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.
An ethoxylated cetyl alcohol (PEG-5 cetyl ether); mild nonionic surfactant used for emulsification in ampoule and serum formulas.
A quaternary ammonium cationic surfactant (CTAB) used as a cosmetic preservative (EU max 0.1%) with additional hair and skin conditioning properties.
A fatty alcohol that softens skin and stabilizes creams (not drying like volatile alcohols).
A butylene glycol ether of cetyl alcohol. A lightweight emollient used for its skin-conditioning properties in Curel's Moisture Repair Eye Cream.
A silicone copolymer combining a dimethicone backbone with a cetyl (C16 saturated fatty) pendant group. The cetyl chain adds lipophilic character and emulsifying capability to the silicone, allowing it to function simultaneously as an emollient and a mild O/W emulsifier. Used in lightweight facial formulations where a smooth, cushioned texture without heaviness is desired.
A blend of esters of cetyl alcohol and fatty acids (a synthetic spermaceti substitute) that provides a smooth, waxy emollient texture to creams and cleansing products.
A synthetic ester of cetyl alcohol and 2-ethylhexanoic acid that provides a light, dry-touch emollient feel in creams and serums.
An ether of cetyl alcohol and hydroxyethylcellulose that serves as an emulsion stabilizer, film-former, and thickening agent in cosmetic formulations.
A silicone-based amphiphilic emulsifier that enables stable water-in-silicone emulsions, commonly used in sunscreens and color cosmetics.
A wax ester of cetyl alcohol and palmitic acid that softens skin and adds a smooth, waxy texture to creams and lotions.
A phosphate ester of cetyl alcohol used as a mild anionic emulsifier to create stable, skin-compatible oil-in-water emulsions.
A synthetic pseudo-ceramide (ceramide analog) developed by Kao (used in Curél) that mimics the structure of natural ceramides to replenish barrier lipids, improve water retention, and soothe dry, atopic skin.
Extract from the fruit of Chaenomeles sinensis (Chinese quince / mogwa), a traditional East Asian medicinal fruit; provides antioxidant organic acids and polyphenols in hanbang skincare.
Extract from Chamaecyparis obtusa (Japanese hinoki cypress). Rich in hinokitiol (β-thujaplicin) and flavonoids with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Used in Transino formulas for skin-calming benefits alongside brightening actives.
An extract derived specifically from the leaves of Chamaecyparis obtusa (Japanese hinoki cypress), delivering soothing, antimicrobial, and antioxidant benefits through hinokitiol and flavonoids; distinct from the general whole-plant Chamaecyparis obtusa extract.
The hydrosol (distillate water) obtained from Chamaecyparis obtusa (Japanese hinoki cypress), carrying water-soluble antimicrobial and soothing compounds including hinokitiol; distinct from the full plant extract.
The volatile essential oil from German chamomile flowers, valued for its soothing, anti-inflammatory properties via chamazulene; also a natural fragrance ingredient.
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower/Leaf Extract is derived from both the flowers and leaves of German chamomile, yielding a broader phytochemical profile than flower-only extracts. Bioactives include alpha-bisabolol (wound-healing, anti-inflammatory), chamazulene (anti-inflammatory, blue pigment), apigenin and luteolin (flavonoid antioxidants), and phenolic acids from the leaf fraction. Distinct INCI from the flower-only extract; used in soothing and sensitive-skin formulations.
German chamomile flower extract rich in bisabolol and apigenin, used to calm and soothe sensitive or irritated skin.
Steam-distilled floral water (hydrosol) from Chamomilla recutita (German chamomile) flowers. Contains volatile compounds including alpha-bisabolol and chamazulene. Distinct from chamomile extract; functions as a soothing, mildly anti-inflammatory toner base.
Carbon-based charcoal (often activated or from bamboo). Used in skincare for its adsorptive properties — binds to oils, impurities, and toxins. Used in Rosette's peeling gel for pore-cleansing.
An extract from quinoa seeds (Chenopodium quinoa) rich in amino acids, flavonoids, and vitamins, used in premium skincare for antioxidant, brightening, and skin-conditioning properties.
Chitosan is a linear polysaccharide derived by partial deacetylation of chitin (found in crustacean shells, insect exoskeletons, and fungal cell walls). The degree of deacetylation determines its cationic charge density — cosmetic-grade chitosan is 75–90% deacetylated. Its cationic nature gives it substantive affinity for skin, excellent film-forming properties, and antimicrobial activity. Used in Korean skincare as a barrier-supportive, skin-conditioning, and gentle anti-microbial active.
Extract from Chloranthus japonicus, a small woodland shrub native to Japan used in traditional herbal medicine. Contains chloranthone and other sesquiterpenoids with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.