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.
A PEG-5 ether of rapeseed (Brassica napus) phytosterols; used as an emollient and emulsifier, contributing plant sterols to support skin barrier function.
A PEG ether of soy-derived phytosterol with 5 ethylene oxide units. Functions as a gentle emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent with barrier-supportive properties from the phytosterol component.
A polyethylene glycol ester of glyceryl isostearate used as an emulsifier and solubiliser in Japanese cosmetics. Provides good skin feel and is tolerant of high electrolyte concentrations.
A complex ester combining PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil with pyroglutamic acid (PCA) isostearate. Provides gentle emulsification and skin-conditioning benefits. Used in Minon's sensitive-skin sheet masks.
A dimethicone copolymer with 7 polyethylene glycol (PEG) side chains that confer water solubility. Functions as an O/W emulsifier and skin conditioner, combining silicone's signature smoothness with aqueous compatibility. Commonly used in watery creams, gel moisturizers, and lightweight foundations. Distinct from PEG-10 Dimethicone (10 PEG units, more water-soluble) and PEG-12 Dimethicone.
A PEG-7 ester of glyceryl isostearate. Functions as an emulsifier and skin conditioner, particularly in water-in-oil emulsions like Elixir's brightening emulsions.
A PEGylated meadowfoam seed oil (Limnanthes alba) used as a lightweight emollient and emulsifier that imparts a silky skin feel.
A silicone-PEG copolymer emulsifier used in BB creams and sunscreens to create stable, water-resistant silicone-in-water emulsions.
A polyoxyethylene-methylpolysiloxane copolymer (Japanese JSCI name for PEG-dimethicone). Functions as an emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent with a light, silky texture. Used in Shiseido d program acne-care lotion.
A diester of tripropylene glycol (PPG-3) and pivalic acid. A lightweight, non-greasy emollient used in skincare to improve spreadability and provide a dry, silky skin feel. Common in Shiseido premium formulations.
A polypropylene glycol ether of myristyl alcohol used as a lightweight emollient and carrier solvent that imparts a silky skin feel and improves the spreading and dispersibility of actives in serums and sunscreens.
A C16 saturated fatty acid naturally found in skin sebum, used as an emollient and emulsifier to soften skin and stabilize creams.
A mixed triglyceride of palmitic (C16) and stearic (C18) fatty acids used as a solid-to-semi-solid emollient that softens skin and improves the texture of balm and cream formulations.
A fatty oil cold-pressed from Panax ginseng seeds, distinct from the aqueous root extract, providing oleic and linoleic acids alongside minor ginsenosides and phytosterols for emollient and antioxidant skin benefits.
A deep-red oil pressed from the fruit of Pandanus conoidus, a Papua New Guinean plant, exceptionally rich in carotenoids and unsaturated fatty acids used as a nourishing emollient and antioxidant.
An extract from the petals of the common corn poppy (Papaver rhoeas) used as a skin-conditioning emollient to nourish and smooth the skin surface.
A refined petroleum-derived solid wax used in cosmetics as an occlusive emollient, texture modifier, and consistency agent in creams and sticks.
Highly refined mineral oil (liquid paraffin) used as an occlusive emollient that creates a barrier on the skin to prevent water loss.
A lightweight oil cold-pressed from passion fruit seeds (Passiflora edulis), rich in linoleic acid and carotenoids, used as a non-greasy emollient that nourishes and supports the skin barrier.
Pentaerythrityl Distearate is a diester of pentaerythritol (a polyol with 4 hydroxyl groups) and stearic acid (C18), with two of the four hydroxyl positions esterified. It is a semi-solid to waxy emollient used in rich creams and emulsions to add body, improve texture, and provide a creamy skin feel. The pentaerythrityl core provides structural rigidity while the two stearate chains contribute emollient and emulsifying properties.
A synthetic ester of pentaerythritol and 2-ethylhexanoic acid that provides a light, dry-touch emollient feel in creams and moisturizers.
A tetraester of pentaerythritol and isostearic acid used as a rich, highly stable emollient in prestige face creams and serums.
The unsaponifiable fraction of avocado oil, rich in phytosterols, tocopherols, and squalene, which supports collagen synthesis and skin barrier integrity.
Extract from the fruit of Persea gratissima (avocado). Rich in fatty acids, vitamins, and sterols with emollient and antioxidant properties. Distinct from avocado oil in that it is an aqueous or hydroglycolic extract retaining water-soluble bioactives.