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 35 of 95

Surfactant
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate

A glyceryl stearate ester of citric acid used as a mild, plant-derived emulsifier to create stable oil-in-water emulsions.

emulsifier
Stabilizes oil-in-water emulsionsSkin-compatible, plant-derived emulsifier
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate SE

A self-emulsifying grade of glyceryl stearate (containing a small amount of sodium and/or potassium stearate) that forms stable oil-in-water emulsions without additional emulsifiers.

emulsifieremollient
Self-emulsifying — forms stable emulsions without a co-emulsifierSoftens and conditions skin
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearates

The INCI 'Glyceryl Stearates' (plural) designates a blend of glyceryl mono-, di-, and tristearate esters — distinct from 'Glyceryl Stearate' (the predominantly monoester form). The blend provides broader emulsification and skin-conditioning properties in O/W emulsions. A common co-emulsifier in K-beauty creams and sleeping masks alongside cetearyl alcohol.

emollientemulsifyingskin-conditioning
Mixture of mono-, di-, and tri-glyceryl esters of stearic acid provides versatile emulsification and skin conditioningImparts a smooth, non-greasy texture to creams and lotionsThe combination of ester types gives more nuanced emulsification behavior than the pure monoester (Glyceryl Stearate)
+ Cetearyl Alcohol+ Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate+ Dimethicone
Emollient
Glyceryl Tri(2-Ethylhexanoate)
GLYCERYL TRI(2-ETHYLHEXANOATE)

A triglyceride ester of glycerin and 2-ethylhexanoic acid used as a stable, odourless emollient in anhydrous and water-in-oil formulas. Provides a smooth, protective skin feel.

emollientskin-conditioningocclusive
Rich emolliency without heavinessImproves skin softness and supplenessStable and odourless
May feel occlusive for very oily skin types
+ Dimethicone+ Squalane+ Petrolatum
Emollient
Glyceryl Tricaprylate/Caprate/Myristate/Stearate
GLYCERYL TRICAPRYLATE/CAPRATE/MYRISTATE/STEARATE

A mixed triglyceride of glycerol esterified with caprylic (C8), capric (C10), myristic (C14), and stearic (C18) fatty acids. Used as a lightweight emollient in Ishizawa's urea eye cream.

emollientskin-conditioning
Lightweight emollientSkin softening
+ Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride+ Glycerin
Other
Glycerylamidoethyl Methacrylate/Stearyl Methacrylate Copolymer

A synthetic copolymer of glycerylamidoethyl methacrylate (hydrophilic monomer) and stearyl methacrylate (lipophilic monomer). The amphiphilic architecture allows the polymer to function simultaneously as a film-former, viscosity modifier, and mild emulsifier. Appears in Holika Holika's Good Cera ceramide complex formula where it contributes to the stable, lightweight cream texture.

film-formingviscosity-controllingemulsifying
Amphiphilic copolymer with both hydrophilic (glyceryl) and lipophilic (stearyl) segments — provides emulsification and film-forming in a single ingredientProduces a smooth, cushioned emulsion texture without the heaviness of traditional wax-based thickenersUsed in premium ceramide formulas to create a stable, lightweight cream texture while contributing mild skin-feel enhancement
+ Ceramide NP+ Hydrogenated Lecithin+ Dimethicone
Humectant
Glycine

The simplest amino acid, used as a humectant that supports the skin's natural moisturizing factor.

humectantamino-acid
Attracts and retains moistureSupports the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF)
Emollient
Glycine Max (Soybean) Oil
GLYCINE MAX (SOYBEAN) OIL

Oil extracted from soybeans (Glycine max). Rich in linoleic acid (54%) and tocopherols. A nourishing emollient with good skin compatibility, used in Matsuyama's barrier-focused moisturizer.

emollientskin-conditioning
Rich in linoleic acid and vitamin EEmollient and nourishingBarrier-supportive fatty acids
May not be suitable for soy-allergic individuals at high concentrations
+ Tocopherol+ Ceramide NP
Antioxidant
Glycine Max (Soybean) Seed Extract
Glycine Soja Seed Extract

A soybean seed extract rich in isoflavones and antioxidants that helps condition and brighten skin.

antioxidantconditioning
Antioxidant protectionHelps even skin toneConditions and softens skin
Antioxidant
Glycine Max Leaf Extract

Glycine Max Leaf Extract (soybean leaf extract) is derived from the leaves of the soybean plant, which are particularly rich in isoflavones (genistein, daidzein), flavonoids, and phenylpropanoids. The leaf fraction has a notably high antioxidant capacity and is distinct from the more commonly used soy seed extracts (which focus on proteins and phytosterols). In premium Korean skincare it serves as an antioxidant botanical, often included in multi-extract complexes.

antioxidantskin-conditioninganti-inflammatory
Soybean leaf extract is rich in isoflavones (genistein, daidzein) and flavonoids with potent antioxidant activity, protecting skin from UV-induced oxidative stressGenistein is a well-studied isoflavone that inhibits tyrosinase and downregulates melanin synthesis, contributing mild brightening potentialPolyphenolic and phenylpropanoid compounds from the soybean leaf fraction provide anti-inflammatory activity complementary to the antioxidant benefits
Soy isoflavones (genistein, daidzein) have phytoestrogenic activity in vitro; at cosmetic topical concentrations, clinical estrogenic effects are not expected or documentedSoy allergy: individuals with soy food allergy should be aware, though topical protein exposure differs from dietary — patch test recommended for those with severe soy allergy
+ Niacinamide+ Tocopherol+ Centella Asiatica Extract
Emollient
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
Glycine Soja Oil

A plant oil expressed from soybeans, rich in linoleic acid and tocopherols, used as a softening emollient and antioxidant carrier.

emollientantioxidant
Softens and conditions skinRich in linoleic acid to support the barrierContains natural vitamin E
Comedogenic potential; may not suit acne-prone skin at high concentrations
Barrier support
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Peptide

Glycine Soja (Soybean) Peptide is a hydrolyzed soy protein fraction consisting of small peptides (oligopeptides and amino acids) derived from soybean. The peptide fraction is separated from larger proteins and lipids, providing a concentrated mixture of skin-conditioning small molecules. In cosmetics it functions as a barrier-supportive humectant and skin conditioner, contributing bioactive peptides with potential collagen-stimulating and elasticity-improving activity.

skin-conditioningbarrier-repairhumectant
Soy protein hydrolysate peptide fraction containing small bioactive peptides (2–10 amino acids) with documented skin-conditioning, moisture-retention, and barrier-supportive activitySoy-derived peptides include those with ACE-inhibitory and collagen-stimulating activity in vitro; the cosmetically relevant fraction improves skin elasticity and hydration in short-term use studiesProvides a reservoir of amino acids for natural moisturizing factor replenishment, supporting stratum corneum moisture balance
Soy-derived; individuals with severe soy food allergy should exercise caution with topical application, although the allergenicity of extensively hydrolyzed peptides is substantially lower than intact soy protein
+ Ceramide NP+ Sodium Hyaluronate+ Niacinamide
Barrier support
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterols
Glycine Soja Sterols

Phytosterols extracted from soybean that reinforce the skin lipid barrier and condition the skin surface.

barrier-supportemollient
Supports the skin barrier by replenishing phytosterolsSoftens and conditions skinHelps reduce transepidermal water loss
Other
Glycine Soja Protein

The protein fraction isolated from soybeans, used as a skin and hair conditioning agent that helps maintain skin integrity and improve texture.

skin-conditioninghair-conditioningemulsifying
Conditions and softens skinImproves hair texture and manageabilityInhibits skin enzymes to minimize damage from their unscheduled release
Barrier support
Glycocaffinoglycolipid
GLYCOCAFFINOGLYCOLIPID

A specialized glycolipid containing caffeine moieties. Used in Tunemakers' moisture cream for barrier-supporting and skin-conditioning properties.

barrier-supportskin-conditioning
Ceramide-like barrier supportSkin conditioning
+ Ceramide NP+ Hydrogenated Lecithin
Humectant
Glycogen
GLYCOGEN

A polysaccharide (branched glucose polymer) used in cosmetics as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent. Distinct from mussel-derived glycogen; in skincare typically sourced from yeast or oyster glycogen.

humectantskin-conditioningfilm-forming
Attracts and retains moistureSupports skin barrier hydrationSmooth skin feel
+ Glycerin+ Hyaluronic Acid+ Trehalose
Other
Glycol Distearate

The diester of ethylene glycol and stearic acid, primarily used as a pearlizing and opacifying agent in cleansers and shampoos to create a lustrous, pearly appearance.

pearlizing-agentopacifieremollient
Creates a pearlescent or opaque appearance in cleansers and shampoosAdds a luxurious visual texture to rinse-off productsMild skin conditioning
Exfoliant
Glycolic Acid

The smallest AHA; a potent surface exfoliant.

aha
Smooths textureBrightensFades surface pigmentation
Sun sensitivityIrritation if overused
+ Glycerin
× Retinol× Retinal
Surfactant
Glycolipids
GLYCOLIPIDS

Naturally derived glycolipid biosurfactants (e.g. sophorolipids, rhamnolipids) produced by microbial fermentation. Used in cosmetics as gentle, biodegradable surfactants and emulsifiers.

surfactantemulsifyingskin-conditioning
Gentle biosurfactant with good skin toleranceBiodegradable and sustainably producedMild emulsifying and cleansing action
+ Glycerin+ Sodium Lauroyl Hydrolyzed Silk
Humectant
Glycoproteins

A broad INCI category covering proteins covalently linked to carbohydrate chains. In cosmetics, 'Glycoproteins' as a listed ingredient typically refers to the glycoprotein fraction derived from yeast ferments (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) or bacterial ferments. Functions as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent. The term is less specific than named glycoproteins such as Fibronectin or Laminin — it indicates a mixed glycoprotein fraction rather than a single defined molecule.

skin-conditioninghumectantfilm-forming
Sugar-protein conjugates (glycoproteins) act as humectants and skin-conditioning agents, attracting and retaining moisture at the skin surfacePresent naturally in yeast and bacterial ferments — fermentation-derived glycoproteins are the typical cosmetic sourceSupport the skin's natural moisturizing mechanisms by mimicking components of the extracellular matrix
+ Yeast Extract+ Sodium Hyaluronate+ Ceramide NP
Barrier support
Glycosphingolipids
GLYCOSPHINGOLIPIDS

Glycosphingolipids are sphingolipids with one or more sugar residues. Structural components of the skin's intercellular lipid matrix. Used in Tunemakers' peeling lotion to support barrier function.

barrier-supportskin-conditioning
Integral component of skin barrier lipidsReplenishes intercellular lipidsImproves skin hydration
+ Ceramide NP+ Hydrogenated Lecithin
Humectant
Glycosyl Trehalose

A glucosylated trehalose produced enzymatically from hydrolyzed starch, used as a humectant, film-former, and emulsion stabilizer in moisturizing formulas.

humectantfilm-formeremulsion-stabilizer
Provides deep, long-lasting skin moisturizationForms a protective film to reduce transepidermal water lossHelps stabilize emulsions and extends product shelf life
Soothing
Glycyrrhetinic Acid
GLYCYRRHETINIC ACID

The aglycone of glycyrrhizinic acid — the bioactive form after hydrolysis of licorice root compounds. Has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and barrier-supporting properties. Used in Rosette's clay cleanser and Meishoku's facial wash for soothing.

soothinganti-inflammatoryskin-brightening
Potent anti-inflammatory — reduces redness and irritationSupports barrier functionMild skin brightening
+ Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate+ Allantoin
Soothing
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Leaf Extract
GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA LEAF EXTRACT

Extract from the leaves of Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice). Contains flavonoids and other polyphenols with soothing and antioxidant effects. Distinct from the root extract (which contains glycyrrhizin/glycyrrhetinic acid); the leaf has a different and less concentrated phytochemical profile.

soothingantioxidant
Anti-inflammatory soothingAntioxidant flavonoids
+ Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate+ Niacinamide