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 diisopropyl ester of sebacic acid that functions as a lightweight emollient and carrier solvent, commonly used in sunscreens to improve spreadability and skin feel.
A diester of isostearyl alcohol and malic acid used as a rich, high-shine emollient common in lip products and sunscreens.
A sodium salt of a di-amino acid gemini lipid (lauroyl-glutamic acid-lysine). Designed to assemble into lamellar structures that mimic the skin's own lipid layers, supporting barrier function and moisture retention.
A polymeric ester formed from dimerized linoleic acid esterified with a blend of phytosterols, isostearyl, cetyl, stearyl, and behenyl groups. Used in premium formulas for rich emolliency.
A complex diester formed from dimer dilinoleyl (dimer diol of linoleic acid) esterified with a mixture of phytosterol, isostearyl, cetyl, stearyl, and behenyl fatty acids. Functions as a rich lipid emollient that mimics skin lipids.
A high-molecular-weight ester formed from the polymerization of dimer linoleic acid with dimer linoleyl alcohol. Widely used in anhydrous lip products (balms, treatments, lipsticks) as a flexible film-former and emollient. Delivers superior payoff and wear compared to lower-molecular-weight esters, and is a key ingredient in premium lip balm formulations such as Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment.
A silicone that smooths skin and helps reduce water loss.
A silanol-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (hydroxyl-functional silicone) that conditions skin, imparts a silky film-forming finish, and helps reduce transepidermal water loss.
An ester of dipentaerythritol and a blend of fatty acids. Functions as a lightweight, non-greasy emollient that provides a silky, dry-touch skin feel; also improves formula stability.
A mixed ester of dipentaerythritol with C5–C9 branched-chain fatty acids, used as a lightweight emollient and texture modifier. It provides a dry, silky skin feel without the heaviness of conventional oils, commonly used in light-feel formulas and primers.
A complex ester of dipentaerythritol and hydroxystearic acid used as a rich, stable emollient and thickener in luxurious skin creams and body butters.
A complex ester of dipentaerythritol with a mixture of hydroxystearic and isostearic acids. Used as a rich, non-greasy emollient particularly in eye creams and rich moisturizers.
A complex polyol ester of dipentaerythritol with polyhydroxystearic acid. Functions as a rich emollient and wax-like structuring agent in eye creams and rich moisturizers.
A phenyl-modified silicone with a high refractive index used in premium Japanese cosmetics for its luxurious skin feel and optical brightening effect.
A phenyl-modified silicone fluid that acts as an emollient, imparting a silky, glossy feel, excellent spreadability, and improved water resistance to cosmetic formulations and cleansing oils.
A lightweight hydrocarbon solvent/emollient that spreads easily and gives a dry, non-greasy slip.
A seed oil from Echium plantagineum exceptionally rich in omega-3 (SDA, ALA) and GLA fatty acids, used as an emollient and soothing agent for dry or inflamed skin.
The fixed oil expressed from the kernel of the oil palm (Elaeis guineensis), used as an emollient and occlusive agent in skin and hair care formulations.
The fixed oil obtained from the fruit of the oil palm (Elaeis guineensis), a fatty emollient rich in palmitic acid and tocotrienol forms of vitamin E.
The ethyl ester of oleic acid used as a lightweight, penetrating emollient and delivery solvent in skincare formulas.
The ester of 2-ethylhexanol (a C8 branched alcohol) and isononanoic acid (a C9 branched fatty acid). Produces a distinctly lightweight, fast-absorbing emollient with virtually no residual greasiness. Widely used as an alternative to mineral oil derivatives in lightweight facial creams and sunscreens, where its low viscosity and high UV-filter solubility are prized.
A lightweight ester of 2-ethylhexanol and olive oil fatty acids used as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent with good spreadability and a non-greasy feel; distinct from hydrogenated ethylhexyl olivate.
A lightweight synthetic ester of palmitic acid and 2-ethylhexanol used as an emollient and solvent to improve skin feel and product spreadability.
An ester of 2-ethylhexanol and stearic acid used as a lightweight emollient that imparts a soft, smooth skin feel without heaviness.