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.
An oil from the seeds of Lithospermum erythrorhizon (red-root gromwell), a plant used in traditional Kampo medicine, valued in cosmetics for its skin-conditioning, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
A synthetic long-chain diamide used in KAO/Curél products as a barrier-supporting emollient. Works alongside Intactamide (Hexadecyloxy PG Hydroxyethyl Hexadecanamide) in the Curél moisture retention system.
A hydrolysed form of phosphatidylcholine (lecithin) in which one of the two fatty acid chains has been enzymatically removed, leaving a single-chain lysophospholipid. Its asymmetric structure makes it a highly efficient emulsifier and penetration enhancer at low use levels. Distinct from Lecithin (two fatty acid chains) and Hydrogenated Lysolecithin (lysolecithin with saturated fatty acid chain). Used in K-beauty and Japanese formulations to stabilise emulsions and improve skin compatibility.
A cushiony emollient oil rich in fatty acids that mimic skin's own lipids.
A rich vegetable butter extracted from mango (Mangifera indica) seeds, high in stearic and oleic acids, used as an emollient and occlusive moisturizer.
An estolide ester derived from meadowfoam seed oil that provides a lightweight, non-greasy emollient skin feel and enhances formula spreadability.
A low-viscosity, linear polysiloxane with only methyl substituents (monomethylsilicone). Lighter than dimethicone. Used in Elixir's brightening emulsion for silky, lightweight skin conditioning.
A low-viscosity, volatile linear silicone (trimethylsiloxy-terminated methyl siloxane) used as a lightweight emollient and carrier, evaporating after application to leave a dry, non-greasy finish.
A lauric acid ester of methylheptanol used as a lightweight emollient that improves the skin feel and spreadability of cosmetic formulas.
A phenyl-substituted polysiloxane (silicone) where some methyl groups are replaced by phenyl groups. The phenyl substitution increases the refractive index, producing enhanced gloss and luminosity on skin. Used in Transino's UV Protector for a smooth, luminous finish.
A phenyl-substituted silicone polymer used in Japanese skincare for its luxurious, glossy skin feel and refractive index similar to natural skin lipids.
A refined petroleum-derived wax with fine crystalline structure used as an occlusive, thickener, and texture agent in lip products and balms.
The lipid fraction derived from bovine milk, comprising triglycerides, phospholipids, cholesterol, and free fatty acids, used as an emollient and barrier-supporting ingredient.
A glyceryl triester of mixed plant-derived fatty acids (palm, olive, macadamia, rapeseed) used as an emollient in moisturizers.
Oil from noni seeds, rich in fatty acids; conditions skin and supports the barrier.
A nourishing seed oil from moringa that softens skin and provides antioxidant fatty acids.
A C14 saturated fatty acid used in cleansers as a saponified soap base and in creams as an emollient and emulsifier.
Myristyl Alcohol (1-tetradecanol) is a C14 saturated fatty alcohol derived from coconut or palm kernel oil. In the fatty alcohol family (alongside cetyl C16, stearyl C18, behenyl C22), myristyl alcohol provides lighter emolliency and more fluid emulsion character than its longer-chain analogues. Used in eye creams, moisturizers, and serums as an emollient, emulsion stabilizer, and mild opacifier.
A wax ester of myristyl alcohol and myristic acid that provides a rich, waxy emollient texture to creams and lotions.
A diester of neopentyl glycol and capric acid (C10) used as a lightweight, low-viscosity emollient that imparts a dry, silky skin feel; a different acid chain from neopentyl glycol diheptanoate.
A diester of neopentyl glycol and heptanoic acid used as a lightweight, low-viscosity emollient that imparts a dry, silky skin feel and functions as a carrier solvent in sunscreens and serums.
A cold-pressed oil from the seeds of Nigella sativa (black seed) rich in thymoquinone, linoleic acid, and thymol, valued for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties in skin care.
A branched-chain fatty alcohol ester used as an emollient and co-solvent that provides a rich but non-sticky skin feel.
An ester of octyldodecanol and myristic acid. One of the lightest, most elegant esters used in skincare. Provides excellent spreadability and a dry, silky skin feel without greasiness.