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.
Mineral-rich volcanic soil/ash used in cosmetics as a natural oil-absorbing and mildly exfoliating ingredient.
A high molecular weight, pseudo-cationic copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate used as a film-former and binding agent in cosmetic formulas.
A synthetic copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and eicosene that forms a flexible, water-resistant film on skin and hair.
The base solvent in most water-phase formulas.
Wheat Amino Acids is a mixture of amino acids derived from the hydrolysis of wheat gliadin or gluten proteins. The amino acid profile of wheat protein is rich in glutamic acid/glutamine, proline, and glycine — all components of the natural moisturizing factor and collagen. In cosmetics it functions as a conditioning humectant that replenishes stratum corneum amino acid content and contributes mild film-forming properties.
A nutrient-rich oil cold-pressed from wheat kernels high in vitamin E (tocopherols), essential fatty acids, and carotenoids that conditions and protects the skin.
A vitamin-C- and polyphenol-rich berry extract used as an antioxidant and conditioning agent.
Extract from fermented grape wine, concentrated to preserve its antioxidant polyphenol complex (resveratrol, quercetin, anthocyanins, tartaric acid). Used in K-beauty exfoliating and brightening formulas as an antioxidant active, most famously in NEOGEN's Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Wine series.
A natural polysaccharide used to thicken and stabilize.
An extract from the fruit of Xanthium strumarium (cocklebur), used in traditional Korean medicine and modern cosmetics for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties at cosmetically safe concentrations.
Xanthophylls are a subclass of carotenoids characterized by the presence of oxygen-containing functional groups (hydroxyl, epoxide, carbonyl). Examples include lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-cryptoxanthin, and astaxanthin. In cosmetics, xanthophylls serve as lipid-soluble antioxidants that protect the stratum corneum and underlying skin layers from UV-induced and free-radical oxidative damage. They are used in brightening and anti-aging formulas as part of broad antioxidant complexes.
Cold-pressed oil from the seeds of Ximenia americana (wild plum), a tree native to Africa and the Americas. One of the richest plant sources of nervonic acid, a long-chain fatty acid involved in myelin synthesis and skin barrier maintenance. Imparts a rich, conditioning texture.
A plant-derived sugar alcohol that hydrates skin and supports its moisture barrier.
A xylitol ester of caprylic acid used as an emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent with natural antimicrobial properties, common in deodorant and skincare formulas.
A glucoside of xylitol used as a humectant, typically combined with anhydroxylitol and xylitol in the Actimoist moisturizing complex.
A complex mixture of proteins, peptides, amino acids, vitamins, and polysaccharides derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast, used as a skin-conditioning and protecting active.
A fermented extract of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) containing fermentation-derived amino acids, vitamins, and bioactives; the key brightening active in Missha Time Revolution First Essence, distinct from plain yeast extract or specific filtrate forms.
Polypeptides (short-to-medium chain protein fragments) derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast, used as film-forming and skin-conditioning agents in premium formulas.
A fermentation filtrate produced by culturing yeast with cherry blossom (Prunus serrulata / sakura) juice. Used in premium Japanese skincare for brightening and skin-conditioning properties.
A synthetic azo dye (tartrazine) used as a yellow colorant in cosmetics and personal care products, approved under EU and US cosmetic regulations.
A synthetic yellow azo dye (CI 15985 / FD&C Yellow No. 6 / Sunset Yellow FCF) used as a cosmetic colorant in skincare and makeup products.
Extract from the pericarp of Zanthoxylum piperitum (Japanese pepper / Sansho). Used in Japanese traditional medicine. Contains alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenes with soothing and antioxidant properties.
Extract from the leaves of Zanthoxylum schinifolium, a flowering shrub of the Rutaceae family native to East Asia (Korea, Japan, China). The genus Zanthoxylum (pepper trees) is used extensively in traditional medicine — the leaf extract contains alkaloids (chelerythrine, magnoflorine), lignans, and flavonoids with documented antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. Appears in K-beauty acne and trouble-care formulas alongside other botanical actives.
A fixed vegetable oil cold-pressed from the germ of corn (Zea mays), used as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent in cleansing oils and moisturizers.