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 inorganic bicarbonate salt (baking soda) used in cosmetics primarily as a pH adjuster and buffering agent, and occasionally as a mild abrasive in cleansing formulas.
Sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃), also known as soda ash. Used as an alkalizing agent and pH adjuster in cosmetic formulas at low concentrations. Distinct from sodium bicarbonate (baking soda, NaHCO₃).
The sodium salt of carboxymethylcellulose, a cellulose derivative. Used as a thickener, binder, and film-forming agent in cosmetics. Provides gel-like consistency.
Common salt used to adjust the viscosity and stability of water-based cosmetic formulas.
A salt of citric acid used to buffer and stabilize formula pH and to chelate trace metal ions.
The sodium salt of formic acid (methanoic acid). Used as a pH-buffering and stabilizing agent in cosmetic formulas. Naturally present in trace amounts in some plant extracts.
The sodium salt of gluconic acid, used as a chelating agent and sequestrant in cosmetics to bind calcium and magnesium ions, improving formula stability and enhancing preservative effectiveness.
The sodium salt of glycerophosphoric acid, used as a skin-conditioning agent and mild pH adjuster or buffer in cosmetic formulations.
The sodium salt of glycolic acid. Functions primarily as a pH-buffering and stabilizing agent in cosmetic formulas.
A hybrid conjugate of sodium hyaluronate and dimethylsilanol that combines the humectant properties of hyaluronic acid with the film-forming, skin-smoothing benefits of organosilicon chemistry.
A strong base used in tiny amounts to adjust pH.
An inorganic sulfite used as a formula antioxidant and preservative booster that prevents oxidation of sensitive ingredients such as vitamins and botanical extracts.
An inorganic phosphate polymer used as a chelating agent and pH adjuster in cosmetics; sequestrates calcium and magnesium ions to improve formula stability and preservative efficacy.
A sodium salt used primarily as a counterion or processing-related residual in cosmetic formulations, typically present in trace amounts from manufacturing of quaternary surfactants.
The monosodium salt of phosphoric acid (NaH2PO4) used as a pH adjuster and buffering agent in cosmetic and personal care formulations.
A natural chelating agent derived from rice bran or corn that stabilizes formulas by sequestering trace metals and boosting preservative performance.
A superabsorbent sodium salt of polyacrylic acid used as a thickener and emulsion stabilizer in serums, essences, and gel-cream formulas.
A synthetic polymer that thickens and stabilizes emulsions for a smooth, cushiony texture.
The sodium salt of ribonucleic acid (RNA), used as a skin-conditioning agent that improves the feel and suppleness of skin in cosmetic formulations.
A synthetic anionic copolymer of styrene and acrylates used as a film former, opacifier, and viscosity controller in cosmetic formulations including sunscreens and toners.
An inorganic sodium salt of sulfuric acid used as a viscosity-controlling agent and processing aid in cosmetic formulations.
A modified trehalose (a disaccharide) esterified with octenylsuccinic acid and neutralized with sodium. Functions as an emulsifier and film-forming humectant. Used in Rosette's cleansing paste.
A cyclic triphosphate salt (the trisodium salt of trimetaphosphoric acid), distinct from the simpler Sodium Metaphosphate. Functions primarily as a metal-ion chelator in cosmetic formulas, protecting actives and emulsion stability by sequestering trace metal ions that would otherwise catalyze oxidation. Used alongside Sodium Metaphosphate in some K-beauty hydration actives.
A polyethoxylated sorbitan tetraoleate (230 EO units) used as a mild nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer in cosmetic formulas.