Ingredient library
Every ingredient SkinAtlas knows about — all 2255 of them. What each one does, what it works well with, and what to watch for.
A starch-derived polysaccharide used to adjust texture and bind ingredients.
A fatty acid ester of dextrin (a starch derivative) and palmitic acid that gels oils and silicones into elegant, smooth textures, widely used in Japanese sunscreens.
A diester formed from dimer dilinoleic acid esterified with a blend of isostearyl and phytosteryl alcohols. Functions as a rich emollient that is compatible with skin lipids.
A phosphate ester of ethoxylated C12–C15 fatty alcohols used as an emulsifier and surfactant in cosmetic formulations.
Finely milled crystallized carbon (diamond) particles used in luxury cosmetics as a micro-exfoliant and light-reflective texture agent, primarily for optical brightening and physical polishing.
A natural silica mineral formed from fossilized diatom shells, used in cosmetics as an absorbent, mild physical exfoliant, and mattifying agent.
A dibutyl ester of adipic acid used as a lightweight emollient and solvent that imparts a smooth, non-greasy skin feel and improves formula spreadability, commonly found in sunscreens and CC creams.
A synthetic carbonate ester derived from caprylic acid that delivers a dry, non-greasy emollient feel and improves texture.
A symmetric ether of caprylic alcohol used as a lightweight, fast-spreading emollient and solvent that gives formulas a dry, silky skin feel with good sensory performance.
A cationic quaternary ammonium compound derived from coconut fatty acids, used as a skin-conditioning and antistatic agent in cosmetic formulations.
Diethoxy Ethyl Succinate is an ester derived from succinic acid used as a skin-conditioning and emollient agent. It appears in Korean toner-pad formulations (notably Numbuzin) as a lightweight texture modifier. The compound provides a smooth, conditioned skin feel. Succinic acid and its derivatives have mild sebum-regulating and anti-inflammatory properties that may contribute additional benefit at active concentrations.
A lightweight synthetic emollient and solvent that gives a non-greasy slip.
A modern, photostable chemical UV filter providing strong UVA protection in broad-spectrum systems.
An oil-soluble synthetic UVB filter (3V Sigma Uvasorb HEB), EU-approved at a maximum concentration of 10%, highly photostable with very low dermal absorption and a strong safety profile.
A synthetic carbonate diester of 2-ethylhexanol used as a lightweight, non-greasy emollient and solvent in sunscreens, foundations, and light moisturizers.
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.
An antioxidant ingredient (trade name Oxynex ST Liquid) used in sunscreens and skincare to boost the photostability of UV filters and other antioxidants. Not itself a UV filter — it works by capturing free radicals generated by UV exposure, protecting both the formula and skin. Used in Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen.
A biotechnologically created molecule that functions as a powerful skin-brightening agent activated by the skin's microbiome, with antioxidant and collagen-stimulating properties.
A dimer of glycerin used as a humectant; provides hydration with a slightly richer, more substantive feel than glycerin.
A mixed ester of diglycerin and adipic acid with fatty acids. Used as a lightweight emollient in Elixir Retino Power Cream.
A guanidine salt of succinic acid combined with diglycol. Used as a skin-conditioning and humectant ingredient in skincare formulations. Found in Kanebo's Skin Harmonizer.
A diester of heptanol and succinic acid used as a lightweight, bio-based emollient that provides a clean, non-greasy skin feel in serums and lightweight moisturizers.
A proprietary ceramide-analogue lipid used in Real Barrier formulations, consisting of a dihydroxyisopropyl backbone with palmoyl-palmamide chains that integrate into the skin's intercellular lipid matrix.
A synthetic diisopropyl ester of adipic acid used as a lightweight emollient and solvent that spreads easily and helps dissolve UV filters in sunscreen formulations.