Ingredient library
Every ingredient SkinAtlas knows about — all 2178 of them. What each one does, what it works well with, and what to watch for.
An extract from the tuberous roots of Asparagus cochinchinensis (Tiandong), a TCM herb distinct from edible asparagus; contains steroidal saponins and polysaccharides with humectant, soothing, and skin-conditioning properties.
An extract from asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) containing flavonoids, saponins, and other phytochemicals used for antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties.
A naturally occurring amino acid that functions as a humectant and is a component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor.
A ferment produced by Aspergillus mold (koji), used in cosmetics as a source of enzymes and conditioning metabolites that support skin feel and radiance.
A red-orange carotenoid pigment derived primarily from the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis; notable for its exceptional antioxidant capacity and ability to protect against photo-oxidative damage.
An extract from the roots of Astragalus membranaceus (huang qi / Chinese astragalus), a key traditional Chinese medicine herb; the hero active in Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner, prized for its antioxidant saponins and skin-conditioning polysaccharides.
An extract of Astragalus sinicus (Chinese milk vetch), a legume plant used in Japanese traditional medicine (as rengesou). Provides anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-conditioning benefits in toners and essences.
A solid butter pressed from the seeds of the murumuru palm (Astrocaryum murumuru), rich in saturated fatty acids that deeply soften and protect dry lips and skin.
Extract from the rhizome of Atractylodes chinensis, the northern Chinese sibling species of A. lancea and botanically distinct from it. Primary bioactives are sesquiterpenoids atractylon and atractylenolides I–III plus polyacetylenes, which modulate 5-LOX, COX-2, and NF-κB inflammatory pathways. Used predominantly in premium Korean Hanbang essences and creams for soothing and barrier support.
An extract from the rhizome of Atractylodes japonica, a TCM/TKM botanical related to A. macrocephala (Baizhu); contains sesquiterpenes (atractylone, atractylodin) with anti-inflammatory and skin-conditioning benefits.
The essential oil extracted from the root of Atractylodes japonica, a traditional Korean and Japanese medicinal herb (byakujutsu); used for its herbal bioactives in hanbang formulas.
Extract from the dried rhizome of Atractylodes lancea (Asteraceae), used in TCM as Cangzhu. Principal bioactives are atractylodin (polyacetylene) and sesquiterpenoids β-eudesmol, hinesol, and atractylon, which inhibit 5-LOX and COX-1 inflammatory pathways and support epidermal barrier function. Appears in premium Korean Hanbang formulations paired with other TCM-derived actives for barrier reinforcement and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Extract from the fruiting body of Auricularia polytricha (cloud ear / wood ear mushroom). Rich in water-soluble polysaccharides and beta-glucans that form a moisture-retaining hydrogel on skin. Similar to Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide in humectant function. Core ingredient in DAMDAM's Snow Mushroom Pore Cleanser.
An oat-derived extract well known for relieving itch and calming irritated, sensitive skin.
A concentrated extract derived from oat kernels (Avena sativa) rich in avenanthramides and beta-glucan, providing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-conditioning benefits; distinct from oat flour, colloidal oatmeal, and oat meal extract.
Oat kernel oil used to soften and calm dry, sensitive skin.
Proprietary thermal spring water from Avène, France (Pierre Fabre). Contains naturally occurring silica and a specific trace mineral balance tested for skin tolerability in sensitive and compromised skin.
A chemical filter that provides UVA protection.
A multitasker for redness, acne and pigmentation.
A synthetic phenolic antioxidant that prevents oxidation of oils and fats in cosmetic formulas, used at very low concentrations.
The fermentation product of Bacillus bacteria (typically B. subtilis or B. licheniformis), processed to yield a concentrated metabolite fraction. Rich in proteolytic enzymes (subtilisins), lipopeptides (iturin, surfactin), and bioactive peptides. In cosmetics, the enzyme content provides mild exfoliating activity while the lipopeptide fraction has antimicrobial and skin-conditioning properties. Distinct from Lactobacillus Ferment (lactic acid bacteria) and Saccharomyces Ferment.
A fermented soybean extract using Bacillus species bacteria. Fermentation by Bacillus transforms soy compounds, potentially enhancing isoflavone bioavailability and adding probiotic metabolites. Used in Sana's fermented lotion.
An extract from lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) leaves, rich in citral and phenolic compounds. Provides antimicrobial, antioxidant, and soothing properties; also imparts a lemon-like fragrance note.
Oil (fat) rendered from the subcutaneous adipose tissue of Meles meles (Eurasian badger). Composed primarily of oleic acid (~45%), palmitic acid (~28%), linoleic acid (~12%), and stearic acid (~8%). The fatty acid profile is broadly similar to human sebum, contributing to its skin compatibility as an emollient. Accepted as an INCI/CosIng entry (EU CosIng registered). Traditional ingredient in East Asian and Eastern European cosmetics; used in the Tosowoong Enzyme Powder Wash as a skin-conditioning agent.