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.
180 ingredients in Surfactant — page 1 of 8
A nonionic glucoside ester of arachidyl alcohol and glucose used as a gentle emulsifier and solubilizer in cosmetics, especially sensitive skin formulations.
A polyethylene glycol ether of behenic acid (C22 fatty acid) used as a mild nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer in creams and lotions.
A cationic quaternary ammonium emulsifier derived from rapeseed oil that combines emulsifying and skin/hair conditioning properties in a single ingredient.
A non-ionic alkyl polyethylene glycol ether — specifically, a C12-C13 fatty alcohol ethoxylated with approximately 9 units of ethylene oxide. Functions as a mild O/W emulsifier and solubilizer at trace to low concentrations. The C12-13 carbon chain range balances hydrophilicity and lipophilicity for efficient emulsification. Used in lightweight serums and gel formulas where minimal surfactant load is desired.
A nonionic ethoxylated fatty alcohol surfactant (C12–C13 chain length, 9 moles of ethylene oxide) used as an emulsifier and solubilizer in cosmetic formulations.
An ethoxylated C12-14 fatty alcohol (12 EO units) used as a mild emulsifier and surfactant in cosmetic formulations.
An ethoxylated fatty alcohol (C12–C14 chain length, 12 moles of ethylene oxide) used as a nonionic emulsifier and surfactant to stabilize emulsions and solubilize oils in aqueous cosmetic formulations.
A mild nonionic alkyl polyglucoside surfactant and emulsifier derived from C12-20 fatty alcohols and glucose, used to stabilize and cleanse gently.
A phosphate ester of C20-22 fatty alcohols used as a mild emulsifier and surfactant in cosmetic and sunscreen formulas.
An N-acyl amino acid (glycine + caprylic acid) that functions as a gentle surfactant, skin conditioner, and antimicrobial preservative booster.
A mild nonionic alkyl glucoside surfactant derived from C8/C10 fatty alcohols and glucose, used for gentle cleansing and emulsification.
A nonionic ethoxylated fatty alcohol emulsifier (PEG-20 cetyl/stearyl ether) widely used to create stable, smooth oil-in-water creams and lotions.
A nonionic ethoxylated cetyl/stearyl ether emulsifier with a low ethoxylation level (6 EO units), typically paired with a higher-HLB co-emulsifier to build stable cream textures.
A nonionic alkyl glucoside emulsifier derived from cetyl/stearyl alcohol and glucose, widely used in natural and organic formulations for stable, gentle oil-in-water emulsions.
An ethoxylated cetyl alcohol (PEG-10 cetyl ether); nonionic surfactant used as an emulsifier in sunscreens and cosmetic emulsions.
A nonionic ethoxylated cetyl ether (20 EO units) used as an emulsifier and solubilizer in creams, toners, and aqueous cosmetic formulas.
A nonionic ethoxylated cetyl ether (24 EO units) used as a high-HLB emulsifier and solubilizer in aqueous cosmetic formulas.
An ethoxylated cetyl alcohol (PEG-3 cetyl ether); mild nonionic surfactant used in complexes for emulsification.
An ethoxylated cetyl alcohol (PEG-5 cetyl ether); mild nonionic surfactant used for emulsification in ampoule and serum formulas.
A phosphate ester of cetyl alcohol used as a mild anionic emulsifier to create stable, skin-compatible oil-in-water emulsions.
A cholesterol ethoxylate (24 EO units) used as a mild nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer in aqueous cosmetic formulas.
A diethanolamide surfactant derived from coconut oil fatty acids. Used as a foam booster and viscosity builder in cleansers. The EU restricts nitrosamine levels in products containing cocamide DEA.
A coconut-derived fatty acid monoethanolamide used as a foam booster and thickener in cleansers and shampoos.
A mild, coconut-derived co-surfactant.