidant, antimicrobial, and skin-protecting functions.

antioxidantskin-brighteninganti-inflammatoryskin-conditioning
Exceptional antioxidant potency from ellagitannins (mallotinic acid, mallotusinic acid, corilagin, geraniin) — EGCG-equivalent DPPH/superoxide radical scavenging that outperforms green tea and rooibos in comparative assaysRutin (dominant flavonoid) inhibits tyrosinase and suppresses melanin synthesis in B16 melanoma cells dose-dependently, providing a secondary brightening benefit against UV-induced pigmentationCorilagin and ellagitannins suppress iNOS induction and reduce nitric oxide in activated macrophages, contributing anti-inflammatory and anti-glycation activity
No CIR safety review; limited published topical irritancy data. Edible plant in Japan provides broad background safety contextEuphorbiaceae family plant — rare contact sensitization possible; patch test recommended for sensitive skin
+ Niacinamide+ Epigallocatechin Gallate+ Centella Asiatica Extract
Antioxidant
Malpighia Emarginata (Acerola) Seed Extract
MALPIGHIA EMARGINATA SEED EXTRACT

Extract from the seeds (pits) of Malpighia emarginata (acerola/Barbados cherry). Distinct from the fruit pulp extract. Contains polyphenolic antioxidants.

antioxidantskin-conditioning
Seed extract from acerola cherry delivering polyphenols and procyanidins distinct from the vitamin C-rich fruit pulpAntioxidant protection complementing the fruit extract's ascorbic acid content
+ Malpighia Glabra (Acerola) Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Malpighia Glabra (Acerola) Fruit Extract
Malpighia Glabra Fruit Extract

An acerola cherry extract naturally rich in vitamin C with antioxidant and brightening benefits.

antioxidantbrightening
High natural vitamin C contentAntioxidant protectionBrightening support
+ Ascorbic Acid
Humectant
Malt Extract
HORDEUM VULGARE (MALT) EXTRACT

Aqueous extract of malted barley (Hordeum vulgare) rich in maltose, amino acids, and B vitamins. Used as a humectant and skin conditioner; gentle enough for all skin types.

humectantskin-conditioningantioxidant
Draws moisture into skin with amino acids and sugarsProvides B-vitamin nourishment to the skin barrierMild antioxidant activity from polyphenols in malted barley
+ Glycerin+ Hyaluronic Acid+ Beta-Glucan
Humectant
Maltitol

A sugar alcohol derived from maltose that functions as a humectant to draw water into the skin and improve texture.

humectantskin-conditioning
Attracts and retains moisture in skinImparts a smooth skin feel
Other
Maltodextrin

A starch-derived polysaccharide used in cosmetics to improve texture, absorb moisture, and encapsulate fragrance or active ingredients.

textureabsorbentencapsulant
Improves product texture and feelUsed to encapsulate active ingredients for controlled release
Humectant
Maltose
MALTOSE

A disaccharide of two glucose units used in cosmetics as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent. Adds gentle hydration and a smooth skin feel in creams and emulsions.

humectantskin-conditioning
Attracts moisture and softens skinGentle saccharide humectant
+ Glycerin+ Trehalose+ Erythritol
Active
Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Extract

A liposome-encapsulated plant stem cell culture filtrate derived from the rare Uttwiler Spätlauber apple variety, containing metabolites and epigenetic factors used in cosmetics for anti-aging and skin renewal benefits.

skin conditioninganti-agingantioxidantstem cell support
Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over timeSupports skin's natural renewal capacityImproves skin density and firmness
Those with birch pollen or Rosaceae fruit allergies should patch test due to potential cross-reactivityEfficacy claims are based primarily on a single manufacturer-conducted internal study; independent peer-reviewed evidence is limited
Soothing
Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) Flower Extract
Malva Sylvestris Flower Extract

An extract from the flowers of Malva sylvestris (common mallow) rich in mucilages and flavonoids that soothe and soften skin.

soothingskin-conditioningantioxidant
Soothes and calms irritated skinRich in mucilages that provide a softening effectMild antioxidant activity
Exfoliant
Mandelic Acid

A large-molecule AHA that is gentle and good for sensitive skin.

aha
Gentle exfoliationBrighteningLower irritation risk
Mild sun sensitivity
× Retinol× Retinal
Other
Manganese Gluconate

The manganese salt of gluconic acid, used as a skin-conditioning agent to deliver trace manganese ions that support superoxide dismutase activity.

skin-conditioningmineral-supplement
Supplies trace manganese ions that support enzymatic antioxidant defense (SOD)Supports skin barrier recovery
Antioxidant
Mangifera Indica (Mango) Fruit Extract
Mangifera Indica Fruit Extract

A vitamin-rich mango fruit extract that delivers antioxidants and helps brighten skin.

antioxidantsoothing
Antioxidant protectionRich in vitamins and polyphenolsHelps brighten and soften skin
+ Tocopherol+ Niacinamide
Antioxidant
Mangifera Indica (Mango) Leaf Extract
Mangifera Indica Leaf Extract

An extract from the leaves of Mangifera indica (mango) rich in xanthonoid mangiferin and polyphenols that provide antioxidant protection.

antioxidantskin-conditioning
Rich in mangiferin and polyphenols with antioxidant activityHelps protect skin against oxidative stress
Emollient
Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter
MANGIFERA INDICA SEED BUTTER

A rich vegetable butter extracted from mango (Mangifera indica) seeds, high in stearic and oleic acids, used as an emollient and occlusive moisturizer.

EmollientOcclusiveSkin-conditioningMoisturizing
Deeply moisturizes and softens skin with a non-greasy feelRich in stearic and oleic fatty acids that support barrier functionProvides antioxidant activity from tocotrienols and polyphenols
Theoretical comedogenicity due to high oleic content; may not suit very acne-prone skinTree nut allergy cross-reactivity is rare but possible
Other
Manihot Utilissima Starch

Starch derived from cassava (Manihot utilissima / esculenta) root, used as a thickener and absorbent to improve texture and provide a silky skin feel.

thickenerabsorbentskin-conditioning
Absorbs excess sebum and oil for a mattifying effectImproves texture and spreadability
Other
Manilkara Multinervis Leaf Extract

Extract from the leaves of Manilkara multinervis, a tropical tree; appears in complex Korean multi-ferment ampoule formulas as a supporting botanical.

skin-conditioningantioxidant
Botanical extract used in multi-ingredient prestige formulas for skin conditioning
Humectant
Mannitol

A sugar alcohol derived from mannitose used as a humectant in cosmetics to attract water and improve skin hydration.

humectantsolvent
Attracts and retains moistureImproves product texture and feel
Humectant
Mannose

A simple monosaccharide sugar that functions as a humectant in cosmetic formulas, drawing water into the skin.

humectant
Attracts and retains moistureSupports skin hydration
Active
Marine Elastin
HYDROLYZED ELASTIN

Hydrolyzed elastin proteins derived from marine sources (typically fish). Marine elastin forms a conditioning film on skin that temporarily improves its elasticity and suppleness. Used in anti-aging serums.

skin-conditioningfilm-former
Film-forming — improves skin elasticity and firmnessMoisturizingSupports skin structure
Not suitable for people with fish allergies
+ Hyaluronic Acid+ Collagen
Active
Matrixyl
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4

A signal peptide marketed to support collagen and firmness.

peptide
Targets fine linesSupports firmness
+ Niacinamide
Emollient
Meadowfoam Estolide

An estolide ester derived from meadowfoam seed oil that provides a lightweight, non-greasy emollient skin feel and enhances formula spreadability.

emollientskin-conditioning
Lightweight, non-greasy emollient feelImproves spreadabilityHelps soften and condition skin