Ingredient library
Every ingredient SkinAtlas knows about — all 2402 of them. What each one does, what it works well with, and what to watch for.
An aromatic carboxylic acid preservative booster used at 0.05–0.3% in acidic formulas to inhibit bacteria and moulds and reinforce primary preservative systems.
A silicone polymer modified with pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA) groups. PCA is an amino acid-derived NMF component naturally present in the skin's stratum corneum. This hybrid ingredient delivers silicone's characteristic smoothing and film-forming properties alongside PCA's water-binding humectancy. Suited to lightweight sleeping masks and hydrating formulas.
A cationic surfactant derived from L-arginine, coconut fatty acid, and PCA (a natural moisturizing factor component) that functions as a mild antimicrobial, conditioner, and antistatic agent suitable for sensitive skin.
Polynucleotide fragments (often salmon-derived) popular in K-beauty for skin repair and barrier recovery.
A polyethylene glycol-modified dimethicone silicone used primarily as a water-in-silicone emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent that imparts a smooth, silky feel to sunscreens and foundations.
A PEG-10 ester of glyceryl stearate. Used as a gentle O/W emulsifier in premium Japanese formulations including Shiseido Elixir products.
A polyethylene glycol ether of hydrogenated castor oil with approximately 10 ethylene oxide units. Used as a mild emulsifier and solubilizer in cosmetics to incorporate oils, fragrances, and lipophilic actives into water-based formulations.
PEG-10 Isostearate is a polyethylene glycol ester of isostearic acid (C18 branched-chain fatty acid). It is used as a co-emulsifier and solubilizer in cleansing balms, where its hydrophilic PEG chain and lipophilic isostearate chain assist in balm-to-emulsion phase inversion during rinsing. The branched isostearic acid chain maintains the product in a semi-solid (rather than waxy crystalline) state at room temperature.
A PEGylated derivative of plant sterols extracted from rapeseed oil, used as an emollient and co-emulsifier in cosmetic formulations; the PEGylation improves water dispersibility of the sterol.
A highly ethoxylated (100 EO units) hydrogenated castor oil ester used as a gentle solubiliser and O/W emulsifier. Very water-soluble; widely used in Japanese toners, mists, and essence formulas to solubilise oils and fragrances.
A high-polyethylene-glycol-chain ester of stearic acid used as a mild, nonionic emulsifier to stabilize oil-in-water cosmetic emulsions.
A polyethylene glycol with ~23 EO units (MW ~1000 Da). Liquid at room temperature. Used as a humectant and co-solvent in Elixir Retino Power Cream.
A silicone-PEG copolymer that acts as an emulsifier and conditioning agent, giving formulas a smooth, silky skin feel while helping stabilise silicone-in-water or water-in-silicone emulsions.
A polyethylene glycol with 12 ethylene oxide units. Used as a humectant, solubilizer, and skin conditioner at low concentrations. Shorter chain than PEG-40 or PEG-60, giving a lighter, less viscous feel.
A PEG ester of isostearic acid used as an emulsifier in oil-based cleansers to disperse oils in water for rinsing.
A polyethylene glycol-modified silicone that functions as an emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent, providing a lightweight, non-greasy texture to creams, lotions, and moisturizers.
A polyethoxylated methyl glucose dioleate (trade name Glucamate DOE-120). Used as a thickener and texture enhancer in mild liquid cleansers. Provides a rich feel without irritation.
A nonionic surfactant and emulsifier derived from corn that functions as an effective thickener and irritation reducer in cleansing formulations.
A high-molecular-weight polyethylene glycol polymer (14,000 average MW) used as a water-soluble thickener and binder to increase viscosity and improve the feel of cosmetic formulations.
A high-molecular-weight polyethylene glycol. Used as a humectant, thickener, and solvent in skincare formulations. High MW PEGs are generally considered safe and non-irritating.
A PEGylated diester of stearic acid with a long PEG chain (150 ethylene oxide units). Used primarily as a thickener and emulsifier in rinse-off and leave-on cosmetic formulas.
A highly ethoxylated pentaerythritol ester of stearic acid used as a nonionic emulsifier and co-thickener in cleansers and moisturizers to stabilize formulas and build viscosity.
A monoester of stearic acid with a long PEG-150 chain. Functions as a water-soluble emulsifier and thickener in creams and lotions.
A polyethylene glycol with ~34 ethylene oxide units (MW ~1500 Da). Used as a humectant and co-solvent in skincare formulations.