The library

Ingredient library

Every ingredient SkinAtlas knows about — all 2402 of them. What each one does, what it works well with, and what to watch for.

All 2402 ingredients — page 84 of 101

Humectant
Serine

A naturally occurring amino acid that functions as a humectant and is a component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor.

humectantamino-acid
Attracts and retains moistureSupports the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF)
Antioxidant
Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Extract
Sesamum Indicum Seed Extract

An aqueous or hydroalcoholic extract from sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum) rich in lignans and polyphenols, used in cosmetics for antioxidant and skin-conditioning benefits, distinct from the fatty seed oil.

antioxidantskin-conditioningsoothing
Lignans (sesamol, sesamolin, sesamin) provide strong antioxidant protectionAnti-inflammatory polyphenols help calm reactive skinSkin-conditioning and mild moisturizing effect
Cross-reactivity possible in individuals with sesame allergy
Emollient
Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil

Cold-pressed oil from sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum), a traditional emollient rich in linoleic and oleic fatty acids and natural antioxidants including sesamol and tocopherols.

emollientskin-conditioningantioxidant
Softens and conditions skinRich in linoleic and oleic acidsContains natural antioxidant sesamol and tocopherols
Potential for allergy in sesame-sensitive individuals
Antioxidant
Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Sprout Extract
SESAMUM INDICUM SPROUT EXTRACT

An extract from germinated sesame (Sesamum indicum) sprouts. Sprouts are richer in antioxidant lignans and flavonoids than mature seeds. Used in luxury skincare for potent antioxidant and conditioning effects.

antioxidantskin-conditioninganti-aging
Rich in lignans (sesamin, sesamol) with strong antioxidant activity at sprout stageSkin-conditioning and protectiveDistinct from sesame seed oil — higher polyphenol content in sprouts
Sesame-derived — patch test for sesame allergy
+ Tocopherol+ Tocotrienols
Soothing
Setaria Italica Leaf Extract

An extract from the leaves of Setaria italica (foxtail millet / bottle grass), a grass species used in Korean cosmetics under the common trade name 'bottle grass leaf extract' for soothing and antioxidant properties.

soothingantioxidantskin conditioning
Soothes and calms irritated skinAntioxidant support from grass-derived phytochemicalsSkin conditioning
Emollient
Shea Butter
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter

A rich plant butter high in fatty acids.

SKIN CONDITIONINGVISCOSITY CONTROLLING
Deep softeningNourishes dry skin
Can feel heavy or pore-clogging for very oily skin
Emollient
Shea Butter Ethyl Esters
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Ethyl Esters

A lighter derivative of shea butter made by esterification with ethanol, providing emollient skin conditioning without the heavy feel of raw shea butter.

emollientskin conditioning
moisturizing and softening without greasinesslightweight emollient for skin conditioningderived from shea butter for barrier support
Emollient
Shea Butter Glycerides
SHEA BUTTER GLYCERIDES

Shea butter processed via glycerolysis to produce a more elegant, lighter-feeling emollient than traditional shea; retains the fatty acid and unsaponifiable fraction benefits.

emollientskin-conditioning
Softer, less waxy texture than raw shea butterDeeply conditions without heavinessRich in stearic and oleic acid
May be comedogenic for very acne-prone skin at high levels
+ Glycerin+ Ceramide NP
Antioxidant
Shikonin
SHIKONIN

A natural naphthoquinone pigment found in the roots of Lithospermum erythrorhizon and related plants. Has significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activity. Used as a natural colorant and functional active.

antioxidantanti-inflammatoryskin-conditioning
Potent antioxidant and free-radical scavengingAnti-inflammatoryNatural red/purple pigment
May cause photosensitivity at high concentrations; not suitable for leave-on sun-exposed formulas
+ Tocopherol+ Squalane
Emollient
Shorea Stenoptera Seed Butter

Illipe butter, a firm plant fat pressed from Shorea stenoptera seeds native to Borneo, used as a rich emollient with a high melting point.

emollientocclusive
Rich, high-melting-point butter that softens and forms a protective barrierHigh in stearic, oleic, and palmitic fatty acids for nourishment
Other
Silanetriol

A water-soluble organosilicon compound (methylsilanetriol) used in cosmetics to condition skin, form a lightweight film, and support moisture retention with a smooth, silky finish.

skin-conditioningfilm-formerhumectant
Conditions skin and hairForms a breathable, silky filmSupports collagen and elastin structure
Other
Silica

A fine silicon dioxide powder used as an absorbent, texture improver, and mild thickener in cosmetics.

absorbentthickeneropacifier
Absorbs oil and reduces shineImproves texture and slipHelps products feel smooth
Other
Silica Aluminum Hydroxide

A composite of silica and aluminum hydroxide used as a mild abrasive, absorbent, and texturizer in cosmetic formulas. Provides a silky, matte finish in sunscreens and color cosmetics.

absorbentabrasiveopacifier
Composite mineral powder providing gentle physical abrasion and oil absorptionUsed as a texturizing agent in sunscreens and skincare to improve spreadability and absorb excess sebum
Other
Silica Dimethyl Silylate

Hydrophobic fumed silica treated with dimethylsilyloxyl groups, used to thicken and gel oil-phase formulas and suspend pigments or mineral sunscreen particles in anhydrous systems.

thickenerabsorbentsuspending-agentanticaking
Thickens and stabilizes oil-based and anhydrous formulasSuspends pigments and mineral UV filtersGives a smooth, silky skin feel
Other
Silica Dimethylsilylate

Amorphous silica that has been surface-treated with dimethylsilylate groups, rendering it hydrophobic. The coating gives the particles a dry, non-clumping character and a smooth, powdery skin feel. Used in pressed powders, foundations, sunscreens, and primers to control shine, improve spreadability, and add a matte finish.

anticaking agentabsorbenttexture enhancerslip modifier
Imparts a dry, silky, powdery skin feelControls shine and absorbs excess sebumImproves flowability and dispersibility in powder and anhydrous formulations
Other
Silica Hydrate
HYDRATED SILICA

A hydrated form of silicon dioxide used as an absorbent, thickener, and soft-focus agent in sunscreens and BB creams.

absorbentthickenerpolishing
Soft-focus effect for smoother skin appearanceAbsorbs excess oil
+ Titanium Dioxide+ Dimethicone
Other
Silica Silylate

Hydrophobic fumed silica surface-treated with silyloxyl groups, used as a thickener, anticaking agent, and pigment suspending agent in anhydrous and sunscreen formulas.

thickenerabsorbentsuspending-agentanticaking
Thickens oil and silicone formulasSuspends pigments and mineral UV filtersProvides a smooth, powder-like skin feel
Humectant
Silk Amino Acids

The amino acid fraction obtained by hydrolysis of silk fibroin, the structural protein of silk from Bombyx mori silkworm cocoons. Rich in glycine (~46%), serine (~12%), and alanine (~29%). Distinct from 'Hydrolyzed Silk' (which refers to larger peptide fragments), though both are derived from the same source. Absorbs into skin to replenish NMF components and provides a smooth, slightly substantive skin feel.

humectantfilm-formingskin-conditioning
Low-molecular-weight amino acids from hydrolyzed silk fibroin absorb readily into skin, providing deep moisture bindingRich in serine, glycine, and alanine — skin-identical amino acids that act as natural moisturizing factor (NMF) componentsForms a light, semi-permeable film on the skin surface that reduces TEWL while retaining a non-tacky, smooth finish
Silk-derived — individuals with silk allergies or sensitivities should patch test
+ Sodium Hyaluronate+ Glycerin+ Panthenol
Humectant
Silk Extract

A silk-derived protein extract that hydrates and imparts a smooth, conditioned feel.

humectantconditioningfilm-forming
Attracts moistureConditions and smooths skinLeaves a soft, silky finish
Emollient
Silk Powder
SILK POWDER

Finely milled powder from Bombyx mori silk proteins. Imparts a silky, smooth feel to skin and cosmetic formulas; used in powders, foundations, and skincare for its texture-enhancing properties.

emollientskin-conditioningtexture enhancer
Silky smooth skin feelAbsorbs excess sebumSoft-focus optical effect
Rare allergy in individuals with silk hypersensitivity
+ Dimethicone+ Glycerin
Preservative
Silver Oxide
SILVER OXIDE

A silver compound with antimicrobial properties. Used in Kiku-Masamune's sake emulsion as a preservative/antimicrobial booster.

antimicrobialpreservative
Broad-spectrum antimicrobialLong-lasting antimicrobial activity
Potential sensitizer; argyria risk with prolonged systemic exposure (unlikely in topical use)
+ Phenoxyethanol
Antioxidant
Silybum Marianum Extract

Milk thistle extract rich in protective flavonoids.

antioxidant
Antioxidant protection
Emollient
Silybum Marianum Seed Oil

Oil cold-pressed from the seeds of milk thistle (Silybum marianum), a linoleic-acid-rich emollient with antioxidant silymarin flavonoids.

emollientantioxidantskin-conditioning
Softens and conditions skinHigh linoleic acid content supports the barrierNatural antioxidant silymarin flavonoids
Active
Smithsonite Extract

An extract derived from smithsonite, a zinc carbonate mineral, providing trace elements used in cosmetics for antioxidant, anti-glycation, and skin-conditioning activity.

antioxidantskin-conditioninganti-aging
Antioxidant protection from zinc-carbonate trace elementsProtects cell DNA from UV-induced oxidative damageAnti-glycation activity that helps maintain skin elasticity