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.
Ornithine (L-ornithine) is a non-proteinogenic amino acid and key intermediate in the urea cycle. In skin biology, it serves as a precursor to proline and hydroxyproline (essential amino acids in collagen) and contributes to the natural moisturizing factor of the stratum corneum. In cosmetics it is used as a skin-conditioning humectant, typically at low concentrations in premium formulas alongside other amino acids and actives.
The hydrochloride salt of ornithine, a non-essential amino acid naturally involved in the urea cycle. Included in Filorga Time-Filler 5-XP's NCEF (New Cellular Encapsulated Factor) complex alongside a full suite of amino acids, vitamins, and coenzymes.
A leaf extract of the Java tea plant (Orthosiphon stamineus) that inhibits 5-alpha reductase to reduce sebum production and improve the appearance of enlarged pores and oily skin.
Extract from Oryza sativa (rice); provides ferulic acid, gamma-oryzanol, and saccharides for antioxidant protection and brightening. One of the foundational ingredients in K-beauty and J-beauty.
An extract derived from the germ of rice (Oryza sativa), rich in tocopherols and phytosterols that condition skin and provide antioxidant protection.
Oil cold-pressed from the rice germ (the small embryo of the rice grain). Richer in tocotrienols, ferulic acid, and gamma-oryzanol than rice bran oil. A lightweight, antioxidant-rich carrier oil.
Rice bran oil, an antioxidant-rich, lightweight emollient.
Extract from the solid by-products (lees/kasu) of rice fermentation used in sake production. Contains concentrated ferulic acid, amino acids, and natural kojic acid precursors.
An aqueous extract from rice bran containing water-soluble vitamins, ferulic acid, and amino acids used as a lightweight humectant and skin-brightening agent.
Gamma-oryzanol, a mixture of ferulic acid esters derived from rice bran oil, used in cosmetics for its strong antioxidant activity, mild secondary UV-filtering properties, and ability to improve skin barrier function.
A rare Arctic cranberry seed oil exceptionally rich in balanced omega fatty acids and antioxidants, providing comprehensive anti-aging and barrier-supporting benefits.
A naturally occurring paraffinic mineral wax used as a thickener, binder, and texture agent in anhydrous formulations such as sun sticks, lip balms, and cream foundations.
An aromatic carboxylic acid preservative booster used at 0.05–0.3% in acidic formulas to inhibit bacteria and moulds and reinforce primary preservative systems.
A silicone polymer modified with pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA) groups. PCA is an amino acid-derived NMF component naturally present in the skin's stratum corneum. This hybrid ingredient delivers silicone's characteristic smoothing and film-forming properties alongside PCA's water-binding humectancy. Suited to lightweight sleeping masks and hydrating formulas.
A cationic surfactant derived from L-arginine, coconut fatty acid, and PCA (a natural moisturizing factor component) that functions as a mild antimicrobial, conditioner, and antistatic agent suitable for sensitive skin.
Polynucleotide fragments (often salmon-derived) popular in K-beauty for skin repair and barrier recovery.
A polyethylene glycol-modified dimethicone silicone used primarily as a water-in-silicone emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent that imparts a smooth, silky feel to sunscreens and foundations.
A PEG-10 ester of glyceryl stearate. Used as a gentle O/W emulsifier in premium Japanese formulations including Shiseido Elixir products.
A polyethylene glycol ether of hydrogenated castor oil with approximately 10 ethylene oxide units. Used as a mild emulsifier and solubilizer in cosmetics to incorporate oils, fragrances, and lipophilic actives into water-based formulations.
PEG-10 Isostearate is a polyethylene glycol ester of isostearic acid (C18 branched-chain fatty acid). It is used as a co-emulsifier and solubilizer in cleansing balms, where its hydrophilic PEG chain and lipophilic isostearate chain assist in balm-to-emulsion phase inversion during rinsing. The branched isostearic acid chain maintains the product in a semi-solid (rather than waxy crystalline) state at room temperature.
A PEGylated derivative of plant sterols extracted from rapeseed oil, used as an emollient and co-emulsifier in cosmetic formulations; the PEGylation improves water dispersibility of the sterol.
A highly ethoxylated (100 EO units) hydrogenated castor oil ester used as a gentle solubiliser and O/W emulsifier. Very water-soluble; widely used in Japanese toners, mists, and essence formulas to solubilise oils and fragrances.
A high-polyethylene-glycol-chain ester of stearic acid used as a mild, nonionic emulsifier to stabilize oil-in-water cosmetic emulsions.
A polyethylene glycol with ~23 EO units (MW ~1000 Da). Liquid at room temperature. Used as a humectant and co-solvent in Elixir Retino Power Cream.