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 hydrolyzed form of the waxy esters from jojoba seed oil used as a lightweight emollient and skin-conditioning agent.
An ester of inulin (a fructan polysaccharide from chicory or agave) and stearic acid. It acts as a film-forming emollient, depositing a light conditioning layer on skin. The inulin backbone may also offer mild prebiotic-adjacent effects on the skin microbiome, though cosmetic evidence is limited.
A synthetic ester of isoamyl alcohol and lauric acid used as a lightweight, fast-spreading emollient and solvent in cleansing oils, serums, and moisturizers.
Isocetyl Myristate is a synthetic ester of isocetyl alcohol (C16 branched-chain fatty alcohol) and myristic acid (C14 fatty acid). It is a lightweight, non-greasy emollient with excellent spreading properties. Used in premium emulsions to improve texture, enhance the feel of heavier actives, and solubilize lipophilic ingredients. Distinct from Cetyl Myristate (straight-chain) due to the branched isocetyl alcohol, which reduces its solid-state tendency.
An ester of isodecyl alcohol and neopentanoic acid used as a lightweight, low-viscosity emollient and spreading agent. Imparts a dry, non-greasy finish; often used in luxury creams and colour cosmetics.
An ester of isodecyl alcohol and pivalic acid (neopentanoic acid). A light, non-greasy emollient that imparts a silky, dry skin feel. Used in sunscreens and light day creams.
A branched synthetic hydrocarbon emollient that provides a dry, ultra-lightweight feel and helps disperse pigments and UV filters.
A synthetic diester of isononyl alcohol and isononanoic acid providing an exceptionally lightweight, dry emollient feel in serums and sunscreens.
A synthetic ester of isopropyl alcohol and isostearic acid used as a lightweight emollient and skin-conditioning agent in creams and moisturizers.
A synthetic ester of isopropyl alcohol and myristic acid that provides a dry, lightweight emollient feel and can enhance penetration of other actives.
A synthetic ester of isopropyl alcohol and palmitic acid used as a lightweight emollient and solvent with a known comedogenic potential.
A branched-chain C18 fatty acid used as an emollient, skin-conditioning agent, and co-emulsifier in cosmetic creams and lotions.
A branched-chain C18 fatty alcohol used as an emollient and emulsion stabilizer that provides a rich yet non-sticky skin feel.
A glyceryl ether of isostearyl alcohol used as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent that imparts a smooth, non-greasy texture to creams and lotions.
A synthetic ester of isostearyl alcohol and isostearic acid used as a rich emollient and skin-conditioning agent in prestige creams and moisturizers.
Hydrogenated jojoba oil processed into wax esters, used as a gentle emollient and texture enhancer; distinct from liquid jojoba oil.
A plant wax ester structurally similar to skin sebum.
A complex mixture of wax esters secreted by sebaceous glands of wool-bearing sheep, one of the most effective occlusive emollients available with a composition similar to human sebum.
A medium-chain saturated fatty acid (C12) found naturally in coconut oil, used in cosmetics as an emollient, cleansing agent, and precursor to mild surfactants.
Lauryl Alcohol (1-dodecanol) is a C12 saturated fatty alcohol. It is shorter and more fluid than the typical cosmetic fatty alcohols (cetyl C16, stearyl C18) and functions primarily as a lightweight emollient and emulsion co-stabilizer. Used in eye cream formulations where a fluid, non-waxy texture is needed alongside the conditioning feel of the emollient phase.
A C12 alkyl-modified silicone fluid that delivers emollient and conditioning benefits with a clean, non-occlusive finish.
A complex silicone-polyglyceryl copolymer that functions as a multifunctional emulsifier and skin conditioner. Provides silky silicone texture while enabling water-resistant, stable emulsion formation.
A phospholipid emulsifier naturally found in cell membranes that stabilizes emulsions and supports ingredient penetration.
A stable vegetable oil cold-pressed from the seeds of Limnanthes alba (meadowfoam), composed primarily of unusual C20-22 long-chain fatty acids, used as a lightweight, non-greasy emollient.