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.
A synthetic red azo dye (CI 14700 / FD&C Red No. 4) approved as a cosmetic colorant in the US (external use only) and EU for use in cosmetics and personal care products.
D&C Red No. 6 (CI 15850), a synthetic organic monoazo dye providing red coloration. Used primarily in lip and nail products. Approved by the FDA for cosmetic use except around the eyes.
An extract from Panax ginseng root that has been steamed and dried (red ginseng processing), which converts ginsenosides to heat-transformed forms (Rg2, Rh1) with enhanced antioxidant and skin-revitalizing potency compared to unprocessed white ginseng.
An extract from the root of Rehmannia chinensis (Chinese foxglove), one of the 50 fundamental herbs in TCM. Contains iridoid glycosides, oligosaccharides, and amino acids used for skin conditioning and antioxidant support in Japanese prestige skincare.
A rehmannia root extract that soothes, hydrates and offers antioxidant support to skin.
A polyphenol antioxidant from grapes.
A more potent retinoid one step closer to retinoic acid than retinol.
A vitamin A derivative that accelerates cell turnover.
An ester of retinol (vitamin A) and acetic acid — the mildest retinoid ester, requiring two enzymatic conversion steps to reach retinoic acid, giving it a gentler profile than retinol.
The mildest common vitamin A ester. It converts slowly to retinol/retinoic acid in skin, giving low-irritation anti-aging benefits — weaker but gentler than retinol.
An ester of retinol (vitamin A) and propionic acid — a retinoid ester that converts to retinol and ultimately retinoic acid in the skin, delivering anti-aging activity with a gentler tolerability profile than retinol.
A naturally occurring deoxy sugar derived from plants (e.g. buckthorn, birch) with clinically demonstrated anti-aging activity: it stimulates collagen/elastin production and inhibits enzymes that degrade the extracellular matrix.
An extract from the root and stalk of Rheum palmatum (Chinese rhubarb) containing anthraquinones (emodin, aloe-emodin, chrysophanol) and tannins with brightening, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
A commercial fragrance mixture of rose alcohols (primarily citronellol and geraniol, with minor nerol and 3,7-dimethyloct-7-en-1-ol), used in cosmetics and perfumery for a characteristic rosy floral scent.
An extract from the root of Rhodiola rosea (arctic rose), an adaptogenic plant whose key compounds rosavins and salidroside provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-protective benefits.
An extract from the berries of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (downy rose myrtle), a tropical plant rich in myricetin, quercetin, and other polyphenolic antioxidants. Used in serums for antioxidant protection.
An extract from the galls formed on Rhus semialata (Chinese sumac) by aphid infestation, exceptionally rich in tannins and gallic acid, used for its astringent, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.
Ribes Nigrum (Black Currant) Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of the black currant shrub. Distinct from the more commonly used black currant seed oil and berry extract, the leaf extract is particularly rich in quercetin, myricetin, rutin, and caffeic acid derivatives with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Used in Korean vitamin C ampoules and antioxidant serums as a polyphenol-rich botanical active.
A cold-pressed oil from Ribes nigrum (blackcurrant) seeds, exceptionally rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and omega-3 fatty acids that nourish the skin barrier and support a healthy lipid profile.
Extract from the fruit of Ribes nigrum (blackcurrant). Rich in anthocyanins, vitamin C, and flavonoids with potent antioxidant activity.
Vitamin B2, a yellow flavin compound and essential coenzyme for cellular energy metabolism and antioxidant defense; used in cosmetics as a skin-conditioning agent and pigment (imparts yellow color at higher concentrations).
D-Ribose is a naturally occurring monosaccharide and the sugar backbone of RNA and ATP. In cosmetics it is used as a skin-conditioning humectant in powder and aqueous formulations. Claims that topical ribose supports cellular energy (by providing a substrate for ATP resynthesis) are biologically plausible but not strongly verified clinically at cosmetic concentrations. Used alongside ascorbic acid and other actives in vitamin C powder treatment formats.
Extract from rice bran (the outer layer of the rice grain). Rich in ferulic acid, oryzanol (a mixture of phytosterol ferulates), tocotrienols, and ceramide precursors. A core Japanese beauty ingredient with antioxidant and mild brightening properties.
A fermented filtrate from rice bran. Fermentation by microorganisms enhances the bioavailability of ferulic acid, oryzanol, and ceramide precursors in rice bran. Used in Bijin Nuka's fermented rice skincare line.