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 nonionic alkyl glucoside emulsifier derived from cetyl/stearyl alcohol and glucose, widely used in natural and organic formulations for stable, gentle oil-in-water emulsions.
A synthetic ester of cetearyl alcohol and isononanoic acid that delivers a lightweight, non-greasy emollient feel in creams and serums.
An olive-derived emulsifier (paired with Sorbitan Olivate as 'Olivem') that binds oil and water with a soft, conditioned finish.
A cetyl alcohol ether with 1 ethylene oxide unit. A mild emulsifier used in cosmetic formulations.
An ethoxylated cetyl alcohol (PEG-10 cetyl ether); nonionic surfactant used as an emulsifier in sunscreens and cosmetic emulsions.
A nonionic ethoxylated cetyl ether (20 EO units) used as an emulsifier and solubilizer in creams, toners, and aqueous cosmetic formulas.
A nonionic ethoxylated cetyl ether (24 EO units) used as a high-HLB emulsifier and solubilizer in aqueous cosmetic formulas.
An ethoxylated cetyl alcohol (PEG-3 cetyl ether); mild nonionic surfactant used in complexes for emulsification.
An ethoxylated cetyl alcohol (PEG-5 cetyl ether); mild nonionic surfactant used for emulsification in ampoule and serum formulas.
A quaternary ammonium cationic surfactant (CTAB) used as a cosmetic preservative (EU max 0.1%) with additional hair and skin conditioning properties.
A fatty alcohol that softens skin and stabilizes creams (not drying like volatile alcohols).
A butylene glycol ether of cetyl alcohol. A lightweight emollient used for its skin-conditioning properties in Curel's Moisture Repair Eye Cream.
A silicone copolymer combining a dimethicone backbone with a cetyl (C16 saturated fatty) pendant group. The cetyl chain adds lipophilic character and emulsifying capability to the silicone, allowing it to function simultaneously as an emollient and a mild O/W emulsifier. Used in lightweight facial formulations where a smooth, cushioned texture without heaviness is desired.
A blend of esters of cetyl alcohol and fatty acids (a synthetic spermaceti substitute) that provides a smooth, waxy emollient texture to creams and cleansing products.
A synthetic ester of cetyl alcohol and 2-ethylhexanoic acid that provides a light, dry-touch emollient feel in creams and serums.
A silicone-based amphiphilic emulsifier that enables stable water-in-silicone emulsions, commonly used in sunscreens and color cosmetics.
A wax ester of cetyl alcohol and palmitic acid that softens skin and adds a smooth, waxy texture to creams and lotions.
A phosphate ester of cetyl alcohol used as a mild anionic emulsifier to create stable, skin-compatible oil-in-water emulsions.
A synthetic pseudo-ceramide (ceramide analog) developed by Kao (used in Curél) that mimics the structure of natural ceramides to replenish barrier lipids, improve water retention, and soothe dry, atopic skin.
Extract from the fruit of Chaenomeles sinensis (Chinese quince / mogwa), a traditional East Asian medicinal fruit; provides antioxidant organic acids and polyphenols in hanbang skincare.
Extract from Chamaecyparis obtusa (Japanese hinoki cypress). Rich in hinokitiol (β-thujaplicin) and flavonoids with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Used in Transino formulas for skin-calming benefits alongside brightening actives.
An extract derived specifically from the leaves of Chamaecyparis obtusa (Japanese hinoki cypress), delivering soothing, antimicrobial, and antioxidant benefits through hinokitiol and flavonoids; distinct from the general whole-plant Chamaecyparis obtusa extract.
The hydrosol (distillate water) obtained from Chamaecyparis obtusa (Japanese hinoki cypress), carrying water-soluble antimicrobial and soothing compounds including hinokitiol; distinct from the full plant extract.
The volatile essential oil from German chamomile flowers, valued for its soothing, anti-inflammatory properties via chamazulene; also a natural fragrance ingredient.