The library

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.

366 ingredients in Other — page 1 of 16

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Other
2-Methacryloyloxyethylphosphorylcholine/Butyl Methacrylate Copolymer

A phospholipid-structure copolymer of 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine and butyl methacrylate (Lipidure PMB) that forms a biomimetic film on skin to lock in moisture and condition the barrier.

film-formerhumectantskin-conditioning
Forms a cell-membrane-mimetic phospholipid film that retains moistureReduces transepidermal water lossConditions and protects the skin barrier
Other
Acacia Senegal Gum

A natural exudate gum from the Acacia senegal tree used as a thickener, film-former, and emulsion stabilizer in cosmetic formulas.

film-formerthickeneremulsifier
Stabilizes emulsions and suspensionsForms a smooth, protective film on skin
Other
Acetic Acid

The pure synthetic acid (INCI: Acetic Acid) used at trace levels as a pH adjuster in cosmetic formulas, distinct from Vinegar (Acetum).

ph-adjustersolvent
Lowers and adjusts formula pHImproves preservative efficacy at low pH
Concentrated form is corrosive; cosmetic use levels are highly diluted
Other
Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer

A synthetic acrylic copolymer used to thicken and stabilize gel and emulsion formulas, producing a smooth, non-tacky texture similar to the Aristoflex series.

thickeneremulsion-stabilizer
Creates lightweight, stable gel and gel-cream texturesStabilizes emulsions without stickiness
Other
Acrylates Copolymer

A generic acrylic acid/acrylate ester copolymer used as a film-former and thickener in sunscreens, tinted formulas, and emulsions.

film-formerthickeneremulsion-stabilizer
Improves product texture and stabilityCreates a flexible film on skin
Other
Acrylates/Alkyl Acrylate Copolymer
ACRYLATES/ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER

A cross-linked copolymer of acrylate and alkyl acrylate monomers. Used as a thickener and film-forming agent in lotions and serums, helping maintain skin feel and product stability.

film-formerviscosity-increasing
Creates lightweight, breathable filmsImproves product texture and wear
+ Dimethicone+ Glycerin
Other
Acrylates/Alkyl Methacrylate Copolymer
ACRYLATES/ALKYL METHACRYLATE COPOLYMER

A copolymer of acrylate and alkyl methacrylate monomers. Used as a film-forming and thickening agent in skincare and cosmetics. Contributes to a smooth, velvety skin feel and product stability.

film-formerviscosity-increasing
Film-forming — creates smooth, long-wearing textureStabilizes emulsions
+ Dimethicone+ Glycerin
Other
Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer

A copolymer of acrylate and ammonium methacrylate esters used as a film-former and stabilizer in color cosmetics and tinted formulas.

film-formeremulsion-stabilizer
Creates flexible films that improve formula wearStabilizes emulsions and dispersions
Other
Acrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Copolymer

A polymeric rheology modifier and emulsion stabilizer (trade name Aculyn 28) consisting of acrylate monomers copolymerized with a beheneth-25 methacrylate macromonomer. Commonly used in sunscreen and moisturizer formulations to build viscosity, stabilize emulsions, and deliver a pleasant skin feel.

rheology modifieremulsion stabilizerthickenerfilm-former
Thickens and stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions including sunscreensProvides a smooth, non-tacky textureEffective at low use levels; compatible with electrolytes
Other
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer

A cross-linked acrylic acid copolymer used to thicken and stabilize gels, serums, and emulsions.

thickeneremulsion-stabilizer
Creates gel and cream texturesStabilizes emulsions
Other
Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer

A hybrid acrylic-silicone copolymer used as a film-former and emollient to enhance texture, skin feel, and formula stability in tinted formulas and sunscreens.

film-formeremollientemulsion-stabilizer
Creates a silky, flexible film that improves skin feel and wearCombines emollient silicone feel with film-forming stability
Other
Acrylates/Ethylhexyl Acrylate Copolymer

A flexible acrylate copolymer used as a film-former and texture agent in cosmetic emulsions, often found in sunscreens and essences.

film-formeremulsion-stabilizer
Creates a flexible, smooth film on skinImproves texture and adherence of formulas
Other
Acrylates/Methoxy PEG-15 Methacrylate Copolymer

Acrylates/Methoxy PEG-15 Methacrylate Copolymer is an amphiphilic copolymer of acrylic acid monomers and methoxy-terminated polyethylene glycol methacrylate. The hydrophilic PEG-15 side chains and hydrophobic acrylic backbone give it associative thickening and emulsion-stabilizing properties. Used in cleansing balm formulations (notably Banila Co's Clean It Zero) as a rheology modifier that aids the oil-to-emulsion phase transition during rinsing.

emulsion-stabilizingviscosity-controllingfilm-forming
PEG-functionalized acrylate copolymer with amphiphilic character — the acrylate backbone provides structural rigidity while the methoxy PEG-15 side chains confer hydrophilic character and emulsion-stabilizing abilityUsed in cleansing balm formulations as an associative thickener/rheology modifier that maintains emulsion stability while contributing to the product's smooth, non-greasy skin feelImproves the wash-off efficiency of cleansing balms by aiding in the water-triggered phase inversion emulsification process
+ PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate+ Carbomer
Other
Acrylates/Stearyl Methacrylate Copolymer

Synthetic acrylic polymer used as a film former and texture modifier in serums and emulsions. Imparts a velvety, non-sticky finish.

film-formingviscosity-increasingtexture enhancer
Creates a smooth, silky skin feelHelps active ingredients adhere to skin surface
Other
Adipic Acid
ADIPIC ACID

A straight-chain dicarboxylic acid used in cosmetics as a pH buffer and chelating agent. Extremely well-tolerated; appears in mist sprays and lightweight lotions where precise pH control is needed.

buffering agentchelating agentpH adjuster
Stabilises formula pHMild chelating action that supports preservative efficacy
+ Arginine+ Phenoxyethanol+ Disodium EDTA
Other
Agar

A polysaccharide gelling agent extracted from red algae (agar-agar) used to thicken and structure aqueous cosmetic gels.

thickenerfilm-former
Thickens and structures aqueous gel formulasPlant-based gelling agent
Other
Alanine Glutamate

An INCI-listed combination ingredient pairing the amino acids alanine and glutamic acid (glutamate), used in Korean prestige formulas as a skin-conditioning agent that contributes to the amino acid profile of the skin's natural moisturizing factor.

Skin conditioningAmino acid complex
Delivers two amino acids (alanine and glutamate) to skin simultaneouslyConditions skinSupports natural moisturizing factor
Other
Algin
ALGIN

The sodium salt of alginic acid extracted from brown seaweed (Phaeophyta spp.). Used as a natural hydrocolloid thickener, film-former, and gel-stabiliser in skincare.

thickeningfilm-formingemulsifying
Natural seaweed-derived thickenerForms a moisture-retaining film on skinSoothing gel texture
+ Xanthan Gum+ Hydroxyapatite+ Glycerin
Other
Alumina

Aluminum oxide (Al2O3) used in cosmetics as a surface coating agent for pigments, an opacifier, and a gentle abrasive; distinct from Aluminum Hydroxide.

coating-agentopacifierabrasive
Used as a surface coating for mineral UV filter pigments to improve photo-stabilityImproves skin feel and dispersibility in sunscreens
Other
Aluminum Chloride
ALUMINUM CHLORIDE

An inorganic aluminum salt used in cosmetics as an astringent. At low concentrations, it tightens and tones skin; at higher concentrations, it is used as an antiperspirant active.

astringent
Pore-tightening astringent effectAntimicrobial
Potential irritation at high concentrations
+ Citric Acid
Other
Aluminum Hydroxide

An inorganic compound used primarily as a surface coating for mineral UV filter pigments (TiO2, ZnO) to improve their photo-stability and dispersibility in sunscreens.

coating-agentopacifierph-adjuster
Acts as a surface coating for TiO2 and ZnO pigments to improve photo-stability and skin feel in sunscreensAdjusts pH in cosmetic formulations
Other
Aluminum Silicate
ALUMINUM SILICATE

An inorganic mineral (aluminum silicate clay). Used as an absorbent, thickener, and opacifier in cleansers and face masks. Similar to kaolin but with a different Al:Si ratio.

absorbentthickeneropacifier
Mild absorbent — removes excess oilProvides matte finish
+ Kaolin+ Talc
Other
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
ALUMINUM STARCH OCTENYLSUCCINATE

A modified starch derived from corn or potato, esterified with octenylsuccinic anhydride and precipitated with aluminum. Used as an absorbent to control excess oil and provide a matte skin feel in creams and lotions.

absorbentmattifyinganti-caking
Oil and sebum absorption — mattifying effectAnti-caking agent in powders
Contains aluminum — those with concerns about topical aluminum may wish to avoid
+ Silica+ Dimethicone
Other
Aluminum Stearate

An aluminum salt of stearic acid used as a thickener and stabilizer in anhydrous and water-in-oil formulas, and as a dispersant for mineral pigments.

thickeneremulsion-stabilizerdispersant
Thickens and stabilizes oil-phase componentsImproves dispersibility of pigments in anhydrous formulas
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