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.
Root extract from Polygonum multiflorum (He Shou Wu / Fo-Ti), a classic herb in traditional Chinese and Korean medicine. Topically applied in skincare for its stilbene glycosides and anthraquinone bioactives, which provide antioxidant and skin-conditioning benefits.
A root extract of Polygonum multiflorum (he shou wu/fo-ti) containing stilbene glycosides and anthraquinones, used in K-beauty and traditional East Asian cosmetics for antioxidant skin conditioning; note: the oral form has documented hepatotoxicity.
A polymeric hydroxystearic acid used in sunscreens and color cosmetics as a dispersant for mineral UV filter pigments, reducing white cast and improving application feel.
An unsaturated synthetic hydrocarbon polymer of isobutylene used as a lightweight emollient, film-former, and viscosity modifier in serums and skin-care formulations.
A synthetic rubber elastomer that gives hydrocolloid and acne patches their stretch and adhesion properties.
A polymer ester of isostearic acid. Used as an emollient and co-emulsifier, particularly in anhydrous and silicone-based formulations such as sunscreens and foundations.
A synthetic copolymer derived from methacrylate monomers that functions as a film-forming agent, creating a continuous protective barrier on skin, hair, or nails with high-gloss and abrasion-resistant properties.
A synthetic acrylic polymer used as spherical microspheres to create soft-focus optical effects, absorb sebum, and improve the texture of creams and sunscreens.
A fine silicone resin powder used to create soft-focus blurring effects, absorb oil, and improve the texture of sunscreens, primers, and creams.
The expressed juice of yacon (Polymnia sonchifolia / Smallanthus sonchifolius) tubers, rich in fructooligosaccharides that humectate, support the skin microbiome, and strengthen the moisture barrier.
A generic anionic surfactant class of phosphated polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers. Functions as a mild emulsifier and surfactant in cosmetic emulsions.
A polyoxyethylene derivative of methyl glucoside. Functions as a humectant, drawing and retaining moisture in the skin. The Japanese JSCI name corresponds to INCI Methyl Gluceth-20. Used in Shiseido d program moist-care products.
A silicone-polyethylene glycol copolymer used as an emulsifier to create stable oil-in-water emulsions in Asian skincare formulations.
A polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene ether of a long-chain fatty alcohol (C14/C10). Functions as a mild nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer.
Polypropylene glycol — a polymer of propylene oxide. More lipophilic than PEG. Used as a solvent and humectant in cosmetic formulations. Found in Elixir Retino Power Cream.
A silicone resin formed from propylsilsesquioxane units, used in cosmetics as a film former and texture-enhancing agent; chemically distinct from polymethylsilsesquioxane (which uses methyl groups) though both are T-resin silicones.
A cationic polymer derived from hydroxyethylcellulose quaternized with trimethylammonium groups, widely used as a conditioning and film-forming agent in hair and skin care.
A cationic copolymer of acrylamide and dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride used as an antistatic conditioning and film-forming agent in skin and hair care formulations.
A cationic polymer used as a film-former and skin conditioner in facial cleansers and moisturizers, providing a soft after-feel.
A synthetic phosphorylcholine-based copolymer that mimics cell membrane phospholipids, used to form a protective, moisture-retaining film on skin in serums and masks.
A quaternary ammonium polymer (polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride) used in rinse-off cleansers and conditioners to deliver a smooth, conditioned skin feel post-wash. Highly charged; adsorbs to skin and hair surfaces.
A synthetic quaternary ammonium polymer used as a film-forming and skin-conditioning agent, primarily in leave-on and rinse-off skin care formulas.
A cationic conditioning polymer derived from hydroxyethylcellulose and a diallyldimethylammonium chloride copolymer, used in rinse-off and leave-on formulas to provide film-forming, slip, and conditioning properties.
A cationic conditioning polymer used in cleansers and leave-on products to condition skin, reduce surfactant irritation, and provide a smooth, conditioned feel.