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.
A very high-molecular-weight polyethylene glycol (MW ~20,000 Da). A solid wax-like material used as a thickener and binder in cosmetics.
A copolymer of PEG-22 and dodecyl glycol used as a nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer in creams and serums.
A synthetic PEG-based associative thickener and emulsifier formed by reacting polyethylene glycol with hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) and capped with ethoxylated fatty alcohol chains, used to build viscosity and stabilize emulsions.
A PEG ester of stearic acid with approximately 25 ethylene oxide units. Used as a non-ionic emulsifier in O/W emulsions. Good skin compatibility.
PEG-2M is a very high molecular weight polyethylene glycol polymer (~2,000,000 daltons) used as a film-former and rheology modifier in cosmetics. At the ultra-high molecular weight of 2M, it forms a lightweight, non-tacky film rather than acting as a humectant like lower molecular weight PEGs. Used at trace concentrations in ampoule formulas to contribute a smooth, substantive texture.
A silicone-PEG copolymer with short PEG-3 chains that acts as an emulsifier and slip agent, imparting a lightweight silky feel to creams and lotions.
A mid-chain polyethylene glycol used as a humectant and solvent in skincare. PEG-30 is water-soluble and helps retain moisture while improving product texture.
A PEG-modified dipolyhydroxystearate emulsifier used to stabilize water-in-oil emulsions, commonly found in sunscreens and high-SPF formulations.
A PEG ester of phytosterol (plant-derived sterol). Combines the emolliency and barrier-restoring properties of phytosterols with the water-solubility of PEG chains. Used as an emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent.
A medium-chain polyethylene glycol (MW ~1450 Da) that acts as a humectant, solvent, and consistency agent in lotions and creams. Well-tolerated; used in Japanese toners and emulsions.
A polyethylene glycol ester of castor oil (non-hydrogenated) used as a nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer in cosmetic formulas.
A polyethylene glycol derivative of hydrogenated castor oil used as a mild, nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer in cosmetic formulas.
A complex ester of PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil and pyroglutamic acid (PCA) isostearate. Used as a gentle emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent, particularly in sensitive skin formulations like Minon.
A PEG-40 ester of stearic acid used as a mild nonionic emulsifier to stabilize oil-in-water cosmetic emulsions.
A synthetic acrylate-methacrylate copolymer containing PEG-400 segments. Used as a film-forming thickener and rheology modifier in cosmetic formulas.
A high-molecular-weight polyethylene glycol (~4000 Da) used as a humectant, solvent, and mild thickener in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulas.
A medium-to-high-chain polyethylene glycol (~45 ethylene oxide units, ~2000 Da) used as a humectant and solvent in skincare formulas.
A polyethoxylated hydrogenated castor oil (45 EO units) used as a nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer for oils and fragrance in cosmetics.
A PEG ester of stearic acid with approximately 45 ethylene oxide units. Used as a gentle emulsifier in Chifure's moisturizing emulsion.
A PEG-5 ether of rapeseed (Brassica napus) phytosterols; used as an emollient and emulsifier, contributing plant sterols to support skin barrier function.
A PEG ether of soy-derived phytosterol with 5 ethylene oxide units. Functions as a gentle emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent with barrier-supportive properties from the phytosterol component.
A PEG ether of hydrogenated castor oil with approximately 50 ethylene oxide units. Used as an emulsifier and solubilizer for hydrophobic ingredients. Used in Bijin Nuka's rice toner.
A triisostearate ester of PEG-50 hydrogenated castor oil used as a nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer in lotions and skin-conditioning products.
A PEGylated propylene glycol oleate ester used as a mild nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer in cleansers and lotions.