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.

All 2178 ingredients — page 13 of 91

Surfactant
C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside

A mild nonionic alkyl polyglucoside surfactant and emulsifier derived from C12-20 fatty alcohols and glucose, used to stabilize and cleanse gently.

emulsifiersurfactant
Mild, plant-derived emulsification from palm/corn sourcesSuitable for sensitive skin; does not disrupt the skin barrier
Other
C12-22 Alkyl Acrylate/Hydroxyethylacrylate Copolymer

A synthetic acrylic copolymer that functions as a thickener, film former, and emulsion stabilizer in sunscreen and other cosmetic formulas.

film formerviscosity increasingemulsion stabilizer
Thickens formulasProvides texture and water-resistance
Solvent / vehicle
C13-14 Isoparaffin

A branched-chain hydrocarbon solvent in the C13-C14 range that evaporates quickly and leaves a non-greasy, clean finish on skin.

solventemollient
Lightweight, non-greasy skin feelFast-evaporating carrier
Emollient
C14-22 Alcohol

A blend of fatty alcohols in the C14 (myristyl) to C22 (behenyl) chain length range. Derived from vegetable oils; used as a co-emulsifier and emollient that adds body and skin-softening properties to formulations.

emollientemulsifierviscosity-increasing
Softens skin feel and adds a velvety texture to creams and lotionsHelps stabilize emulsions alongside surfactants
Emollient
C14-22 Alcohols

A blend of long-chain fatty alcohols (C14–C22) derived from vegetable sources that softens skin, stabilizes emulsions, and improves product texture.

emollientemulsion-stabilizer
Softens skin and stabilizes emulsionsImproves spreadability and skin feelHelps prevent moisture loss
Emollient
C15-19 Alkane

A plant-derived or synthetic straight-chain hydrocarbon (C15-C19) used as a lightweight, sustainable emollient and silicone alternative.

emollientsolvent
Lightweight moisturizationSilicone-alternative skin feelClean, non-greasy finish
Emollient
C20-22 Alcohols

A blend of long-chain fatty alcohols (C20 arachidyl and C22 behenyl) used as emollients and co-emulsifiers that contribute a smooth, non-greasy skin feel.

emollientemulsifierviscosity increasing
Emollient skin feelHelps stabilize emulsionsAdds structure to formulas
Surfactant
C20-22 Alkyl Phosphate

A phosphate ester of C20-22 fatty alcohols used as a mild emulsifier and surfactant in cosmetic and sunscreen formulas.

emulsifiersurfactant
Stabilizes oil-in-water emulsionsMild emulsification
Emollient
C30-45 Alkyl Cetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer

A high-molecular-weight crosslinked silicone polymer with long alkyl chains; used to create velvety, lightweight textures in serums, primers, and skin-makeup hybrids.

emollientsensory-modifierskin-conditioning
Delivers a soft, powdery, silky skin feelImproves spreadability and blendability of makeup-serum hybrid formulas
Emollient
C9-12 Alkane

A blend of C9–C12 saturated hydrocarbons (alkanes) used as a lightweight emollient and solvent in cosmetics, valued for its dry, non-greasy skin feel and excellent spreading properties.

emollientsolventtexture-enhancer
Provides lightweight, fast-absorbing emolliency similar to isododecaneLeaves a clean, non-greasy skin feelImproves spreadability and texture of formulations
Other
CI 12490

A synthetic azo dye used as a colorant in cosmetics. Provides red to orange coloration. Approved in some jurisdictions for cosmetic use.

colorant
Provides red/orange coloration in cosmetics
Soothing
Caesalpinia Sappan Stem Powder

Powdered heartwood stem of Caesalpinia sappan (sappanwood), a plant used in Korean and Asian traditional medicine, providing antioxidant brazilin and soothing phytochemicals to cosmetic formulations.

soothingantioxidantskin-conditioning
Provides mild antioxidant protection via brazilin contentTraditionally used for soothing and anti-inflammatory effectsContributes to skin conditioning
Antioxidant
Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract

Extract from the pods of the Tara plant (Caesalpinia spinosa), native to the Andes; its high tannin content provides antioxidant protection and a gentle tightening effect.

antioxidantastringentskin-conditioning
Rich in gallotannins and gallic acid with potent antioxidant activityMild astringency helps minimize pore appearance
+ Niacinamide
Antioxidant
Caffeic Acid

A naturally occurring hydroxycinnamic acid found in coffee, wine, and many plants; potent antioxidant used in prestige creams for its UV-protective, anti-inflammatory, and brightening polyphenol activity.

antioxidantanti-inflammatorybrightening
Hydroxycinnamic acid with potent antioxidant and UV-protective propertiesAnti-inflammatory activity helps reduce rednessMay inhibit melanin synthesis for a mild brightening effect
+ Tocopherol+ Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Caffeine

An antioxidant used to reduce the look of puffiness and dark circles.

antioxidantsoothing
Antioxidant protectionVisibly de-puffs
Soothing
Calamine

A mineral powder blend of zinc oxide (≥98%) and approximately 0.5% ferric oxide (iron III oxide), used in cosmetics as a soothing and mild astringent agent particularly for acne-prone, irritated, or inflamed skin; distinct from pure zinc oxide by the inclusion of iron oxide.

SoothingAstringentSkin conditioningAntimicrobial
Soothes irritated, inflamed, and acne-prone skinMild astringent effect helps reduce oiliness and minimise pore appearanceAntimicrobial and anti-inflammatory zinc component helps manage acne
Generally well tolerated; very low safety concern at typical cosmetic concentrations (1–10%)Iron oxide component imparts a pinkish tint — may affect product colour
Other
Calcium Alginate

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.

film-formingviscosity-controllingskin-conditioning
Forms a water-insoluble, porous hydrogel film on skin — used in wound dressings and sheet masks for its moisture-exchange propertiesProvides a soothing, cooling sensation on contact due to the hydrophilic gel structure absorbing heat from the skin surfaceMarine-derived polysaccharide with excellent biocompatibility
+ Gellan Gum+ Glycerin+ Sodium Hyaluronate
Other
Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate

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.

opacifierfillerlight-diffuser
Provides soft-focus light diffusion to reduce appearance of imperfectionsAdds slip and a smooth skin feelImproves texture and spreadability of sunscreen and color products
Other
Calcium Carbonate

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.

abrasivefilleropacifierpH-adjuster
Provides gentle physical exfoliation as a mild abrasiveAdds opacity and white pigmentation to formulationsFunctions as a pH buffer/adjuster
Other
Calcium Chloride

An inorganic calcium salt used in cosmetics as an ionic texture modifier, buffering agent, and activator in alginate-containing gel masks.

viscosity controllingskin-conditioningbuffering
Provides calcium ions that support skin barrier enzyme activityAdjusts ionic strength and texture of formulationsUsed in alginate-based mask systems as a gelling activator
Other
Calcium Gluconate

The calcium salt of gluconic acid used as a skin-conditioning agent and buffering agent in cosmetic formulations.

skin conditioningbuffering agent
Skin conditioningSupports calcium ion availability in skin
Other
Calcium Lactate

The calcium salt of lactic acid used as a skin-conditioning and buffering agent in cosmetic formulations.

skin conditioningbuffering agent
Skin conditioningpH buffering
Active
Calcium Pantothenate

The calcium salt form of vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), which is more stable than panthenol and supports fibroblast activity, skin regeneration, and moisturization.

skin conditioninghumectantanti-inflammatory
Stimulates fibroblast activitySupports collagen and elastin productionMoisturizing and regenerating
Barrier support
Calcium Phosphoryl Oligosaccharide
CALCIUM PHOSPHORYL OLIGOSACCHARIDES

A proprietary calcium salt of phosphorylated oligosaccharides used in Minon Amino Moist formulas. Clinical studies show it stimulates ceramide production in keratinocytes, reinforcing the skin's moisture barrier — especially beneficial for dry, sensitive, and atopic-prone skin types.

skin-conditioningbarrier-supportingmoisturizing
Supports the skin's natural ceramide synthesisStrengthens the moisture barrierClinically studied for sensitive and atopic-prone skin
+ Ceramide NG+ Glycerin+ Allantoin