Ingredient library
Every ingredient SkinAtlas knows about — all 2165 of them. What each one does, what it works well with, and what to watch for.
A mild, zwitterionic coconut-derived surfactant used in gentle cleansers to boost foam and reduce the irritation potential of primary surfactant systems.
An amphoteric betaine surfactant derived from coconut fatty acids (mixed C8–C18 chain lengths), used as a mild co-surfactant and foam booster in cleansers and shampoos.
A gentle, plant-derived non-ionic surfactant.
A mixture of fatty acids derived from coconut oil (primarily lauric, myristic, and capric acids) used as a surfactant, emulsifier, and emollient in cleansers and creams.
An N-acyl amino acid surfactant formed from coconut fatty acid and hydrolyzed collagen. Functions as a mild cleansing agent and skin conditioner in premium cleansing balms.
A gentle non-ionic alkyl glucoside surfactant derived from glucose and fatty alcohols, widely used in mild cleansers and baby products for its low irritation profile.
A phosphate ester of ethoxylated C12–C15 fatty alcohols used as an emulsifier and surfactant in cosmetic formulations.
A sulfosuccinate-based anionic surfactant used as a wetting agent and mild emulsifier in toner and exfoliant pad formulations. Helps distribute active ingredients evenly across the skin surface. Functional excipient with no direct skin-benefit role.
A sulfosuccinate-type anionic surfactant used as a foaming and wetting agent in cleansers; noted for being milder than conventional sulfate surfactants.
A mild amphoteric surfactant derived from coconut fatty acids. Compatible with a wide pH range and other surfactant types; often used to moderate irritation of stronger cleansing agents.
The disodium salt of N-cocoyl glutamic acid, an amino acid-derived mild surfactant used in gentle facial cleansers and body washes.
The disodium salt of the stearoyl ester of glutamic acid, used as a mild amino acid-derived emulsifier in creams and lotions, distinct from the monosodium salt form in its ionization state.
A di-long-chain quaternary ammonium salt (DSDMAC-class) used as an emulsifier in sunscreens and creams. Helps create ordered lamellar gel phases that improve skin feel and stability. Often combined with Distearyldimonium chloride / PEG emulsifiers.
A glyceryl stearate ester of citric acid used as a mild, plant-derived emulsifier to create stable oil-in-water emulsions.
Naturally derived glycolipid biosurfactants (e.g. sophorolipids, rhamnolipids) produced by microbial fermentation. Used in cosmetics as gentle, biodegradable surfactants and emulsifiers.
A mild alkyl polyglucoside surfactant derived from glucose and heptanol, used in gentle, sulfate-free cleansers and micellar waters for all skin types including sensitive skin.
A citric acid ester of hydrogenated palm glycerides used as a mild emulsifier and emollient in cleansers and creams.
A nonionic ethoxylated isocetyl ether (10 ethylene oxide units) used as a mild emulsifier and solubilizer in cosmetic formulas.
A nonionic ethoxylated isocetyl ether (20 ethylene oxide units) used as a mild emulsifier and solubilizer in cosmetic formulas.
A polyethoxylated isocetyl alcohol with 25 ethylene oxide units, used as an emulsifier and solubilizer in cosmetic formulations.
A PEG-120 polyethylene glycol ester of jojoba wax used as a nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer in water-based cosmetic formulas.
An amphoteric betaine surfactant derived from lauric acid and dimethylaminopropylamine. Gentler than cocamidopropyl betaine. Used in Rosette's clay cleanser for foaming and skin conditioning.
A cationic quaternary ammonium derivative of hydrolyzed wheat protein and lauric acid that conditions and repairs damaged hair via protein film formation, with mild surfactant and antistatic properties.
A polyethylene glycol ether of lauryl alcohol with 10 ethylene oxide units, used as a mild nonionic surfactant and emulsifier in cleansers and creams.