The library

Ingredient library

Every ingredient SkinAtlas knows about — all 2277 of them. What each one does, what it works well with, and what to watch for.

All 2277 ingredients — page 27 of 95

Active
Dihydroxy Methylchromone
DIHYDROXY METHYLCHROMONE

A synthetic chromone derivative used as a skin-brightening active. Inhibits tyrosinase-mediated melanin production to reduce hyperpigmentation and even skin tone.

brighteningantioxidant
Inhibits melanin synthesis by interfering with tyrosinase — fades dark spotsAntioxidant activity protecting against UV-induced pigmentationAlternative to kojic acid with comparable brightening efficacy
Limited long-term safety data compared to established brighteners
+ Niacinamide+ Vitamin C
Barrier support
Dihydroxyisopropyl Palmoylpalmamide

A proprietary ceramide-analogue lipid used in Real Barrier formulations, consisting of a dihydroxyisopropyl backbone with palmoyl-palmamide chains that integrate into the skin's intercellular lipid matrix.

ceramide-analoguebarrier-repairskin-conditioning
Mimics ceramide structure to replenish intercellular skin lipidsReduces transepidermal water lossSupports barrier recovery in dry and compromised skin
Emollient
Diisopropyl Adipate

A synthetic diisopropyl ester of adipic acid used as a lightweight emollient and solvent that spreads easily and helps dissolve UV filters in sunscreen formulations.

emollientsolvent
Lightweight, fast-spreading emollientGood carrier for UV filtersImproves texture and skin feel
Emollient
Diisopropyl Sebacate

A diisopropyl ester of sebacic acid that functions as a lightweight emollient and carrier solvent, commonly used in sunscreens to improve spreadability and skin feel.

emollientsolvent
Lightweight, dry emollient feelImproves spreadability of sunscreens and formulas
Emollient
Diisostearyl Malate

A diester of isostearyl alcohol and malic acid used as a rich, high-shine emollient common in lip products and sunscreens.

emollient
Rich, glossy emollient feelGood skin adherence and cushioning
Emollient
Dilauroyl Glutamate Lysine Sodium
DILAUROYL GLUTAMATE LYSINE SODIUM

A sodium salt of a di-amino acid gemini lipid (lauroyl-glutamic acid-lysine). Designed to assemble into lamellar structures that mimic the skin's own lipid layers, supporting barrier function and moisture retention.

emollientskin-conditioningfilm-forming
Biomimetic lipid that reinforces skin barrierImproves moisture retentionSmooth skin feel
+ Ceramide NG+ Hydrogenated Lecithin
Other
Dilinoleic Acid/Butanediol Copolymer

A synthetic copolymer of dilinoleic acid and 1,4-butanediol that functions as a film-forming agent and texture enhancer in cosmetic formulations.

film formingskin conditioningtexture enhancer
Creates continuous protective film on skinImproves product texture and feelProvides smoothing and conditioning effects
Emollient
Dimer Dilinoleic Acid (Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl)

A polymeric ester formed from dimerized linoleic acid esterified with a blend of phytosterols, isostearyl, cetyl, stearyl, and behenyl groups. Used in premium formulas for rich emolliency.

emollientskin-conditioningviscosity-controlling
Complex ester of dimerized linoleic acid with multiple fatty alcohols and phytosterolsRich emollient providing a luxurious skin feel while maintaining spreadability; structurally similar to natural skin lipids
Emollient
Dimer Dilinoleyl (Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl)
DIMER DILINOLEYL (PHYTOSTERYL/ISOSTEARYL/CETYL/STEARYL/BEHENYL) DIMER DILINOLEATE

A complex diester formed from dimer dilinoleyl (dimer diol of linoleic acid) esterified with a mixture of phytosterol, isostearyl, cetyl, stearyl, and behenyl fatty acids. Functions as a rich lipid emollient that mimics skin lipids.

emollientskin-conditioning
Lipid-replenishing emollientImproves skin smoothness and softnessLong-lasting moisturization
+ Squalane+ Dimethicone
Emollient
Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate

A high-molecular-weight ester formed from the polymerization of dimer linoleic acid with dimer linoleyl alcohol. Widely used in anhydrous lip products (balms, treatments, lipsticks) as a flexible film-former and emollient. Delivers superior payoff and wear compared to lower-molecular-weight esters, and is a key ingredient in premium lip balm formulations such as Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment.

emollientfilm-formingskin-conditioning
Polymer ester that delivers a flexible, non-tacky film on lip surfaces — ideal for long-wear lip formulasExcellent adhesion and spreadability compared to simple wax estersProvides a cushioned, comfortable feel without the heavy occlusive texture of waxes alone
+ Shea Butter+ Polybutene+ Microcrystalline Wax
Emollient
Dimethicone

A silicone that smooths skin and helps reduce water loss.

ANTIFOAMINGEMOLLIENTSKIN CONDITIONINGSKIN PROTECTING
Silky finishReduces transepidermal water loss
Other
Dimethicone Crosspolymer

A crosslinked silicone elastomer network (distinct from linear dimethicone) that creates a soft, cushiony film on skin and improves the texture and stability of serums, primers, and sunscreens.

film-formertexture-agentemulsion-stabilizer
Provides a soft, velvety skin feelCreates a smooth, blurring filmImproves formula stability
Emollient
Dimethiconol

A silanol-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (hydroxyl-functional silicone) that conditions skin, imparts a silky film-forming finish, and helps reduce transepidermal water loss.

emollientfilm-former
Silky, smooth skin feelReduces water lossLeaves a conditioning film
Solvent / vehicle
Dimethyl Isosorbide

A sugar-derived (sorbitol) dimethyl ether solvent and epidermal penetration enhancer that improves solubility and skin delivery of actives.

solventpenetration-enhancer
Dissolves actives and helps deliver them through the skin barrierImproves bioavailability of co-formulated actives (e.g. niacinamide, retinol)Amphiphilic — works in both aqueous and oil phases
As a penetration enhancer, increases exposure to co-formulated actives — patch test when used with potent actives
Fragrance
Dimethyl Phenethyl Acetate

A synthetic aromatic ester related to phenethyl acetate (rose fragrance) used as a floral modifier in cosmetic fragrance compounds.

fragrance
Synthetic floral/jasmine-rose aromatic ester used as a modifier in prestige fragrance compounds
Potential skin sensitizer in leave-on products at higher concentrations
Active
Dimethyl Sulfone

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), a naturally occurring organic sulfur compound used topically to support collagen production, soothe inflammation, and improve skin hydration and texture.

anti-agingsoothinghumectant
Supports collagen and ceramide synthesis for firmer-looking skinSoothes irritation and rednessImproves skin hydration and texture
Most clinical evidence is from oral MSM research; topical-specific evidence is growing but limited
Other
Dimethylacrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer
DIMETHYLACRYLAMIDE/SODIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYLTAURATE CROSSPOLYMER

A crosslinked copolymer of dimethylacrylamide and sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate used as a salt-tolerant rheology modifier and emulsifier in luxury creams and serums.

thickeningfilm-formingemulsifying
Creates stable, non-sticky gel textureSalt-tolerant rheology modifierElegant sensory in water-based formulas
+ Xanthan Gum+ Carbomer+ Sodium Hydroxide
Humectant
Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate

A synthetic hybrid of dimethylsilanol and hyaluronic acid (CAS 128952-18-1) that functions as a humectant and skin conditioner, providing moisture-binding properties with enhanced surface compatibility.

humectantskin-conditioning
Draws and retains moistureCombines humectancy of hyaluronic acid with silicone-derived skin affinity
Antioxidant
Dimocarpus Longan Fruit Extract

Extract from Dimocarpus longan (longan/dragon eye fruit), a tropical fruit used in East Asian herbal medicine; provides antioxidant polysaccharides in Korean hanbang formulas.

antioxidantskin-conditioninghumectant
Longan fruit polysaccharides and polyphenols provide antioxidant and mild moisturizing effectsTraditional East Asian medicinal fruit used in Korean hanbang skincare
Soothing
Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract

An extract from the root of Dioscorea japonica (Japanese wild yam), used in cosmetics for its skin-conditioning and soothing properties.

skin-conditioningsoothinganti-inflammatory
Soothes irritation and rednessSkin conditioningAnti-inflammatory properties from saponin and diosgenin content
Antioxidant
Diosmetin

A naturally occurring flavonoid (methoxylated luteolin) found in citrus peel and lotus; used in prestige skincare as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory active.

antioxidantanti-inflammatorysoothing
Flavonoid found in citrus peel and lotus with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activityHelps reduce UV-induced oxidative stress and calm redness
+ Niacinamide
Antioxidant
Diospyros Kaki Fruit Extract

Extract from Diospyros kaki (Japanese persimmon / kaki) fruit. Rich in condensed tannins (proanthocyanidins), vitamin C, and carotenoids. Used in K-beauty pore-tightening and brightening formulas for its astringent and antioxidant properties. Traditional ingredient in East Asian herbal skincare.

antioxidantastringentpore-minimizing
High tannin content provides astringency that helps tighten poresRich in vitamin C and beta-carotene for antioxidant skin protectionTraditional East Asian ingredient for skin clarity and brightness
+ Niacinamide+ Centella Asiatica Extract
Antioxidant
Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract

An extract from persimmon (Diospyros kaki) leaves rich in triterpenoids, tannins, and ursolic acid, used in K-beauty products for antioxidant, soothing, and mild brightening effects.

antioxidantsoothingbrightening
Antioxidant protection via tannins and flavonoidsSoothes redness and calms skinMild brightening and pore-refining properties
Active
Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline

The dipalmitoyl ester of hydroxyproline (the key amino acid in collagen) designed for oil-phase delivery; stimulates collagen synthesis and protects skin structural proteins to firm and smooth aging skin.

collagen-supportanti-agingskin-conditioningantioxidant
Stimulates collagen synthesis and protects existing collagen fibers from enzymatic degradationLipophilic palmitic acid chains enhance skin penetration compared to hydroxyproline aloneReduces appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by improving skin firmness and elasticity