The library

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.

366 ingredients in Other — page 9 of 16

Other
PEG-6000

A high-molecular-weight polyethylene glycol (MW ~6000 Da, ~136 EO units). Used as a thickener and binder in cosmetics.

viscosity-increasingbinder
Thickens and stabilizes formulations
+ Glycerin+ Carbomer
Other
PEG-9 Dimethicone
PEG-9 DIMETHICONE

A dimethicone functionalized with PEG-9 groups. A silicone surfactant that emulsifies water-in-silicone systems. Used in Elixir Spot Clear Serum and Kiku-Masamune sake emulsion for silky texture.

emulsifiersurfactant
Silicone-based emulsifier — gives silky skin feelWater-in-silicone emulsification
+ Dimethicone+ Cyclopentasiloxane
Other
PEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether

A mixed polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol dimethyl ether used as a solvent and carrier to improve formula texture and ingredient delivery.

solventcarrier
Improves texture and spreadabilityActs as a carrier for active ingredients
Other
PEG/PPG-17/4 Dimethyl Ether

A mixed polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol dimethyl ether used as a solvent and carrier to improve formula texture and ingredient delivery.

solventcarrier
Improves texture and spreadabilityActs as a carrier for active ingredients
Other
PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone

A silicone-PEG/PPG copolymer with equal PEG-18 and PPG-18 side chains that acts as an emulsifier and slip agent for water-compatible silicone formulas.

emulsifierskin-conditioningslip-agent
Improves skin feel and spreadabilityEmulsifies silicone and water phasesLeaves a smooth, non-greasy finish
Other
POE/Dimethicone Copolymer
PEG/DIMETHICONE COPOLYMER

A copolymer combining polyethylene oxide (POE/PEG) and dimethicone segments. Acts as an emulsifier and sensory enhancer in lotions and toners.

emulsifierskin-conditioningsensory-enhancer
Silicone-polyether block copolymer that improves spreadability and sensory feel in formulasStabilizes oil-in-water emulsions while imparting a lightweight, silky skin feel
Other
PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer

A copolymer of polypropylene glycol and SMDI (4,4'-methylenediphenyl diisocyanate) used as a film-former and emollient that imparts a silky, velvety skin feel.

film-formeremollientthickener
Leaves a smooth, silky after-feel on skinImproves spreadability and texture
Other
PPG-2 Arginine

A condensation product of propylene glycol and the amino acid arginine. Used as a mild skin conditioner in cleansing and care products.

skin-conditioningmoisturizing
Propylene glycol ester of arginine providing gentle moisture-conditioning and skin-softeningAmino acid derivative with mild cationic character that improves skin surface feel
Other
PPG-4-Ceteth-20
PPG-4-CETETH-20

A complex polyol ether combining PPG-4 and ceteth-20 groups. Used as a non-ionic emulsifier and surfactant in skincare formulations.

emulsifiersurfactant
Non-ionic emulsifierGood skin compatibility
+ Glycerin+ Cetearyl Alcohol
Other
PPG-6-Decyltetradeceth-20
PPG-6-DECYLTETRADECETH-20

A polypropylene glycol/polyethylene glycol ether of decyltetradecanol used as an emulsifier and solubiliser in Japanese toners and essences. Enables stable, clear-to-slightly-translucent formulas.

emulsifyingsolubilisingskin-conditioning
Stabilises complex emulsionsImproves penetration of activesElegant skin feel in toners and essences
+ Glycerin+ Butylene Glycol+ Dipropylene Glycol
Other
PVM/MA Copolymer

A copolymer of methyl vinyl ether and maleic anhydride (trade name Gantrez) used as a film-former, binder, and emulsion stabilizer in skincare and hair care formulas.

film-formerbinderemulsion-stabilizer
Creates a conditioning, protective film on skinStabilizes emulsionsBinds and suspends formula components
Other
PVP

Polyvinylpyrrolidone — a water-soluble polymer widely used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Used as a film-former, binder, and thickener. Provides a smooth skin feel.

film-formerbinderviscosity-increasing
Film-forming and bindingImproves product adhesionLong history of safe cosmetic use
+ Glycerin+ Carbomer
Other
Peat Water

Water derived from peat bogs, containing dissolved humic acids, trace minerals, and plant-derived compounds used as a skin-conditioning vehicle in premium cosmetic formulations.

skin-conditioninghumectant
Delivers trace minerals and humic acids to skinMild skin-conditioning properties
Other
Pentasodium Pentetate

A pentasodium salt of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) used as a chelating agent to bind trace metal ions and stabilize cosmetic formulas.

chelating-agentsequestrant
Chelates heavy metal ions to prevent formula oxidation and rancidityImproves preservative efficacy by binding trace metalsEnhances formula stability
Other
Pentylene Glycol Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer

A synthetic acrylic copolymer incorporating pentylene glycol and glyceryl moieties used as a film-former and texture agent to improve skin feel and moisture retention.

film-formermoisturizingtexture-agent
Forms a moisture-retaining film on skinProvides a soft, non-sticky texture
Other
Perlite

Perlite is an amorphous volcanic glass mineral processed into a fine powder used in cosmetics primarily as an absorbent and bulking agent to improve texture and control shine.

AbsorbentBulking
Absorbs excess sebum for a matte finishLightweight dry-touch feel in sunscreen and skin careReduces sticky texture in formulations
Other
Petroleum Resin

A hydrocarbon-based tackifier resin derived from C5 and/or C9 petroleum cracker streams, used in pressure-sensitive adhesive patch formulations to provide tack and cohesion.

adhesivetackifierfilm-forming
Provides tack and adhesion in patch formulationsHelps patch adhere to skin without falling off
May occlude pores under prolonged wearSome petroleum-derived fractions require purity testing for PAH contamination
Other
Phaseolus Angularis Seed Powder

Finely ground powder from the seeds of Phaseolus angularis (adzuki bean), used as a gentle physical exfoliant and absorbent in wash-off cleansers and masks.

abrasiveabsorbentskin-conditioning
Gentle physical exfoliant derived from ground adzuki beansSaponin content provides mild cleansing actionTraditional Korean and Japanese skincare ingredient for brightening
Physical exfoliation may irritate broken or very sensitive skin
Other
Phytic Acid

The free-acid form of phytate (myo-inositol hexaphosphoric acid) used in cosmetics primarily as a chelating agent and mild brightening active; distinct from Sodium Phytate.

chelatorantioxidantbrightening
Chelates metal ions to stabilize formulas and prevent oxidative degradationMild brightening activity by inhibiting melanin formationAntioxidant support
Other
Phytosterols
PHYTOSTEROLS

A mixture of plant-derived sterols (beta-sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol) used to support the skin barrier and improve moisture retention. Structurally similar to cholesterol in the skin lipid matrix.

emollientbarrier-supportskin-conditioning
Supports skin barrier lipid structureReduces transepidermal water lossGentle, skin-identical lipids
+ Ceramide NG+ Cholesterol+ Phytosteryl Macadamiate
Other
Poloxamer 215
POLOXAMER 215

A specific poloxamer (polyethylene oxide-polypropylene oxide-polyethylene oxide triblock copolymer). Used as a gentle emulsifier in Chifure's cleansing foam.

emulsifiersurfactant
Non-ionic block copolymer emulsifierGentle and biocompatible
+ Glycerin+ Myristic Acid
Other
Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate

Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate is a synthetic acrylate polymer used in cosmetics as an emulsion stabilizer and viscosity-controlling agent, distinct from its crosspolymer form.

Emulsion stabilisingViscosity controlling
Stabilizes emulsionsControls product viscosity and textureImproves skin feel of formulations
Other
Polyacrylamide

Polyacrylamide is a synthetic polymer used in cosmetics as a film former and binder, regulated in the EU for maximum residual acrylamide monomer content.

Film formingViscosity controllingBinder
Creates smooth, even film on skinStabilizes emulsionsImproves texture and spreadability
May contain trace residual acrylamide monomer, which is a known carcinogen; EU regulates maximum residual levelsNot suitable for use in products that may be inhaled in spray form
Other
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6

A crosslinked polyacrylate polymer used to thicken and stabilize serums and emulsions, imparting a light, cushiony gel texture.

thickeneremulsion-stabilizerfilm-former
Creates elegant, lightweight gel texturesStabilizes emulsionsProvides a smooth, non-tacky skin feel