Ingredient library
Every ingredient SkinAtlas knows about — all 2279 of them. What each one does, what it works well with, and what to watch for.
An extract derived from the sprouts of Phaseolus radiatus (mung bean), used in cosmetics for its antioxidant and skin conditioning properties.
An extract from Phellinus linteus (meshimakobu), a bracket mushroom used in East Asian traditional medicine, valued in cosmetics for its polyphenol and beta-glucan content, which confer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Extract from the bark of Phellodendron amurense (Amur cork tree). Rich in berberine, a bioactive alkaloid with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Used in Meishoku's Bigansui medicated facial wash for its acne-fighting properties.
2-Phenylethanol, an aromatic alcohol with a soft rose-floral character naturally present in rose absolute and other essential oils. Used as a fragrance component and mild preservative booster. Found in L'Occitane Immortelle Divine Cream.
A polar ester used in cosmetics primarily as a fragrance and emollient (EU CosIng functions: Perfuming, Emollient), appearing in Korean sunscreens as a solvent/texture aid and scent component, not as a UV-active.
A widely used broad-spectrum preservative.
An ester emollient derived from phenoxyethanol and caprylic acid that functions as a skin conditioner and solvent in cosmetic formulations.
Phenyl Trimethicone is a phenyl-substituted silicone fluid that functions as a lightweight emollient, imparting a silky feel and optical brightening effect on skin and hair.
An essential aromatic amino acid used in cosmetics as a humectant that contributes to the skin's natural moisturizing factor.
A water-soluble UVB UV filter (Ensulizole). Approved by FDA and EU (up to 4%). Converts UV energy to heat. Best used in combination with UVA filters due to its narrow UVB-only spectrum.
A versatile preservative and fragrance ingredient with antimicrobial properties that provides broad-spectrum protection and odor-masking benefits.
A dihydrochalcone polyphenol (aglycone of phloridzin) extracted from apple (Malus domestica) bark, roots, and leaves. Neutralizes free radicals via hydrogen-atom transfer and single-electron transfer mechanisms; inhibits tyrosinase (mixed-type, IC50 169 µM) to reduce melanin precursors for brightening; and suppresses NF-κB via direct TLR2 binding for anti-inflammatory benefit. Clinically studied at 2% in combination with L-ascorbic acid and ferulic acid — this triple combination significantly reduced UV-induced markers (MMP-9, thymine dimers, p53) in a peer-reviewed trial (Oresajo et al. 2008). The active ingredient in SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF.
Extract from Phormium tenax (New Zealand flax / harakeke), a monocot in the Xanthorrhoeaceae family unrelated to common flax (Linum usitatissimum), with traditional Māori use in wound and skin care. Primary bioactive fractions are polysaccharides rich in D-xylose and D-glucuronic acid alongside linoleic acid, which contributes to ceramide biosynthesis and barrier integrity. The hero ingredient in The Saem Urban Eco Harakeke product line.
A naturally occurring phospholipid (the main component of soy lecithin) that closely mirrors the lipid structure of the skin's own cell membranes, making it highly biocompatible for barrier repair and as a liposomal delivery vehicle.
A generic INCI listing for a mixture of phospholipids (phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and related compounds) that are structural components of cell membranes, used to reinforce the skin barrier and aid active delivery.
A fruit extract from the Indian gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica / Emblica officinalis) prized in Ayurvedic skincare for its very high content of tannins, polyphenols, and emblicanins that provide antioxidant, brightening, and anti-inflammatory activity.
An extract from Phyllostachys bambusoides (Moso bamboo) tissues, containing flavonoids, silica, and polyphenols; used in skincare for soothing, antioxidant, and conditioning properties.
The fresh sap (juice) pressed from Phyllostachys bambusoides (Moso bamboo), used as a silica-rich, lightweight humectant and skin conditioner in Korean skincare formulations.
An extract from the outer bark/husk of Phyllostachys pubescens (moso bamboo) shoots; distinct from bamboo water or leaf extract, it is rich in polyphenols and flavonoids with antioxidant and soothing properties.
Extract from the fruit of Physalis alkekengi (Solanaceae, winter cherry / Chinese lantern), containing physalins, flavonoids (notably luteolin glucosides), withanolides, carotenoids, and ascorbic acid. In vitro studies show reduced ROS production, inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β), and mixed-type tyrosinase inhibition. Used in ferment-forward K-beauty essences alongside galactomyces and ginseng extracts.
An extract of Physalis angulata (cutleaf ground cherry) containing withanolides and flavonoids, used in cosmetics for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-protecting properties.
The free-acid form of phytate (myo-inositol hexaphosphoric acid) used in cosmetics primarily as a chelating agent and mild brightening active; distinct from Sodium Phytate.
A precursor lipid that supports barrier function and has soothing properties.
A mixture of plant-derived sterols (beta-sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol) used to support the skin barrier and improve moisture retention. Structurally similar to cholesterol in the skin lipid matrix.