The library

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.

All 2255 ingredients — page 29 of 94

Surfactant
Distearyldimonium Chloride
DISTEARYLDIMONIUM CHLORIDE

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.

emulsifierconditioning agentstructuring agent
Creates lamellar gel network structure for skin-feel enhancementStabilises emulsions especially with silicones
+ Dimethicone+ Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether
Emollient
Dodecane

A lightweight hydrocarbon solvent/emollient that spreads easily and gives a dry, non-greasy slip.

emollientsolvent
Lightweight, fast-spreading textureHelps disperse pigments and silicones
Low risk
UV filter
Drometrizole Trisiloxane

A broad-spectrum silicone-modified benzotriazole UV filter (Meroxyl XL) that absorbs both UVA and UVB radiation; photostable and well-tolerated, used outside the US at up to 15%.

chemical-filter
Broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protectionPhotostableLow sensitization risk
Not approved by FDA for use in the US; approved in EU (up to 15%) and other marketsRare case reports of allergic contact dermatitis
Soothing
Echinacea Purpurea Extract
ECHINACEA PURPUREA EXTRACT

Extract from Echinacea purpurea (purple coneflower). Contains alkylamides, polysaccharides, and caffeic acid derivatives with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating properties. Used in Ishizawa's urea eye cream for soothing.

soothingantioxidantimmune-supporting
Anti-inflammatory and soothingSupports skin's defense mechanismsAntioxidant polyphenols
Some people are allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family
+ Allantoin+ Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Emollient
Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil

A seed oil from Echium plantagineum exceptionally rich in omega-3 (SDA, ALA) and GLA fatty acids, used as an emollient and soothing agent for dry or inflamed skin.

emollientsoothing
Rich in stearidonic acid (SDA), ALA, and GLA — supports the skin barrierAnti-inflammatory, soothes conditions like eczemaLow comedogenic rating
Antioxidant
Eclipta Prostrata Extract

An extract of false daisy traditionally used for its antioxidant and soothing benefits.

antioxidantsoothing
Antioxidant protectionSoothes skinSupports a healthy-looking complexion
Antioxidant
Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract

An extract specifically from the leaves of Eclipta prostrata (false daisy/bhringraj), rich in antioxidant flavonoids and wedelolactone; distinct from the general Eclipta Prostrata Extract.

antioxidantsoothing
Antioxidant protectionSoothes and calms skin
Barrier support
Ectoin

An extremolyte that helps protect skin against environmental stress and supports the barrier.

soothinghumectant
Protects against environmental stressSoothes and hydrates
+ Ceramide NP+ Niacinamide
Antioxidant
Eggplant Fruit Extract
Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract

An extract from eggplant (aubergine) fruit rich in anthocyanins, chlorogenic acid, and polyphenols, used to deliver antioxidant and soothing properties to skin.

antioxidantsoothing
Antioxidant protection via anthocyanins and polyphenolsSoothes and conditions skin
Antioxidant
Eisenia Arborea Extract

An extract of the brown seaweed Eisenia arborea, used as a skin-conditioning and antioxidant ingredient in cosmetic formulations.

skin-conditioningantioxidant
Provides antioxidant protection via polyphenols from brown seaweedConditions and softens skin
Emollient
Elaeis Guineensis Kernel Oil

The fixed oil expressed from the kernel of the oil palm (Elaeis guineensis), used as an emollient and occlusive agent in skin and hair care formulations.

emollientocclusiveskin-conditioning
Rich in lauric and myristic fatty acids for a softening, occlusive effectSupports skin barrier
High lauric acid content may be comedogenic for acne-prone skin
Emollient
Elaeis Guineensis Oil

The fixed oil obtained from the fruit of the oil palm (Elaeis guineensis), a fatty emollient rich in palmitic acid and tocotrienol forms of vitamin E.

emollientskin-conditioningocclusive
Rich in palmitic acid and tocotrienols; softens skin and provides antioxidant supportSupports skin barrier function
High saturated fat content may be comedogenic for some skin types
Fragrance
Elettaria Cardamomum Seed Oil
ELETTARIA CARDAMOMUM SEED OIL

Essential oil distilled from the seeds of Elettaria cardamomum (cardamom). Provides a warm, spicy-sweet fragrance note with minor antimicrobial properties. Used in DAMDAM's Ginkgo moisturizer for fragrance.

fragrancesoothing
Warm, spicy-sweet fragranceMild antioxidant and antimicrobial
Essential oil — potential skin sensitizer at high concentrations
Antioxidant
Empetrum Nigrum Fruit Juice

Juice from the fruit of Empetrum nigrum (crowberry), a subarctic berry rich in anthocyanins and polyphenols, used for its antioxidant and soothing properties in K-beauty formulations.

antioxidantsoothing
Antioxidant protection via anthocyanins and flavonoidsSoothes skinSupports a healthy-looking complexion
Soothing
Enantia Chlorantha Bark Extract

Bark extract from Enantia chlorantha (African whitewood). Rich in isoquinoline alkaloids including palmatine and columbamine, which provide anti-sebum, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. Widely used in K-beauty sunscreens and acne-prone skin formulas for its sebum-regulating properties.

anti-sebumanti-inflammatoryantimicrobial
Regulates sebum production for a mattifying effect — popular in Korean sunscreensAnti-inflammatory berberine-like alkaloids calm redness and breakoutsAntimicrobial activity supports a balanced skin environment
+ Niacinamide+ Centella Asiatica Extract
Active
Endomyces Ferment Filtrate
ENDOMYCES FERMENT FILTRATE

A ferment filtrate from Endomyces magnusii yeast, used in luxury skincare for its skin-conditioning, brightening, and moisturising properties. Rich in natural metabolites from fermentation.

skin-conditioninganti-agingmoisturising
Provides ferment-derived amino acids, peptides, and organic acids for skin conditioningBrightening and smoothing actionSupports skin texture
+ Acetyl Glutamine+ Hyaluronic Acid
Active
Engelhardtia Chrysolepis Leaf Extract

An extract of the leaves of Engelhardtia chrysolepis (Juglandaceae family) used in cosmetics for its phytoestrogen-like and antioxidant properties that support skin firmness and elasticity.

skin-conditioningantioxidantanti-aging
Rich in phytoestrogen-like compounds that support skin firmness and elasticityAntioxidant activity protects collagen-producing fibroblasts from free radical damageMay help interrupt glycation, protecting the skin barrier
Antioxidant
Epigallocatechin Gallate

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the dominant polyphenolic catechin in Camellia sinensis (green tea) and the most studied tea antioxidant. It exerts free-radical scavenging, MMP inhibition, and NF-κB/MAPK anti-inflammatory activity in skin. Used as an isolated active for targeted antioxidant and anti-photoaging effects at higher potency than whole green tea extract.

antioxidantanti-inflammatoryskin-conditioning
The most potent catechin in green tea — scavenges free radicals with significantly higher antioxidant activity than vitamins C and EInhibits metalloproteinases (MMPs) that degrade collagen, providing a mechanism for anti-photoaging activityAnti-inflammatory activity via NF-κB and MAPK pathway modulation — reduces UV-induced erythema and inflammatory markers
+ Niacinamide+ Ascorbic Acid+ Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Soothing
Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract is a whole-plant extract from fireweed (also known as rosebay willowherb), derived from flowers, leaves, and stems. The key bioactive is oenothein B, a dimeric ellagitannin that has been extensively studied as a 5α-reductase inhibitor (reducing sebum production) and anti-inflammatory. The extract also contains flavonoids and phenolic acids with antioxidant activity. Used in Korean cleansing and sensitive-skin formulas targeting oil control and inflammation.

anti-inflammatorysoothingantioxidant
Epilobium angustifolium (fireweed/willowherb) contains oenothein B — a dimeric ellagitannin with documented 5α-reductase inhibitory activity, making it relevant for formulas targeting sebum regulation and acne-prone skinTannins and flavonoids from the whole-plant extract provide anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and mild astringent effects; the anti-inflammatory activity is well-supported by in vitro and in vivo dataUsed in sensitive, acne-prone, and post-shave skincare for its combination of anti-inflammatory and pore-tightening effects
+ Salicylic Acid+ Niacinamide+ Centella Asiatica Extract
Soothing
Epilobium Fleischeri Extract

A polyphenol-rich extract from the alpine wildflower Epilobium fleischeri (willowherb) that reduces inflammation, regulates sebum via 5α-reductase inhibition, and provides antioxidant protection, particularly useful for blemish-prone and post-procedure skin.

Anti-inflammatoryAntioxidantSebum-regulatingSoothing
Inhibits 5α-reductase enzyme to regulate sebum production and reduce pore sizeSuppresses inflammatory interleukins (IL-1, IL-8) for potent anti-inflammatory and calming actionPolyphenol-rich antioxidant activity protects skin cells from free radical damage
Well tolerated at cosmetic concentrations; no significant safety concerns identified in literature
Soothing
Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail) Extract
EQUISETUM ARVENSE EXTRACT

An extract from Equisetum arvense (common horsetail) herb, one of the richest plant sources of organic silica. Provides astringent, soothing, and antioxidant benefits; silica content supports skin firmness.

soothingastringentskin-conditioning
Rich in silica and flavonoidsAstringent action tightens and refines poresAntioxidant and skin-conditioning
+ Sanguisorba Officinalis Root Extract+ Potentilla Erecta Root Extract
Active
Equisetum Arvense Extract

An extract of field horsetail (Equisetum arvense) that is naturally rich in silica, flavonoids, and minerals, used in cosmetics to support collagen production, improve skin elasticity, and provide antioxidant protection.

antioxidantskin-conditioninganti-agingsoothing
Rich in silica to support collagen synthesis and improve skin elasticity and firmnessAntioxidant flavonoids protect against free radical damageAnti-inflammatory properties soothe irritated skin
Soothing
Equisetum Arvense Leaf Extract

An extract specifically derived from the leaves (aerial parts) of Equisetum arvense (common horsetail), notable for its high silica and flavonoid content that provides soothing, conditioning, and antioxidant benefits.

soothingskin-conditioningantioxidant
High organic silica content supports skin firmness and elasticitySoothing and astringent properties calm and refine skinAntioxidant flavonoids protect against environmental stress
Generally well-tolerated; rare sensitivity in those allergic to horsetail plant
Antioxidant
Ergothioneine

Ergothioneine (L-ergothioneine, EGT) is a naturally occurring amino thione acid originally found in ergot fungi. It is synthesized in nature only by fungi and certain bacteria, but is avidly accumulated by human cells (especially tissues under oxidative stress) via the highly specific OCTN1 transporter. This unique cellular uptake mechanism distinguishes ergothioneine from most antioxidants — it is actively concentrated inside cells rather than merely acting on the surface. In cosmetics it functions as a premium anti-aging antioxidant active used in high-performance vitamin C ampoules and anti-aging serums.

antioxidantanti-agingskin-conditioning
Ergothioneine (EGT) is a rare sulfur-containing amino acid synthesized exclusively by fungi (especially mushrooms), mycobacteria, and select cyanobacteria — not produced endogenously by humans but concentrated in high-metabolic-demand tissues via a specific transporter (OCTN1/SLC22A4)Exceptionally potent antioxidant: directly quenches hydroxyl radicals, singlet oxygen, and hypochlorous acid, and protects mitochondrial DNA and membrane lipids from oxidative damage — demonstrably more stable and persistent in biological tissue than glutathione or ascorbic acidSkin expresses the OCTN1 ergothioneine transporter at high levels — topically applied EGT is actively taken up into keratinocytes and fibroblasts, suggesting genuine cellular bioavailability beyond surface antioxidant activity; linked to DNA damage protection and anti-inflammatory signaling
+ Ascorbic Acid+ Tocopherol+ Glutathione