Ingredient library
Every ingredient SkinAtlas knows about — all 2279 of them. What each one does, what it works well with, and what to watch for.
A polypropylene glycol/polyethylene glycol ether of decyltetradecanol used as an emulsifier and solubiliser in Japanese toners and essences. Enables stable, clear-to-slightly-translucent formulas.
A mixed polypropylene/polyethylene glycol ether of a branched C24 fatty alcohol used as a nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer in premium serums and emulsions.
A mixed PEG/PPG ether of cetyl alcohol: 8 units of propylene oxide (PPG) and 20 units of ethylene oxide (PEG) on a C16 cetyl backbone. Functions as an O/W emulsifier in cosmetic formulations. The PPG segment reduces the stringent feel sometimes associated with pure PEG emulsifiers, giving a softer skin feel. Used in cream-mists and milky tonics where a stable yet fluid emulsion is needed.
A copolymer of methyl vinyl ether and maleic anhydride (trade name Gantrez) used as a film-former, binder, and emulsion stabilizer in skincare and hair care formulas.
Polyvinylpyrrolidone — a water-soluble polymer widely used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Used as a film-former, binder, and thickener. Provides a smooth skin feel.
A brown-algae extract used to support hydration and a plumped, conditioned feel.
An extract from the root of Paeonia albiflora (white peony / Bai Shao), a traditional East Asian botanical distinct from tree peony, used for its soothing, brightening, and antioxidant effects.
Extract from Paeonia lactiflora (Chinese peony / bai shao), a key ingredient in traditional Korean and Chinese herbal medicine; paeoniflorin content provides documented anti-inflammatory and skin-calming activity.
An extract from the root of Paeonia lactiflora (herbaceous peony / Bai Shao), a distinct species from tree peony (P. suffruticosa) and white peony (P. albiflora), used in traditional Chinese and Korean medicine for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and mild brightening properties.
A peony root extract used to calm skin and support a brighter, more even tone.
Palmitamide MEA (palmitoylethanolamide) is a fatty acid amide that acts on cannabinoid receptor pathways to exert anti-inflammatory and soothing effects, making it suitable for sensitive skin formulations.
A C16 saturated fatty acid naturally found in skin sebum, used as an emollient and emulsifier to soften skin and stabilize creams.
A mixed triglyceride of palmitic (C16) and stearic (C18) fatty acids used as a solid-to-semi-solid emollient that softens skin and improves the texture of balm and cream formulations.
A synthetic signal peptide composed of palmitic acid, alanine, and histidine that provides antioxidant protection, inhibits glycation, and supports skin barrier function with a well-tolerated safety profile.
One of the two active peptides in the Syn-Ake complex (Lipotec). Acts at the neuromuscular junction to reduce voluntary muscle contraction, contributing to visibly smoother expression lines over time.
The second active component of the Syn-Ake dipeptide complex, working alongside Palmitoyl Dipeptide-5 Diaminobutyroyl Hydroxythreonine to modulate neuromuscular signaling and soften expression lines.
A grapevine-derived brightening antioxidant (the 'viniferine' active in Caudalie Vinoperfect), studied for fading hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
A signal peptide used to support firmness and a smoother, conditioned skin surface.
A lipo-amino acid cosmetic peptide (CAS 54617-29-7) that functions as a plumping and volumizing agent, filling wrinkles and providing anti-aging benefits across all skin layers.
A palmitoyl-modified pentapeptide (Lys-Thr-Thr-Lys-Ser) known commercially as Matrixyl. Stimulates collagen synthesis and extracellular matrix production, improving skin firmness and reducing wrinkle depth.
A signal peptide that promotes skin brightness, accelerates natural exfoliation, and supports tissue regeneration for smoother, more radiant skin.
A signal peptide (part of the Matrixyl 3000 system) that helps reduce inflammatory response and supports collagen production for firmer-looking skin.
A collagen-signalling peptide (the second half of Matrixyl 3000) that prompts skin to rebuild structural proteins, improving firmness over time.
A signal peptide (Matrixyl Synthe'6) that stimulates endogenous production of collagens, hyaluronic acid, and other matrix components for comprehensive anti-aging benefits.