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.
20 ingredients in Emollient matching "acid"
9,10,16-Trihydroxyhexadecanoic acid, a naturally occurring hydroxy fatty acid found in shellac resin secreted by Kerria lacca (lac insect). Used in cosmetics as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent with mild antimicrobial properties. The three hydroxyl groups give it some humectant character alongside its primary emollient role. Appears in ceramide-rich formulas (such as Holika Holika Good Cera) for its lipid-compatible moisturizing properties.
A 22-carbon saturated long-chain fatty acid. Forms the free acid component paired with bases to create soap-like emulsifiers in luxury creams and serums. Found naturally in small amounts in rapeseed and peanut oil.
Ester mixture of cholesterol with branched C10-40 fatty acids. Mimics the composition of sebum, making it highly compatible with skin lipids. Used in luxury Japanese skincare (Kanebo, POLA) for barrier-restoring emolliency.
A lightweight emollient ester derived from coconut oil.
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.
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 mixed ester of diglycerin and adipic acid with fatty acids. Used as a lightweight emollient in Elixir Retino Power Cream.
A polymeric ester formed from dimerized linoleic acid esterified with a blend of phytosterols, isostearyl, cetyl, stearyl, and behenyl groups. Used in premium formulas for rich emolliency.
An ester of dipentaerythritol and a blend of fatty acids. Functions as a lightweight, non-greasy emollient that provides a silky, dry-touch skin feel; also improves formula stability.
A mixed ester of dipentaerythritol with C5–C9 branched-chain fatty acids, used as a lightweight emollient and texture modifier. It provides a dry, silky skin feel without the heaviness of conventional oils, commonly used in light-feel formulas and primers.
The ethyl ester of oleic acid used as a lightweight, penetrating emollient and delivery solvent in skincare formulas.
A branched-chain C18 fatty acid used as an emollient, skin-conditioning agent, and co-emulsifier in cosmetic creams and lotions.
A medium-chain saturated fatty acid (C12) found naturally in coconut oil, used in cosmetics as an emollient, cleansing agent, and precursor to mild surfactants.
A synthetic long-chain diamide used in KAO/Curél products as a barrier-supporting emollient. Works alongside Intactamide (Hexadecyloxy PG Hydroxyethyl Hexadecanamide) in the Curél moisture retention system.
A glyceryl triester of mixed plant-derived fatty acids (palm, olive, macadamia, rapeseed) used as an emollient in moisturizers.
A C14 saturated fatty acid used in cleansers as a saponified soap base and in creams as an emollient and emulsifier.
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.
A C16 saturated fatty acid naturally found in skin sebum, used as an emollient and emulsifier to soften skin and stabilize creams.
A saturated C18 fatty acid used as an emollient, emulsifier and thickener that gives creams a rich texture.
A mixture of sucrose esters of coconut fatty acids used as a mild emollient, emulsifier, and gentle surfactant in skin care products; well-tolerated and considered skin-friendly.