The Ingredients Directory.
Miko tracks 58 active ingredients across 14 chemistry families. Every active carries its dedicated color token — because color is information, not decoration.
Decode Any Cosmetic Ingredient List
Active Ingredients Directory
Every molecule decoded with clinical mechanisms, pH bounds, and routine placement
Cell Turnover / Retinoids
7 ActivesRetinol
Over-the-counter vitamin A derivative that converts into retinoic acid to accelerate epidermal transit time.
Retinaldehyde (Retinal)
The direct precursor to retinoic acid, requiring only a single enzymatic conversion step for up to 11x faster turnover.
Tretinoin (All-Trans Retinoic Acid)
Prescription-strength active retinoic acid that binds directly to nuclear receptors without requiring metabolic conversion.
Adapalene
A photostable, lipophilic third-generation naphthoic acid retinoid engineered specifically for follicular comedolytic targeting.
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR)
An advanced retinoic acid ester that directly binds retinoid receptors with drastically reduced cutaneous irritation.
Tazarotene
A potent acetylenic prodrug retinoid with rapid receptor-binding kinetics, used for plaque psoriasis and stubborn acne.
Bakuchiol
A plant-derived meroterpene phenol that acts as a functional retinoid analog without structural vitamin A similarities.
Direct Acids & Exfoliants
8 ActivesGlycolic Acid (AHA)
The smallest molecular weight alpha-hydroxy acid (76 Da), penetrating deeply to loosen stratum corneum cohesion.
Lactic Acid (AHA)
A gentle 90 Da alpha-hydroxy acid with inherent humectant properties that exfoliates while restoring Natural Moisturizing Factor.
Salicylic Acid (BHA)
A lipid-soluble beta-hydroxy acid capable of penetrating through sebum into follicular pore linings to clear comedones.
Mandelic Acid (AHA)
A large 152 Da aromatic alpha-hydroxy acid with gentle penetration kinetics and natural antimicrobial properties.
Gluconolactone (PHA)
A multi-hydroxy polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that provides gentle micro-exfoliation while shielding against UV-induced free radicals.
Lactobionic Acid (Bionic Acid)
A third-generation bionic acid composed of gluconic acid and galactose, functioning as a powerful gel-forming antioxidant matrix.
Benzoyl Peroxide
A fast-acting lipophilic oxidizing agent that introduces reactive oxygen into pores to kill anaerobic Cutibacterium acnes bacteria.
Betaine Salicylate
A gentle equimolar combination of salicylic acid and sugar-beet betaine, popular in Korean skincare as a buffered BHA.
Direct Antioxidants
7 ActivesL-Ascorbic Acid (Pure Vitamin C)
The gold-standard biological antioxidant that scavenges reactive oxygen species and serves as an essential cofactor for collagen synthesis.
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
An etherified, amphiphilic vitamin C derivative that retains high oxidative stability across a broad physiological pH range.
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (THD)
An oil-soluble tetra-ester of ascorbic acid that integrates seamlessly into skin lipid lamellae for deep dermal penetration.
Ascorbyl Glucoside
A water-soluble glucose-stabilized vitamin C that releases active ascorbic acid continuously via alpha-glucosidase enzymes.
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP)
A stable water-soluble salt of vitamin C clinically proven to inhibit squalene oxidation and suppress C. acnes proliferation.
Ferulic Acid
A plant-derived hydroxycinnamic acid that doubles the photoprotective and chemical stability of vitamins C and E.
Resveratrol
A potent phytoalexin polyphenol that stimulates endogenous cellular antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase.
Lipid Barrier Replenishment
5 ActivesCeramides (NP, AP, EOP)
Endogenous sphingolipids constituting over 50% of the stratum corneum intercellular lipid lamellae.
Physiological Cholesterol
An essential structural sterol required to maintain optimal fluidity and flexibility in the intercellular lipid bilayer.
Phytosphingosine
A natural precursor of ceramides possessing intrinsic antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity against micro-organisms.
Squalane (Biocompatible Hydrocarbon)
A 100% saturated, non-comedogenic hydrogenated hydrocarbon identical to natural human sebum squalene.
Linoleic Acid (Omega-6 EFA)
An essential polyunsaturated fatty acid essential for acylceramide synthesis, frequently deficient in acne-prone sebum.
Osmolytes & Humectants
6 ActivesHyaluronic Acid & Multi-Weight Polyols
High- and low-molecular weight glycosaminoglycan humectants holding up to 1,000 times their molecular weight in water.
Glycerin (Glycerol)
The gold-standard physiological triol humectant that maintains aquaporin-3 water channels and stabilizes protein conformations.
Polyglutamic Acid (PGA)
A water-soluble biopolymer derived from fermented soybeans holding up to 4x to 5x more water than hyaluronic acid.
Beta-Glucan
A natural branched polysaccharide derived from oats or yeast that deeply hydrates while activating macrophage healing.
Panthenol (Provitamin B5)
The stable alcohol analog of pantothenic acid that accelerates epidermal re-epithelialization and soothes pruritus.
Urea (5%–10%)
An endogenous natural moisturizing factor component that dissolves keratolytic scaling while drawing water into corneum cells.
Signaling Peptides & Matrikines
4 ActivesSignal Peptides (Matrixyl 3000)
Palmitoylated messenger matrikines that signal dermal fibroblasts to replenish collagen types I, IV, and hyaluronic acid.
Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu)
A naturally occurring tripeptide complexed with copper(II) ions that orchestrates tissue remodeling and antioxidant protection.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline)
A biomimetic peptide designed to attenuate facial muscle contractions that contribute to repetitive expression lines.
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl)
The classic procollagen peptide fragment (KTTKS) linked to palmitic acid for enhanced cutaneous bioavailability.
Barrier Cofactors & Brighteners
9 ActivesNiacinamide (Vitamin B3)
A water-soluble B3 amide essential for cellular energy metabolism (NAD+/NADP+), sebum regulation, and ceramide synthesis.
Azelaic Acid (10%–15%)
A multifunctional naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid with comedolytic, antibacterial, and selective tyrosinase-inhibiting properties.
Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate (PAD)
A water-soluble azelaic acid derivative synthesized with glycine, providing superior sebum normalization in ultra-lightweight serums.
Tranexamic Acid (Topical)
A synthetic amino acid lysine analog that interrupts communication between melanocytes and keratinocytes triggered by UV damage.
Alpha-Arbutin
A naturally occurring glucopyranoside that exerts competitive, reversible inhibition on tyrosinase without cytotoxicity.
Kojic Acid
A fungal metabolite produced during koji fermentation that chelates the essential copper atom in tyrosinase.
Licorice Root Extract (Glabridin)
A botanical extract rich in glabridin and licochalcone A that inhibits tyrosinase while scavenging superoxide free radicals.
Hydroquinone (2%–4%)
The historical gold-standard prescription tyrosinase competitor that exerts selective cytotoxicity on active melanocytes.
Zinc PCA
A physiological zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid that down-regulates 5-alpha reductase to control excessive midday sebum.
Anti-Erythema & Extremolytes
6 ActivesColloidal Sulfur
An elemental mineral active providing gentle keratolytic and antimicrobial relief for acne, rosacea, and seborrheic dermatitis.
Centella Asiatica & Madecassoside
A medicinal herb containing purified triterpenoid saponins that extinguish inflammatory cascades and stimulate fibronectin.
Ectoin (Extremolyte)
A natural amino acid derivative produced by halophilic extremophiles that forms a compact protective hydration shell around proteins.
Allantoin
A botanical compound naturally present in comfrey that accelerates physiological desquamation while soothing irritated tissue.
Alpha-Bisabolol
A soothing monocyclic sesquiterpene alcohol purified from chamomile that reduces cutaneous redness without allergen terpenes.
Colloidal Oatmeal (Avena Sativa)
Whole oat flour rich in beta-glucan and avenanthramides, clinically cleared as an FDA skin protectant for itchy eczema.
Mineral UV Photoprotection
2 ActivesZinc Oxide (Non-Nano)
An inert broad-spectrum mineral filter that sits on the skin surface, reflecting and scattering UVA1, UVA2, and UVB rays.
Titanium Dioxide
An inert mineral pigment with high refractive index that provides exceptional protection against UVB and short-wavelength UVA2.
Organic UV Filters
3 ActivesAvobenzone
The primary oil-soluble chemical filter providing comprehensive absorption across the entire long-wave UVA1 spectrum (320–400 nm).
Tinosorb S (Bemotrizinol)
A modern, highly photostable broad-spectrum UV absorber that does not degrade under prolonged sunlight exposure.
Mexoryl SX (Ecamsule)
A water-soluble organic UVA filter with peak absorption at 345 nm, providing weightless photostable daytime defense.
Volatile Terpenes & Allergens
3 ActivesFragrance & Essential Oils
Volatile aromatic terpenes and essential oil extracts tracked as common contact allergen sensitizers.
Linalool (Oxidized Terpene)
A terpene alcohol found in lavender, bergamot, and floral perfumes that auto-oxidizes into potent cutaneous contact allergens.
Limonene (Oxidized Terpene)
A volatile cyclic terpene imparting citrus aromas; its oxidation hydroperoxides are among the most frequent cosmetic patch-test sensitizers.
Scan any bottle to map its actives automatically
Miko isolates the active compounds in your skincare formulas in seconds and flags potential conflicts with what you already use.