Ingredient library
Every ingredient SkinAtlas knows about — all 2333 of them. What each one does, what it works well with, and what to watch for.
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.
Polyacrylamide is a synthetic polymer used in cosmetics as a film former and binder, regulated in the EU for maximum residual acrylamide monomer content.
A crosslinked polyacrylate polymer used to thicken and stabilize serums and emulsions, imparting a light, cushiony gel texture.
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).
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.
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.
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.
A synthetic polysaccharide used as a humectant and thickening agent in cosmetic formulations.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A PEG/PPG-type polyether polymer used as a film-former or solubilizer to improve texture and spreadability in cosmetic formulations.
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.
A polysaccharide polymer built from glucuronic acid units; acts as a humectant and film-former, providing hydration and a protective surface layer.
A large humectant that holds water at the skin surface; pairs well with hyaluronic acid.
A trimer of glycerin used as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent that hydrates and improves the feel of cosmetic formulas.
A polyglycerol ester of isostearic acid used as an emulsifier in cosmetic formulations.
A generic polyglyceryl ester of oleic acid used as a nonionic emulsifier in cosmetic emulsions; the specific polyglyceryl number may vary by formula.
A generic polyglyceryl ester of stearic acid used as a nonionic emulsifier in cosmetic emulsions; the specific polyglyceryl number may vary by formula.
A polyglycerol ester of behenic acid and eicosanedioic acid. A gentle, plant-derived emulsifier. Used in Ishizawa's urea face cream.
Polyglyceryl-10 Diisostearate is a polyglycerol ester of isostearic acid used as an emulsifier in cosmetic formulations, known for its mildness and plant-derived origin.
A diester of polyglyceryl-10 (10 glycerol units) and lauric acid (C12). The high degree of glycerol polymerization (10 units) and the two laurate chains create an HLB suitable for O/W emulsification. A clean-label, plant-derived alternative to PEG emulsifiers, positioned as natural and biodegradable. Distinct from Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate (C14 chains) and Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate (mono-ester).
A polyglyceryl ester of oleic acid with a decaglycerol backbone used as a mild nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer in cleansing oils and emulsions.