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.
An ester of octyldodecanol and pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA) used as a rich emollient and skin-conditioning agent that combines the lubricating properties of a fatty ester with the moisturizing moiety of PCA.
A GLA-rich evening primrose oil that softens and calms dry, sensitive skin.
An oil-soluble fraction of Coix lacryma-jobi ma-yuen (Job's Tears) seed extract, distinct from the water-soluble form. Contains lipid-soluble bioactives including sterols and ceramide-analogous lipids.
Olive fruit oil, a rich emollient high in oleic acid and antioxidants.
Oil extracted from the husk/pomace of Olea europaea (olive) fruit after pressing. Similar fatty acid profile to olive fruit oil (primarily oleic acid) but with a lighter texture.
A naturally occurring omega-9 monounsaturated fatty acid (C18:1) found in many plant oils, used as an emollient and penetration enhancer that softens skin and replenishes surface lipids.
An unsaturated C18 fatty alcohol derived from oleic acid. Used as a rich emollient, co-emulsifier, and thickener in creams and lotions; softens and conditions skin.
An ester of oleyl alcohol and erucic acid (C22:1) used as a lightweight, skin-softening emollient that imparts a silky, non-occlusive skin feel.
An ester of oleyl alcohol and oleic acid that functions as a smooth, penetrating emollient. Imparts a silky, non-sticky skin feel and enhances the spreadability of oil-phase ingredients.
A refined mixture of glycerides derived from olive fruit oil (Olea europaea), used as a natural-positioned emollient and skin-conditioning agent.
The non-glyceride fraction of olive oil (squalene, sterols, tocopherols) that provides antioxidant and barrier-repair benefits with excellent skin compatibility.
INCI catch-all name for unspecified plant-derived oils used as emollients and skin conditioners.
Cold-pressed oil from the seeds of Opuntia ficus-indica (prickly pear / Barbary fig cactus). Despite only 0.1–1% seed content by fruit weight, the seed oil is exceptionally rich in linoleic acid (~60%) and vitamin E (primarily tocopherols), making it one of the most luxurious and antioxidant-rich botanical oils. The high linoleic acid content supports ceramide synthesis and barrier repair, while the vitamin E content provides potent antioxidant protection.
A cold-pressed oil from the seeds of the babassu palm (Orbignya oleifera) rich in lauric acid (~50%) and myristic acid, prized in cleansing oils for its light, non-greasy emollient feel and mild cleansing activity.
Oil cold-pressed from the rice germ (the small embryo of the rice grain). Richer in tocotrienols, ferulic acid, and gamma-oryzanol than rice bran oil. A lightweight, antioxidant-rich carrier oil.
Rice bran oil, an antioxidant-rich, lightweight emollient.
A silicone polymer modified with pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA) groups. PCA is an amino acid-derived NMF component naturally present in the skin's stratum corneum. This hybrid ingredient delivers silicone's characteristic smoothing and film-forming properties alongside PCA's water-binding humectancy. Suited to lightweight sleeping masks and hydrating formulas.
A PEGylated derivative of plant sterols extracted from rapeseed oil, used as an emollient and co-emulsifier in cosmetic formulations; the PEGylation improves water dispersibility of the sterol.
A highly ethoxylated (100 EO units) hydrogenated castor oil ester used as a gentle solubiliser and O/W emulsifier. Very water-soluble; widely used in Japanese toners, mists, and essence formulas to solubilise oils and fragrances.
A monoester of stearic acid with a long PEG-150 chain. Functions as a water-soluble emulsifier and thickener in creams and lotions.
A PEG ether of behenyl alcohol (C22 fatty alcohol) with 20 ethylene oxide units. Used as an emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent in creams and lotions.
A polyethylene glycol (20 EO) ester of glyceryl isostearate. Lower-EO counterpart to PEG-60 Glyceryl Isostearate; used as an emulsifier and oil-solubiliser in lotions and serums.
A PEG ester of phytosterol (plant-derived sterol). Combines the emolliency and barrier-restoring properties of phytosterols with the water-solubility of PEG chains. Used as an emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent.
A complex ester of PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil and pyroglutamic acid (PCA) isostearate. Used as a gentle emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent, particularly in sensitive skin formulations like Minon.