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 sorbitol ether esterified with oleic acid. Used as a gentle emulsifier in Matsuyama's M-mark amino acid emulsion.
The juice expressed from the stalks of Sorghum bicolor (sorghum grain plant, Poaceae), used as a skin-conditioning and tightening agent in cosmetic formulations.
A quaternary ammonium salt of hectorite clay used as a thickener and rheology modifier in anhydrous and low-water cosmetic formulations.
A stearoyl ether of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. A cellulose-derived thickener that also functions as an emulsion stabilizer. Used in Elixir Reflet SPF50+ sunscreen for texture and stability.
A quaternary ammonium salt (quat) derived from stearyl alcohol. Used as a conditioning agent and emulsifier. In Rosette's gommage gel, it helps create the physical exfoliation effect as the product is rubbed on skin.
A sweet-tasting diterpene glycoside isolated from Stevia rebaudiana (stevia). Best known as a natural sweetener, stevioside is used in cosmetics at trace levels as a conditioning and antioxidant functional agent. Some research suggests mild anti-glycation activity (inhibiting the Maillard reaction that degrades skin proteins). Appears in lip treatments where its sweetness perception may be intentional.
A synthetic elastomeric block copolymer used as the pressure-sensitive adhesive matrix or flexible substrate in hydrocolloid and acne patch formulations, providing structural integrity and skin adhesion.
A synthetic copolymer of styrene and acrylic acid derivatives used as a film-former and opacifying agent in cosmetics, particularly sunscreens.
A copolymer of styrene and vinylpyrrolidone used as a film-former and texture agent in skin and hair care formulations.
A naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid used in cosmetics primarily as a pH adjuster and mild chelating agent, with secondary humectant properties.
A natural exopolysaccharide produced by fermentation of Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Produces a distinctive elastic, gel-like texture at low concentrations. Used by Shiseido to create the signature skin feel in their toners and essences.
A petroleum-derived or Fischer-Tropsch process wax mimicking the ester composition of natural beeswax, used as a vegan-friendly structuring agent and emollient in balms, sticks, and solid cosmetics.
A lab-synthesized fluorine-containing mica (potassium magnesium aluminosilicate fluoride). Free of heavy-metal contaminants found in natural mica. Used in sunscreens and BB creams for silky texture and optical diffusion.
A synthetic fluorine-modified mica (fluorphlogopite) used as a colorant and pearlescent pigment in cosmetics, offering superior batch consistency and purity compared to natural mica.
A petroleum- or ketone/aldehyde-based synthetic wax used to structure and thicken anhydrous formulas such as lip balms, sticks, and waxy emulsions.
A naturally occurring magnesium silicate mineral milled to a fine powder. Widely used in foundations, SPF products, and pressed powders for oil absorption, opacity, and improved texture.
A synthetic analogue of piperine (CAS 23434-88-0) produced by catalytic hydrogenation of black pepper-derived piperine. Used in cosmetics as a transdermal penetration enhancer at very low concentrations (0.001–0.1%): fluidizes stratum corneum intercellular lipids, reducing barrier resistance and increasing absorption of co-applied actives. Effective for both hydrophilic and lipophilic ingredients. Non-irritating and non-sensitizing at cosmetic use levels in patch testing. Marketed as Cosmoperine® by Sabinsa. CosIng-listed (skin conditioning function), no EU concentration restriction.
The fully neutralized tetrasodium salt of EDTA, used as a chelating agent to sequester metal ions and improve the stability and performance of cosmetic preservative systems.
The tetrasodium salt of etidronic acid (HEDP — hydroxyethylidene diphosphonic acid). A chelating agent that binds calcium and heavy metal ions in formulations, preventing oxidative degradation and enhancing preservative effectiveness. Common in toners and emulsions.
A glutamic-acid-derived chelating agent and preservative booster that sequesters trace metal ions to stabilize cosmetic formulas; considered biodegradable and CIR-assessed as safe.
An inorganic salt used as a chelating agent and pH buffer in cosmetic formulations to sequester metal ions and improve the performance of cleaning systems.
The biologically active diphosphate form of thiamine (vitamin B1). Acts as a coenzyme for pyruvate dehydrogenase and other enzymes central to glucose metabolism. Included in Filorga Time-Filler 5-XP's NCEF complex.
An inorganic mineral pigment and opacifier derived from tin that provides subtle mattifying and light-diffusing effects in cosmetic formulations.
A copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and triacontanol (C30 fatty alcohol) used as a water-resistant film-former in sunscreens and color cosmetics.