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 75 of 101

Other
Polysilicone-11

Polysilicone-11 is a high-molecular-weight silicone polymer (a polysiloxane copolymer with functional groups) used as a film-former and sensory modifier in serums and lightweight skincare formulations. It provides a smooth, non-greasy skin feel and can contribute optical softening effects. Distinct from lower-molecular-weight dimethicone and cyclopentasiloxane in its film-forming and substantivity properties.

film-formingskin-conditioningemulsion-stabilizing
A high-molecular-weight silicone polymer that forms a breathable, water-resistant film on skin — used as a sensory modifier and soft-focus agent in serums and lightweight emulsionsContributes to a non-greasy, velvety skin feel and may reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores through light-scattering and optical blurring when combined with other film formersBetter skin substantivity than standard dimethicone in aqueous formulas due to its cross-linked or high-MW polymer structure
+ Dimethicone+ Niacinamide+ Glycerin
UV filter
Polysilicone-15
POLYSILICONE-15

A polymeric UV filter where benzalmalonate UVB-absorbing chromophores are covalently attached to a polydimethylsiloxane backbone. High molecular weight prevents significant skin penetration. Approved in EU and Japan. Used in Anessa Perfect UV.

UV filterUVB absorber
UVB filter bonded to a silicone backbone — reduced systemic absorptionPhotostable and water-resistant
+ Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine+ Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
Other
Polysilicone-9

A crosslinked silicone elastomer (polysiloxane) used as a film-former and sensory modifier in cosmetics. Provides a weightless, non-greasy finish. Widely used in Japanese sunscreens (including Biore UV products) to achieve their distinctive light, watery texture.

film-formingskin-conditioningsensory-enhancer
Crosslinked silicone elastomer polymer that creates an ultra-light, non-tacky film — key to Japanese sunscreen's 'water-like' textureHelps suspend UV filters evenly and improves sweat/water resistance in SPF formulas
Surfactant
Polysorbate 20

A mild, nonionic polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester used to solubilize oils and stabilize water-based formulas.

emulsifiersolubilizer
Solubilizes fragrance and oils into water-based formulasStabilizes emulsions
Surfactant
Polysorbate 60

A mild nonionic polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester (Tween 60) used to emulsify and solubilize oils in water-based cosmetic formulas.

emulsifiersolubilizer
Effective oil-in-water emulsifierSolubilizes oils and fragrance in water-based formulas
Surfactant
Polysorbate 80

A mild, nonionic polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate ester (Tween 80) widely used to emulsify and solubilize oils in water-based cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulas.

emulsifiersolubilizer
Solubilizes oils and fragrance into water-based formulasStabilizes oil-in-water emulsions
Other
Polystyrene
POLYSTYRENE

Synthetic polymer microspheres added to sunscreen and colour cosmetics for optical blurring. Used in Rohto Skin Aqua Super Moisture Gel for its photo-finish soft-focus effect.

optical diffusersoft-focus agent
Creates soft-focus blurring effect on skinLight-reflecting platelets minimise pore appearance
Microplastic — not biodegradable; environmental persistence concern
+ Dimethicone+ Silica
Other
Polyurethane Film

A thin, flexible synthetic polymer film used as the outer backing layer of acne patches and wound dressings, providing a protective, occlusive barrier over the adhesive layer.

film-formingbinding-agent
Provides transparent, flexible, waterproof backing for acne patchesAllows oxygen transmission while protecting the wound environment
Generally considered inert; no known skin sensitization at use concentrations
Other
Polyurethane-39

A polyurethane-based polymer used as a film-forming and viscosity-controlling agent in cosmetic formulations, creating flexible protective barriers with excellent biocompatibility.

film formerviscosity controlling
Forms flexible, protective films on skinProvides viscosity control and texture modificationChemical stability with excellent film-forming properties
Considered safe for cosmetic use at current concentrations per CIR assessment
Other
Polyurethane-9

A polyurethane-based film-forming polymer used as the flexible carrier matrix in hydrocolloid acne patches and dressings.

film-formingocclusive
Creates the flexible, skin-adhesive substrate in hydrocolloid patch formatsProvides a breathable yet occlusive barrier over blemishes
Other
Polyvinyl Alcohol

A water-soluble synthetic polymer used as a film-former and thickener in sunscreens and peel-off masks, providing a smooth, even texture.

film-formerviscosity-increasing
Forms a clear, flexible film that can help SPF products spread evenlyThickens and stabilizes formulasWater-soluble and easily removed
Soothing
Poncirus Trifoliata Fruit Extract

An extract from the unripe fruit of Poncirus trifoliata (trifoliate orange), a traditional Korean medicinal plant used in cosmetics for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant flavonoid content.

soothingantioxidantskin-conditioning
Soothing and anti-inflammatory activityAntioxidant polyphenols including hesperidin and naringeninTraditional Korean herbal medicine (Ji Shi) ingredient
Antioxidant
Pongamol

A furanoflavonoid diketone isolated from karanja (Millettia pinnata) seed oil with documented antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.

antioxidantsoothing
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory furanoflavonoid from karanja (Pongamia/Millettia pinnata) seedTraditionally used to soothe irritated skin
Antioxidant
Poria Cocos Extract

Extract from Poria cocos (fu ling / wolfiporia extensa), a medicinal fungus widely used in traditional Korean and Chinese medicine; provides beta-glucans for antioxidant and calming effects in prestige hanbang skincare.

antioxidantsoothingskin-conditioning
Rich in beta-glucan polysaccharides with antioxidant and calming propertiesTraditional East Asian medicine ingredient used in Korean hanbang formulas for skin vitality
+ Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Soothing
Poria Cocos Sclerotium Extract

A polysaccharide-rich fu-ling mushroom extract that calms and hydrates skin.

soothinghumectant
Soothes and calms skinHelps hydrate and condition
+ Hyaluronic Acid+ Centella Asiatica
Humectant
Porphyridium Cruentum Extract

An extract of red microalgae (Porphyridium cruentum) rich in sulfated polysaccharides, used for its water-binding and antioxidant properties.

humectantantioxidantskin-conditioning
Polysaccharide-rich extract that helps skin retain waterAntioxidant support via phycoerythrin and other pigments
Soothing
Portulaca Oleracea Extract

An extract of purslane traditionally used to calm and soothe reactive skin.

soothingantioxidant
Soothes sensitive skinCalms rednessAntioxidant support
+ Centella Asiatica
Other
Potassium Alum

A naturally occurring aluminum potassium sulfate mineral salt used as an astringent, mild antibacterial, and deodorant active in beauty waters, deodorants, and after-shaves.

astringentantibacterialhemostatic
Tightens pores and provides an astringent effectNatural mineral-origin deodorant activeCOSMOS-certified organic-compatible ingredient
Contains aluminum; some concerns around percutaneous absorption though regulatory bodies have not restricted its use in cosmeticsMay cause dryness or mild irritation at high concentrations
Antioxidant
Potassium Ascorbyl Tocopheryl Phosphate

A stabilized vitamin C + vitamin E hybrid derivative that delivers paired antioxidant and brightening benefits with good formula stability.

antioxidantbrightening
BrightensAntioxidant protectionSupports even tone
+ Tocopherol+ Niacinamide+ Tranexamic Acid
Other
Potassium Aspartate

The potassium salt of aspartic acid, used in cosmetics as a skin-conditioning agent that provides both a mineral component (potassium) and an amino acid (aspartate) associated with cellular energy metabolism.

Skin conditioningMineral saltAmino acid delivery
Delivers potassium mineral and aspartic acid amino acid to skinSkin conditioning
Active
Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate

A water-soluble azelaic acid derivative. Milder and more soluble than azelaic acid, it targets uneven tone, redness and excess sebum.

brighteningsoothingsebum control
Evens toneCalms rednessHelps regulate oil
+ Niacinamide+ Lactic Acid
Preservative
Potassium Benzoate

The potassium salt of benzoic acid used as a preservative in cosmetics, particularly effective in low-pH formulations against bacteria, yeasts, and molds.

preservativeantimicrobial
Broad-spectrum antimicrobial efficacy against bacteria, yeasts, and moldsEffective at low pH (below 4.5), well-suited for low-pH Korean skincare formulationsGenerally considered mild and low-irritation when used at standard concentrations
May form benzene when combined with vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in the presence of heat and light — avoid pairing with high-concentration ascorbic acidCan cause skin sensitization in some individuals at higher concentrations
Surfactant
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate

The potassium salt of cetyl phosphate, a mild anionic emulsifier widely used in premium skin-care creams and lotions to create stable oil-in-water emulsions.

emulsifiersurfactant
Effective oil-in-water emulsifier for rich creamsImparts a luxurious, stable emulsion textureCompatible with a wide pH range
Other
Potassium Chloride

An inorganic potassium salt used in cosmetics as an ionic viscosity modifier and buffering agent, also providing mineral supplementation in spa-type and mineral-infusion formulations.

viscosity controllingskin-conditioningbuffering
Adjusts ionic strength of formulationsSupports mineral balance in skin-conditioning productsUsed to stabilize surfactant systems and adjust viscosity