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.
29 ingredients in Solvent / vehicle — page 1 of 2
A multifunctional glycol that hydrates and supports preservation.
A glycol isomer (distinct from 1,3-butylene glycol) used as a humectant and solvent in toners, serums, and masks to hydrate skin and improve ingredient dispersibility.
Undenatured ethyl alcohol used as a solvent and penetration enhancer; the undiluted INCI-distinct form from Alcohol Denat.
A volatile alcohol used to thin formulas and speed drying.
A benzylic glycol solvent used in cosmetics to dissolve fragrance and other actives, with mild humectant and preservative-boosting properties.
A diester solvent (trade name Sensiva SC 50) used primarily in sunscreen formulations to dissolve and carry UV-filter actives. It helps improve the homogeneity and stability of sunscreen emulsions without contributing significant occlusion or greasiness.
A lightweight solvent and mild humectant that improves texture.
A branched-chain hydrocarbon solvent in the C13-C14 range that evaporates quickly and leaves a non-greasy, clean finish on skin.
A cyclic volatile silicone (D4, octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane) used as a lightweight carrier solvent. Restricted in the EU due to environmental persistence and bioaccumulation concerns (PBT substance).
A sugar-derived (sorbitol) dimethyl ether solvent and epidermal penetration enhancer that improves solubility and skin delivery of actives.
A glycol solvent and humectant that improves texture and carries actives.
A clear glycol ether solvent used to dissolve and stabilize difficult actives, enhance ingredient penetration, and provide mild humectancy in cosmetic formulas.
A branched-chain diol (CAS 94-96-2) used as a solvent and preservative booster in cosmetics; distinct from 1,2-hexanediol and historically also used as an insect repellent.
2-Ethyl-1,3-hexanediol, a branched glycol with both humectant and antimicrobial properties. Structurally related to 1,2-Hexanediol and Caprylyl Glycol, which are also used as preservative boosters. Used at low concentrations (typically 0.1–1%) to extend the spectrum and efficacy of primary preservation systems. Distinct from 1,2-Hexanediol (which is 1,2-substituted rather than 1,3-substituted) and 1-Hexanediol.
Water sourced from glaciers or alpine meltwater, used as a solvent and carrier in cosmetics; the ingredient is functionally equivalent to water but carries a natural provenance claim.
A branched C6 glycol used as a solvent and mild humectant that improves formula spreadability and ingredient penetration.
A lightweight, volatile isoparaffin solvent that evaporates quickly from skin, leaving a non-greasy finish; commonly used in sunscreens and transfer-resistant formulas.
A secondary alcohol used as a fast-evaporating solvent and antimicrobial agent, chemically distinct from ethanol (Alcohol Denat.).
A multifunctional glycol solvent and humectant that also boosts penetration of other actives.
A short-chain polyethylene glycol (MW ~300 Da) used primarily as a solvent and humectant. Increases water-binding capacity and improves the texture and feel of toners and essences.
A class of polyethylene glycol / polypropylene glycol block copolymers used as solubilizers and emulsifiers in Japanese toners and serums, helping blend silicone and oil-soluble actives into water-based formulas.
A block copolymer of PEG (9 units) and PPG (2 units) capped with methyl ether groups. Used as a co-solvent in sunscreen formulas for dissolving organic UV filters. Common in Anessa and Shiseido SPF products.
A multifunctional glycol that hydrates and supports preservation.
Polypropylene glycol — a polymer of propylene oxide. More lipophilic than PEG. Used as a solvent and humectant in cosmetic formulations. Found in Elixir Retino Power Cream.