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 glycogen polysaccharide extracted from mussels (Mytilus species) used in Japanese skincare as a moisturizing and film-forming agent that helps maintain the skin's water balance.
A full-plant extract from Myosotis sylvatica (wood forget-me-not), containing flavonoids and tannins with soothing and antioxidant properties, used in botanical skincare formulations.
Myrciaria Dubia (Camu Camu) Fruit Extract is derived from the camu camu fruit native to the Peruvian and Brazilian Amazon. The fruit has one of the highest natural vitamin C concentrations of any food, providing both ascorbic acid and related polyphenol antioxidants (anthocyanins, ellagic acid) in the extract. Used in premium Korean skincare as part of natural vitamin C complex ingredients alongside synthetic derivatives.
A C14 saturated fatty acid used in cleansers as a saponified soap base and in creams as an emollient and emulsifier.
A complex amino acid ester of myristic acid and phytosterol/decyltetradecyl alcohol. Forms liquid crystalline structures similar to the skin's intercellular lipid matrix. A barrier-supportive ceramide analogue. Used in Ishizawa's urea eye cream.
A synthetic ceramide-analogue combining myristoyl/palmitoyl fatty chains with oxostearamide/arachamide MEA, designed to replenish ceramide NP-type lipids in the skin barrier; used in Real Barrier formulations.
Myristyl Alcohol (1-tetradecanol) is a C14 saturated fatty alcohol derived from coconut or palm kernel oil. In the fatty alcohol family (alongside cetyl C16, stearyl C18, behenyl C22), myristyl alcohol provides lighter emolliency and more fluid emulsion character than its longer-chain analogues. Used in eye creams, moisturizers, and serums as an emollient, emulsion stabilizer, and mild opacifier.
A nonionic alkyl glucoside surfactant derived from myristyl alcohol and glucose, used as a mild emulsifier and co-emulsifier in skincare formulations.
A wax ester of myristyl alcohol and myristic acid that provides a rich, waxy emollient texture to creams and lotions.
An extract from the leaf and stem of Myrothamnus flabellifolia (the 'resurrection plant'), native to the Namib Desert, rich in trehalose, arbutin, and polyphenols; used for deep hydration and antioxidant protection.
An extract from the leaves and berries of common myrtle (Myrtus communis), rich in flavonoids, tannins, and myricetin, used for its antioxidant and soothing properties.
Extract from the leaves of Myrtus communis (common myrtle), a Mediterranean plant. Contains polyphenols, flavonoids, and volatile compounds providing antioxidant and mild astringent benefits. Used in both skincare and fragrance compositions.
A volatile essential oil steam-distilled from the leaves and twigs of Myrtus communis, used primarily as a fragrance ingredient with a fresh, herbal, camphoraceous scent.
A guanidine-modified proline amino acid derivative. Functions as a humectant in skincare formulations. Found in Kanebo premium skincare.
A methylated derivative of the amino acid L-serine. Functions as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent, helping attract and retain water in the skin.
An anti-aging peptide (the acetate salt of palmitoyl tripeptide-56 modified with proline) marketed as Matrixyl Morphomics that boosts collagen production and reduces visible aging signs.
A synthetic ceramide analogue — the N-stearoyl amide of dihydrosphingosine. Structurally similar to natural ceramide 2 (Ceramide NS). Directly integrates into the intercellular lipid matrix of the stratum corneum, strengthening the skin barrier. Used in premium Japanese skincare brands.
An extract from the flowers of Narcissus pseudo-narcissus (common daffodil) containing antioxidant flavonoids and alkaloids, used to protect and condition skin.
Extract from the root of Nardostachys chinensis (Chinese spikenard), a Himalayan herb used in East Asian medicine; found in prestige Korean hanbang formulas for its calming, skin-soothing sesquiterpene content.
Extract from Nasturtium officinale (watercress), an aquatic cruciferous plant. Rich in glucosinolates that convert to bioactive isothiocyanates, plus significant vitamin C and carotenoid content.
Aqueous extract from watercress (Nasturtium officinale) leaves and stems. Rich in glucosinolates, vitamins, and minerals. Used in Shiseido and Elixir formulas for its antioxidant and mild skin-conditioning properties.
Natto gum is polyglutamic acid (PGA) — a biopolymer produced by Bacillus subtilis during the fermentation of soybeans (natto). It has extraordinary water-holding capacity, exceeding even hyaluronic acid. Used in Matsuyama's Hadauru ceramide line for superior moisturization.
Whole-plant extract from Nelumbo nucifera (sacred lotus); distinct INCI from flower- or root-specific extracts. Used in prestige hanbang formulas for its broad polyphenol profile.
An extract from the flowers of the sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) rich in flavonoids and tannins with antioxidant, soothing, and mild brightening properties.