The library

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.

All 2402 ingredients — page 73 of 101

Surfactant
Polyglyceryl-3 Dicitrate/Stearate

A plant-derived nonionic emulsifier combining polyglycerol, citric acid, and stearic acid, used to stabilize natural and 'clean' formula emulsions.

emulsifying
Stabilizes oil-in-water emulsionsNaturally derived alternative to synthetic emulsifiers
Surfactant
Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate

A mild, polyglycerol-derived emulsifier used to stabilize water-in-oil emulsions in creams and sunscreens.

emulsifier
Stabilizes water-in-oil emulsionsGentle, plant-derived emulsification
Surfactant
Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate

A mild nonionic polyglycerol diester of stearic acid used as an emulsifier to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions in serums and creams.

emulsifier
Gentle, plant-derived emulsificationStabilizes oil-in-water emulsions
Surfactant
Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate

A polyglycerol ester of methylglucoside distearate used as a mild, nonionic emulsifier for stable oil-in-water emulsions in leave-on formulas.

emulsifier
Gentle, sugar-derived oil-in-water emulsificationSuitable for sensitive and clean-beauty formulas
Other
Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone

A polyglycerin-modified silicone (KF-6105 type) that acts as an emulsifier for water-in-silicone or water-in-oil formulations, providing a light, non-greasy skin-conditioning effect.

silicone emulsifierskin-conditioning
Enables water-in-silicone emulsions for lightweight feelConditions and smooths skin
Surfactant
Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate

A polyglycerol ester of polyricinoleic (castor-derived) acid used as an efficient water-in-oil emulsifier in sunscreens, foundations, and rich creams.

emulsifier
Effective water-in-oil emulsifier at low concentrationsReduces viscosity and improves texture in anhydrous and W/O formulas
Surfactant
Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate

A polyglyceryl ester of capric acid (C10) used as a gentle nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer in toners, serums, and mild cleansers.

emulsifiersolubilizer
Mild nonionic emulsifier compatible with sensitive skin formulasCan help solubilize actives
Surfactant
Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate

A mixed polyglyceryl ester combining isostearic, polyhydroxystearic, and sebacic acid esters used as a water-in-oil emulsifier in sunscreens and CC creams.

emulsifier
Stabilizes water-in-oil emulsions in sunscreen and color cosmeticsImproves water resistance
Surfactant
Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate

A nonionic polyglyceryl ester of isostearic acid used as an emulsifier to form stable water-in-oil emulsions in sunscreens and rich cosmetic formulas.

emulsifier
Stabilizes water-in-oil emulsionsMild, plant-derived emulsificationUsed in sunscreens and rich creams
Surfactant
Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate

A polyglyceryl ester emulsifier made from polyglycerin-4 and lauric acid, used to create stable oil-in-water emulsions with a gentle, skin-friendly profile.

emulsifiersurfactantskin-conditioning agent
Gentle, skin-compatible emulsifier derived from glycerin and lauric acidLow irritation potential suitable for sensitive skinBiodegradable and considered eco-friendly
Generally very well-tolerated; no significant known risks at cosmetic use levels
Other
Polyglyceryl-4 Lauryl Ether
POLYGLYCERYL-4 LAURYL ETHER

A polyglycerol ether of lauryl alcohol. A mild, non-ionic surfactant and emulsifier used in gentle skincare formulations. Good skin compatibility.

emulsifiersurfactant
Gentle, non-ionic surfactant/emulsifierSkin-friendly
+ Glycerin+ Cetearyl Alcohol
Surfactant
Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate

A polyglycerol ester of oleic acid used as a gentle nonionic emulsifier and surfactant in cosmetic formulations.

emulsifiersurfactantskin-conditioning
Gentle nonionic emulsifier derived from glycerin and oleic acidHelps create stable oil-in-water emulsionsGood skin compatibility and mild profile
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-5 Oleate
POLYGLYCERYL-5 OLEATE

A polyglyceryl ester of oleic acid with a pentaglycerol backbone. Used as a mild nonionic surfactant and emulsifier with a moderate HLB, suitable for oil-in-water emulsions.

emollientemulsifiersurfactant
Nonionic emulsifier for O/W systemsDerived from plant sources
+ Glycerin+ Hydrogenated Lecithin
Surfactant
Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate

A polyglycerol ester of behenic acid used as a gentle, nonionic emulsifier in moisturizers and sunscreens.

emulsifiersurfactantskin-conditioning agent
Plant-derived emulsifier providing stable, skin-friendly emulsionsContributes a rich, smooth texture to formulations
No significant known risks at cosmetic use concentrations
Surfactant
Polyglyceryl-6 Dicaprate

A diester of polyglyceryl-6 and capric acid (C10) used as a mild nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer in cleansing oils and light emulsions.

emulsifiersolubilizer
Gentle, plant-based emulsifierHelps blend oil and water phases in cleansing oils
Surfactant
Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate

A monoester of polyglyceryl-6 and lauric acid (C12) used as a gentle nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer in serums and light cosmetic formulations.

emulsifiersolubilizer
Mild plant-derived emulsifierSuitable for sensitive-skin serums and emulsions
Other
Polyglyceryl-6 Octastearate

A polyglycerol ester of stearic acid used as an emulsifier to stabilize water-in-oil or oil-in-water emulsions. Derived from renewable polyglycerol and fatty acids; a functional excipient with no direct skin-benefit role.

emulsifierstabilizer
Surfactant
Polyglyceryl-6 Oleate

A nonionic polyglyceryl ester emulsifier derived from oleic acid, used to blend oil and water phases in cosmetic formulations while providing moisturizing benefits and a powdery, non-greasy texture.

emulsifiersolubilizersurfactant
Creates stable oil-in-water emulsionsProvides moisturizing effects with pleasant non-greasy skin feelWorks as co-emulsifier at concentrations under 2%
Considered safe for cosmetic use
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate
POLYGLYCERYL-6 POLYRICINOLEATE

A polyglyceryl ester of polyricinoleic acid (from castor oil) using polyglycerol-6. Acts as a W/O emulsifier and pigment dispersant. Used in Anessa's sunscreen milk to stabilise the formula and enhance spreadability.

W/O emulsifierdispersant
Natural-origin W/O emulsifier from castor oilHelps stabilise pigment dispersions in sunscreen formulas
+ Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate+ Dimethicone
Surfactant
Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate

A polyglycerol ester of stearic acid used as a gentle, plant-derived nonionic emulsifier in creams and sunscreens.

emulsifiersurfactantskin-conditioning agent
Plant-derived emulsifier that creates stable, gentle emulsionsWell-tolerated by sensitive skin
No significant known risks; considered one of the gentler polyglycerol emulsifiers
Surfactant
Polyglyceryl-6 Ximenia Americana Seedate

A polyglyceryl-6 ester of fatty acids derived from Ximenia americana seed oil, used as a nonionic emulsifier and emollient in luxury skin-care formulations.

emulsifieremollient
Plant-derived emulsifier from ximenia seed oilProvides emollient skin feel alongside emulsification
Humectant
Polygonatum Odoratum Rhizome Extract

An extract from the rhizome of Polygonatum odoratum (scented Solomon's seal / angular Solomon's seal), a TCM botanical distinct from P. officinale; contains polysaccharides, steroidal saponins, and flavonoids with humectant and antioxidant properties.

humectantskin-conditioningantioxidant
Polysaccharide-rich humectantAntioxidant and anti-inflammatory flavonoidsDistinct species from P. officinale with overlapping TCM uses
Humectant
Polygonatum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract

An extract from the rhizome or root of Polygonatum officinale (Solomon's seal / Yuzhu), a TCM tonic herb; rich in polysaccharides and flavonoids that provide humectant, antioxidant, and skin-conditioning benefits.

humectantskin-conditioningantioxidant
High polysaccharide content for moisturizationAntioxidant flavonoidsTCM tonic herb with skin-conditioning properties
Antioxidant
Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract

A root extract of Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum), the richest natural source of resveratrol, used for antioxidant protection and brightening in skincare.

antioxidantbrighteningsoothing
Rich natural source of resveratrol with potent antioxidant activityHelps brighten and even skin toneSoothes and calms skin