The library

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.

All 2279 ingredients — page 67 of 95

Soothing
Plantago Lanceolata Leaf Extract

An extract from the leaves of Plantago lanceolata (ribwort plantain), used in cosmetics for its anti-inflammatory, soothing, and antioxidant properties.

SoothingSkin conditioningAntioxidant
Anti-inflammatory and soothing for sensitive skinAntioxidant protectionMild antimicrobial properties
Fragrance
Plumeria Rubra Flower Extract

An extract of Plumeria rubra (red frangipani) flowers, used in cosmetics primarily as a fragrance ingredient and mild skin conditioner.

FragranceSkin conditioning
Imparts floral fragranceMild skin conditioning
Potential fragrance allergen
Fragrance
Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Leaf Oil
POGOSTEMON CABLIN LEAF OIL

Essential oil distilled from the leaves of Pogostemon cablin (patchouli). Known for its distinctive earthy, musky-sweet fragrance. Has mild antimicrobial properties. Used in DAMDAM's moisturizer for fragrance.

fragranceantimicrobial
Distinctive earthy, woody fragranceMild antimicrobial
Essential oil — potential skin sensitizer at high concentrations
Surfactant
Poloxamer 184

A poloxamer (polyethylene oxide-polypropylene oxide-polyethylene oxide triblock copolymer) used as an emulsifier, surfactant, and rheology modifier in cosmetic formulations, particularly valued for its mild cleansing properties and thermoreversible gel-forming ability.

emulsifiersurfactantsolubilizerrheology modifier
Creates stable oil-in-water emulsionsEffective makeup removal with mild cleansing propertiesImproves product consistency and viscosity
Minimal ocular irritation at recommended concentrationsMay cause mild irritation in highly sensitive individuals
Other
Poloxamer 215
POLOXAMER 215

A specific poloxamer (polyethylene oxide-polypropylene oxide-polyethylene oxide triblock copolymer). Used as a gentle emulsifier in Chifure's cleansing foam.

emulsifiersurfactant
Non-ionic block copolymer emulsifierGentle and biocompatible
+ Glycerin+ Myristic Acid
Other
Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate

Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate is a synthetic acrylate polymer used in cosmetics as an emulsion stabilizer and viscosity-controlling agent, distinct from its crosspolymer form.

Emulsion stabilisingViscosity controlling
Stabilizes emulsionsControls product viscosity and textureImproves skin feel of formulations
Humectant
Poly HEMA Glucoside
POLY HEMA GLUCOSIDE

A glucoside-modified poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) polymer used as a hydrating film-former. Its sugar side-chains bind water effectively, providing prolonged moisturisation in toners and essences.

humectantfilm-formingskin-conditioning
Long-lasting hydration from moisture-binding polymerForms a breathable film that traps moistureGood skin feel without tackiness
+ Hyaluronic Acid+ Glycerin+ Trehalose
Other
Polyacrylamide

Polyacrylamide is a synthetic polymer used in cosmetics as a film former and binder, regulated in the EU for maximum residual acrylamide monomer content.

Film formingViscosity controllingBinder
Creates smooth, even film on skinStabilizes emulsionsImproves texture and spreadability
May contain trace residual acrylamide monomer, which is a known carcinogen; EU regulates maximum residual levelsNot suitable for use in products that may be inhaled in spray form
Other
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6

A crosslinked polyacrylate polymer used to thicken and stabilize serums and emulsions, imparting a light, cushiony gel texture.

thickeneremulsion-stabilizerfilm-former
Creates elegant, lightweight gel texturesStabilizes emulsionsProvides a smooth, non-tacky skin feel
Other
Polyacrylate-13

A polyacrylate polymer used as an emulsifier and rheology modifier in cosmetic formulations, typically found in a self-emulsifying blend with polyisobutene and polysorbate 20 (Sepinov EMT 10).

emulsifyingviscosity-increasingfilm-forming
stabilizes oil-in-water emulsionsimproves product textureprovides smooth skin feel
Other
Polyacrylic Acid

A linear homopolymer of acrylic acid used as a thickener and film-forming agent in cosmetics; unlike Carbomer it is uncrosslinked, resulting in different rheological behavior.

thickenerfilm-forming agentemulsion stabilizer
Provides viscosity and gel-like texture in aqueous formulasImproves emulsion stabilityForms a light film that can enhance ingredient delivery
May cause mild irritation at high concentrations or very low pH; generally well-tolerated at cosmetic use levels
Preservative
Polyaminopropyl Biguanide

Polyaminopropyl Biguanide (PHMB) is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial preservative polymer used in cosmetics, subject to regulatory scrutiny in the EU due to carcinogenicity and inhalation safety concerns.

PreservativeAntimicrobial
Broad-spectrum antimicrobial preservative effective against bacteria, yeast, and moldPermitted up to 0.1% in non-spray cosmetics per EU Annex V (Regulation 2019/831); sprayable/inhalable products are not permitted
EU SCCS has concluded it is not safe for use in all cosmetic products at 0.3%; safety concern especially for spray/inhalation productsClassified as CMR 2 (Carc. 2) under EU regulations
Emollient
Polybutene

A synthetic hydrocarbon polymer used as a glossy emollient and film-former in lip products and cleansing oils, where it provides high-gloss texture and occlusive properties.

emollientocclusivefilm-former
Creates a glossy, cushiony film on skinProvides excellent adherence and long wear in lip productsReduces water loss
Humectant
Polydextrose

A synthetic polysaccharide used as a humectant and thickening agent in cosmetic formulations.

humectantthickenerskin-conditioning
Binds water to provide moisturizationAdds viscosity to cosmetic formulationsPolysaccharide used for skin conditioning
Other
Polydiethyleneglycol Adipate/IPDI Copolymer

Polydiethyleneglycol Adipate/IPDI Copolymer is a polyurethane formed by the reaction of diethylene glycol adipate (a polyester diol) with isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI, a cycloaliphatic diisocyanate). In cosmetics it is used as a polymeric film-former and texture agent in cleansing balm formulations, contributing to the product's viscosity and texture without requiring excess hard waxes. The finished polyurethane is non-reactive and does not contain free isocyanate groups.

film-formingviscosity-controllingskin-conditioning
Polyurethane copolymer synthesized from diethylene glycol adipate and isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) that provides film-forming and texture-modifying properties in cleansing balm formulationsContributes to the 'bouncy' or gel-like texture of cleansing balms without relying on waxes alone, allowing softer, easier-to-scoop texturesNon-stripping on skin — the polymer resides in the oil phase and rinses away with the emulsifier upon water contact
+ PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate+ Synthetic Wax
Preservative
Polyepsilon-Lysine

Polyepsilon-Lysine is a natural cationic homopolymer of L-lysine produced by fermentation of Streptomyces albulus, used as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial preservative in cosmetics.

PreservativeAntimicrobial
Natural fermentation-derived preservative with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activityEffective over a wide pH range (2–9)ECOCERT/COSMOS approved natural preservative option
Limited standalone efficacy; typically used in combination with other preservation systems
Other
Polyester-1

Polyester-1 is a synthetic film-forming polymer used in cosmetics and color cosmetics to create a continuous film on the skin that improves product adherence and finish.

Film forming
Creates a smooth, continuous film on skinImproves product wear and staying powerEnhances coverage in color cosmetics
Other
Polyester-7

Polyester-7 is a synthetic polymer used in cosmetics as a viscosity-controlling and skin conditioning agent, contributing to the characteristic primer-like texture of certain sunscreen formulations.

Viscosity controllingSkin conditioning
Controls product viscosity and textureContributes to lightweight, smooth skin feel in sunscreen formulations
Other
Polyether-1

A PEG/PPG-type polyether polymer used as a film-former or solubilizer to improve texture and spreadability in cosmetic formulations.

film-formersolubilizerconditioning agent
Improves spreadability and sensory texture of formulationsAids in solubilizing hydrophobic ingredients
No significant known risks at cosmetic use levels
Other
Polyethylene

A synthetic polymer wax used as a texture enhancer and film-former in cosmetics, including sunscreens and tinted products, to improve spreadability and skin feel.

film-formertexture-enhancerthickener
Improves texture and spreadability of sunscreens and color cosmeticsCan provide a soft-focus, blurring effect
Humectant
Polyglucuronic Acid

A polysaccharide polymer built from glucuronic acid units; acts as a humectant and film-former, providing hydration and a protective surface layer.

humectantfilm-formingskin-conditioning
Biopolymer that binds water and creates a moisture-retaining film on the skin surfaceSupports smooth, plump texture with a lightweight feel
+ Sodium Hyaluronate+ Glycerin
Humectant
Polyglutamic Acid

A large humectant that holds water at the skin surface; pairs well with hyaluronic acid.

SKIN CONDITIONING
Surface hydrationImproves moisture retention
+ Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Polyglycerin-3

A trimer of glycerin used as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent that hydrates and improves the feel of cosmetic formulas.

humectantemollient
Attracts and retains moistureImproves skin feel and hydrationGentle and suitable for sensitive skin
Surfactant
Polyglyceryl Diisostearate

A polyglycerol ester of isostearic acid used as an emulsifier in cosmetic formulations.

emulsifier
Stabilizes emulsions in creams and lotionsMild, plant-derived emulsification