The library

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.

All 2333 ingredients — page 71 of 98

Surfactant
Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate

A polyglyceryl ester of capric acid (C10) used as a gentle nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer in toners, serums, and mild cleansers.

emulsifiersolubilizer
Mild nonionic emulsifier compatible with sensitive skin formulasCan help solubilize actives
Surfactant
Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate

A mixed polyglyceryl ester combining isostearic, polyhydroxystearic, and sebacic acid esters used as a water-in-oil emulsifier in sunscreens and CC creams.

emulsifier
Stabilizes water-in-oil emulsions in sunscreen and color cosmeticsImproves water resistance
Surfactant
Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate

A nonionic polyglyceryl ester of isostearic acid used as an emulsifier to form stable water-in-oil emulsions in sunscreens and rich cosmetic formulas.

emulsifier
Stabilizes water-in-oil emulsionsMild, plant-derived emulsificationUsed in sunscreens and rich creams
Surfactant
Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate

A polyglyceryl ester emulsifier made from polyglycerin-4 and lauric acid, used to create stable oil-in-water emulsions with a gentle, skin-friendly profile.

emulsifiersurfactantskin-conditioning agent
Gentle, skin-compatible emulsifier derived from glycerin and lauric acidLow irritation potential suitable for sensitive skinBiodegradable and considered eco-friendly
Generally very well-tolerated; no significant known risks at cosmetic use levels
Other
Polyglyceryl-4 Lauryl Ether
POLYGLYCERYL-4 LAURYL ETHER

A polyglycerol ether of lauryl alcohol. A mild, non-ionic surfactant and emulsifier used in gentle skincare formulations. Good skin compatibility.

emulsifiersurfactant
Gentle, non-ionic surfactant/emulsifierSkin-friendly
+ Glycerin+ Cetearyl Alcohol
Surfactant
Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate

A polyglycerol ester of oleic acid used as a gentle nonionic emulsifier and surfactant in cosmetic formulations.

emulsifiersurfactantskin-conditioning
Gentle nonionic emulsifier derived from glycerin and oleic acidHelps create stable oil-in-water emulsionsGood skin compatibility and mild profile
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-5 Oleate
POLYGLYCERYL-5 OLEATE

A polyglyceryl ester of oleic acid with a pentaglycerol backbone. Used as a mild nonionic surfactant and emulsifier with a moderate HLB, suitable for oil-in-water emulsions.

emollientemulsifiersurfactant
Nonionic emulsifier for O/W systemsDerived from plant sources
+ Glycerin+ Hydrogenated Lecithin
Surfactant
Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate

A polyglycerol ester of behenic acid used as a gentle, nonionic emulsifier in moisturizers and sunscreens.

emulsifiersurfactantskin-conditioning agent
Plant-derived emulsifier providing stable, skin-friendly emulsionsContributes a rich, smooth texture to formulations
No significant known risks at cosmetic use concentrations
Surfactant
Polyglyceryl-6 Dicaprate

A diester of polyglyceryl-6 and capric acid (C10) used as a mild nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer in cleansing oils and light emulsions.

emulsifiersolubilizer
Gentle, plant-based emulsifierHelps blend oil and water phases in cleansing oils
Surfactant
Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate

A monoester of polyglyceryl-6 and lauric acid (C12) used as a gentle nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer in serums and light cosmetic formulations.

emulsifiersolubilizer
Mild plant-derived emulsifierSuitable for sensitive-skin serums and emulsions
Other
Polyglyceryl-6 Octastearate

A polyglycerol ester of stearic acid used as an emulsifier to stabilize water-in-oil or oil-in-water emulsions. Derived from renewable polyglycerol and fatty acids; a functional excipient with no direct skin-benefit role.

emulsifierstabilizer
Surfactant
Polyglyceryl-6 Oleate

A nonionic polyglyceryl ester emulsifier derived from oleic acid, used to blend oil and water phases in cosmetic formulations while providing moisturizing benefits and a powdery, non-greasy texture.

emulsifiersolubilizersurfactant
Creates stable oil-in-water emulsionsProvides moisturizing effects with pleasant non-greasy skin feelWorks as co-emulsifier at concentrations under 2%
Considered safe for cosmetic use
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate
POLYGLYCERYL-6 POLYRICINOLEATE

A polyglyceryl ester of polyricinoleic acid (from castor oil) using polyglycerol-6. Acts as a W/O emulsifier and pigment dispersant. Used in Anessa's sunscreen milk to stabilise the formula and enhance spreadability.

W/O emulsifierdispersant
Natural-origin W/O emulsifier from castor oilHelps stabilise pigment dispersions in sunscreen formulas
+ Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate+ Dimethicone
Surfactant
Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate

A polyglycerol ester of stearic acid used as a gentle, plant-derived nonionic emulsifier in creams and sunscreens.

emulsifiersurfactantskin-conditioning agent
Plant-derived emulsifier that creates stable, gentle emulsionsWell-tolerated by sensitive skin
No significant known risks; considered one of the gentler polyglycerol emulsifiers
Surfactant
Polyglyceryl-6 Ximenia Americana Seedate

A polyglyceryl-6 ester of fatty acids derived from Ximenia americana seed oil, used as a nonionic emulsifier and emollient in luxury skin-care formulations.

emulsifieremollient
Plant-derived emulsifier from ximenia seed oilProvides emollient skin feel alongside emulsification
Humectant
Polygonatum Odoratum Rhizome Extract

An extract from the rhizome of Polygonatum odoratum (scented Solomon's seal / angular Solomon's seal), a TCM botanical distinct from P. officinale; contains polysaccharides, steroidal saponins, and flavonoids with humectant and antioxidant properties.

humectantskin-conditioningantioxidant
Polysaccharide-rich humectantAntioxidant and anti-inflammatory flavonoidsDistinct species from P. officinale with overlapping TCM uses
Humectant
Polygonatum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract

An extract from the rhizome or root of Polygonatum officinale (Solomon's seal / Yuzhu), a TCM tonic herb; rich in polysaccharides and flavonoids that provide humectant, antioxidant, and skin-conditioning benefits.

humectantskin-conditioningantioxidant
High polysaccharide content for moisturizationAntioxidant flavonoidsTCM tonic herb with skin-conditioning properties
Antioxidant
Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract

A root extract of Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum), the richest natural source of resveratrol, used for antioxidant protection and brightening in skincare.

antioxidantbrighteningsoothing
Rich natural source of resveratrol with potent antioxidant activityHelps brighten and even skin toneSoothes and calms skin
Antioxidant
Polygonum Multiflorum Extract

Root extract from Polygonum multiflorum (He Shou Wu / Fo-Ti), a classic herb in traditional Chinese and Korean medicine. Topically applied in skincare for its stilbene glycosides and anthraquinone bioactives, which provide antioxidant and skin-conditioning benefits.

antioxidantskin-conditioninganti-aging
Contains stilbene glycosides and emodin with antioxidant and anti-aging activityTraditional East Asian herb used for centuries for skin vitalityMay support skin firmness and reduce oxidative damage
Oral consumption is associated with liver toxicity — topical use at cosmetic concentrations is considered safe
+ Niacinamide+ Tocopherol
Other
Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract

A root extract of Polygonum multiflorum (he shou wu/fo-ti) containing stilbene glycosides and anthraquinones, used in K-beauty and traditional East Asian cosmetics for antioxidant skin conditioning; note: the oral form has documented hepatotoxicity.

skin-conditioningantioxidant
Contains stilbene glycosides and anthraquinones with antioxidant activityTraditionally used in East Asian formulations for conditioning
Associated with hepatotoxicity when consumed orally; topical safety data limitedAnthraquinone content (emodin, chrysophanol) may be irritating at higher concentrations
Other
Polyhydroxystearic Acid

A polymeric hydroxystearic acid used in sunscreens and color cosmetics as a dispersant for mineral UV filter pigments, reducing white cast and improving application feel.

dispersantemulsifier
Disperses mineral UV filters (TiO2, ZnO) evenly in oil-based systemsImproves texture and skin feel of mineral sunscreensReduces whitening effect of mineral filters
Emollient
Polyisobutene

An unsaturated synthetic hydrocarbon polymer of isobutylene used as a lightweight emollient, film-former, and viscosity modifier in serums and skin-care formulations.

emollientfilm-formerviscosity-increasing
Non-occlusive, lightweight emollient with good spreadabilityForms a light film that reduces transepidermal water lossChemically inert and non-irritating
Other
Polyisoprene

A synthetic rubber elastomer that gives hydrocolloid and acne patches their stretch and adhesion properties.

film-formingadhesive
Provides elasticity and skin-adhesive properties in pimple patch substratesHelps patches conform to facial contours
Derived from natural rubber latex — may cause reactions in those with latex sensitivity
Emollient
Polyisostearate
POLYISOSTEARATE

A polymer ester of isostearic acid. Used as an emollient and co-emulsifier, particularly in anhydrous and silicone-based formulations such as sunscreens and foundations.

emollientemulsifier
Lightweight conditioningHelps stabilize silicone-based formulations
+ Cyclopentasiloxane+ Dimethicone