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 ester of oleyl alcohol and oleic acid that functions as a smooth, penetrating emollient. Imparts a silky, non-sticky skin feel and enhances the spreadability of oil-phase ingredients.
A synthetic tripeptide composed of glycine, histidine, and lysine (GHK) that acts as a copper-binding signal peptide, stimulating collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis in fibroblasts and supporting skin repair and anti-aging.
A synthetic lysine-serine-threonine oligopeptide that functions as a skin conditioning and signal peptide, activating the skin's endogenous repair mechanisms to support anti-aging activity.
A synthetic tetrapeptide (four amino acids) that acts as a signal peptide in cosmetics, stimulating skin's natural repair processes to improve firmness, elasticity, and reduce visible aging.
A synthetic hexapeptide that mimics the activity of EGF (epidermal growth factor). Stimulates cell proliferation and collagen synthesis, contributing to skin firming and anti-aging benefits. Used in Lululun's Hydra EX mask.
A synthetic oligopeptide that targets tyrosinase — the key enzyme in melanin production — making it a precision brightening active suited for dark spots and uneven tone.
A refined mixture of glycerides derived from olive fruit oil (Olea europaea), used as a natural-positioned emollient and skin-conditioning agent.
The non-glyceride fraction of olive oil (squalene, sterols, tocopherols) that provides antioxidant and barrier-repair benefits with excellent skin compatibility.
INCI catch-all name for unspecified plant-derived oils used as emollients and skin conditioners.
Extract from the root of Ononis spinosa (spiny restharrow), a plant used in traditional European herbal medicine. Contains isoflavonoids and other phytochemicals with tyrosinase-inhibiting and antioxidant properties. Used in brightening skincare.
Onsen-Sui (温泉水) is the INCI-listed name for Japanese hot spring (onsen) water used as an ingredient in cosmetics. Onsens are geothermal mineral springs found throughout Japan, and their water carries dissolved minerals that vary by location and geological source. In cosmetics it is used as a mineral-enriched water alternative, replacing or supplementing regular purified water for marketing differentiation and the trace mineral benefits the water's source provides.
An extract from the tuberous roots of Ophiopogon japonicus (lilyturf / Maidong), a classic TCM herb; rich in steroidal saponins and fructo-oligosaccharides that provide humectant, soothing, and skin-conditioning benefits.
An extract from the fruit of Opuntia coccinellifera (nopal/prickly pear cactus), rich in polysaccharides, betalain pigments, and antioxidants; used in cosmetics for its moisturising and soothing properties.
A general (non-part-specific) extract from prickly pear cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) providing betalain antioxidants, polyphenols, and polysaccharides for antioxidant and skin-soothing benefits.
Cold-pressed oil from the seeds of Opuntia ficus-indica (prickly pear / Barbary fig cactus). Despite only 0.1–1% seed content by fruit weight, the seed oil is exceptionally rich in linoleic acid (~60%) and vitamin E (primarily tocopherols), making it one of the most luxurious and antioxidant-rich botanical oils. The high linoleic acid content supports ceramide synthesis and barrier repair, while the vitamin E content provides potent antioxidant protection.
An extract from the stem of Opuntia ficus-indica (prickly pear cactus) rich in polysaccharides, flavonoids, and betalain antioxidants, used to hydrate, soothe, and protect skin.
An aqueous extract from the fruit of Opuntia tuna (prickly pear cactus) rich in polysaccharides, betalain pigments, and flavonoids used to hydrate, soothe, and protect skin from oxidative stress.
An extract from Opuntia vulgaris (common prickly pear cactus) used as a humectant and soothing agent, rich in polysaccharides and antioxidant phenolic compounds.
Extract from the pads (cladodes) of Opuntia vulgaris, a common prickly pear cactus. Contains betalain pigments, flavonoids, and polysaccharides that deliver antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Distinct from Opuntia Tuna Fruit Extract (made from the fruit).
Orange Peel Extract is a generic INCI designation for an extract derived from the peel (flavedo and albedo) of orange fruit (Citrus sinensis or Citrus aurantium). The peel is particularly rich in flavonoids (hesperidin, nobiletin, tangeretin), limonoids, and carotenoids with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Used in cleansing and brightening formulas as an antioxidant botanical.
A cold-pressed oil from the seeds of the babassu palm (Orbignya oleifera) rich in lauric acid (~50%) and myristic acid, prized in cleansing oils for its light, non-greasy emollient feel and mild cleansing activity.
An extract from the leaves of sweet marjoram (Origanum majorana) in the mint family, rich in rosmarinic acid, used for antioxidant and soothing properties in skincare.
Whole-plant extract from Origanum vulgare (oregano). Exceptionally rich in antioxidant polyphenols (rosmarinic acid, quercetin) and phenolic monoterpenes (carvacrol, thymol). Used at trace concentrations in acne and trouble-targeting formulas for its antimicrobial and antioxidant benefits.
An extract from the leaves of common oregano (Origanum vulgare) rich in rosmarinic acid, carvacrol, and thymol, used for its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties in skincare formulations.