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 synthetic phosphorylcholine-based copolymer that mimics cell membrane phospholipids, used to form a protective, moisture-retaining film on skin in serums and masks.
A quaternary ammonium polymer (polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride) used in rinse-off cleansers and conditioners to deliver a smooth, conditioned skin feel post-wash. Highly charged; adsorbs to skin and hair surfaces.
A synthetic quaternary ammonium polymer used as a film-forming and skin-conditioning agent, primarily in leave-on and rinse-off skin care formulas.
A cationic conditioning polymer derived from hydroxyethylcellulose and a diallyldimethylammonium chloride copolymer, used in rinse-off and leave-on formulas to provide film-forming, slip, and conditioning properties.
A cationic conditioning polymer used in cleansers and leave-on products to condition skin, reduce surfactant irritation, and provide a smooth, conditioned feel.
Polysilicone-11 is a high-molecular-weight silicone polymer (a polysiloxane copolymer with functional groups) used as a film-former and sensory modifier in serums and lightweight skincare formulations. It provides a smooth, non-greasy skin feel and can contribute optical softening effects. Distinct from lower-molecular-weight dimethicone and cyclopentasiloxane in its film-forming and substantivity properties.
A crosslinked silicone elastomer (polysiloxane) used as a film-former and sensory modifier in cosmetics. Provides a weightless, non-greasy finish. Widely used in Japanese sunscreens (including Biore UV products) to achieve their distinctive light, watery texture.
Synthetic polymer microspheres added to sunscreen and colour cosmetics for optical blurring. Used in Rohto Skin Aqua Super Moisture Gel for its photo-finish soft-focus effect.
A thin, flexible synthetic polymer film used as the outer backing layer of acne patches and wound dressings, providing a protective, occlusive barrier over the adhesive layer.
A polyurethane-based film-forming polymer used as the flexible carrier matrix in hydrocolloid acne patches and dressings.
A water-soluble synthetic polymer used as a film-former and thickener in sunscreens and peel-off masks, providing a smooth, even texture.
A naturally occurring aluminum potassium sulfate mineral salt used as an astringent, mild antibacterial, and deodorant active in beauty waters, deodorants, and after-shaves.
The potassium salt of aspartic acid, used in cosmetics as a skin-conditioning agent that provides both a mineral component (potassium) and an amino acid (aspartate) associated with cellular energy metabolism.
An inorganic potassium salt used in cosmetics as an ionic viscosity modifier and buffering agent, also providing mineral supplementation in spa-type and mineral-infusion formulations.
A strong base used in very small quantities to adjust formula pH; fully reacted/neutralized in finished cosmetic products.
A mineral aspartate salt supplying both potassium and magnesium ions, used as a skin conditioner and electrolyte complex in restorative and color-correcting cosmetic formulas.
An inorganic potassium salt used as a pH adjuster and buffering agent to maintain stable pH in cosmetic formulas.
A water-soluble linear polysaccharide produced by fermentation of Aureobasidium pullulans, used as a film-former and texture agent that delivers an immediate skin-firming effect and supports moisture retention.
A quaternary ammonium-modified bentonite clay. Swells in oils and non-polar solvents to create gel networks, used as a rheology modifier and suspending agent in anhydrous and W/O formulas.
An extract from radish (Raphanus sativus) seeds used as a skin-conditioning botanical, distinct from the fermented radish root used in natural preservation.
A synthetic monoazo dye (CI 17200) used to give pink or red hues to toners, essences, and rinse-off products. Cosmetic-grade; not approved for use near the eyes in all markets.
A synthetic red azo dye (CI 14700 / FD&C Red No. 4) approved as a cosmetic colorant in the US (external use only) and EU for use in cosmetics and personal care products.
D&C Red No. 6 (CI 15850), a synthetic organic monoazo dye providing red coloration. Used primarily in lip and nail products. Approved by the FDA for cosmetic use except around the eyes.
D-Ribose is a naturally occurring monosaccharide and the sugar backbone of RNA and ATP. In cosmetics it is used as a skin-conditioning humectant in powder and aqueous formulations. Claims that topical ribose supports cellular energy (by providing a substrate for ATP resynthesis) are biologically plausible but not strongly verified clinically at cosmetic concentrations. Used alongside ascorbic acid and other actives in vitamin C powder treatment formats.