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 52 of 95

Fragrance
Michelia Alba Leaf Oil

An essential oil distilled from the leaves of Michelia alba (white champaca tree), used as a floral fragrance ingredient in cosmetics.

fragrantskin-conditioning
Provides a delicate floral-green fragrance
As an essential oil, may cause sensitization in fragrance-sensitive individuals
Other
Microcrystalline Cellulose

A purified, partially depolymerized cellulose used as a thickener and texture enhancer that improves the body and stability of cosmetic formulas.

thickenertextureabsorbent
Improves product texture and bodyAbsorbs excess oil
Emollient
Microcrystalline Wax

A refined petroleum-derived wax with fine crystalline structure used as an occlusive, thickener, and texture agent in lip products and balms.

occlusivethickeneremollient
Occlusive barrier that locks in moistureAdds body and structure to balms and sticks
Emollient
Milk Lipids

The lipid fraction derived from bovine milk, comprising triglycerides, phospholipids, cholesterol, and free fatty acids, used as an emollient and barrier-supporting ingredient.

Skin conditioningEmollientBarrier support
Softens and smooths skinSupports skin barrier with naturally occurring cholesterol, ceramides, and fatty acidsGentle on sensitive skin
Not suitable for those with dairy allergies
Barrier support
Milk Protein Extract

Milk Protein Extract is derived from bovine milk and contains a complex of caseins, whey proteins, lipids, and amino acids. In cosmetics, it functions as a skin-conditioning and barrier-supportive ingredient — the protein hydrolysate fraction provides amino acids and hydrolyzed peptide fragments, while the lipid fraction contributes emollient and barrier-reinforcing activity. Commonly used in anti-aging toners and pads at low concentrations for a combined conditioning and barrier benefit.

skin-conditioningbarrier-repairhumectantemollient
Casein and whey protein fractions provide amino acids, ceramide precursors, and lipids that support barrier integrity and skin conditioningHygroscopic properties of hydrolyzed milk proteins help retain moisture in the stratum corneum, contributing a mild humectant effectBioactive peptides released from milk proteins (particularly whey-derived β-lactoglobulin fragments) may stimulate keratinocyte proliferation and barrier repair
Contains milk-derived proteins — not suitable for individuals with severe milk or casein allergy; topical exposure risk from a cosmetic concentration extract is generally low, but caution advised
+ Ceramide NP+ Panthenol+ Allantoin
Other
Mineral Salt

A generic INCI term for mineral-rich salts (often sea salt or Himalayan pink salt). Used in pore-refining and toning formulas at low concentrations for mild astringency and mineral supplementation. The trace mineral complex may support skin barrier enzyme activity.

pore-minimizingskin-conditioningtonic
Trace minerals (magnesium, potassium, zinc) support skin's natural processesPore-tightening astringent effect at low concentrationsBalances skin's electrolyte environment
+ Centella Asiatica Extract+ Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Mitsuishi Kelp Extract
LAMINARIA JAPONICA EXTRACT

Extract from Mitsuishi konbu (Laminaria japonica), a premium Japanese kelp variety harvested from specific coastal areas. Rich in polysaccharides (fucoidan, alginate), trace minerals, and iodine. Used in Bijin Nuka's rice-based skincare for hydration and mineral nutrition.

humectantmineral-richantioxidant
Rich in fucoidan, alginate, and mineralsSuperior moisture retentionAntioxidant-rich polyphenols
+ Hyaluronic Acid+ Glycerin
Emollient
Mixed Fatty Acid Triglyceride

A glyceryl triester of mixed plant-derived fatty acids (palm, olive, macadamia, rapeseed) used as an emollient in moisturizers.

emollientskin-conditioning
Rich multi-oil emollient blendPlant-derived skin conditioning
+ Glycerin+ Shea Butter
Antioxidant
Momordica Charantia Fruit Extract

An extract from the fruit of Momordica charantia (bitter melon) containing charantin, polyphenols, and vitamins C and E, providing antioxidant and skin-conditioning benefits.

antioxidantskin-conditioning agentsoothing agent
Rich in charantin, momordicin, and polyphenols with antioxidant activitySupports skin barrier and conditioningTraditional use for soothing irritated skin
Generally well-tolerated at typical cosmetic concentrations; potential for sensitivity in highly reactive skin is low
Soothing
Monarda Didyma Leaf Extract

An extract from the leaves of Monarda didyma (bee balm) containing thymol, carvacrol, and flavonoids with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.

antimicrobialanti-inflammatoryantioxidant
Contains thymol, carvacrol, and flavonoids with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory propertiesAntioxidant protection from polyphenolsSoothing effect on reactive or blemish-prone skin
Essential oil components (thymol, carvacrol) may be sensitizing in high concentrations
Antioxidant
Monascus Extract

An extract derived from rice fermented with Monascus fungi (red yeast rice), rich in natural pigments, amino acids, and antioxidant compounds used to brighten and protect skin.

antioxidantbrightening
Antioxidant protection via natural pigments and polyphenolsHelps improve skin tone and textureSupplies amino acids and antioxidants that support the skin barrier
Antioxidant
Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract

Extract of noni fruit, rich in vitamins and polyphenols; the 'energizing' antioxidant hero of many K-beauty ampoules.

antioxidantsoothing
Antioxidant protectionSupports a replenished, healthy-looking complexion
+ Tocopherol+ Niacinamide
Emollient
Morinda Citrifolia Seed Oil

Oil from noni seeds, rich in fatty acids; conditions skin and supports the barrier.

emollientantioxidant
NourishingAntioxidant-rich emollient
+ Squalane
Emollient
Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil

A nourishing seed oil from moringa that softens skin and provides antioxidant fatty acids.

emollientantioxidant
Softens and conditions skinRich in oleic acidAntioxidant support
Active
Moringa Pterygosperma Seed Extract

An extract from the seeds of Moringa pterygosperma (synonym: Moringa oleifera), rich in polyphenols and isothiocyanates, used for antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties distinct from the expressed seed oil.

skin-conditioningantioxidantclarifying
Antioxidant protection via polyphenols and isothiocyanatesHelps adsorb impurities from skin surfaceSkin conditioning
Generally well tolerated; rare sensitization possible in sensitive individuals
Active
Morus Alba Bark Extract

An extract from the bark (stem/branch bark) of Morus alba (white mulberry), containing oxyresveratrol, flavonoids, and polyphenols that inhibit tyrosinase for skin brightening. Distinct from Morus Alba Root Extract (which comes from the root bark) and Morus Alba Leaf Extract.

brighteningantioxidantsoothing
Inhibits tyrosinase to reduce melanin production and help fade dark spotsAntioxidant protection from flavonoids and stilbenesAnti-inflammatory and soothing properties
Generally well-tolerated; distinct from root bark extract — use at typical cosmetic concentrations
+ Niacinamide+ Vitamin C
Antioxidant
Morus Alba Fruit Extract

Morus Alba Fruit Extract is derived from the fruit of white mulberry (Morus alba), distinct from the root extract (which is used primarily for tyrosinase inhibition and brightening). The fruit is particularly rich in anthocyanins, resveratrol-related stilbenes, quercetin, and vitamin C. In cosmetics it provides antioxidant protection and mild brightening contribution via polyphenolic radical scavenging rather than the direct melanogenesis inhibition of the root extract.

antioxidantskin-brighteningskin-conditioning
White mulberry fruit (Morus alba) is rich in anthocyanins, resveratrol-related stilbenes (mulberroside, oxyresveratrol), and vitamin C with potent antioxidant activityThe fruit extract complements Morus Alba Root Extract (a strong tyrosinase inhibitor) with broader antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties; the anthocyanin profile contributes a mild brightening effect via antioxidant protection rather than direct melanin inhibitionUsed in brightening and anti-aging serums as a natural antioxidant booster, often alongside synthetic vitamin C derivatives
+ Niacinamide+ Ascorbyl Glucoside+ Tocopherol
Active
Morus Alba Leaf Extract

An extract from the leaves of white mulberry (Morus alba) containing flavonoids and polyphenols; used for antioxidant and brightening effects, distinct from the root bark extract which is the primary tyrosinase inhibitor.

brighteningantioxidantsoothing
Antioxidant protection from flavonoids and phenolic acidsMild brightening supportSoothes and calms skin
Generally well tolerated at cosmetic use levels
Active
Morus Bombycis Root Extract
MORUS BOMBYCIS ROOT EXTRACT

Extract from the root of Morus bombycis (Japanese white mulberry). Contains oxyresveratrol and stilbenes that act as tyrosinase inhibitors, reducing melanin production. Used in Transino brightening serums alongside Tranexamic Acid for complementary brightening.

brighteningantioxidanttyrosinase inhibitor
Inhibits tyrosinase to reduce melanin synthesisBrightens skin tone over timeRich in oxyresveratrol and polyphenols
+ Tranexamic Acid+ Niacinamide+ 2-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Active
Mucuna Birdwoodiana Stem Extract
MUCUNA BIRDWOODIANA STEM EXTRACT

An extract from the stems of Mucuna birdwoodiana (a leguminous vine), used in luxury Japanese skincare. Contains flavonoids and phenolic compounds with antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties.

skin-conditioninganti-agingsoothing
Traditional Chinese medicine botanicalSkin-conditioning and anti-aging propertiesUsed in luxury Japanese formulas for firming
+ Adenosine+ Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Soothing
Mugwort Extract
Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract

A calming botanical (Korean 'ssuk') used to soothe sensitive, reactive skin.

antioxidant
Calms sensitive skinAntioxidant support
+ Centella Asiatica+ Panthenol
Active
Mulberry Extract
Morus Alba Root Extract

An extract typically from the root bark of Morus alba (white mulberry), one of the most studied natural tyrosinase inhibitors used for skin brightening.

brighteningantioxidant
Inhibits tyrosinase to reduce melanin production and fade dark spotsAntioxidant protectionHelps even skin tone
Soothing
Mung Bean Extract
Vigna Radiata Seed Extract

An extract from mung bean (Vigna radiata) seeds containing flavonoids, polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals, used in K-beauty for antioxidant, soothing, and oil-balancing properties.

soothingantioxidantskin-conditioning
Antioxidant protection from flavonoids and polyphenolsSoothes and calms irritated skinHelps regulate sebum and control shine
Rarely causes sensitivity reactions; generally well tolerated
Humectant
Musa Sapientum (Banana) Fruit Extract

An extract derived from the fruit of Musa sapientum (banana), rich in sugars, vitamins, and potassium, used as a skin-conditioning humectant with mild antioxidant properties.

humectantskin-conditioningantioxidant
Provides humectant moisturizationAntioxidant support from vitamins C and ESoftens and conditions skin
Generally well tolerated at cosmetic concentrations