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 gold-standard humectant that draws water into the skin.
A synthetic acrylic copolymer of glyceryl acrylate and acrylic acid used as a film-former and texture agent to enhance moisture retention and skin feel.
A monoester of glycerol and arachidonic acid (C20:4 omega-6) used as an emollient that mimics skin's natural lipids, providing softening and conditioning at the skin surface.
A glyceryl ester of behenic acid (C22 fatty acid) used as an emollient and emulsifier in cosmetic formulations.
A mixed glyceryl diester of behenic acid and eicosadioic acid used as an emollient and emulsifying agent in cleansing and moisturizing formulas.
A glycerol ester of caprylic acid that acts as an emollient and mild preservative booster, common in natural and organic formulations.
A mixed polyol ester of glycerin with citric acid, lactic acid, linoleic acid, and oleic acid, used as a multifunctional emollient and emulsifier in cosmetic formulas.
A glyceryl ester of isostearic acid. Used as an emollient and emulsifier in skincare, particularly in water-in-oil formulations. Provides a smooth, non-greasy texture.
A glucose-based humectant that hydrates and supports the skin's own moisture-management systems.
A glycerol ester of isostearic acid used as an emulsifier and emollient that gives creams and sunscreens a smooth, stable texture.
A glyceryl monoester of lauric acid with emollient, emulsifying, and mild antimicrobial properties used in a wide range of leave-on and rinse-off formulas.
A glycerol mono-ester of linoleic acid used as an emollient and co-emulsifier that replenishes the skin's barrier-relevant omega-6 fatty acid.
A monoester of glycerol and alpha-linolenic acid (C18:3, ALA) used as an emollient and barrier-supportive ingredient, distinct from glyceryl linoleate (C18:2) in its degree of unsaturation and omega-3 character.
A glyceryl monoester of oleic acid used as an emollient and co-emulsifier that imparts a smooth, conditioning feel to skin.
An ester formed from glyceryl oleate and citric acid. Used in cleansing oils and lightweight emulsions for its emollient and emulsifying properties.
A synthetic polymer formed by esterification of polyacrylic acid with glycerol. Functions as a water-retaining humectant and film-former, creating a gel-like texture on skin that binds moisture. Distinct from carbomer-family thickeners in that glyceryl polyacrylate contributes directly to skin hydration rather than just viscosity. Widely used in lightweight gel moisturizers and essence-type formulas.
A film-forming polymer that leaves a smooth, hydrated-feeling finish.
A thermoplastic glycerol ester of rosin used as a film-former, emollient, and adhesive agent in cosmetic and depilatory wax formulations.
A glycerol ester of stearic acid used as both an emulsifier and emollient that gives creams a smooth, stable texture.
A glyceryl stearate ester of citric acid used as a mild, plant-derived emulsifier to create stable oil-in-water emulsions.
A self-emulsifying grade of glyceryl stearate (containing a small amount of sodium and/or potassium stearate) that forms stable oil-in-water emulsions without additional emulsifiers.
The INCI 'Glyceryl Stearates' (plural) designates a blend of glyceryl mono-, di-, and tristearate esters — distinct from 'Glyceryl Stearate' (the predominantly monoester form). The blend provides broader emulsification and skin-conditioning properties in O/W emulsions. A common co-emulsifier in K-beauty creams and sleeping masks alongside cetearyl alcohol.
A triglyceride ester of glycerin and 2-ethylhexanoic acid used as a stable, odourless emollient in anhydrous and water-in-oil formulas. Provides a smooth, protective skin feel.
A mixed triglyceride of glycerol esterified with caprylic (C8), capric (C10), myristic (C14), and stearic (C18) fatty acids. Used as a lightweight emollient in Ishizawa's urea eye cream.