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 leaf extract of the Java tea plant (Orthosiphon stamineus) that inhibits 5-alpha reductase to reduce sebum production and improve the appearance of enlarged pores and oily skin.
A naturally occurring paraffinic mineral wax used as a thickener, binder, and texture agent in anhydrous formulations such as sun sticks, lip balms, and cream foundations.
A polyethylene glycol-modified dimethicone silicone used primarily as a water-in-silicone emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent that imparts a smooth, silky feel to sunscreens and foundations.
A PEG-10 ester of glyceryl stearate. Used as a gentle O/W emulsifier in premium Japanese formulations including Shiseido Elixir products.
A polyethylene glycol ether of hydrogenated castor oil with approximately 10 ethylene oxide units. Used as a mild emulsifier and solubilizer in cosmetics to incorporate oils, fragrances, and lipophilic actives into water-based formulations.
A silicone-PEG copolymer that acts as an emulsifier and conditioning agent, giving formulas a smooth, silky skin feel while helping stabilise silicone-in-water or water-in-silicone emulsions.
A polyethylene glycol-modified silicone that functions as an emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent, providing a lightweight, non-greasy texture to creams, lotions, and moisturizers.
A polyethoxylated methyl glucose dioleate (trade name Glucamate DOE-120). Used as a thickener and texture enhancer in mild liquid cleansers. Provides a rich feel without irritation.
A high-molecular-weight polyethylene glycol polymer (14,000 average MW) used as a water-soluble thickener and binder to increase viscosity and improve the feel of cosmetic formulations.
A PEGylated diester of stearic acid with a long PEG chain (150 ethylene oxide units). Used primarily as a thickener and emulsifier in rinse-off and leave-on cosmetic formulas.
A highly ethoxylated pentaerythritol ester of stearic acid used as a nonionic emulsifier and co-thickener in cleansers and moisturizers to stabilize formulas and build viscosity.
A very high molecular weight polyethylene glycol. Used as a thickening and binding agent in cleansers and other skincare products.
A low-ethoxylation PEG ester of castor oil used as a mild solubilizer and emulsifier to disperse oil-soluble ingredients, fragrances, and actives into aqueous cosmetic formulas.
A PEG ether of hydrogenated castor oil with approximately 20 ethylene oxide units. Commonly used to solubilize fragrances, essential oils, and other lipophilic ingredients in water-based formulations.
A PEG-20 ether of sorbitan isostearate. Used as a gentle emulsifier in Kiku-Masamune's sake emulsion.
A PEG ether of sorbitan stearate with 20 ethylene oxide units. Similar to polysorbate 60. Used as a gentle emulsifier in Curel's sensitive formulations.
A very high-molecular-weight polyethylene glycol (MW ~20,000 Da). A solid wax-like material used as a thickener and binder in cosmetics.
A synthetic PEG-based associative thickener and emulsifier formed by reacting polyethylene glycol with hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) and capped with ethoxylated fatty alcohol chains, used to build viscosity and stabilize emulsions.
A PEG ester of stearic acid with approximately 25 ethylene oxide units. Used as a non-ionic emulsifier in O/W emulsions. Good skin compatibility.
PEG-2M is a very high molecular weight polyethylene glycol polymer (~2,000,000 daltons) used as a film-former and rheology modifier in cosmetics. At the ultra-high molecular weight of 2M, it forms a lightweight, non-tacky film rather than acting as a humectant like lower molecular weight PEGs. Used at trace concentrations in ampoule formulas to contribute a smooth, substantive texture.
A silicone-PEG copolymer with short PEG-3 chains that acts as an emulsifier and slip agent, imparting a lightweight silky feel to creams and lotions.
A synthetic acrylate-methacrylate copolymer containing PEG-400 segments. Used as a film-forming thickener and rheology modifier in cosmetic formulas.
A PEG ester of stearic acid with approximately 45 ethylene oxide units. Used as a gentle emulsifier in Chifure's moisturizing emulsion.
A PEG ether of hydrogenated castor oil with approximately 50 ethylene oxide units. Used as an emulsifier and solubilizer for hydrophobic ingredients. Used in Bijin Nuka's rice toner.