cosmetic active ingredients

Ferulic Acid (Cosmetic Grade)

CAS: 1135-24-6

Ferulic acid is a potent plant-derived hydroxycinnamic acid antioxidant that not only neutralizes free radicals independently but also dramatically enhances the stability and efficacy of vitamins C and E, making it a cornerstone ingredient in antioxidant serums. It protects skin against UV-induced oxidative damage and has mild brightening and anti-aging properties. Used at 0.5–1% in vitamin C antioxidant serums.

cosmetic active ingredients

Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate

Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate is derived from fermentation of Galactomyces candidus (a yeast used in sake production), yielding a filtrate rich in vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and alpha-hydroxy acids that provide brightening, pore-minimizing, skin texture refining, and anti-aging benefits. It is the active ingredient in several iconic K-beauty essence products and is backed by extensive clinical evidence for improving overall skin clarity and luminosity. Used at 5–90% in brightening essences.

cosmetic active ingredients

Gluconolactone (PHA, Cosmetic Grade)

CAS: 90-80-2

Gluconolactone is a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that provides gentle exfoliation with simultaneous humectant moisturization and antioxidant properties, making it the ideal chemical exfoliant for sensitive, rosacea-prone, and post-procedure skin. Unlike AHAs and BHAs, PHAs have larger molecular size that limits deep penetration, resulting in surface-level exfoliation with far less irritation. Used at 5–12% in gentle exfoliating toners, serums, and cleansers.

cosmetic active ingredients

Glutathione (Cosmetic Grade)

CAS: 70-18-8

Glutathione is the body's master antioxidant tripeptide (gamma-glutamyl-cysteinyl-glycine), naturally present in all cells, that exerts potent skin brightening effects by switching melanin biosynthesis from dark eumelanin to lighter phaeomelanin, while also protecting skin from oxidative damage. It is particularly popular in Asian and global brightening skincare for its safe, effective, and multi-mechanistic whitening activity. Used at 0.1–2% in brightening serums and creams.

cosmetic active ingredients

Glycogen (Cosmetic Grade)

CAS: 9005-79-2

Glycogen is a highly branched polysaccharide serving as the primary energy storage molecule in animal cells, and in cosmetics functions as a skin energizing active that replenishes depleted cellular energy stores, enhances skin cell metabolism, promotes cell renewal, and provides moisturizing benefits through its hydroxyl-rich carbohydrate structure. It is particularly effective for fatigued, stressed, and energy-depleted skin. Used at 0.5–3% in energizing and revitalizing formulations.

cosmetic active ingredients

Glycolic Acid (Cosmetic Grade)

CAS: 79-14-1

Glycolic acid is the smallest and most potent alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), derived originally from sugarcane, with the deepest skin penetration of all AHAs due to its low molecular weight. It is the benchmark exfoliating acid in cosmetic formulations, effectively loosening intercellular bonds to remove dead skin cells, improve skin texture, stimulate collagen, and reduce hyperpigmentation. Used at 2–10% in leave-on products and up to 70% in professional peels.

cosmetic active ingredients

Green Tea Extract (EGCG, Cosmetic Grade)

CAS: 989-51-5

Green Tea Extract standardized to Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) is a polyphenol-rich antioxidant extract providing potent free radical scavenging, UV photoprotection, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer skin benefits. EGCG is the most bioactive catechin in green tea, inhibiting matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that degrade collagen and protecting skin DNA from UV damage. Used at 0.1–1% in antioxidant, photoprotective, and anti-aging formulations.

cosmetic active ingredients

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid (Low MW HA)

CAS: 9004-61-9

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid consists of low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid fragments (typically 5–50 kDa or smaller) produced by enzymatic or chemical hydrolysis of high-molecular-weight HA, enabling deeper skin penetration to the viable epidermis and upper dermis where they provide hydration, stimulate HA synthesis, and offer anti-inflammatory benefits. Unlike standard HMW HA that sits on the skin surface, hydrolyzed HA acts at multiple skin layers. Used at 0.01–1% in deep-hydrating formulations.

cosmetic active ingredients

Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR)

CAS: 893412-73-2

Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR) is a next-generation retinoic acid ester that binds directly to retinoid receptors in the skin without requiring enzymatic conversion, delivering retinoic acid-like efficacy with dramatically reduced irritation and photosensitivity. It is considered one of the gentlest yet most effective retinoids available for cosmetic use. Ideal for sensitive skin formulations at 0.01–0.1%.

cosmetic active ingredients

Lactic Acid (Cosmetic Grade)

CAS: 50-21-5

Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in milk, known for its dual action as a chemical exfoliant that loosens desmosomal bonds between corneocytes and as a natural moisturizing factor (NMF) that hydrates the skin by attracting and retaining water. Its larger molecular size compared to glycolic acid makes it gentler and more suitable for regular use on sensitive skin. Used at 2–12% in exfoliating toners, serums, and moisturizers.

cosmetic active ingredients

Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate

Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate is produced by fermenting and lysing Lactobacillus bacteria, yielding a complex mixture of peptidoglycans, lipoteichoic acids, proteins, and organic acids (especially lactic acid) that support the skin microbiome balance, reinforce the skin barrier, reduce inflammation, and modulate immune responses. It is a core probiotic-derived ingredient in microbiome-friendly skincare. Used at 0.5–5% in microbiome-balancing and barrier-supporting formulations.

cosmetic active ingredients

Lactobionic Acid (PHA, Cosmetic Grade)

CAS: 96-82-2

Lactobionic Acid is a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) formed from gluconic acid and galactose, providing the gentlest form of chemical exfoliation available while simultaneously acting as a potent humectant due to its multiple hydroxyl groups that bind water. It also chelates metal ions for antioxidant protection, making it ideal for compromised, dry, and sensitive skin seeking exfoliation benefits without irritation. Used at 5–15% in ultra-gentle exfoliating and moisturizing formulations.

cosmetic active ingredients

Licorice Root Extract (Glycyrrhiza Glabra)

CAS: 97676-23-8

Licorice Root Extract from Glycyrrhiza glabra is standardized for glabridin and glycyrrhizin, powerful brightening and anti-inflammatory compounds that inhibit tyrosinase and prostaglandin production to reduce hyperpigmentation, redness, and skin irritation. Glabridin specifically inhibits UVB-induced melanogenesis, making it a particularly effective brightener for sun-induced dark spots. Used at 0.5–2% in brightening, anti-inflammatory, and sensitive-skin formulations.

cosmetic active ingredients

Mandelic Acid (Cosmetic Grade)

CAS: 611-71-2

Mandelic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from bitter almonds, prized for its larger molecular size that results in slower, gentler skin penetration compared to glycolic acid, making it the preferred AHA for sensitive, darker, and acne-prone skin types. It provides exfoliation, brightening, and mild anti-bacterial benefits simultaneously. Used at 5–15% in exfoliating toners, serums, and peels.

cosmetic active ingredients

N-Acetyl Glucosamine (NAG, Cosmetic Grade)

CAS: 7512-17-6

N-Acetyl Glucosamine (NAG) is an aminosaccharide that serves as a precursor to hyaluronic acid biosynthesis in the skin and also inhibits tyrosinase glycosylation to reduce melanin production. It provides dual benefits of enhanced skin hydration (via HA stimulation) and skin brightening (via melanin inhibition), making it a uniquely multifunctional active. Used at 2–4% in brightening moisturizing formulations, especially effective in combination with niacinamide.

cosmetic active ingredients

Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl)

CAS: 214047-00-4

Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl) is a palmitoylated lysine-threonine-threonine-lysine-serine (KTTKS) peptide derived from the C-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen, that stimulates dermal fibroblasts to synthesize collagen, elastin, and fibronectin, effectively reducing wrinkle volume and depth. It is one of the most research-supported peptide actives in cosmetics. Used at 3–8 ppm (active) in anti-aging serums and creams.

cosmetic active ingredients

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1

CAS: 147732-56-7

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is a synthetic glycine-histidine-lysine (GHK) peptide derivatized with a palmitoyl group for enhanced skin penetration, acting as a messenger peptide that signals fibroblasts to produce collagen I and III and activates metalloproteinase inhibitors to prevent collagen degradation. Together with Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, it forms Matrixyl 3000, one of the most effective anti-aging peptide combinations available. Used at 2–5 ppm in anti-aging formulations.

cosmetic active ingredients

Phytic Acid (Cosmetic Grade)

CAS: 83-86-3

Phytic acid is a naturally derived chelating agent and antioxidant found in plant seeds, used in skincare for its ability to chelate metal ions that trigger melanin overproduction and oxidative stress, resulting in brightening, antioxidant, and mild exfoliating effects. It acts synergistically with other brightening agents like vitamin C and niacinamide. Used at 1–3% in brightening serums, toners, and anti-oxidant formulations.

cosmetic active ingredients

Phytosphingosine

CAS: 554-62-1

Phytosphingosine is a naturally occurring sphingoid base found in yeast and human skin, with potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that reduce acne-causing bacteria and skin inflammation while also acting as a ceramide precursor to reinforce the epidermal lipid barrier. It combines anti-acne, barrier-building, and calming functionalities in a single ingredient. Used at 0.01–0.2% in acne, sensitive, and barrier-repairing formulations.

cosmetic active ingredients

Polyglutamic Acid (PGA, Cosmetic Grade)

CAS: 25513-46-6

Polyglutamic Acid (PGA) is a naturally fermented biopolymer produced by Bacillus subtilis natto, renowned as a super-humectant with moisture retention capacity 5–10x greater than hyaluronic acid due to its film-forming properties and ability to inhibit hyaluronidase (the enzyme that degrades HA in skin). It simultaneously hydrates skin, prolongs HA activity, and improves skin barrier function. Used at 0.05–2% in hydrating serums and moisturizers.

cosmetic active ingredients

Retinaldehyde (Retinal)

CAS: 116-31-4

Retinaldehyde is the aldehyde form of vitamin A, positioned one step closer to retinoic acid than retinol, delivering faster and more potent anti-aging activity with less conversion required in the skin. It combines strong efficacy with good tolerability, making it suitable for users who want retinol-level results with reduced irritation. Used at 0.01–0.1% in premium anti-aging formulations.

cosmetic active ingredients

Retinol (Pure Vitamin A)

CAS: 68-26-8

Retinol is the gold-standard form of vitamin A used in anti-aging skincare, promoting cell turnover, stimulating collagen synthesis, and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. As a pure active ingredient, it converts to retinoic acid in the skin to exert its biological effects. It is widely used in serums, creams, and night treatments at concentrations of 0.01–1%.

cosmetic active ingredients

Saccharomyces Lysate Extract

Saccharomyces Lysate Extract is derived from lysing Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker's yeast) cells, releasing intracellular contents including beta-glucan, nucleic acids, proteins, vitamins, and enzymatic cofactors that stimulate skin cell metabolism and repair processes. It activates DNA repair mechanisms in damaged skin cells, promotes cellular renewal, and provides immunostimulatory benefits for improved skin defense and recovery. Used at 1–5% in skin repair and anti-aging formulations.

cosmetic active ingredients

Salicylic Acid (Cosmetic Grade)

CAS: 69-72-7

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) with unique oil-solubility that allows it to penetrate into pores and exfoliate from within, making it the most effective topical ingredient for acne treatment, blackhead removal, and oily skin management. It also has anti-inflammatory and mild antimicrobial properties. Used at 0.5–2% in leave-on acne treatments and up to 30% in professional chemical peels.