The library

Ingredient library

Every ingredient SkinAtlas knows about — all 2333 of them. What each one does, what it works well with, and what to watch for.

All 2333 ingredients — page 47 of 98

Emollient
Lauryl Alcohol

Lauryl Alcohol (1-dodecanol) is a C12 saturated fatty alcohol. It is shorter and more fluid than the typical cosmetic fatty alcohols (cetyl C16, stearyl C18) and functions primarily as a lightweight emollient and emulsion co-stabilizer. Used in eye cream formulations where a fluid, non-waxy texture is needed alongside the conditioning feel of the emollient phase.

emollientemulsion-stabilizingsurfactant
C12 fatty alcohol that serves primarily as an emollient and emulsion co-stabilizer in eye cream formulations; at low concentrations provides a light conditioning feelThe short C12 chain makes lauryl alcohol a useful fluidity modifier in emulsions that need to remain lightweight and non-occlusiveFunctions as a co-emulsifier alongside cetearyl glucoside and sorbitan esters in water-in-oil and oil-in-water systems
Lauryl alcohol can be a contact irritant at higher concentrations — the dose matters; cosmetic use levels in leave-on products are far below irritation thresholdsC12 fatty alcohol may contribute to comedogenicity if present at higher concentrations in acne-prone individuals
+ Myristyl Alcohol+ Cetearyl Alcohol+ Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Surfactant
Lauryl Betaine
LAURYL BETAINE

A C12 alkyl betaine (amphoteric surfactant) used as a mild co-surfactant in cleansers and emulsions. Reduces irritation of anionic surfactants and improves skin feel.

surfactantskin-conditioningantistatic
Gentle amphoteric surfactantImproves foam quality and mildnessConditioning feel
+ Sodium Lauroyl Hydrolyzed Silk+ Glycolipids
Emollient
Lauryl Dimethicone

A C12 alkyl-modified silicone fluid that delivers emollient and conditioning benefits with a clean, non-occlusive finish.

emollientskin-conditioning
Provides a lightweight, non-greasy skin feelImproves formula spreadability and leaves a smooth, silky finish
Surfactant
Lauryl Glucoside

A mild nonionic alkyl polyglucoside surfactant derived from glucose and lauryl alcohol, widely used in gentle cleansers and personal care formulations.

CleansingSurfactantFoaming
Mild, biodegradable surfactant gentle enough for sensitive skinGood foaming and cleansing performance at low concentrations
Very low irritation potential; well-tolerated by most skin types
Surfactant
Lauryl Hydroxysultaine
LAURYL HYDROXYSULTAINE

An amphoteric sulfobetaine surfactant from lauryl alcohol. Very gentle and compatible with ionic surfactants. Boosts foam and improves skin feel in cleansers. Used in Curel's foaming facial wash.

surfactantfoam-boosterskin-conditioning
Amphoteric surfactant — gentle and conditioningGood foam boostingCompatible with all other surfactant types
+ Sodium Lauroyl Aspartate+ Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate
Emollient
Lauryl Laurate

An ester of lauryl alcohol and lauric acid used as a lightweight emollient and skin-conditioning agent.

emollientskin conditioning
Lightweight emollient that smooths skin without greasy feelImproves spreadability of formulas
Other
Lauryl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer

A crosslinked copolymer of lauryl methacrylate and glycol dimethacrylate; used as a texture modifier and film-forming agent in premium skincare to improve spreadability.

film-formingtexture-modifier
Creates a smooth, velvety skin feel in emulsion formulasProvides thickening and sensory-enhancing properties
Other
Lauryl Methacrylate/Sodium Methacrylate Crosspolymer
LAURYL METHACRYLATE/SODIUM METHACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER

A crosslinked copolymer of lauryl methacrylate and sodium methacrylate used by Kao in Biore UV formulas. Forms an oil-absorbing film for the signature watery-essence texture and improved SPF longevity on oily skin.

film-formertexture agentsebum-absorbing
Creates the lightweight, non-tacky watery-gel texture of Biore UVAbsorbs sebum for longer sunscreen wear
+ Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate+ Dimethicone
Emollient
Lauryl PCA

An ester of lauryl alcohol and pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA) that functions as an emollient with mild humectant character from the PCA moiety.

skin conditioningemollient
Combines lauryl alcohol's emollience with PCA's natural moisturizing factor propertiesConditions and softens skin
Other
Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)silylethyl Dimethicone

A silicone-based PEG emulsifier used to create stable water-in-silicone emulsions, providing a lightweight, silky texture in sunscreens and foundations.

EmulsifyingSkin conditioningFilm-forming
Enables water-in-silicone emulsions for lightweight sensory profilesImparts silky, non-greasy feel to formulations
Low sensitization potential at typical cosmetic use levels
Surfactant
Lauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone

A silicone surfactant combining a lauryl-PEG chain with dimethicone, used to emulsify and stabilize cosmetic formulations while giving a silky finish.

emulsifiersurfactant
Silicone-based emulsifier that stabilizes water-in-oil or oil-in-water formulasProvides smooth, silky skin feel
Humectant
Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone

A specialized silicone-based emulsifier (a lauryl-PEG-modified polydimethylsiloxane derivative) used to stabilize emulsions and provide a lightweight, silky skin feel.

emulsifiersurfactant
Silicone emulsifier that stabilizes formulas and imparts a silky, non-greasy finish
Other
Lauryl PEG/PPG-18/18 Methicone

A silicone-polyether copolymer emulsifier used to stabilize water-in-silicone emulsions, delivering a characteristic lightweight, silky finish in sunscreens and hybrid formulas.

EmulsifyingSkin conditioning
Excellent emulsifier for water-in-silicone systems, critical in lightweight SPF and primer formulationsImparts smooth, non-tacky skin feel
Low sensitization potential at typical cosmetic use levels
Emollient
Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
LAURYL POLYGLYCERYL-3 POLYDIMETHYLSILOXYETHYL DIMETHICONE

A complex silicone-polyglyceryl copolymer that functions as a multifunctional emulsifier and skin conditioner. Provides silky silicone texture while enabling water-resistant, stable emulsion formation.

emollientemulsifierskin-conditioning
Acts as an oil-in-water emulsifier with silicone sensoryLightweight non-greasy feel
+ Dimethicone+ Hydrogenated Lecithin
Preservative
Laurylpyridinium Chloride

A quaternary ammonium chloride salt used at low concentrations in cosmetics as an antimicrobial preservative and antistatic agent, also employed as an antiseptic in pharmaceutical oral care products.

AntimicrobialAntistaticSurfactantDeodorant
Inhibits microbial growth, helping preserve cosmetic formulationsReduces static charge on hair and skin surfacesProvides mild deodorant effect via antimicrobial action
Quaternary ammonium compound — may cause skin sensitization or irritation at higher concentrationsRare in cosmetics (found in ~0.01% of products); safety data at cosmetic concentrations is limited compared to pharmaceutical antiseptic use
Soothing
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Water

Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Water is the hydrosol (aqueous steam-distillate) collected alongside lavender essential oil production. It contains trace water-soluble fragrant compounds (mainly linalool and its derivatives) but at concentrations far below the essential oil. Used in cosmetics as a mildly soothing, lightly fragranced water base for toners, cleansers, and sensitive-skin formulas. EU allergen regulations apply due to trace linalool content.

soothingfragranceskin-conditioning
Lavender hydrosol (flower water) is the aqueous distillate co-produced with lavender essential oil, containing water-soluble aromatics and trace amounts of linalool and linalyl acetateSignificantly gentler than lavender essential oil — at typical hydrosol concentrations, the fragrant compounds are too dilute to cause sensitization in most individuals, while still delivering mild soothing and antimicrobial benefitCalming skin-conditioning character with very light fragrance; used as a functional water replacement in sensitive-skin and soothing formulas
Contains trace linalool — EU fragrance allergen monitoring applies; most hydrosols are well below the 0.01% threshold but individuals with confirmed linalool sensitivity should be awareDistinct from Lavandula Angustifolia Oil: the hydrosol is far safer for sensitive skin than the undiluted essential oil
+ Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract+ Allantoin+ Panthenol
Soothing
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Lavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

An aqueous or hydroalcoholic extract of the whole aerial parts (flowers, leaves, and stems) of Lavandula angustifolia (true lavender), providing soothing and antioxidant benefits. Distinct from Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract (flower-only) and lavender essential oils.

soothingantioxidantfragrant
Soothes and calms irritated or stressed skinAntioxidant support from rosmarinic acid and polyphenolsMild pleasant fragrance character from the whole aerial plant
Contains naturally occurring fragrance components (linalool, linalyl acetate) that may sensitize reactive skin; lower risk than lavender essential oil but patch testing recommended for very sensitive individuals
+ Chamomile Extract+ Aloe Vera
Soothing
Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract

An aqueous or hydroalcoholic extract of lavender flowers, distinct from the volatile essential oil form, providing soothing and antioxidant benefits with a milder profile.

soothingantioxidant
Soothes and calms irritated skinAntioxidant support from polyphenolsLower sensitization risk than lavender essential oil
Lavender plant components can sensitize reactive skin; patch testing recommended for highly sensitive individuals
Fragrance
Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Oil

An essential oil steam-distilled from the flowers of Lavandula angustifolia (true lavender), used primarily as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics.

PerfumingMaskingTonic
Pleasant floral fragrance widely used in aromatherapy-positioned productsSome anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity attributed to linalool and linalyl acetate
Contains regulated fragrance allergens (Linalool, Geraniol, Citronellol, Limonene); may cause sensitization or contact dermatitis in susceptible individuals
Fragrance
Lavandula Angustifolia Oil

Lavender essential oil, used for natural fragrance.

fragrant
Fragrant essential oil that can irritate or sensitize reactive skin
Fragrance
Lavandula Hybrida Oil

An essential oil steam-distilled from Lavandula x intermedia (lavandin), a hybrid of L. angustifolia and L. latifolia; has a stronger, more camphoraceous scent than true lavender and is used primarily as a fragrance ingredient.

fragranceantimicrobialskin-conditioning
Provides a pleasant lavender-like fragrance noteMinor antimicrobial properties from linalool and linalyl acetate contentTraditional aromatherapy calming effects
Contains fragrance allergens including linalool and linalyl acetate that may cause contact sensitizationCamphene and camphor content higher than true lavender — avoid around young children
Emollient
Lecithin

A phospholipid emulsifier naturally found in cell membranes that stabilizes emulsions and supports ingredient penetration.

emulsifierpenetration-enhancer
Stabilizes emulsionsSupports delivery of activesConditions skin with phospholipids
Soy-derived forms may not suit those with soy allergies (typically at low cosmetic concentrations, risk is very low)
Other
Lens Esculenta (Lentil) Seed Extract
Lens Esculenta Seed Extract

An extract from the seeds of Lens esculenta (lentil), used in cosmetics for its skin-protecting, antioxidant, and nourishing properties derived from proteins and vitamins.

Skin conditioningSkin protectingAntioxidant
Nourishes and maintains skin elasticity with proteins, vitamins (E, A, B5), and mineralsAntioxidant protection from tocopherols and carotenoidsPromotes skin hydration and renewal
Low sensitization potential; patch test for those with legume allergies
Other
Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract

An extract from the fruit of Lens esculenta (lentil), rich in polyphenols and oligosaccharides, used in cosmetics for its skin-conditioning, antioxidant, and sebum-regulating properties.

Skin conditioningAntioxidantSebum regulation
Rich in oligosaccharides and phenolics that regulate sebum and minimize pore appearanceAntioxidant protection against environmental stressorsSkin-softening effect
Low irritation potential; patch test recommended for individuals with legume allergies