Ingredient library
Every ingredient SkinAtlas knows about — all 2161 of them. What each one does, what it works well with, and what to watch for.
Triglyceride ester of glycerin with caprylic (C8), capric (C10), and stearic (C18) fatty acids. A richer variant of the common Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, adding a stearic component for a slightly more substantive but still lightweight emollient effect.
A mixed triglyceride of caprylic, capric, and succinic acids; the succinic acid modification makes this emollient lighter and less occlusive than standard caprylic/capric triglyceride.
A semisynthetic polyester copolymer of glycerin, sebacic acid (castor-derived), and caprylic acid (coconut-derived) used as a biodegradable silicone alternative that films and conditions skin.
A synthetic ester of caprylyl alcohol with a blend of caprylic and capric fatty acids, used as a lightweight emollient and carrier solvent common in cleansing oils.
A volatile, oil-compatible modified silicone fluid that delivers a dry, silky feel, improves spreadability, and acts as a carrier for pigments and actives.
Intact oil bodies (oleosomes) from Carthamus tinctorius (safflower) seeds; natural lipid nanoparticles that deliver linoleic acid and other fatty acids in a controlled-release format for superior emolliency.
A fatty alcohol that softens skin and stabilizes emulsions.
A synthetic ester of cetearyl alcohol and isononanoic acid that delivers a lightweight, non-greasy emollient feel in creams and serums.
An olive-derived emulsifier (paired with Sorbitan Olivate as 'Olivem') that binds oil and water with a soft, conditioned finish.
A fatty alcohol that softens skin and stabilizes creams (not drying like volatile alcohols).
A butylene glycol ether of cetyl alcohol. A lightweight emollient used for its skin-conditioning properties in Curel's Moisture Repair Eye Cream.
A silicone copolymer combining a dimethicone backbone with a cetyl (C16 saturated fatty) pendant group. The cetyl chain adds lipophilic character and emulsifying capability to the silicone, allowing it to function simultaneously as an emollient and a mild O/W emulsifier. Used in lightweight facial formulations where a smooth, cushioned texture without heaviness is desired.
A blend of esters of cetyl alcohol and fatty acids (a synthetic spermaceti substitute) that provides a smooth, waxy emollient texture to creams and cleansing products.
A synthetic ester of cetyl alcohol and 2-ethylhexanoic acid that provides a light, dry-touch emollient feel in creams and serums.
A wax ester of cetyl alcohol and palmitic acid that softens skin and adds a smooth, waxy texture to creams and lotions.
The isostearic acid ester of cholesterol. A liquid crystal-forming lipid that integrates into the skin's lipid bilayer structure, supporting barrier function. Used in luxury Japanese skincare (Kanebo) for its skin-mimetic emolliency.
An ester of cholesterol and macadamia nut fatty acids. Because cholesterol is a key lipid in the skin barrier, this ingredient acts as a biomimetic emollient that integrates well with the stratum corneum and supports barrier function.
An ester of N-lauroyl glutamic acid with cholesterol and octyldodecanol. Forms liquid crystalline structures that mimic the skin's lamellar lipid matrix, integrating and reinforcing barrier function. Used in Naturie's Hatomugi gel and milk for barrier-compatible emolliency.
A lightweight plant oil cold-pressed from watermelon seeds, rich in linoleic acid and tocopherols, used as a dry-feel emollient that nourishes skin without heaviness.
A natural wax extracted from sweet orange peel, used as an emollient and texture agent in balms, cleansers, and lip products.
A coconut-derived ester of caprylic acid that delivers an exceptionally light, dry emollient feel; the pure caprylate form, distinct from the mixed Coco-Caprylate/Caprate blend.
A coconut-derived ester blend of caprylate and caprate that delivers an exceptionally light, dry emollient feel popular in serums and K-beauty products.
An extract from coconut fruit pulp (Cocos nucifera), distinct from coconut oil, providing conditioning polyphenols and emollient properties that soften skin.
Coconut oil, a rich occlusive emollient.