The library

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.

182 ingredients in Surfactant — page 4 of 8

Surfactant
PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides

A PEGylated glyceride emulsifier derived from coconut caprylic/capric fatty acids, used to solubilize and emulsify oils in water-based cosmetic systems.

emulsifiersolubilizer
Solubilizes oils into water-based formulasGentle, mild emulsification
Surfactant
PEG-6 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

A low-ethoxylation hydrogenated castor oil (6 EO units) used as a mild nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer in lotions and toners.

emulsifiersolubilizer
Solubilizes oils in water-based formulasHelps stabilize emulsions
Surfactant
PEG-60 Almond Glycerides

A PEGylated almond glyceride used as a mild nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer, popular in cleansing balms and rinse-off products.

emulsifiersolubilizer
Solubilizes oils and actives into water-based formulasStabilizes emulsionsMild on skin
Surfactant
PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

A polyethoxylated hydrogenated castor oil used as a nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer for oils and fragrance compounds in cosmetics.

emulsifiersolubilizer
Solubilizes oils, fragrances, and actives into water-based formulasGentle and well-tolerated
PEG derivatives may contain trace 1,4-dioxane in poorly refined materials
Surfactant
PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate

A PEGylated glyceryl cocoate derived from coconut oil used as a gentle nonionic surfactant and emulsifier in facial washes and masks.

emulsifiersolubilizercleansing
Mild coconut-derived emulsifierHelps rinse cleanlySuitable for sensitive skin cleansers
Surfactant
PEG-8 Beeswax

A polyethylene glycol derivative of beeswax used as a mild nonionic emulsifier and conditioning emollient in cleansing balms and creams.

emulsifieremollient
Emulsifies oils in water-based formulasSoftens and conditions skin
Animal-derived — not vegan
Surfactant
PEG-8 Glyceryl Isostearate

A PEG-8 ester of glyceryl isostearate used as a mild nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer in cleansing oils and rinse-off products.

emulsifiersolubilizer
Emulsifies oils in aqueous formulasGentle solubilizer in cleansing products
Surfactant
PEG-8 Isostearate

PEG-8 Isostearate is a polyethylene glycol (8 EO units) ester of isostearic acid. It is a lipophilic surfactant used as a co-emulsifier and solubilizer in cleansing oil and balm formulations. The shorter PEG chain (8 units vs 10 or 20) makes it more hydrophobic than longer-chain analogues, contributing more to the oil-phase stabilization than to water rinseability.

emulsifyingsolubilizingskin-conditioning
Short-chain PEG ester of isostearic acid with a lower HLB value than PEG-10/PEG-20 analogues — functions as a lipophilic co-emulsifier in water-in-oil or oil-in-water cleansing formulationsContributes to the smooth, skin-conditioning after-feel of cleansing balms by maintaining a light emollient film before rinsingIsostearic acid's branched chain provides good oxidative stability compared to straight-chain fatty acid esters
Ethoxylated ingredient — trace 1,4-dioxane risk at manufacturing; cosmetic-grade meets regulatory limits
+ PEG-10 Isostearate+ PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate+ Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
Surfactant
PEG-8 Laurate

A PEG-8 ester of lauric acid used as a mild nonionic emulsifier to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions in sunscreens and moisturizers.

emulsifiersurfactant
Stabilizes oil-in-water emulsionsImproves formula texture and spreadability
PEG compounds may contain trace 1,4-dioxane impurities; well-managed in modern manufacturing
Surfactant
PEG-8 Stearate

A PEG-8 ester of stearic acid used as a mild nonionic emulsifier to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions in face creams and lotions.

emulsifiersurfactant
Stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions in creams and moisturizersImproves spreadability
PEG compounds may contain trace 1,4-dioxane impurities; well-managed in modern manufacturing
Surfactant
PEG/PPG Decyltetradecyl Ether

A nonionic polyoxyethylene/polyoxypropylene ether surfactant used to solubilize and emulsify in watery lotions.

emulsifiersolubilizer
Solubilizes oils and fragrance into water-based formulas
Low risk
Surfactant
PPG-13-Decyltetradeceth-24

A polymeric nonionic surfactant combining a polypropylene glycol backbone with a branched long-chain ethoxylate, used as an emulsifier and solubilizer in premium aqueous skin-care formulas.

emulsifiersolubilizer
Helps stabilize oil-in-water emulsionsCan solubilize fragrance or oil components in watery formulas
Surfactant
PPG-26-Buteth-26

A nonionic polypropylene glycol/butyl ether copolymeric surfactant used as a solubilizer and emulsifier in toners and facial preparations.

solubilizeremulsifier
Helps solubilize fragrance, oils, and actives in aqueous formulasCompatible with a broad range of cosmetic ingredients
Surfactant
PPG-5-Laureth-5

PPG-5-Laureth-5 is a non-ionic surfactant made by sequential propoxylation (5 PO units) and ethoxylation (5 EO units) of lauryl alcohol. The resulting molecule has a mixed hydrophilic/lipophilic character suitable for use as a mild solubilizer and co-emulsifier in water-based skincare. Used in toners and serum-type products to solubilize fragrance compounds and provide a smooth, conditioned skin feel.

solubilizingemulsifyingskin-conditioning
A mixed PEG/PPG ether of lauryl alcohol (5 propylene oxide units + 5 ethylene oxide units) that functions as a mild solubilizer and emulsion stabilizer in aqueous formulationsThe combination of hydrophilic (ethylene oxide) and moderately hydrophobic (propylene oxide) segments makes it useful for solubilizing fragrance ingredients and other slightly lipophilic actives in water-based toners and serumsContributes a skin-conditioning, silky feel similar to other PPG/PEG ether surfactants at cosmetic use concentrations
PEG/PPG ethers carry a theoretical trace 1,4-dioxane risk from ethoxylation; cosmetic-grade material meets regulatory purity limits
+ Glycerin+ Butylene Glycol+ Propanediol
Surfactant
PPG-6-Decyltetradeceth-30

A mixed polypropylene/polyethylene glycol ether of a branched C24 fatty alcohol used as a nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer in premium serums and emulsions.

emulsifiersolubilizer
Stabilizes oil-in-water emulsionsSolubilizes oils and actives in aqueous formulasCompatible with a wide range of cosmetic ingredients
Surfactant
PPG-8-Ceteth-20

A mixed PEG/PPG ether of cetyl alcohol: 8 units of propylene oxide (PPG) and 20 units of ethylene oxide (PEG) on a C16 cetyl backbone. Functions as an O/W emulsifier in cosmetic formulations. The PPG segment reduces the stringent feel sometimes associated with pure PEG emulsifiers, giving a softer skin feel. Used in cream-mists and milky tonics where a stable yet fluid emulsion is needed.

emulsifyingsurfactantskin-conditioning
Effective O/W emulsifier for lightweight cream-mist formats — keeps formulas fluid and sprayablePPG-cetyl ether backbone provides gentle skin conditioning alongside emulsificationLow-irritation profile makes it suitable for barrier-care and sensitive-skin formulas
+ Ceramide NP+ Cholesterol+ Phytosphingosine
Surfactant
Polyglyceryl Oleate

A generic polyglyceryl ester of oleic acid used as a nonionic emulsifier in cosmetic emulsions; the specific polyglyceryl number may vary by formula.

emulsifier
Stabilizes oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsionsMild, plant-derived emulsification
Surfactant
Polyglyceryl Stearate

A generic polyglyceryl ester of stearic acid used as a nonionic emulsifier in cosmetic emulsions; the specific polyglyceryl number may vary by formula.

emulsifier
Stabilizes oil-in-water emulsionsMild, plant-derived emulsification
Surfactant
Polyglyceryl-10 Diisostearate

Polyglyceryl-10 Diisostearate is a polyglycerol ester of isostearic acid used as an emulsifier in cosmetic formulations, known for its mildness and plant-derived origin.

EmulsifierSkin conditioning
Stabilizes oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsionsMild, skin-friendly emulsifierPlant-derived
Surfactant
Polyglyceryl-10 Dilaurate

A diester of polyglyceryl-10 (10 glycerol units) and lauric acid (C12). The high degree of glycerol polymerization (10 units) and the two laurate chains create an HLB suitable for O/W emulsification. A clean-label, plant-derived alternative to PEG emulsifiers, positioned as natural and biodegradable. Distinct from Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate (C14 chains) and Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate (mono-ester).

emulsifyingsurfactantskin-conditioning
Very mild, non-ionic O/W emulsifier derived from vegetable glycerin and lauric acid — suitable for sensitive and reactive skin formulasLower irritation potential than PEG-based emulsifiers at equivalent concentrationsPolyglyceryl-10 backbone provides high hydrophilicity; the two lauroyl chains give balanced emulsification
+ Hydrogenated Lecithin+ Glycerin+ Ceramide NP
Surfactant
Polyglyceryl-10 Dioleate

A polyglyceryl ester of oleic acid with a decaglycerol backbone used as a mild nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer in cleansing oils and emulsions.

emulsifiersolubilizer
Creates stable oil-in-water emulsionsMild, plant-derived nonionic emulsifierWell tolerated by sensitive skin
Surfactant
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate

A mild, nonionic polyglyceryl ester emulsifier derived from coconut lauric acid; popular in K-beauty and clean-formulation products.

emulsifiersolubilizer
Gentle, plant-derived emulsificationSuitable for sensitive skin formulas
Surfactant
Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate

A nonionic polyglyceryl ester of myristic acid used as a gentle emulsifier and solubilizer in K-beauty and sensitive-skin formulations.

emulsifiersolubilizer
Mild, plant-derived emulsifierGentle enough for sensitive skin formulasSolubilizes oils in water-based systems
Surfactant
Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate

A polyglyceryl ester of oleic acid containing ten glycerol units used as a gentle nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer in serums and emulsions.

emulsifiersolubilizer
Mild nonionic emulsifier suitable for sensitive skinHelps solubilize oils in water-based formulasPlant-derived