17 ingredients
Skin Conditioning Agent
Explore all 17 ingredients in the Skin Conditioning Agent category. Learn about their benefits and find products that contain them.
Bacillus Ferment
Bacillus Ferment is a postbiotic ingredient produced by the controlled fermentation of Bacillus bacteria (commonly Bacillus subtilis or Bacillus licheniformis) in water-based solutions. During fermentation, the bacteria release a complex mixture of enzymes (proteases, lipases, amylases), peptides, amino acids, and sugars, which are then filtered, purified, and stabilised for cosmetic use. It functions primarily as a skin-conditioning agent and microbiome-supportive ingredient that softens skin, reinforces the moisture barrier, and may provide mild enzymatic exfoliation depending on the strain used.
Learn more →Darutoside
Darutoside is a plant-derived diterpene glycoside extracted primarily from Siegesbeckia orientalis (St. Paul's wort), a shrub used in traditional Asian medicine. It functions as a skin conditioning agent that stimulates collagen and elastin production, promotes wound healing by facilitating fibroblast migration, and exerts anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting NF-κB signalling pathways. Its structural similarity to triterpenes found in Centella asiatica accounts for its tissue-regenerating and matrix-rebuilding properties.
Learn more →Saccharomyces Ferment
Saccharomyces ferment is a skin conditioning ingredient derived from the fermentation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker's/brewer's yeast). The fermentation process produces a complex mixture rich in amino acids, peptides, vitamins (particularly B vitamins), minerals, beta-glucans, and enzymes. It functions as a humectant and skin conditioning agent, helping to hydrate, soothe, and strengthen the skin barrier. It is also used in natural deodorant formulations due to its enzymatic ability to bio-convert odour-causing compounds.
Learn more →Glucomannan
Glucomannan is a water-soluble polysaccharide derived from the konjac plant (Amorphophallus konjac). It has exceptional water-absorbing capacity and is used in skincare as a humectant, film-forming agent, and skin protectant. In cosmetic formulations, it can form plumping microspheres that expand when exposed to skin moisture, helping to temporarily reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Learn more →Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract is derived from the fruit of Gardenia florida L. (cape jasmine, family Rubiaceae), a flowering plant native to Asia and widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. The extract is rich in iridoid glycosides (genipin, gardenoside, geniposide) and carotenoids (crocin), which confer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In cosmetics it functions primarily as a skin conditioning agent, helping to soothe inflammation, protect against oxidative stress from environmental aggressors such as pollution and blue light, and support overall skin health.
Learn more →1-Methylhydanto- in-2-Imide
1-Methylhydantoin-2-Imide is chemically identical to creatinine, a naturally occurring metabolite found in skin and muscle tissue. In cosmetics it functions as a skin-conditioning agent, helping to maintain skin hydration and support the skin's natural moisture balance.
Learn more →Rosa Damascena Flower Water
Rosa Damascena Flower Water is an aqueous solution of the steam distillate obtained from the flowers of the Damask rose (Rosa damascena). It is commonly used in cosmetics as a skin conditioning agent, fragrance, and toner, and contains trace volatile aromatic compounds responsible for its characteristic floral scent. While widely marketed for calming and hydrating benefits, evidence for these effects beyond its fragrance contribution is limited.
Learn more →Hexyl Nicotinate
Hexyl nicotinate is a hexyl ester of nicotinic acid (vitamin B3/niacin). It functions as an emollient and is known to increase local blood flow when applied topically, producing a warming or flushing sensation. This vasodilatory effect can improve the delivery of other active ingredients and give skin a temporary healthy glow.
Learn more →Fraxinus Excelsior Bark Extract
Fraxinus Excelsior Bark Extract is derived from the bark of the European ash tree (Fraxinus excelsior L., family Oleaceae). It is rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, including esculin and fraxin, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is commonly used in eye contour products where it helps reduce puffiness, dark circles, and signs of fatigue around the delicate eye area.
Learn more →Yeast Extract
Yeast Extract (INCI: Faex) is derived from the fermentation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast. It appears as a silky clear liquid and is rich in beta-glucans, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. It functions as a moisturiser, skin protectant, and film-forming agent, supporting skin hydration and barrier function. It is widely used by premium brands including La Mer, Clinique, and The Ordinary.
Learn more →Glycoproteins
Glycoproteins are proteins with carbohydrate (sugar) chains attached, typically derived from bovine whey in cosmetic formulations. They function as skin and hair conditioning agents, helping to support cell communication, moisture retention, and overall skin health. They are valued for their signalling and regenerative properties.
Learn more →Zinc Chloride
Zinc chloride is an inorganic salt of zinc with soothing and astringent properties. In cosmetics, it is primarily used for its skin-soothing, oral care, and mild antimicrobial effects. It is commonly found in hair care products, scalp treatments, and acne-control formulations.
Learn more →Carnitine
Carnitine (L-carnitine) is a naturally occurring amino acid derivative that plays a key role in cellular energy metabolism. In skincare, it is valued for its ability to regulate sebum secretion, with clinical studies demonstrating that topical L-carnitine effectively reduces sebum production in human skin.
Learn more →Asiatic Acid
Asiatic acid is a pentacyclic triterpene compound derived from Centella asiatica (gotu kola). Research demonstrates it stimulates glycosaminoglycan (GAG) production and collagen I synthesis, contributing to skin hydration, wound healing, and structural support. It works synergistically with asiaticoside, madecassic acid, and madecassoside.
Learn more →Madecassic Acid
Madecassic acid is one of the principal triterpene compounds found in Centella asiatica (gotu kola). It stimulates collagen I synthesis and extracellular matrix accumulation, promoting wound healing, skin repair, and anti-ageing effects. It works synergistically with asiaticoside, asiatic acid, and madecassoside.
Learn more →Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid
Hydroxyphenyl propamidobenzoic acid is a synthetic skin-conditioning ingredient that mimics avenanthramides, the active soothing compounds found naturally in oat extract. It functions as an anti-irritant and anti-itch molecule, making it particularly effective in formulations for sensitive, reactive, or irritated skin.
Learn more →Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract
Pseudoalteromonas ferment extract is a biotechnologically produced ingredient created through fermentation of marine bacteria native to the Antarctic Ocean. It functions as a humectant, soothing agent, and mattifier. In-vivo testing showed that at 1% concentration it increased hydration by 14.8% in cold conditions, while 5% formulations reduced eye wrinkle depth by 44%.
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