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.
A medium-chain polyethylene glycol used as a humectant and solvent that helps retain moisture and improve formula texture.
A PEGylated meadowfoam seed oil (Limnanthes alba) used as a lightweight emollient and emulsifier that imparts a silky skin feel.
A short-chain polyethylene glycol used as a humectant and solvent to hydrate skin and improve the feel and spreadability of formulas.
A polyethylene glycol derivative of beeswax used as a mild nonionic emulsifier and conditioning emollient in cleansing balms and creams.
Shorter-chain PEG ester emulsifier paired with PEG-12 Diisostearate in cleansing oils to achieve clean rinse-off with minimal stripping.
A PEG-8 ester of glyceryl isostearate used as a mild nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer in cleansing oils and rinse-off products.
PEG-8 Isostearate is a polyethylene glycol (8 EO units) ester of isostearic acid. It is a lipophilic surfactant used as a co-emulsifier and solubilizer in cleansing oil and balm formulations. The shorter PEG chain (8 units vs 10 or 20) makes it more hydrophobic than longer-chain analogues, contributing more to the oil-phase stabilization than to water rinseability.
A PEG-8 ester of lauric acid used as a mild nonionic emulsifier to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions in sunscreens and moisturizers.
A silane-based surface treatment used to coat mineral UV filter pigments, improving their dispersion and cosmetic elegance in sunscreen formulas.
A PEG-8 ester of stearic acid used as a mild nonionic emulsifier to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions in face creams and lotions.
A dimethicone functionalized with PEG-9 groups. A silicone surfactant that emulsifies water-in-silicone systems. Used in Elixir Spot Clear Serum and Kiku-Masamune sake emulsion for silky texture.
A silicone-PEG copolymer emulsifier used in BB creams and sunscreens to create stable, water-resistant silicone-in-water emulsions.
A high-molecular-weight polyethylene glycol (~90 ethylene oxide units, ~4000 Da) used as a humectant and mild thickener in skincare formulas.
A class of polyethylene glycol / polypropylene glycol block copolymers used as solubilizers and emulsifiers in Japanese toners and serums, helping blend silicone and oil-soluble actives into water-based formulas.
A nonionic polyoxyethylene/polyoxypropylene ether surfactant used to solubilize and emulsify in watery lotions.
A mixed polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol dimethyl ether used as a solvent and carrier to improve formula texture and ingredient delivery.
A mixed polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol dimethyl ether used as a solvent and carrier to improve formula texture and ingredient delivery.
A silicone-PEG/PPG copolymer with equal PEG-18 and PPG-18 side chains that acts as an emulsifier and slip agent for water-compatible silicone formulas.
A block copolymer of PEG (9 units) and PPG (2 units) capped with methyl ether groups. Used as a co-solvent in sunscreen formulas for dissolving organic UV filters. Common in Anessa and Shiseido SPF products.
A triblock glycerin copolymer combining PEG-8, PPG-5, and polybutylene glycol-3 used as a multifunctional humectant to attract and retain moisture in serums and boosters.
A copolymer combining polyethylene oxide (POE/PEG) and dimethicone segments. Acts as an emulsifier and sensory enhancer in lotions and toners.
A polyoxyethylene-methylpolysiloxane copolymer (Japanese JSCI name for PEG-dimethicone). Functions as an emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent with a light, silky texture. Used in Shiseido d program acne-care lotion.
A propylene glycol ether of methyl glucose with approximately 10 propylene oxide units. Functions as a humectant in skincare formulations, particularly toners and serums.
A propoxylated methyl glucose ether used as a mild humectant and skin conditioner in toners, essences, and lotions, imparting a smooth, non-greasy hydration.