Ingredient library
Every ingredient SkinAtlas knows about — all 2171 of them. What each one does, what it works well with, and what to watch for.
D&C Violet No. 2 (CI 60730), a synthetic anthraquinone dye used as a cosmetic colorant to provide purple/violet hues. Permitted for external use only in the US; no significant safety concerns at cosmetic concentrations.
The simplest carboxylic acid. In cosmetics, listed at trace levels (typically at the end of amino acid complex formulas) as a pH adjuster. Safe at the very low concentrations used in skincare.
A linear anionic polysaccharide produced by fermentation of Sphingomonas elodea. Composed of tetrasaccharide repeating units of glucose, glucuronic acid, and rhamnose. Used as a gelling and suspending agent in cosmetics at concentrations of 0.1–1%. The deacylated (low acyl) form produces clear, brittle gels; the high acyl form produces flexible, cloudy gels. Distinct from xanthan gum (branched, bacterial) and carrageenan (algae-derived).
A free-form amino acid (L-glutamine) used in cosmetics as a skin-conditioning agent and component of amino acid complex formulas; distinct from acetyl glutamine which is the N-acetylated form with different stability and activity profile.
A synthetic acrylic copolymer of glyceryl acrylate and acrylic acid used as a film-former and texture agent to enhance moisture retention and skin feel.
A film-forming polymer that leaves a smooth, hydrated-feeling finish.
A synthetic copolymer of glycerylamidoethyl methacrylate (hydrophilic monomer) and stearyl methacrylate (lipophilic monomer). The amphiphilic architecture allows the polymer to function simultaneously as a film-former, viscosity modifier, and mild emulsifier. Appears in Holika Holika's Good Cera ceramide complex formula where it contributes to the stable, lightweight cream texture.
The protein fraction isolated from soybeans, used as a skin and hair conditioning agent that helps maintain skin integrity and improve texture.
The diester of ethylene glycol and stearic acid, primarily used as a pearlizing and opacifying agent in cleansers and shampoos to create a lustrous, pearly appearance.
Finely dispersed gold particles (colloidal gold / CI 77480) used in prestige skincare primarily for aesthetic appeal and purported skin conditioning benefits.
A crosslinked polyurethane elastomer powder formed from HDI (hexamethylene diisocyanate) and trimethylol hexyllactone. Used in Shiseido formulations as a mattifying and optical blurring agent. Creates a soft-focus effect.
A naturally occurring soft phyllosilicate clay mineral used in cosmetics as a thickener, rheology modifier, and absorbent; the unmodified form distinct from organically modified derivatives such as Disteardimonium Hectorite.
A heptasodium salt of a hexacarboxymethyl-functionalised dipeptide-12, used in cosmetics as a chelating and sequestering agent. It binds metal ions that can interfere with preservative systems and formula stability, functioning similarly to EDTA but as a peptide-derived alternative.
The steam distillate (hydrosol) of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides), distinct from the fruit extract and seed oil; used for its mild antioxidative and skin-conditioning properties in water-based formulas.
A hydrogen-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (silicone fluid) used as an emollient and film-former to improve the texture and spreadability of cosmetic formulas.
Hydrogenated Rosin is produced by catalytic hydrogenation of natural colophony (pine rosin), a complex mixture of diterpene resin acids dominated by abietic acid. Hydrogenation saturates the double bonds in the resin acids, significantly improving oxidative stability, reducing yellowing, and decreasing the allergenic abietic acid content. In cosmetics it is used as a film-former and viscosity modifier. EU Cosmetics Regulation includes colophony derivatives among monitored potential allergens, though the hydrogenated form is substantially safer than natural rosin.
A hydrolyzed extract from the fruit of Gardenia florida (gardenia/cape jasmine) yielding peptides, polysaccharides, and low-molecular-weight fractions used for skin conditioning and light film formation.
Enzymatic or acid hydrolysate of rice (Oryza sativa) leaf protein. Yields amino acids and small peptides that condition and smooth skin.
A hydrolysate derived from marine sponge (typically Spongia species), used as a skin-conditioning agent that delivers marine-derived peptides and trace minerals.
The full hydrolysate of yeast cells (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), distinct from the isolated protein fraction. Contains polysaccharides, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals for multi-faceted skin conditioning.
A naturally occurring calcium phosphate mineral (Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂) used in cosmetics as a texture agent, absorbent, and opacifier. Also used in dental products for enamel support.
A cellulose derivative produced by partial substitution of hydroxyl groups, used as a thickening, film-forming, and stabilizing agent in cosmetic formulations.
A synthetic acrylic copolymer (trade name Sepimax Zen) used to thicken and stabilize formulas, producing a smooth, cushiony gel-cream texture.
A water-soluble cellulose ether used to thicken and stabilize aqueous cosmetic formulas such as gels, serums, and lotions.