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.
An extract from alfalfa (Medicago sativa) plants rich in chlorophyll, carotenoids, and isoflavones that provide antioxidant and skin-conditioning benefits.
A water- or glycol-based extract from Melaleuca alternifolia leaves that retains soothing and mild antimicrobial properties from terpinen-4-ol, polyphenols, and flavonoids, with a lower allergen load than the steam-distilled essential oil.
A multi-part botanical extract from the aerial portions (flowers, leaves, and stems) of Melaleuca alternifolia that delivers antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and sebum-regulating benefits from terpinen-4-ol, polyphenols, and flavonoids.
An antimicrobial tea tree essential oil used for blemish-prone skin that can irritate or sensitize.
The steam distillate (hydrosol) obtained from Melaleuca alternifolia leaves, containing trace water-soluble volatile compounds that provide gentle soothing and mild antimicrobial benefits without the concentration risks of tea tree essential oil.
An extract derived from the bark of the neem tree (Melia azadirachta / Azadirachta indica), containing nimbidin, nimbin, tannins, and limonoids; used for antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties in skincare, and distinct from the neem leaf and flower extracts already in the KB.
Neem flower extract used to soothe and condition the skin.
Neem leaf extract, traditionally used to calm and condition blemish-prone skin.
Extract from Melilotus officinalis (yellow sweet clover). Contains coumarin compounds and flavonoids that provide anti-inflammatory and vascular-supporting properties. Used in Japanese toners and emulsions for skin-soothing.
An aqueous or hydroglycolic extract of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) leaves, distinct from the essential oil form in the KB, valued for antioxidant and soothing properties from its rosmarinic acid and luteolin content.
Extract from the leaves of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm). Exceptionally rich in rosmarinic acid and flavonoids with documented anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Often used in botanical-rich serums targeting sensitivity and redness.
An essential oil steam-distilled from the leaves of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) used primarily for its fresh citrus-herbal fragrance.
An extract from Melothria heterophylla (a cucurbit plant used in Japanese skincare) containing gallic acid derivatives that scavenge free radicals and may help protect against UV-induced photoaging.
Menadione (Vitamin K3) is a synthetic 1,4-naphthoquinone — the unsubstituted quinone core of the vitamin K family. Unlike K1 and K2, it lacks the side chain required for biological coagulation activity. Its primary cosmetic function per EU CosIng is 'masking'; no SCCS or CIR safety opinion validates cosmetic skin benefits. It is a confirmed GHS Category 1 skin sensitizer (H317) and a redox-cycling pro-oxidant that generates reactive oxygen species. The Menadione + Ascorbic Acid combination is cytotoxic via ROS amplification (used in oncology as Apatone) and should not appear together in skincare.
An extract from Mentha aquatica (water mint) containing menthol, flavonoids, and rosmarinic acid that imparts mild soothing, cooling, and antimicrobial benefits to cosmetic formulations.
An essential oil distilled from cornmint (Mentha arvensis) leaves, used primarily for its cooling, menthol-rich fragrance.
Finely milled powder from Mentha arvensis (field mint / Japanese cornmint) leaves. Contains natural menthol which activates cooling TRPM8 receptors on the skin, giving an instant refreshing effect. Used in sunscreens and body products for sensorial appeal.
Extract from peppermint leaves. Contains polyphenols, rosmarinic acid, and flavonoids. Different from peppermint essential oil — extract is more water-soluble and gentler. Provides mild cooling and antioxidant benefits.
An aqueous or hydroglycolic extract of peppermint (Mentha piperita) leaves. Unlike peppermint essential oil, the extract has milder menthol content; used for cooling, soothing, and antioxidant properties.
Peppermint essential oil used in cosmetics primarily as a fragrance and cooling agent, though it can cause sensitivity and irritation in susceptible individuals.
An extract from the leaves of Mentha rotundifolia (apple mint or round-leaf mint), a lower-menthol mint variety distinct from peppermint, used for mild soothing and antioxidant properties in skincare formulations.
Essential oil steam-distilled from spearmint leaves (Mentha viridis). Major component is carvone (~70%), giving a cooler, sweeter mint scent than peppermint oil. Used in small amounts for fragrance and sensory effect.
Aqueous or hydroalcoholic extract from spearmint leaves (Mentha viridis). Retains some of the plant's anti-inflammatory and cooling properties with lower fragrance potential than the essential oil.
A cyclic monoterpene alcohol derived from peppermint oil that activates cold-sensitive receptors to produce an instant cooling sensation; also a regulated EU fragrance allergen.