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 55 of 95

Humectant
Octanediol
1,8-OCTANEDIOL

1,8-Octanediol is a straight-chain C8 aliphatic diol used as a humectant and multifunctional preservative booster with inherent antimicrobial properties, distinct from 1,2-octanediol (caprylyl glycol).

humectantpreservative-boosterantimicrobial
Provides humectant moisturizationBoosts preservative efficacy at low concentrationsBroad-spectrum antimicrobial activity that reduces the need for traditional preservatives
May cause mild irritation at high concentrations
UV filter
Octisalate
Ethylhexyl Salicylate

A classic UVB-absorbing chemical sunscreen filter that also helps dissolve other filters.

uv-filter
Absorbs UVB radiationHelps stabilize and solubilize other UV filters
+ Avobenzone+ Octocrylene+ Homosalate
UV filter
Octocrylene

A chemical UV filter often used to stabilize avobenzone.

chemical-filter
UVB protectionStabilizes other filters
Possible sensitivity for some
Emollient
Octyldodecanol

A branched-chain fatty alcohol ester used as an emollient and co-solvent that provides a rich but non-sticky skin feel.

emollientsolvent
Rich, non-greasy emollient feelImproves texture and spreadabilityHelps dissolve other ingredients
Surfactant
Octyldodeceth-16

A nonionic surfactant used to solubilize oils into water-based formulas.

emulsifiersolubilizer
Helps blend oil and water
Emollient
Octyldodecyl Myristate
OCTYLDODECYL MYRISTATE

An ester of octyldodecanol and myristic acid. One of the lightest, most elegant esters used in skincare. Provides excellent spreadability and a dry, silky skin feel without greasiness.

emollientskin-conditioning
Very lightweight, non-greasy emollientSpreads well — improves product eleganceNon-comedogenic
+ Dimethicone+ Glycerin
Emollient
Octyldodecyl PCA

An ester of octyldodecanol and pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA) used as a rich emollient and skin-conditioning agent that combines the lubricating properties of a fatty ester with the moisturizing moiety of PCA.

emollienthumectantskin-conditioning
Rich, skin-compatible emolliencyPCA moiety provides mild humectant/skin-conditioning effectSmooth, luxurious skin feel
Generally well tolerated; low sensitization potential
Antioxidant
Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract

An extract from evening primrose flowers with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, distinct from the GLA-rich seed oil.

antioxidantsoothing
Antioxidant protectionSoothes and calms irritated skin
Antioxidant
Oenothera Biennis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

Extract from the flowers, leaves, and stems of Oenothera biennis (evening primrose). Complements the oil (from seeds) with water-soluble phenolic antioxidants.

antioxidantsoothingskin-conditioning
Whole-plant extract from evening primrose delivering polyphenols, ellagitannins, and GLA-related compoundsDistinct from evening primrose seed oil — includes water-soluble antioxidants from aerial plant parts
Emollient
Oenothera Biennis Oil
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil

A GLA-rich evening primrose oil that softens and calms dry, sensitive skin.

emollientsoothing
Rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)Soothes and conditions dry, reactive skin
+ Tocopherol
Active
Oenothera Biennis Seed Extract
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Seed Extract

An extract from the seeds of Oenothera biennis (evening primrose), distinct from the GLA-rich expressed seed oil, used for antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties.

antioxidantskin-conditioningsoothing
Antioxidant protection from phenolic compoundsSkin conditioningSoothing support
Generally well tolerated at cosmetic use levels
Emollient
Oil-Soluble Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract
COIX LACRYMA-JOBI MA-YUEN SEED EXTRACT (OIL-SOLUBLE)

An oil-soluble fraction of Coix lacryma-jobi ma-yuen (Job's Tears) seed extract, distinct from the water-soluble form. Contains lipid-soluble bioactives including sterols and ceramide-analogous lipids.

emollientantioxidantskin-conditioning
Oil-extracted form of Job's Tears (Coix) seed containing ceramide-like lipids, sterols, and fat-soluble antioxidantsSupports skin barrier function and provides light emolliency; complements the water-soluble extract's hydration
+ Coix Lacryma-Jobi (Job's Tears) Seed Extract
Antioxidant
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Extract
OLEA EUROPAEA FRUIT EXTRACT

A polyphenol-rich aqueous extract from olive fruit, distinct from olive oil. Delivers hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein — potent antioxidants that protect against UV-induced oxidative damage and calm inflammation.

antioxidantsoothing
Rich in polyphenols (oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol) with strong antioxidant activityAnti-inflammatory — calms oxidative-stress-related rednessDistinct from olive oil: the extract is water-soluble and richer in phenolics
Olive allergy is uncommon but possible
+ Vitamin E+ Niacinamide
Emollient
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil

Olive fruit oil, a rich emollient high in oleic acid and antioxidants.

emollientantioxidant
Rich nourishmentAntioxidant-rich
Heavy and occlusive — may not suit very oily or acne-prone skin
+ Tocopherol
Emollient
Olea Europaea (Olive) Husk Oil
OLEA EUROPAEA HUSK OIL

Oil extracted from the husk/pomace of Olea europaea (olive) fruit after pressing. Similar fatty acid profile to olive fruit oil (primarily oleic acid) but with a lighter texture.

emollientskin-conditioning
Rich emollient derived from the pomace/husk of olives, delivering oleic acid for moisture sealingMore refined and oxidation-stable than cold-pressed fruit oil
High in oleic acid — may be comedogenic for acne-prone or oily skin types with heavy application
Antioxidant
Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract
OLEA EUROPAEA LEAF EXTRACT

An extract from olive (Olea europaea) leaves, rich in oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, and flavonoids. Provides potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and mild antimicrobial benefits in skincare.

antioxidantsoothingskin-conditioning
Rich in oleuropein — potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatoryAntimicrobial supportSoothing for sensitive skin
+ Tocopherol+ Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
Antioxidant
Oleanolic Acid

A pentacyclic triterpene naturally found in olive leaves, olive oil, and rosemary. In cosmetics, used for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and mild tyrosinase-inhibiting (brightening) properties. Also studied for its role in supporting the skin's own ceramide synthesis pathway.

antioxidantanti-inflammatoryskin-brightening
Pentacyclic triterpene with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activityMay inhibit tyrosinase to support a brighter, more even skin toneFound naturally in olive oil and rosemary; supports the skin barrier lipid matrix
+ Niacinamide+ Tocopherol+ Ceramide NP
Emollient
Oleic Acid

A naturally occurring omega-9 monounsaturated fatty acid (C18:1) found in many plant oils, used as an emollient and penetration enhancer that softens skin and replenishes surface lipids.

emollientskin-conditioningpenetration-enhancer
Softens and conditions skinEnhances penetration of other ingredientsReplenishes skin surface lipids
May worsen acne or barrier function in those with acne-prone or linoleic-acid-deficient skin at higher concentrationsCan feel heavy or occlusive for oily skin types
Surfactant
Oleth-10

A polyethoxylated (10 EO units) ether of oleyl alcohol, used as a nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer in cosmetic emulsions and cleansers.

emulsifiersurfactantsolubilizer
Helps blend water and oil phases in emulsionsImproves formula stability and texture
Ethoxylated ingredient; may contain trace 1,4-dioxane impurities depending on manufacturing qualityCan be mildly irritating at high concentrations
Surfactant
Oleth-3

A polyethoxylated (3 EO units) ether of oleyl alcohol with a low HLB value, used as a co-emulsifier in cosmetic formulations to assist water-in-oil stability.

emulsifiersurfactant
Low HLB emulsifier for water-in-oil type systemsAssists in blending hydrophilic and lipophilic components
Ethoxylated ingredient; possible trace 1,4-dioxane impuritiesLow HLB may cause instability in oil-in-water emulsions if used alone
Surfactant
Oleth-3 Phosphate

A phosphate ester of oleth-3 (polyethoxylated oleyl alcohol) used as an anionic co-emulsifier and surfactant in cosmetic emulsions, often combined with oleth-3.

emulsifiersurfactantpH-adjuster
Anionic co-emulsifier that aids emulsion stabilityCan contribute mild buffering capacity
Ethoxylated phosphate ester; possible trace 1,4-dioxane impuritiesPotential irritation at high concentrations
Surfactant
Oleth-5

A polyethoxylated (5 EO units) ether of oleyl alcohol with intermediate HLB, used as a nonionic emulsifier and co-solubilizer in cosmetic formulations.

emulsifiersurfactantsolubilizer
Intermediate HLB emulsifier for flexible emulsion systemsAssists solubilization of lipophilic actives
Ethoxylated ingredient; possible trace 1,4-dioxane impurities
Emollient
Oleyl Alcohol
OLEYL ALCOHOL

An unsaturated C18 fatty alcohol derived from oleic acid. Used as a rich emollient, co-emulsifier, and thickener in creams and lotions; softens and conditions skin.

emollientemulsifyingskin-conditioning
Rich emolliency and skin softeningCo-emulsifier in creamsImproves skin feel and spreadability
May be comedogenic for some skin types
+ Cetearyl Alcohol+ Behenyl Alcohol+ Dimethicone
Emollient
Oleyl Erucate

An ester of oleyl alcohol and erucic acid (C22:1) used as a lightweight, skin-softening emollient that imparts a silky, non-occlusive skin feel.

emollientskin-conditioning
Lightweight, non-greasy emolliencySilky skin feel with good spreadabilityCompatible with many cosmetic active systems
Generally well tolerated; low sensitization potential