Ingredient library
Every ingredient SkinAtlas knows about — all 2165 of them. What each one does, what it works well with, and what to watch for.
A diester of butylene glycol and isononanoic acid used as a lightweight emollient that leaves a non-greasy, silky finish.
A refined, fractionated extract of shea butter concentrated in bioactive compounds, distinct from unrefined Butyrospermum Parkii Butter by its lighter texture and greater stability.
The non-saponifiable fraction extracted from Butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, representing ~7-11% of whole shea. Concentrated in biologically active sterols, triterpene alcohols, and tocopherols that are responsible for shea's anti-inflammatory and barrier-supporting properties.
A blend of triglycerides with carbon chain lengths of C10-C18, positioned between short caprylic/capric (C8-C10) and longer chain triglycerides. Provides emollient skin feel and serves as a carrier for other ingredients. Used in Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm.
A synthetic ester of benzoic acid used as a lightweight, fast-spreading emollient and excellent carrier for sunscreen actives.
A blend of straight-chain fatty alcohols (lauryl C12, myristyl C14, and cetyl C16) derived from vegetable sources, used as an emollient, co-emulsifier, and thickener in creams and lotions.
A blend of fatty alcohols in the C14 (myristyl) to C22 (behenyl) chain length range. Derived from vegetable oils; used as a co-emulsifier and emollient that adds body and skin-softening properties to formulations.
A blend of long-chain fatty alcohols (C14–C22) derived from vegetable sources that softens skin, stabilizes emulsions, and improves product texture.
A plant-derived or synthetic straight-chain hydrocarbon (C15-C19) used as a lightweight, sustainable emollient and silicone alternative.
A blend of long-chain fatty alcohols (C20 arachidyl and C22 behenyl) used as emollients and co-emulsifiers that contribute a smooth, non-greasy skin feel.
A high-molecular-weight crosslinked silicone polymer with long alkyl chains; used to create velvety, lightweight textures in serums, primers, and skin-makeup hybrids.
A blend of C9–C12 saturated hydrocarbons (alkanes) used as a lightweight emollient and solvent in cosmetics, valued for its dry, non-greasy skin feel and excellent spreading properties.
Cold-pressed oil from the seeds of Calophyllum inophyllum (tamanu), prized in traditional medicine and cosmetics for its cicatrizing, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
A seed oil from Camelina sativa high in alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3, ~35-45%), linoleic acid, and tocopherols, used as a stable emollient with barrier-supporting and antioxidant properties.
A lightweight J-beauty facial oil ('tsubaki') rich in oleic acid and antioxidants.
A seed oil pressed from Camellia oleifera, rich in oleic acid and antioxidants, used as a light, conditioning emollient distinct from tsubaki (Camellia japonica) oil.
An antioxidant-rich green tea seed oil that conditions skin and helps defend against oxidative stress.
Canarium Luzonicum Gum Nonvolatiles is the non-volatile resin fraction of Manila elemi (Canarium luzonicum), a tropical tree native to the Philippines. Manila elemi gum contains a volatile terpene-rich essential oil (elemi oil) and a non-volatile resin. The 'nonvolatiles' are the resinous residue remaining after the volatile fraction is removed — largely composed of triterpenes and resin acids. In cosmetics this fraction is used as an emollient and film-former with a silky skin feel.
The ester fraction isolated from candelilla wax (Euphorbia cerifera), used as an emollient and texture agent in lip balms, lipsticks, and creams.
A polyglyceryl-3 ester blend derived from candelilla wax, jojoba oil, and rice bran oil used as a plant-based emollient and emulsifier in cosmetic formulas.
A refined vegetable oil from Brassica campestris (canola/rapeseed) rich in oleic and linoleic fatty acids, used as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent.
Mono-, di-, or triglycerides of capric acid (C10) used as lightweight emollients and skin-conditioning agents in cleansers and moisturizers.
A lightweight emollient ester derived from coconut oil.
A mixed triglyceride blend of caprylic (C8), capric (C10), myristic (C14), and stearic (C18) fatty acids, used as a richer emollient than the C8/C10-only Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride.