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.
Extract from the fruit of Tribulus terrestris (gokhru/caltrop), used in traditional Ayurvedic and East Asian medicine; appears in complex Korean hanbang formulas for its skin-conditioning saponins.
An alkanolamine base used to adjust pH and form emulsions with fatty acids; subject to EU concentration limits due to potential nitrosamine formation.
A silane coupling agent used to coat inorganic pigments and mineral UV filters with a hydrophobic film, improving their dispersion, water resistance, and skin feel in sunscreen and color cosmetics.
A triethoxysilyl-functionalized dimethicone crosspolymer. Used as an adhesion promoter in sunscreens to help UV filters bond to the skin surface, improving water resistance. Found in Elixir Reflet SPF50+ sunscreen.
A silicone with triethoxysilane adhesion-promoter groups on a polydimethylsiloxane backbone. The silane groups react with skin and mineral filters (ZnO, TiO₂) to create a durable, water-resistant film. Used in high-performance SPF formulas such as Anessa Perfect UV.
A triethyl ester of citric acid used as a solvent, plasticizer, and deodorant active that inhibits the bacterial enzymes responsible for malodor.
A phosphate ester of ethoxylated lauryl alcohol. Used as a mild emulsifier and surfactant in skincare formulations.
A cross-linked silicone resin film-former that creates a durable, water-resistant, flexible film on skin, widely used in long-wear makeup and sunscreens.
Tris(Tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol) Citrate is a citrate salt of a hindered amine light stabilizer (HALS) based on the tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol moiety. In retinol-containing cosmetics it functions as a radical chain-breaking stabilizer that protects retinol from photochemical and oxidative degradation, significantly extending product stability and efficacy. This is a formulation stability additive — it does not have direct skin benefit but preserves the activity of retinol.
A trisodium salt of EDTA used as a chelating agent (metal ion sequestrant) that improves formula stability, prevents degradation, and enhances preservative systems. Distinct from Disodium EDTA (one fewer sodium).
A biodegradable chelating agent used as a greener alternative to disodium EDTA to bind trace metals and improve preservative performance in cosmetics.
An organic amine used as a pH adjuster and buffering agent in cosmetic formulations.
An essential amino acid (L-tryptophan) included in cosmetic amino acid complexes that mimic the skin's natural moisturizing factor, providing conditioning and supporting protein synthesis.
A copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and hexadecene used as a film-former and binder that improves water resistance and sensory texture in sunscreens.
A copolymer of vinyl pyrrolidone (VP) and vinyl acetate (VA). Used as a film-forming agent in skincare and hair care products. Provides flexible, breathable films.
A synthetic vanillyl ether that triggers TRPV1-mediated warmth signals, producing a gentle microcirculation-enhancing warming effect used in sculpting creams and warming body-care products.
Fermented dilute acetic acid (INCI: Acetum) used in cosmetics as a pH-adjusting, astringent, and acidic conditioning agent, notably in products like Biologique Recherche Lotion P50.
A linear dimethicone polymer with vinyl end groups used as a slip agent and texture modifier in cosmetics; also serves as a reactive component in silicone elastomer and gel systems.
A crosslinked hybrid silicone powder (vinyl dimethicone crosslinked with methicone silsesquioxane) used as a soft-focus texture agent and oil absorber in sunscreens, primers, and CC creams.
A synthetic anthraquinone-based violet colorant (CI 60725) used to add a violet hue to nail polishes, makeup, and color cosmetics.
A fine mineral powder derived from volcanic eruptions, used in clay masks and cleansers for its oil-absorbing and pore-cleansing properties.
A synthetic copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and eicosene that forms a flexible, water-resistant film on skin and hair.
A natural polysaccharide used to thicken and stabilize.
A synthetic azo dye (tartrazine) used as a yellow colorant in cosmetics and personal care products, approved under EU and US cosmetic regulations.