The library

Ingredient library

Every ingredient SkinAtlas knows about — all 2371 of them. What each one does, what it works well with, and what to watch for.

All 2371 ingredients — page 77 of 99

Active
Psychotria Leiocarpa Extract
PSYCHOTRIA LEIOCARPA EXTRACT

Extract from Psychotria leiocarpa, a plant native to the Amazon. Contains high levels of piceid, a natural precursor and glycoside of resveratrol. Used in luxury skincare (notably Clé de Peau Beauté) for its antioxidant and skin-brightening benefits.

skin-conditioningantioxidant
Rich in piceid (resveratrol precursor) — antioxidant and anti-aging propertiesImproves skin radiance and firmness
+ Tranexamic Acid+ Niacinamide
Active
Pteris Multifida Extract

An extract from Pteris multifida (spider brake fern) containing pterosins and polyphenols used for their antioxidant and brightening properties in cosmetic formulations.

brighteningantioxidantanti-inflammatory
Contains pterosins and flavonoids with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory propertiesMay help with hyperpigmentation and uneven skin toneTraditional herbal use for skin-calming benefits
Antioxidant
Pueraria Lobata Root Extract

An isoflavone-rich kudzu root extract that provides antioxidant protection and soothes skin.

antioxidantsoothing
Rich in isoflavones with antioxidant activitySoothes and conditions skin
+ Tocopherol+ Niacinamide
Other
Pullulan

A water-soluble linear polysaccharide produced by fermentation of Aureobasidium pullulans, used as a film-former and texture agent that delivers an immediate skin-firming effect and supports moisture retention.

film-formerthickenerantioxidant
Instant skin-tightening effect via a strong adhesive filmReduces transepidermal water lossHelps deliver and stabilize active ingredients
Soothing
Pulsatilla Koreana Extract

An extract from Pulsatilla koreana (Korean pasque flower, Ranunculaceae) used for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties; requires careful processing to neutralize the irritant precursor protoanemonin.

anti-inflammatoryantimicrobialsoothingskin-conditioning
Anti-inflammatory and soothing — reduces redness, irritation, and inflammationAntimicrobial properties from triterpenoid saponinsTraditionally used in Korean herbal medicine for skin and inflammatory conditions
Contains ranunculin which can convert to protoanemonin (a potent irritant) when the plant is damaged or improperly processed — poorly processed extract can cause severe irritant contact dermatitis and blisteringClinical case reports of acute bullous (blistering) irritant contact dermatitis from topical PKE application
Antioxidant
Punica Granatum Fruit Extract

An extract from the fruit of pomegranate (Punica granatum), rich in ellagitannins, punicalagins, and anthocyanins, used in cosmetics for antioxidant, brightening, and soothing benefits.

antioxidantsoothingbrightening
Rich in ellagic acid, punicalagins, and polyphenols for potent antioxidant protectionSoothes and calms skinSupports a brighter, more even skin tone
Antioxidant
Punica Granatum Fruit Juice

The expressed juice of pomegranate (Punica granatum) fruit, distinct from a concentrated extract, used to deliver antioxidant polyphenols and light hydration in skin care formulas.

antioxidanthumectantsoothing
Delivers antioxidant polyphenols and anthocyanins directlyLight humectant hydrationSoothes and refreshes skin
Active
Pyridoxine

The free alcohol form of vitamin B6, used in cosmetics as a skin-conditioning agent with noted sebum-regulating and anti-acne properties, distinct from pyridoxine HCl (the hydrochloride salt form).

Skin conditioningVitaminSebum regulation
Helps regulate sebum productionSupports protein and amino acid metabolism in skinConditions skin
Active
Pyridoxine Dipalmitate
PYRIDOXINE DIPALMITATE

A palmitate ester of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) that penetrates the lipid barrier more readily than free pyridoxine. Used for its sebum-regulating and skin-conditioning properties.

skin-conditioningsebum-regulating
Lipophilic vitamin B6 derivative with enhanced penetrationHelps regulate sebum production — useful for oily and acne-prone skinSkin conditioning and anti-inflammatory
+ Niacinamide+ Zinc PCA
Active
Pyridoxine HCl

The hydrochloride salt form of vitamin B6, with greater water solubility than the free pyridoxine form; used in cosmetics as a skin-conditioning and sebum-regulating agent, commonly found in oily and acne-prone skin formulas.

Skin conditioningVitaminSebum regulation
Helps regulate sebum productionSupports protein metabolism in skinConditions skin
Soothing
Pyrola Incarnata Extract
PYROLA INCARNATA EXTRACT

Extract from Pyrola incarnata (a wintergreen-family herb found in East Asia). Contains phenolic glycosides and naturally occurring arbutin, giving it mild brightening and soothing properties. Used in Shiseido's White Lucent brightening line.

soothingantioxidantskin-conditioning
Anti-inflammatory and soothing for sensitive skinNatural source of arbutin and phenolics with brightening properties
+ Niacinamide+ 2-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Soothing
Pyrus Communis (Pear) Fruit Extract

An extract from pear fruit (Pyrus communis) containing soothing polyphenols and humectant sugars that calm irritation and help maintain skin hydration.

soothinghumectantconditioning
Soothes and calms skin irritationAttracts and retains moisture via natural sugars and polysaccharidesAntioxidant polyphenols help protect against environmental damage
Humectant
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Water
Pyrus Malus Fruit Water

A water distillate or pressed juice of Pyrus malus (apple) fruit used as a hydrating skin-conditioning agent and partial water substitute in cosmetic formulas.

humectantskin-conditioning agentsolvent
Provides light hydration with a fresh, natural skin feelContains trace amounts of apple-derived organic acids and sugarsCan partially replace water in formulas while adding botanical identity
No known risks at typical cosmetic concentrations
Antioxidant
Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract

An extract from apple (Pyrus malus / Malus domestica) fruit rich in polyphenols and organic acids, used for antioxidant and conditioning benefits in cosmetics.

antioxidanthumectantsoothing
Antioxidant protection from polyphenols and flavonoidsLight humectant hydrationSoothes and conditions skin
Exfoliant
Pyruvic Acid

An alpha-keto acid naturally occurring in the body's metabolic pathway, used in cosmetics at low concentrations as a keratolytic exfoliant with antimicrobial and sebostatic properties; at professional peel concentrations (35–50%) it has clinical evidence for acne, photoaging, and pigmentation.

exfoliantkeratolyticantimicrobialsebostatic
Alpha-keto acid with keratolytic action that loosens bonds between dead skin cells, improving cell turnoverAntimicrobial and sebostatic properties useful for acne-prone and oily skinStimulates new collagen and elastin synthesis, supporting anti-aging and firmness
Strong acid (pKa ~2.39); at high concentrations (>40%) can cause intense burning, erythema, desquamation, and crustingConcentrations used in professional peels are much higher than leave-on cosmetics — leave-on formulas typically use low percentages with buffering
Other
Quaternium-18 Bentonite
QUATERNIUM-18 BENTONITE

An organically modified clay (bentonite treated with a quaternary ammonium salt) used as a gelling and thickening agent in oil-based formulations.

gelling-agentviscosity-modifier
Provides structure and suspension in anhydrous and low-water formulas
Other
Quaternium-90 Bentonite
QUATERNIUM-90 BENTONITE

A quaternary ammonium-modified bentonite clay. Swells in oils and non-polar solvents to create gel networks, used as a rheology modifier and suspending agent in anhydrous and W/O formulas.

rheology modifierviscosity builder
Stabilizes W/O emulsionsPrevents settling and phase separationNon-aqueous thickener
+ Dimethicone+ Squalane
Antioxidant
Quercetin

A widely distributed plant flavonoid used in cosmetics as a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that protects against UV-induced oxidative damage and supports skin barrier recovery.

antioxidantanti-inflammatoryphotoprotective
Potent plant-derived flavonoid antioxidant that scavenges reactive oxygen species and reduces oxidative stress markersAnti-inflammatory activity via suppression of inflammatory signaling pathwaysPhotoprotective — helps defend skin against UV-induced oxidative damage
Incompatible with zinc oxide physical sunscreens — combination can cause a temporary skin-tinting/discoloration reactionLimited long-term clinical topical safety data; generally considered safe at cosmetic concentrations
Antioxidant
Quercus Suber Bark Extract
QUERCUS SUBER BARK EXTRACT

Extract from the bark of Quercus suber (cork oak). Rich in suberin, tannins, and polyphenols with antioxidant, soothing, and astringent properties. Used in Tunemakers' moisture cream.

antioxidantsoothingastringent
Rich in polyphenols and tannins — antioxidant and astringentSoothing and anti-inflammatoryNatural barrier for skin
+ Allantoin+ Tocopherol
Surfactant
Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract

A bark extract from Quillaja saponaria (soapbark tree) rich in triterpene saponins that act as mild natural surfactants and foaming agents in cleansers.

SurfactantCleansingFoaming agentEmulsifying
Gentle natural foaming actionEffective at low concentrationsMild cleansing without stripping
May cause irritation at high concentrations due to saponin content
Humectant
Raffinose

A naturally occurring trisaccharide (glucose + galactose + fructose) found in plants such as sugar beets, used in cosmetics as a humectant and prebiotic to hydrate skin and support a balanced microbiome.

humectantprebiotic
Attracts and retains moisture for long-lasting hydrationSupports the skin microbiome as a prebiotic oligosaccharideGentle and well-tolerated
Other
Raphanus Sativus Seed Extract
Raphanus Sativus (Radish) Seed Extract

An extract from radish (Raphanus sativus) seeds used as a skin-conditioning botanical, distinct from the fermented radish root used in natural preservation.

skin-conditioningemollient
Conditions and softens skinRich in fatty acids that support barrier lipidsAntioxidant polyphenols from radish seeds
Fragrance
Raspberry Ketone

A naturally occurring phenolic compound responsible for the characteristic scent of raspberries, used in cosmetics primarily as a fragrance/masking agent and mild skin conditioner.

fragrantskin-conditioningantioxidant
Contributes a fresh, fruity raspberry scentMild skin-conditioning and antioxidant properties
Fragrant compound — may cause sensitivity in reactive skin types
Other
Red 33
RED 33

A synthetic monoazo dye (CI 17200) used to give pink or red hues to toners, essences, and rinse-off products. Cosmetic-grade; not approved for use near the eyes in all markets.

colorant
Provides pink-to-red tint in cosmetic formulas
Rare azo-dye sensitisation in susceptible individuals