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.
Extract from the leaves of Eriobotrya japonica (loquat/Japanese plum). Contains flavonoids (rutin, quercetin), ursolic acid, and tannins that provide antioxidant and soothing benefits. Used in Shiseido's d program acne-care range.
A botanical extract obtained from the cotton-like head and stem of Nordic cottongrass, used for skin conditioning and moisturization.
Leaf extract from Eruca sativa (arugula/rocket), a cruciferous plant. Contains glucosinolates, flavonoids, and erucic acid derivatives contributing antioxidant activity.
A small sugar alcohol that acts as a humectant, drawing water into the skin.
A triterpenoid saponin isolated from horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) seeds, used in cosmetics to strengthen capillary walls, reduce puffiness, and provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
A collective term for volatile aromatic compounds distilled from plants. Used for scent and sometimes minor antimicrobial effects. Common sensitizers — individual oils (lavender, tea tree, peppermint, etc.) vary widely in risk profile.
A small molecule containing both an amine and a hydroxyl group. Used as a pH adjuster and to neutralize fatty acids (forming soaps) in cosmetic formulations. Considered safe in rinse-off products; use in leave-on products is regulated in EU.
A clear glycol ether solvent used to dissolve and stabilize difficult actives, enhance ingredient penetration, and provide mild humectancy in cosmetic formulas.
A stable, both water- and oil-compatible vitamin C derivative that converts to ascorbic acid in skin. Valued for brightening with good formula stability.
A glycoside ester of glucose and ethanol. Functions as a gentle humectant. Used in Kanebo's Skin Harmonizer for its moisturizing and skin-conditioning properties.
A branched-chain diol (CAS 94-96-2) used as a solvent and preservative booster in cosmetics; distinct from 1,2-hexanediol and historically also used as an insect repellent.
The ethyl ester of oleic acid used as a lightweight, penetrating emollient and delivery solvent in skincare formulas.
The ethyl ether derivative of cellulose. Functions primarily as a film-former and texture/viscosity modifier in cosmetic formulas. Used in a range of products from foundations to hair care to improve consistency, adherence, and skin feel. Not a functional skin-care active.
A synthetic copolymer of ethylene and methacrylic acid monomers used in cosmetic formulations as a film-forming and texture-modifying agent.
A synthetic hydrocarbon copolymer used primarily in anhydrous cosmetic formulations as a gelling agent and viscosity modifier.
2-Ethyl-1,3-hexanediol, a branched glycol with both humectant and antimicrobial properties. Structurally related to 1,2-Hexanediol and Caprylyl Glycol, which are also used as preservative boosters. Used at low concentrations (typically 0.1–1%) to extend the spectrum and efficacy of primary preservation systems. Distinct from 1,2-Hexanediol (which is 1,2-substituted rather than 1,3-substituted) and 1-Hexanediol.
The ester of 2-ethylhexanol (a C8 branched alcohol) and isononanoic acid (a C9 branched fatty acid). Produces a distinctly lightweight, fast-absorbing emollient with virtually no residual greasiness. Widely used as an alternative to mineral oil derivatives in lightweight facial creams and sunscreens, where its low viscosity and high UV-filter solubility are prized.
A common chemical UVB filter (octinoxate) permitted up to 10% in EU and 7.5% in US sunscreens, with confirmed endocrine activity at high doses per 2025 SCCS opinion.
A UVA-absorbing photostabilizer (Hallstar SolaStay S1) that prevents degradation of avobenzone and other UV filters via singlet-state quenching; listed in EU CosIng (ref 87035) as a photostabilizer but not as an Annex VI approved UV filter.
A lightweight ester of 2-ethylhexanol and olive oil fatty acids used as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent with good spreadability and a non-greasy feel; distinct from hydrogenated ethylhexyl olivate.
A lightweight synthetic ester of palmitic acid and 2-ethylhexanol used as an emollient and solvent to improve skin feel and product spreadability.
An ester of 2-ethylhexanol and stearic acid used as a lightweight emollient that imparts a soft, smooth skin feel without heaviness.
A modern, highly photostable chemical UV filter offering strong UVB protection in broad-spectrum sunscreens.
A preservative booster and skin-conditioning agent.