The library

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.

All 2178 ingredients — page 9 of 91

Active
Bakuchiol

A plant-derived ingredient with retinol-like benefits and less irritation.

Smooths fine linesGentler than retinoidsPregnancy-friendly alternative
+ Niacinamide
Soothing
Bambusa Vulgaris Extract

Extract from Bambusa vulgaris (common bamboo) stem, leaves, or sap. One of the most commonly used bamboo species in K-beauty. Contains colloidal silica (bamboo silica), flavonoids, and phenolic acids. Distinct from Bambusa Vulgaris Juice (fresh sap) and Bambusa Vulgaris Stem Extract — the extract may derive from stems or leaves depending on the manufacturer. Used in soothing and brightening formulas.

soothingantioxidantskin-conditioning
Rich in colloidal silica and flavonoids, providing antioxidant protection and a smoothing effect on skin textureGentle soothing activity from phenolic acids makes it suitable for sensitive and reactive skin formulasHigh silica content may help reinforce skin's structural matrix and improve skin luminosity
+ Centella Asiatica Extract+ Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice+ Allantoin
Antioxidant
Bambusa Vulgaris Leaf/Stem Extract

Bambusa Vulgaris Leaf/Stem Extract is derived from the leaves and stems of common bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris). The extract is rich in phenolic antioxidants (ferulic acid, flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acids) and silica. Bamboo silica is often cited in connection with skin elasticity and collagen support, though rigorous topical clinical data is limited. Used in Korean and Japanese skincare as an antioxidant botanical with toning and skin-conditioning properties.

antioxidantskin-conditioningsoothing
Bamboo leaf and stem extract delivers hydroxycinnamic acids (ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid), flavonoids, and phenolic glycosides with documented free-radical scavenging activityRich in silica (as water-soluble silicic acid forms) — bamboo is one of the highest plant sources of bioavailable silica, associated with collagen support and skin elasticity claimsMild astringent and pore-tightening effect from tannin content in the leaf/stem fraction
+ Niacinamide+ Centella Asiatica Extract+ Tocopherol
Soothing
Bambusa Vulgaris Water

Water extracted from Bambusa vulgaris (common bamboo), used in cosmetics as a lightweight soothing and conditioning agent naturally rich in silica and polysaccharides.

soothinghumectantskin-conditioning
Soothes and calms skinLight hydrationRich in silica for skin-conditioning
Antioxidant
Baobab Fruit Extract
Adansonia Digitata Fruit Extract

An extract from the fruit of the baobab tree rich in polyphenols, vitamin C, and polysaccharides, used for antioxidant protection and skin conditioning.

antioxidanthumectant
Rich in vitamin C and antioxidantsHydrates and conditions skin
Other
Baptisia Tinctoria Root Extract

An extract from the root of Baptisia tinctoria (wild indigo), containing isoflavonoids and alkaloids that provide antimicrobial, immunomodulating, and skin-conditioning properties in topical formulations.

antimicrobialskin-conditioningimmunomodulating
Isoflavonoid constituents provide mild antimicrobial and immunomodulating effectsSkin-conditioning properties help improve skin textureAnti-inflammatory activity supports calm, balanced skin
Limited cosmetic use data; the whole root is toxic if ingested — cosmetic extracts at standard concentrations are considered safe for topical use
Other
Barium Sulfate
BARIUM SULFATE

An inorganic mineral (barite) used in cosmetics as an opacifier and to provide a brightening, luminous effect. Used in Elixir Reflet Oshiroi Milk SPF50+ to create a 'white milk' appearance and contribute to UV reflection.

opacifiercolorantUV-attenuator
Provides opacity and luminosity in sunscreen formulasUV-reflecting mineral
+ Titanium Dioxide+ Zinc Oxide
Soothing
Barosma Betulina Leaf Extract

Extract from the leaves of Barosma betulina (Buchu), a South African shrub. Contains diosphenol (buchu camphor), flavonoids, and volatile oils. Used in prestige skincare for its soothing and antimicrobial properties.

anti-inflammatoryantimicrobialskin-conditioning
Anti-inflammatory compounds calm redness and irritationAntimicrobial properties support a balanced skin microenvironmentTraditional South African botanical with long use in skin wellness
+ Panthenol+ Allantoin
Emollient
Batyl Alcohol

A glyceryl monoether (alkylglycerol) used as a skin-conditioning emollient and emulsion stabilizer in creams and lotions.

emollientemulsion-stabilizer
Conditions and softens skinStabilizes emulsions and improves texture
Active
Bee Venom

A bee-derived active marketed for temporary firming, but a significant allergen for sting-sensitive users.

active
May stimulate circulation and a temporary firming effectMarketed for a plumping, smoothing appearance
Potent allergen — avoid if allergic to bee stingsCan trigger irritation or allergic reactions
Emollient
Beeswax
Cera Alba

A natural wax secreted by honey bees (INCI: Cera Alba) used as an occlusive emollient, emulsifier, and thickening agent in balms, creams, and lipsticks.

emollientemulsifierthickener
Creates a soft occlusive film to reduce water lossSoftens and conditions skinAdds structure and body to balms and creams
Animal-derived — not vegan
Surfactant
Beheneth-20

A polyethylene glycol ether of behenic acid (C22 fatty acid) used as a mild nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer in creams and lotions.

emulsifiersolubilizer
Gentle, nonionic emulsificationHelps blend oil and water components
Emollient
Behenic Acid
BEHENIC ACID

A 22-carbon saturated long-chain fatty acid. Forms the free acid component paired with bases to create soap-like emulsifiers in luxury creams and serums. Found naturally in small amounts in rapeseed and peanut oil.

emollientthickeneremulsifier
Provides rich, creamy emollient textureHelps stabilise emulsions
+ Behenyl Alcohol+ Potassium Hydroxide
Surfactant
Behentrimonium Methosulfate

A cationic quaternary ammonium emulsifier derived from rapeseed oil that combines emulsifying and skin/hair conditioning properties in a single ingredient.

emulsifierconditioning
Cationic self-emulsifier — blends oil and water while conditioning simultaneouslyLeaves a soft, powdery feel on skin and excellent detangling on hairDerived from rapeseed oil
Emollient
Behenyl Alcohol

A long-chain (C22) fatty alcohol that softens skin and acts as an emulsifier and thickener in creams and lotions.

emollientemulsifierthickener
Softens and conditions skinStabilizes and thickens creams and lotions
Soothing
Bellis Perennis Flower Extract

An extract of the common daisy (Bellis perennis) flower, used in cosmetics for its soothing and antioxidant properties.

soothingantioxidant
Soothes and calms skinAntioxidant protection from flavonoids
May cause reactions in individuals with Asteraceae/daisy family allergies
Other
Bentonite

A naturally occurring smectite clay mineral primarily composed of montmorillonite, used in cosmetics as an absorbent, thickener, and pore-cleansing agent in wash-off and clay mask formulations.

absorbentviscosity-increasingskin-cleansingopacifier
Adsorbs excess sebum and impurities from skin and poresThickens and stabilizes clay mask formulationsProvides a pore-cleansing, mattifying effect
Can be drying with frequent use or in high concentrations
Preservative
Benzoic Acid

An aromatic acid used as a cosmetic preservative and pH adjuster, effective in acidic formulas; the free-acid form of sodium benzoate.

preservativeph-adjuster
Broad-spectrum antimicrobial preservationEffective in acidic formulas
Can cause non-immunologic contact urticaria (flushing/stinging) in some individuals, especially in products for infantsCIR and SCCS deem safe up to 2.5% rinse-off and 0.5% leave-on; manufacturers advised caution in infant products
UV filter
Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol

An oil-soluble broadband UV absorber (Ashland Escalol HP) with antioxidant character, used in cosmetics to protect formulations from UV-induced photo-oxidation; not listed in EU Annex VI as an approved sunscreen active for skin protection claims.

uv-filteruv-absorberantioxidant
Broadband UV absorber covering both UVA and UVB wavelengthsOil- and alcohol-soluble; high photostabilityProtects light-sensitive cosmetic ingredients (colorants, fragrances, retinoids) from photo-oxidation
Not listed in EU Annex VI as an approved UV filter for sun protection claimsNot FDA-approved as an OTC sunscreen active
Preservative
Benzyl Alcohol

A dual-function aromatic alcohol used as a preservative (max 1% EU) and fragrance solvent; also a listed fragrance allergen requiring label disclosure.

preservativefragrantsolvent
Broad-spectrum preservation against bacteria and yeastsCan serve as a solvent for fragrances
EU-regulated fragrance allergen (Annex III) — must be declared on-label above 0.001% in leave-on and 0.01% in rinse-off productsCan cause allergic contact dermatitis in sensitized individuals
Fragrance
Benzyl Benzoate

A fragrance compound and solvent that is one of the 26 EU-declarable fragrance allergens, requiring label disclosure above defined concentration thresholds.

fragrantsolvent
Contributes fragrance; also used as a solvent for other fragrance components
One of the 26 EU-regulated fragrance allergens; must be labeled above 0.001% in leave-on and 0.01% in rinse-off productsIncluded in Annex III of EU Cosmetics Regulation (EU) 1223/2009 and updated by Regulation (EU) 2023/1545
Fragrance
Benzyl Cinnamate

An ester of benzyl alcohol and cinnamic acid with a sweet, balsamic-spicy fragrance. Naturally occurring in Peru balsam and other plant resins. Listed as a fragrance allergen under EU Cosmetics Regulation requiring declaration on labels above 0.01%.

fragrance
Sweet, balsamic, slightly spicy fragrance compound found naturally in Peru balsam, Tolu balsam, and cinnamon
EU-listed fragrance allergen (must be declared on labels above 0.01% in leave-on products)Potential for sensitization — not recommended for very sensitive skin
Solvent / vehicle
Benzyl Glycol

A benzylic glycol solvent used in cosmetics to dissolve fragrance and other actives, with mild humectant and preservative-boosting properties.

solventhumectantpreservative-booster
Solvent for fragrance and activesLight humectant hydrationSupports preservation
Fragrance
Benzyl Salicylate

A naturally occurring and synthetic fragrance ester with a soft, floral-balsamic scent that is one of the 26 EU-declarable fragrance allergens.

fragrant
Contributes a sweet, faintly floral-balsamic fragrance note
One of the 26 EU-regulated fragrance allergens; must be labeled above 0.001% in leave-on and 0.01% in rinse-off products (EU Annex III entry 75)Sensitization risk for fragrance-allergic individuals; SCCS concluded safe at IFRA-compliant concentrations