The library

Ingredient library

Every ingredient SkinAtlas knows about — all 2277 of them. What each one does, what it works well with, and what to watch for.

All 2277 ingredients — page 43 of 95

UV filter
Isoamyl P-Methoxycinnamate

An oil-soluble UVB filter (Symrise Neo Heliopan E1000) in the cinnamate class, EU-approved at a maximum concentration of 10%, with additional short-wave UVA absorption; not approved in the US or Canada.

uv-filteruvb-filter
Oil-soluble UVB filter with additional short-wave UVA absorptionUVB absorption range 280–320 nmFluid texture; blends easily into oil-phase formulations
Not approved in the US, Canada, or JapanCinnamate class — potential for skin sensitization in sensitive individuals
Surfactant
Isoceteth-10

A nonionic ethoxylated isocetyl ether (10 ethylene oxide units) used as a mild emulsifier and solubilizer in cosmetic formulas.

emulsifiersolubilizersurfactant
Solubilizes oils and actives into water-based formulasStabilizes emulsionsImproves spreadability
PEG-type ethoxylated ingredient — trace 1,4-dioxane contamination possible unless vacuum-stripped during manufacturing
Surfactant
Isoceteth-20

A nonionic ethoxylated isocetyl ether (20 ethylene oxide units) used as a mild emulsifier and solubilizer in cosmetic formulas.

emulsifiersolubilizersurfactant
Solubilizes oils and actives into water-based formulasStabilizes emulsionsImproves spreadability
PEG-type ethoxylated ingredient — trace 1,4-dioxane contamination possible unless vacuum-stripped during manufacturing
Surfactant
Isoceteth-25

A polyethoxylated isocetyl alcohol with 25 ethylene oxide units, used as an emulsifier and solubilizer in cosmetic formulations.

emulsifiersolubilizersurfactant
Solubilizes oils and fragrances in water-based formulasStabilizes emulsions at high ethoxylation degreeMild on skin compared to ionic surfactants
PEG derivatives may be less suitable for damaged skin barriers; generally considered low-risk at cosmetic use levels
Emollient
Isocetyl Myristate

Isocetyl Myristate is a synthetic ester of isocetyl alcohol (C16 branched-chain fatty alcohol) and myristic acid (C14 fatty acid). It is a lightweight, non-greasy emollient with excellent spreading properties. Used in premium emulsions to improve texture, enhance the feel of heavier actives, and solubilize lipophilic ingredients. Distinct from Cetyl Myristate (straight-chain) due to the branched isocetyl alcohol, which reduces its solid-state tendency.

emollientskin-conditioningsolubilizing
Synthetic ester of isocetyl alcohol and myristic acid with a light, non-greasy skin feel — provides a silky slip without occlusive heavinessGood spreading properties and compatibility with active ingredients make it a useful carrier and texture modifier in emulsionsHelps solubilize lipophilic active ingredients (retinoids, tocopherols) while contributing to the skin-feel of the formula
Ester-based emollient — comedogenicity potential is low but occasionally flagged for acne-prone skin; use-concentration dependent
+ Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride+ Dimethicone+ Tocopherol
Emollient
Isodecyl Neopentanoate
ISODECYL NEOPENTANOATE

An ester of isodecyl alcohol and neopentanoic acid used as a lightweight, low-viscosity emollient and spreading agent. Imparts a dry, non-greasy finish; often used in luxury creams and colour cosmetics.

emollientskin-conditioningspreading agent
Lightweight, fast-spreading emollientNon-greasy, dry skin feelGood pigment dispersibility
+ Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride+ Squalane+ Dimethicone
Emollient
Isodecyl Pivalate
ISODECYL NEOPENTANOATE

An ester of isodecyl alcohol and pivalic acid (neopentanoic acid). A light, non-greasy emollient that imparts a silky, dry skin feel. Used in sunscreens and light day creams.

emollientskin-conditioning
Lightweight, non-greasy emollientSpreads well — enhances product elegance
+ Dimethicone+ Cyclopentasiloxane
Solvent / vehicle
Isododecane

A lightweight, volatile isoparaffin solvent that evaporates quickly from skin, leaving a non-greasy finish; commonly used in sunscreens and transfer-resistant formulas.

solventemollient
Lightweight, fast-evaporating, non-greasy feelImproves spreadability and transfer resistance
Soothing
Isodonis Japonicus Leaf/Stalk Extract
ISODONIS JAPONICUS LEAF/STALK EXTRACT

An extract from the leaves and stalks of Isodonis japonicus (Japanese isodon / rabdosia), a mint-family plant used in traditional Japanese Kampo medicine. Contains diterpenoids with anti-inflammatory and skin-conditioning properties.

soothingantioxidantskin-conditioning
Diterpenoids with anti-inflammatory actionTraditional Japanese medicine botanicalAntioxidant support
+ Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract+ Acanthopanax Senticosus Root Extract
Fragrance
Isoeugenol

A naturally occurring phenylpropanoid with a warm, spicy-floral clove character. Found in ylang ylang and clove essential oils. Listed as a regulated fragrance allergen under EU Cosmetics Regulation.

fragrance
Warm, clove-like spicy-floral fragrance naturally found in ylang ylang, clove, and nutmeg oils
EU Annex III listed fragrance allergen requiring label declaration; can cause allergic contact dermatitisNot recommended for sensitive or reactive skin
Fragrance
Isoeugenyl Acetate

An acetic acid ester of isoeugenol naturally found in clove, cinnamon, and ylang-ylang. Classified as a fragrance allergen in the EU Cosmetics Regulation.

fragrance
Clove and carnation-like spicy-floral fragrance component used in fine fragrance blends
EU-listed fragrance allergen (SCCS); associated with contact sensitizationRestricted under EU Cosmetics Regulation — max 0.02% in leave-on products
Emollient
Isohexadecane

A branched synthetic hydrocarbon emollient that provides a dry, ultra-lightweight feel and helps disperse pigments and UV filters.

emollientsolvent
Lightweight, non-greasy skin feelImproves spreadability and blendability of sunscreens and foundations
Humectant
Isoleucine

An essential amino acid used as a humectant that contributes to skin moisturization, barrier integrity, and surface-level repair.

humectantamino-acid
Helps maintain skin hydrationSupports barrier function and surface repairMild anti-inflammatory properties
Humectant
Isomerized Sugar
ISOMERIZED SUGAR

An enzymatically isomerized mixture of glucose and fructose. Used in Anessa sunscreens as a humectant to keep the sunscreen film hydrated and maintain UV filter efficacy throughout the day.

humectantfilm-former
Draws and retains moisture in skinHelps maintain film hydration throughout the day
+ Glycerin+ Trehalose
Emollient
Isononyl Isononanoate

A synthetic diester of isononyl alcohol and isononanoic acid providing an exceptionally lightweight, dry emollient feel in serums and sunscreens.

emollientsolvent
Ultra-light, dry, non-greasy emollient feelImproves spreadability of formulasLow comedogenic rating
Humectant
Isopentyldiol

A branched-chain diol (3-methyl-1,3-butanediol) used in cosmetics as a humectant, co-solvent, and mild antimicrobial booster.

humectantsolventantimicrobial
Attracts and retains moistureActs as a co-solvent to dissolve and stabilize activesMild antimicrobial effect that boosts preservative systems
Solvent / vehicle
Isopropyl Alcohol

A secondary alcohol used as a fast-evaporating solvent and antimicrobial agent, chemically distinct from ethanol (Alcohol Denat.).

solventantimicrobialpenetration-enhancer
Fast-evaporating solventAntimicrobial at high concentrationsImproves penetration of other ingredients
Can be drying and irritating at high concentrationsProlonged or repeated use may disrupt the skin barrier
Emollient
Isopropyl Isostearate

A synthetic ester of isopropyl alcohol and isostearic acid used as a lightweight emollient and skin-conditioning agent in creams and moisturizers.

emollientskin-conditioningsolvent
Lightweight emollient that spreads easily on skinImproves texture and feel of rich creamsHelps solubilize and distribute other emollient ingredients
Considered moderately comedogenic; may not be suitable for acne-prone skin
Emollient
Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate

An ester derivative of lauroyl sarcosinic acid and isopropanol used as an emollient and solubilizer.

emollientsolubilizing agent
Softens and smooths skinHelps dissolve other ingredients in formulations
Emollient
Isopropyl Myristate

A synthetic ester of isopropyl alcohol and myristic acid that provides a dry, lightweight emollient feel and can enhance penetration of other actives.

emollientpenetration-enhancer
Light, non-greasy emollient feelEnhances absorption of other ingredientsImproves spreadability
Can be comedogenic at higher concentrations for acne-prone skin
Emollient
Isopropyl Palmitate

A synthetic ester of isopropyl alcohol and palmitic acid used as a lightweight emollient and solvent with a known comedogenic potential.

emollientsolvent
Lightweight, non-greasy emollient feelImproves spreadability and textureHelps dissolve other ingredients
Considered moderately to highly comedogenic; may clog pores on acne-prone skin
Preservative
Isopropylmethylphenol
ISOPROPYLMETHYLPHENOL

A phenol-derived antimicrobial and quasi-drug active ingredient in Japan for acne treatment. Effective against Cutibacterium acnes. Used in Melano CC Essence for its antibacterial benefit alongside vitamin C brightening actives.

antimicrobialanti-acne
Broad-spectrum antimicrobial effective against acne-causing bacteriaCommon quasi-drug active in Japanese acne products
Possible contact sensitisation with repeated exposure
+ Ascorbic Acid+ Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Emollient
Isostearic Acid

A branched-chain C18 fatty acid used as an emollient, skin-conditioning agent, and co-emulsifier in cosmetic creams and lotions.

emollientemulsifierskin-conditioning
Provides a rich, conditioning feel on skinFunctions as a co-emulsifier to stabilize formulasImproves texture and spreadability of creams
May be comedogenic for acne-prone skin
Emollient
Isostearyl Alcohol

A branched-chain C18 fatty alcohol used as an emollient and emulsion stabilizer that provides a rich yet non-sticky skin feel.

emollientemulsifier
Rich, non-greasy emollient feelImproves spreadabilityHelps stabilize emulsions