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 59 of 95

Other
PEG-20000

A very high-molecular-weight polyethylene glycol (MW ~20,000 Da). A solid wax-like material used as a thickener and binder in cosmetics.

viscosity-increasingbinder
Thickens and stabilizes formulations
+ Glycerin+ Carbomer
Surfactant
PEG-22/Dodecyl Glycol Copolymer

A copolymer of PEG-22 and dodecyl glycol used as a nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer in creams and serums.

emulsifiersolubilizer
Stabilizes oil-in-water emulsionsSolubilizes oils in water-based formulas
Other
PEG-240/HDI Copolymer Bis-Decyltetradeceth-20 Ether

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.

emulsifierviscosity controllingfilm-former
Stabilizes emulsions in high-water formulationsProvides smooth, elegant texture in gel-type masks and sheet masks
Other
PEG-25 Stearate
PEG-25 STEARATE

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.

emulsifiersurfactant
Gentle non-ionic emulsifierHelps distribute oil and water phases
+ Glyceryl Stearate+ Cetearyl Alcohol
Other
PEG-2M

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.

film-formingviscosity-controllingskin-conditioning
Very high molecular weight PEG polymer (approximately 2,000,000 Da) that creates a lightweight, smooth film on skinUsed at very low concentrations to modify the texture and spreadability of formulas without affecting active ingredient performanceProvides a silky, non-greasy finish in serum and ampoule formulas
+ Glycerin+ Sodium Hyaluronate+ Carbomer
Other
PEG-3 Dimethicone

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.

emulsifierskin-conditioningslip-agent
Improves spreadability and skin feelHelps disperse silicone ingredients in water-based formulas
Humectant
PEG-30

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.

humectantsolventskin-conditioning
Lightweight humectantImproves product spreadability
+ Glycerin+ Butylene Glycol
Surfactant
PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate

A PEG-modified dipolyhydroxystearate emulsifier used to stabilize water-in-oil emulsions, commonly found in sunscreens and high-SPF formulations.

emulsifier
Stabilizes water-in-oil emulsions used in sunscreens and rich creams
Emollient
PEG-30 Phytosterol
PEG-30 PHYTOSTEROL

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.

emollientemulsifierskin-conditioning
Helps restore skin barrierImproves moisturization
+ Hydrogenated Lecithin+ Ceramide NP
Humectant
PEG-32

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.

humectantsolventemollient
Hydrates and softens skinImproves texture of water-based formulas
+ Glycerin+ Butylene Glycol
Surfactant
PEG-40 Castor Oil

A polyethylene glycol ester of castor oil (non-hydrogenated) used as a nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer in cosmetic formulas.

emulsifiersolubilizer
Solubilizes oils and fragrance into water-based formulasStabilizes emulsions
Surfactant
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

A polyethylene glycol derivative of hydrogenated castor oil used as a mild, nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer in cosmetic formulas.

emulsifiersolubilizer
Solubilizes oils and fragrance into water-based formulasStabilizes emulsions
Emollient
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil PCA Isostearate
PEG-40 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL PCA ISOSTEARATE

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.

emulsifieremollientskin-conditioning
Gentle emulsifierSkin conditioning
+ Hydrogenated Lecithin+ Glycerin
Surfactant
PEG-40 Stearate

A PEG-40 ester of stearic acid used as a mild nonionic emulsifier to stabilize oil-in-water cosmetic emulsions.

emulsifiersurfactant
Stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions in cleansers and moisturizersImproves texture and spreadability
PEG compounds may contain trace 1,4-dioxane impurities; well-managed in modern manufacturing
Other
PEG-400 Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer
PEG-400 ACRYLATES/AMMONIUM METHACRYLATE COPOLYMER

A synthetic acrylate-methacrylate copolymer containing PEG-400 segments. Used as a film-forming thickener and rheology modifier in cosmetic formulas.

thickenerfilm-forming
Provides clear gel textureFilm-forming for product stability
+ Carbomer+ Glycerin
Humectant
PEG-4000

A high-molecular-weight polyethylene glycol (~4000 Da) used as a humectant, solvent, and mild thickener in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulas.

humectantsolventthickener
Attracts and retains moistureImproves product consistency and spreadability
Humectant
PEG-45

A medium-to-high-chain polyethylene glycol (~45 ethylene oxide units, ~2000 Da) used as a humectant and solvent in skincare formulas.

humectantsolvent
Attracts and retains moistureImproves product spreadability
Surfactant
PEG-45 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

A polyethoxylated hydrogenated castor oil (45 EO units) used as a nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer for oils and fragrance in cosmetics.

emulsifiersolubilizer
Solubilizes oils and fragrance into water-based formulasStabilizes oil-in-water emulsions
PEG derivatives may contain trace 1,4-dioxane in poorly refined materials
Other
PEG-45 Stearate
PEG-45 STEARATE

A PEG ester of stearic acid with approximately 45 ethylene oxide units. Used as a gentle emulsifier in Chifure's moisturizing emulsion.

emulsifiersurfactant
Gentle non-ionic emulsifierSkin compatible
+ Glyceryl Stearate+ Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
PEG-5 Rapeseed Sterol

A PEG-5 ether of rapeseed (Brassica napus) phytosterols; used as an emollient and emulsifier, contributing plant sterols to support skin barrier function.

emollientemulsifierskin-conditioning
Plant sterol-derived emollient that provides conditioning and helps stabilize emulsionsSupports skin barrier function with plant-derived sterol fraction
Emollient
PEG-5 Soy Sterol
PEG-5 SOY STEROL

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.

emulsifierskin-conditioning
Soy-derived plant sterol — barrier supportiveGentle emulsifier
+ Glycerin+ Ceramide NP
Other
PEG-50 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
PEG-50 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL

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.

emulsifiersolubilizer
Solubilizes fragrances and oils in water-based formulasGentle emulsifier
+ Fragrance+ Essential Oils
Surfactant
PEG-50 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Triisostearate

A triisostearate ester of PEG-50 hydrogenated castor oil used as a nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer in lotions and skin-conditioning products.

emulsifiersolubilizer
Stabilizes emulsionsSolubilizes lipophilic ingredients in aqueous formulas
Surfactant
PEG-55 Propylene Glycol Oleate

A PEGylated propylene glycol oleate ester used as a mild nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer in cleansers and lotions.

emulsifiersolubilizer
Emulsifies oils in water-based formulasImproves formula stability