Ingredient library

A natural wax from the flowers of Acacia decurrens (green wattle/mimosa). Used in Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm for its light, natural wax texture.

An acetylated ester of stearic acid and ethylene glycol used as an emollient and emulsifier in skin care. Creates a waxy texture and helps build lamellar emulsion structures for improved skin feel and moisture retention.

A cold-pressed oil from baobab seeds rich in omega fatty acids (oleic, linoleic, palmitic) and tocopherols that deeply nourishes and conditions the skin.

9,10,16-Trihydroxyhexadecanoic acid, a naturally occurring hydroxy fatty acid found in shellac resin secreted by Kerria lacca (lac insect). Used in cosmetics as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent with mild antimicrobial properties. The three hydroxyl groups give it some humectant character alongside its primary emollient role. Appears in ceramide-rich formulas (such as Holika Holika Good Cera) for its lipid-compatible moisturizing properties.

A synthetic hydrocarbon polymer produced from alpha-olefin monomers, used as a lightweight, non-comedogenic emollient in toners and serums.

A long-chain (C20) fatty alcohol used as an emollient, co-emulsifier, and thickener in creams and lotions; commonly paired with Behenyl Alcohol.

Oil expressed from peanuts (Arachis hypogaea). A rich emollient high in oleic and linoleic fatty acids. Used as a carrier oil. Major allergen — should be clearly labeled and avoided by those with peanut allergies.

A vitamin-E-rich argan kernel oil that nourishes, softens and conditions skin.

A solid butter pressed from the seeds of the murumuru palm (Astrocaryum murumuru), rich in saturated fatty acids that deeply soften and protect dry lips and skin.

Oil (fat) rendered from the subcutaneous adipose tissue of Meles meles (Eurasian badger). Composed primarily of oleic acid (~45%), palmitic acid (~28%), linoleic acid (~12%), and stearic acid (~8%). The fatty acid profile is broadly similar to human sebum, contributing to its skin compatibility as an emollient. Accepted as an INCI/CosIng entry (EU CosIng registered). Traditional ingredient in East Asian and Eastern European cosmetics; used in the Tosowoong Enzyme Powder Wash as a skin-conditioning agent.

A glyceryl monoether (alkylglycerol) used as a skin-conditioning emollient and emulsion stabilizer in creams and lotions.

A natural wax secreted by honey bees (INCI: Cera Alba) used as an occlusive emollient, emulsifier, and thickening agent in balms, creams, and lipsticks.

A 22-carbon saturated long-chain fatty acid. Forms the free acid component paired with bases to create soap-like emulsifiers in luxury creams and serums. Found naturally in small amounts in rapeseed and peanut oil.

A long-chain (C22) fatty alcohol that softens skin and acts as an emulsifier and thickener in creams and lotions.

A polyglyceryl-modified silicone copolymer used as an emulsifier in water-resistant sunscreens and BB creams.

A polyester of diglycerol and adipic/fatty acids used as a synthetic emollient in lip products and creams, offering a soft, non-sticky skin feel.

A synthetic amide-based wax that acts as an emollient and film-former, contributing a smooth, silky texture to creams and emulsions.

A PEG-modified dimethicone silicone that functions as an emollient and slip agent, improving spreadability and texture in serums and moisturizers while conditioning the skin.

Borage (starflower) seed oil, rich in GLA, used to replenish and condition.

A synthetic amide derivative of borage seed oil and aminopropanediol used as a skin-conditioning emollient in cosmetic formulations.

Ester mixture of cholesterol with branched C10-40 fatty acids. Mimics the composition of sebum, making it highly compatible with skin lipids. Used in luxury Japanese skincare (Kanebo, POLA) for barrier-restoring emolliency.

An extract from Brassica campestris (rapeseed/canola), a cruciferous plant extract used in cosmetics for mild skin-conditioning and emollient properties; distinct from rapeseed oil (Brassica Campestris Seed Oil).

An ester of butylene glycol and coconut-derived fatty acids. Functions as a lightweight emollient and skin-conditioning agent that softens skin without leaving a greasy feel. Commonly used in serums, lotions, and lightweight moisturizers.

A diester of butylene glycol with caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) fatty acids, used as a lightweight emollient and skin-feel modifier in creams and lotions.