Ingredient library
Every ingredient SkinAtlas knows about — all 2255 of them. What each one does, what it works well with, and what to watch for.
The distilled water (hydrosol) from Centella asiatica leaves, used as a soothing and hydrating water-phase ingredient distinct from concentrated Centella asiatica extract.
A plant stem-cell culture medium from the meristem (undifferentiated growing tissue) of Centella asiatica, harvested for its soothing, antioxidant, and barrier-supporting phytochemicals.
Extract specifically from the roots of Centella asiatica — functionally distinct from the general 'Centella Asiatica Extract' (which typically derives from aerial parts) and from 'Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract'. Roots contain higher concentrations of polysaccharides and a different triterpenoid ratio. Used in multi-part centella extractions (leaf + root + flower/stem) to deliver the full phytochemical breadth of the plant.
A generic term for ceramide lipids — the primary lipid component of the skin's stratum corneum. When used as an INCI ingredient without a specific number designation, typically indicates a ceramide complex. Essential for skin barrier integrity.
Ceramide AG is the INCI name for Ceramide 6-II, characterized by an alpha-hydroxy fatty acid (A) and dihydrosphingosine (G). One of the naturally occurring ceramides in the stratum corneum. Used in multi-ceramide formulations (Matsuyama Hadauru, Kiku-Masamune, Ishizawa) to restore barrier.
A barrier ceramide that works best alongside other ceramides.
A ceramide class containing an alpha-hydroxy fatty acid bonded to a sphingosine base (alpha-hydroxy fatty acid + sphingosine). Present naturally in the outer layers of human skin and contributes to the intercellular lipid lamellar structure. Typically paired with Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, and Cholesterol in barrier repair formulations.
A long-chain ceramide important to barrier structure.
A skin-identical ceramide (N-acylated sphinganine; formerly ceramide 2) that reinforces the lamellar lipid barrier to reduce transepidermal water loss and soothe dry, flaking skin.
A skin-identical lipid that rebuilds the barrier.
One of the nine ceramide classes found naturally in human skin (non-hydroxy fatty acid + sphingosine base). Works synergistically with other ceramides and cholesterol to form the intercellular lipid matrix of the stratum corneum. Used in barrier-repair moisturizers alongside Ceramide NP and Ceramide AP.
A natural galactomannan polysaccharide from the seeds of Ceratonia siliqua (carob tree). Used as a thickener, emulsifier, and film-former in natural and eco-certified formulas.
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 fatty alcohol that softens skin and stabilizes emulsions.
A copolymer of cetearyl dimethicone crosslinked with vinyl cyclohexene oxide that functions as a texturizer, emollient, and film-forming agent.
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.
A synthetic ester of cetearyl alcohol and isononanoic acid that delivers a lightweight, non-greasy emollient feel in creams and serums.
An olive-derived emulsifier (paired with Sorbitan Olivate as 'Olivem') that binds oil and water with a soft, conditioned finish.
A cetyl alcohol ether with 1 ethylene oxide unit. A mild emulsifier used in cosmetic formulations.
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.