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 copolymer of polypropylene glycol and SMDI (4,4'-methylenediphenyl diisocyanate) used as a film-former and emollient that imparts a silky, velvety skin feel.
A polymeric nonionic surfactant combining a polypropylene glycol backbone with a branched long-chain ethoxylate, used as an emulsifier and solubilizer in premium aqueous skin-care formulas.
A polypropylene glycol ether of stearyl alcohol; functions as a lightweight emollient and skin-conditioning agent commonly used in cleansing oils.
A polypropylene glycol polymer (17-unit chain) used as a humectant and co-solvent in cosmetics. Lighter and less viscous than glycerin; often combined with it in Japanese toners.
A condensation product of propylene glycol and the amino acid arginine. Used as a mild skin conditioner in cleansing and care products.
A propylene glycol ether of methyl glucose with approximately 20 propylene oxide units. Used as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent in toners and essences.
A nonionic polypropylene glycol/butyl ether copolymeric surfactant used as a solubilizer and emulsifier in toners and facial preparations.
A diester of tripropylene glycol (PPG-3) and pivalic acid. A lightweight, non-greasy emollient used in skincare to improve spreadability and provide a dry, silky skin feel. Common in Shiseido premium formulations.
A polypropylene glycol ether of myristyl alcohol used as a lightweight emollient and carrier solvent that imparts a silky skin feel and improves the spreading and dispersibility of actives in serums and sunscreens.
A complex polyol ether combining PPG-4 and ceteth-20 groups. Used as a non-ionic emulsifier and surfactant in skincare formulations.
PPG-5-Laureth-5 is a non-ionic surfactant made by sequential propoxylation (5 PO units) and ethoxylation (5 EO units) of lauryl alcohol. The resulting molecule has a mixed hydrophilic/lipophilic character suitable for use as a mild solubilizer and co-emulsifier in water-based skincare. Used in toners and serum-type products to solubilize fragrance compounds and provide a smooth, conditioned skin feel.
A high-propoxylation methyl glucose ether derived from corn glucose and propylene oxide, used as a humectant and mild emollient that provides lasting moisturization without a heavy or tacky feel.
A polypropylene glycol/polyethylene glycol ether of decyltetradecanol used as an emulsifier and solubiliser in Japanese toners and essences. Enables stable, clear-to-slightly-translucent formulas.
A mixed polypropylene/polyethylene glycol ether of a branched C24 fatty alcohol used as a nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer in premium serums and emulsions.
A mixed PEG/PPG ether of cetyl alcohol: 8 units of propylene oxide (PPG) and 20 units of ethylene oxide (PEG) on a C16 cetyl backbone. Functions as an O/W emulsifier in cosmetic formulations. The PPG segment reduces the stringent feel sometimes associated with pure PEG emulsifiers, giving a softer skin feel. Used in cream-mists and milky tonics where a stable yet fluid emulsion is needed.
A copolymer of methyl vinyl ether and maleic anhydride (trade name Gantrez) used as a film-former, binder, and emulsion stabilizer in skincare and hair care formulas.
Polyvinylpyrrolidone — a water-soluble polymer widely used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Used as a film-former, binder, and thickener. Provides a smooth skin feel.
A brown-algae extract used to support hydration and a plumped, conditioned feel.
An extract from the root of Paeonia albiflora (white peony / Bai Shao), a traditional East Asian botanical distinct from tree peony, used for its soothing, brightening, and antioxidant effects.
Extract from Paeonia lactiflora (Chinese peony / bai shao), a key ingredient in traditional Korean and Chinese herbal medicine; paeoniflorin content provides documented anti-inflammatory and skin-calming activity.
An extract from the root of Paeonia lactiflora (herbaceous peony / Bai Shao), a distinct species from tree peony (P. suffruticosa) and white peony (P. albiflora), used in traditional Chinese and Korean medicine for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and mild brightening properties.
A peony root extract used to calm skin and support a brighter, more even tone.
An extract of Palmaria palmata (dulse), a red algae, rich in antioxidant polyphenols and minerals used to condition skin and counter oxidative stress.
Palmitamide MEA (palmitoylethanolamide) is a fatty acid amide that acts on cannabinoid receptor pathways to exert anti-inflammatory and soothing effects, making it suitable for sensitive skin formulations.