Ingredient library
Every ingredient SkinAtlas knows about — all 2178 of them. What each one does, what it works well with, and what to watch for.
A lightweight synthetic ester of propylheptanol and caprylic acid that delivers a dry, non-greasy emollient feel in serums and creams.
Sweet almond oil, a softening emollient rich in oleic acid.
Apricot kernel oil, a light, conditioning emollient.
Cold-pressed oil from the kernels of Prunus persica (peach). Closely related to Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil in fatty acid composition — predominantly oleic acid (~65%) and linoleic acid (~25%). Lighter in texture than shea or coconut derivatives, making it well-suited for leave-on facial and lip formulas. Provides skin conditioning and mild antioxidant support.
A cold-pressed oil from Ribes nigrum (blackcurrant) seeds, exceptionally rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and omega-3 fatty acids that nourish the skin barrier and support a healthy lipid profile.
The cold-pressed or expeller-pressed oil from castor bean seeds (Ricinus communis), rich in ricinoleic acid (a unique hydroxylated fatty acid), widely used as a rich, occlusive emollient and high-gloss conditioning agent in lip products, balms, and eye-area formulas.
Oil pressed from the fruits of the dog rose (Rosa canina), rich in linoleic acid and natural vitamin C precursors; widely used for brightening, nourishing, and supporting the skin barrier.
A natural floral wax from Rosa multiflora (multiflora rose) flowers. Used in luxury cleansing balm formulations for its light texture and subtle natural scent.
A cold-pressed oil from the seeds of cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus), a subarctic berry rich in omega-3/6 fatty acids and natural tocopherols, used as an emollient and antioxidant in premium skin care.
A lightweight plant oil pressed from safflower seeds, high in linoleic acid (omega-6), used as an emollient that supports the skin barrier and absorbs quickly.
Elderberry seed oil, a conditioning emollient.
Oil pressed from the kernels of the mongongo/manketti nut (Schinziophyton rautanenii), a rich emollient high in eleostearic acid and linoleic acid used in luxury moisturizers.
Oil cold-pressed from the seeds of the marula fruit (Sclerocarya birrea), a light, fast-absorbing emollient rich in oleic acid and antioxidant tocopherols.
An orange-hued plant oil rich in carotenoids, vitamin E and omega fatty acids, prized for nourishing and antioxidant care.
Cold-pressed oil from sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum), a traditional emollient rich in linoleic and oleic fatty acids and natural antioxidants including sesamol and tocopherols.
A rich plant butter high in fatty acids.
A lighter derivative of shea butter made by esterification with ethanol, providing emollient skin conditioning without the heavy feel of raw shea butter.
Finely milled powder from Bombyx mori silk proteins. Imparts a silky, smooth feel to skin and cosmetic formulas; used in powders, foundations, and skincare for its texture-enhancing properties.
Oil cold-pressed from the seeds of milk thistle (Silybum marianum), a linoleic-acid-rich emollient with antioxidant silymarin flavonoids.
A polyethylene glycol ether of sorbitol (30 EO units) esterified with isostearic acid. Functions as an O/W emulsifier and co-emulsifier in lightweight cosmetic formulas including mists, milky toners, and cream-mists. The isostearate portion contributes emolliency; the ethoxylated sorbitol backbone provides the hydrophilic character needed for stable emulsification.
A sorbitan ester formed from sorbitol and two moles of stearic acid. Used as a co-emulsifier in sunscreen and moisturiser formulas, slightly more lipophilic than Sorbitan Stearate.
A nonionic sorbitan ester of oleic acid (Span 80). Functions as a lipophilic emulsifier with a low HLB value, used in W/O emulsions and as a co-emulsifier in combination with higher-HLB surfactants.
An olive-derived co-emulsifier (paired with Cetearyl Olivate as 'Olivem') for stable, skin-friendly emulsions.
Sorbitan Palmitate (Span 40) is a non-ionic surfactant formed by partial esterification of sorbitol with palmitic acid (C16 saturated fatty acid). It has a low HLB value (~6.7), making it a lipophilic emulsifier suited for water-in-oil emulsions and W/O/W multi-emulsions. Used in eye creams and moisturizers as a co-emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent.