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.
An extract from broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) florets or whole plant, valued in cosmetics for its sulforaphane and glucosinolate content that provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Extract from sprouted Brassica oleracea italica (broccoli). Broccoli sprouts contain 20–50× more glucoraphanin than mature broccoli, making this extract significantly more antioxidant-active than standard broccoli extract.
Broussonetia kazinoki (paper mulberry) root extract is a cornerstone brightening ingredient in Korean beauty. Its distinctive prenylated flavonoids — particularly kazinol F and broussochalcone A — inhibit tyrosinase more potently than kojic acid in several comparative in vitro studies, making it highly effective for addressing melasma, PIH, and uneven skin tone. Widely used in K-beauty brightening serums and essences, often paired with niacinamide for complementary melanin inhibition mechanisms.
Extract from Buddleja davidii (butterfly bush / summer lilac); its high verbascoside content provides strong antioxidant and photoprotective activity, widely used in natural anti-aging formulas.
An essential oil distilled from the wood of Bulnesia sarmientoi (Argentine guaiac / palo santo). Known for its warm, rose-wood fragrance profile. A regulated species under CITES. Used in DAMDAM's moisturizer for its fragrance contribution.
An extract from the root of Bupleurum falcatum (Chinese thoroughwax, saiko in Japanese), a herb used extensively in East Asian traditional medicine. Contains saikosaponins with anti-inflammatory and adaptogenic properties.
A liquefied hydrocarbon gas used as a propellant in aerosol and spray cosmetic products.
A lightweight solvent and mild humectant that improves texture.
An ester of butylene glycol and coconut-derived fatty acids. Functions as a lightweight emollient and skin-conditioning agent that softens skin without leaving a greasy feel. Commonly used in serums, lotions, and lightweight moisturizers.
A diester of butylene glycol with caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) fatty acids, used as a lightweight emollient and skin-feel modifier in creams and lotions.
A diester of butylene glycol and isononanoic acid used as a lightweight emollient that leaves a non-greasy, silky finish.
A synthetic copolymer of butylene, ethylene, and styrene used as a thickener and film-forming structurant in cosmetic formulas.
A synthetic ester of salicylic acid used primarily as a cosmetic solvent and emollient that also helps solubilize UV filters; not an approved sunscreen active ingredient.
A synthetic fragrance ingredient (lilial) that provides a muguet/lily-of-the-valley note; banned in EU cosmetics since 2022 due to skin sensitization and potential endocrine disruption concerns identified by the SCCS.
A refined, fractionated extract of shea butter concentrated in bioactive compounds, distinct from unrefined Butyrospermum Parkii Butter by its lighter texture and greater stability.
The non-saponifiable fraction extracted from Butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, representing ~7-11% of whole shea. Concentrated in biologically active sterols, triterpene alcohols, and tocopherols that are responsible for shea's anti-inflammatory and barrier-supporting properties.
A blend of triglycerides with carbon chain lengths of C10-C18, positioned between short caprylic/capric (C8-C10) and longer chain triglycerides. Provides emollient skin feel and serves as a carrier for other ingredients. Used in Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm.
A non-ionic alkyl polyethylene glycol ether — specifically, a C12-C13 fatty alcohol ethoxylated with approximately 9 units of ethylene oxide. Functions as a mild O/W emulsifier and solubilizer at trace to low concentrations. The C12-13 carbon chain range balances hydrophilicity and lipophilicity for efficient emulsification. Used in lightweight serums and gel formulas where minimal surfactant load is desired.
A lipid-modified hydrolyzed hyaluronate (C12-13 alkyl glyceryl ether conjugate) that combines humectant hydration with barrier-recovery benefits in the stratum corneum.
A nonionic ethoxylated fatty alcohol surfactant (C12–C13 chain length, 9 moles of ethylene oxide) used as an emulsifier and solubilizer in cosmetic formulations.
An ethoxylated C12-14 fatty alcohol (12 EO units) used as a mild emulsifier and surfactant in cosmetic formulations.
An ethoxylated fatty alcohol (C12–C14 chain length, 12 moles of ethylene oxide) used as a nonionic emulsifier and surfactant to stabilize emulsions and solubilize oils in aqueous cosmetic formulations.
A synthetic ester of benzoic acid used as a lightweight, fast-spreading emollient and excellent carrier for sunscreen actives.
A blend of straight-chain fatty alcohols (lauryl C12, myristyl C14, and cetyl C16) derived from vegetable sources, used as an emollient, co-emulsifier, and thickener in creams and lotions.