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.
The calcium salt of alginic acid, a polysaccharide extracted from brown algae (Laminaria and Macrocystis species). Unlike sodium alginate (water-soluble), calcium alginate forms a water-insoluble hydrogel due to ionic crosslinking by calcium ions. In cosmetics, used as a film-former and texture agent — the same gelling mechanism underlies its use in hemostatic wound dressings. Appears in Ample:N Peptide Shot Ampoule as part of a multi-hydrocolloid gel system.
A synthetic borosilicate glass-derived mineral filler used in cosmetics to provide shimmer, soft-focus optical effects, and improved product slip; commonly used in sunscreens and foundations.
A naturally occurring mineral (CaCO3) used in cosmetics as an abrasive, filler, opacifier, and mild pH-adjusting agent; also found in toothpastes and powder products.
An inorganic calcium salt used in cosmetics as an ionic texture modifier, buffering agent, and activator in alginate-containing gel masks.
The calcium salt of gluconic acid used as a skin-conditioning agent and buffering agent in cosmetic formulations.
The calcium salt of lactic acid used as a skin-conditioning and buffering agent in cosmetic formulations.
Heat-treated sugar used in cosmetics as a colorant to impart brown tones to toners, serums, and other products.
A synthetic polymer used to gel and stabilize formulas.
A natural red pigment (CI 75470) extracted from cochineal insects; used to create red and pink shades in makeup and skincare tints.
A natural polysaccharide gum extracted from carob (Ceratonia siliqua) seeds (also called locust bean gum), used as a gentle thickener and stabilizer in cosmetic serums and gels.
A sulfated polysaccharide extracted from red seaweed, used as a thickener, stabilizer, and mild film-forming agent in cosmetic and skincare formulas.
The primary structural polymer of plant cell walls, used in cosmetics as a thickener, stabiliser, and texture agent. Entirely inert and gentle on skin.
Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), a water-soluble cellulose derivative used to thicken, stabilize, and texture aqueous cosmetic formulas.
A natural galactomannan polysaccharide from the seeds of Ceratonia siliqua (carob tree). Used as a thickener, emulsifier, and film-former in natural and eco-certified formulas.
A cetyl alcohol ether with 1 ethylene oxide unit. A mild emulsifier used in cosmetic formulations.
A silicone-based amphiphilic emulsifier that enables stable water-in-silicone emulsions, commonly used in sunscreens and color cosmetics.
Carbon-based charcoal (often activated or from bamboo). Used in skincare for its adsorptive properties — binds to oils, impurities, and toxins. Used in Rosette's peeling gel for pore-cleansing.
A semisynthetic green colorant (CI 75810) produced by replacing the magnesium atom in chlorophyll with copper, yielding a stable water-soluble dye. Also functions as a mild antioxidant.
A mixed lauroylglutamate ester of cholesterol, behenyl alcohol, and octyldodecanol used in luxury cream formulations. Forms lipid lamellar structures that mimic skin membrane lipids and support barrier function.
A dried powder of Chondrus crispus (Irish moss), a carrageenan-yielding red seaweed, used as a natural thickener and film-forming agent in masks and gels.
A stable inorganic green mineral pigment (CI 77288) derived from chromium oxide, used as a cosmetic colorant in foundations, eye shadows, and color-correcting products.
The gluconate salt of copper, used in cosmetics as a skin-conditioning and antimicrobial agent, and included in zinc-copper formulations targeting wound repair.
An inorganic copper salt used at very low concentrations in restorative skin creams (notably the Avène Cicalfate+ copper-zinc sulfate complex) for its antimicrobial and skin-repair-supporting properties.
A small molecule with four carboxylic acid groups arranged around a cyclobutane ring. Functions as a chelating agent, binding metal ions that would otherwise catalyze oxidative degradation of active ingredients. Found in Elixir Reflet SPF50+ as a stability enhancer.