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 73 of 98

Other
Polystyrene
POLYSTYRENE

Synthetic polymer microspheres added to sunscreen and colour cosmetics for optical blurring. Used in Rohto Skin Aqua Super Moisture Gel for its photo-finish soft-focus effect.

optical diffusersoft-focus agent
Creates soft-focus blurring effect on skinLight-reflecting platelets minimise pore appearance
Microplastic — not biodegradable; environmental persistence concern
+ Dimethicone+ Silica
Other
Polyurethane Film

A thin, flexible synthetic polymer film used as the outer backing layer of acne patches and wound dressings, providing a protective, occlusive barrier over the adhesive layer.

film-formingbinding-agent
Provides transparent, flexible, waterproof backing for acne patchesAllows oxygen transmission while protecting the wound environment
Generally considered inert; no known skin sensitization at use concentrations
Other
Polyurethane-39

A polyurethane-based polymer used as a film-forming and viscosity-controlling agent in cosmetic formulations, creating flexible protective barriers with excellent biocompatibility.

film formerviscosity controlling
Forms flexible, protective films on skinProvides viscosity control and texture modificationChemical stability with excellent film-forming properties
Considered safe for cosmetic use at current concentrations per CIR assessment
Other
Polyurethane-9

A polyurethane-based film-forming polymer used as the flexible carrier matrix in hydrocolloid acne patches and dressings.

film-formingocclusive
Creates the flexible, skin-adhesive substrate in hydrocolloid patch formatsProvides a breathable yet occlusive barrier over blemishes
Other
Polyvinyl Alcohol

A water-soluble synthetic polymer used as a film-former and thickener in sunscreens and peel-off masks, providing a smooth, even texture.

film-formerviscosity-increasing
Forms a clear, flexible film that can help SPF products spread evenlyThickens and stabilizes formulasWater-soluble and easily removed
Soothing
Poncirus Trifoliata Fruit Extract

An extract from the unripe fruit of Poncirus trifoliata (trifoliate orange), a traditional Korean medicinal plant used in cosmetics for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant flavonoid content.

soothingantioxidantskin-conditioning
Soothing and anti-inflammatory activityAntioxidant polyphenols including hesperidin and naringeninTraditional Korean herbal medicine (Ji Shi) ingredient
Antioxidant
Poria Cocos Extract

Extract from Poria cocos (fu ling / wolfiporia extensa), a medicinal fungus widely used in traditional Korean and Chinese medicine; provides beta-glucans for antioxidant and calming effects in prestige hanbang skincare.

antioxidantsoothingskin-conditioning
Rich in beta-glucan polysaccharides with antioxidant and calming propertiesTraditional East Asian medicine ingredient used in Korean hanbang formulas for skin vitality
+ Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Soothing
Poria Cocos Sclerotium Extract

A polysaccharide-rich fu-ling mushroom extract that calms and hydrates skin.

soothinghumectant
Soothes and calms skinHelps hydrate and condition
+ Hyaluronic Acid+ Centella Asiatica
Soothing
Portulaca Oleracea Extract

An extract of purslane traditionally used to calm and soothe reactive skin.

soothingantioxidant
Soothes sensitive skinCalms rednessAntioxidant support
+ Centella Asiatica
Other
Potassium Alum

A naturally occurring aluminum potassium sulfate mineral salt used as an astringent, mild antibacterial, and deodorant active in beauty waters, deodorants, and after-shaves.

astringentantibacterialhemostatic
Tightens pores and provides an astringent effectNatural mineral-origin deodorant activeCOSMOS-certified organic-compatible ingredient
Contains aluminum; some concerns around percutaneous absorption though regulatory bodies have not restricted its use in cosmeticsMay cause dryness or mild irritation at high concentrations
Antioxidant
Potassium Ascorbyl Tocopheryl Phosphate

A stabilized vitamin C + vitamin E hybrid derivative that delivers paired antioxidant and brightening benefits with good formula stability.

antioxidantbrightening
BrightensAntioxidant protectionSupports even tone
+ Tocopherol+ Niacinamide+ Tranexamic Acid
Other
Potassium Aspartate

The potassium salt of aspartic acid, used in cosmetics as a skin-conditioning agent that provides both a mineral component (potassium) and an amino acid (aspartate) associated with cellular energy metabolism.

Skin conditioningMineral saltAmino acid delivery
Delivers potassium mineral and aspartic acid amino acid to skinSkin conditioning
Active
Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate

A water-soluble azelaic acid derivative. Milder and more soluble than azelaic acid, it targets uneven tone, redness and excess sebum.

brighteningsoothingsebum control
Evens toneCalms rednessHelps regulate oil
+ Niacinamide+ Lactic Acid
Preservative
Potassium Benzoate

The potassium salt of benzoic acid used as a preservative in cosmetics, particularly effective in low-pH formulations against bacteria, yeasts, and molds.

preservativeantimicrobial
Broad-spectrum antimicrobial efficacy against bacteria, yeasts, and moldsEffective at low pH (below 4.5), well-suited for low-pH Korean skincare formulationsGenerally considered mild and low-irritation when used at standard concentrations
May form benzene when combined with vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in the presence of heat and light — avoid pairing with high-concentration ascorbic acidCan cause skin sensitization in some individuals at higher concentrations
Surfactant
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate

The potassium salt of cetyl phosphate, a mild anionic emulsifier widely used in premium skin-care creams and lotions to create stable oil-in-water emulsions.

emulsifiersurfactant
Effective oil-in-water emulsifier for rich creamsImparts a luxurious, stable emulsion textureCompatible with a wide pH range
Other
Potassium Chloride

An inorganic potassium salt used in cosmetics as an ionic viscosity modifier and buffering agent, also providing mineral supplementation in spa-type and mineral-infusion formulations.

viscosity controllingskin-conditioningbuffering
Adjusts ionic strength of formulationsSupports mineral balance in skin-conditioning productsUsed to stabilize surfactant systems and adjust viscosity
Surfactant
Potassium Cocoate

The potassium salt of coconut oil fatty acids (saponified coconut oil), used as a cleansing surfactant and soap base in facial cleansers and body washes.

SurfactantCleansingEmulsifyingFoaming agent
Effective cleansing and latheringBiodegradable, naturally-derived soap surfactantTraditional soap formulation base
May disrupt skin barrier at high concentrations or with prolonged contactCan be drying with frequent use
Surfactant
Potassium Cocoyl Glutamate
POTASSIUM COCOYL GLUTAMATE

The potassium salt of N-cocoyl glutamic acid. A mild, amino acid-derived anionic surfactant. Functions as a gentle cleansing agent and foam booster. Used in Elixir Reflet Balancing Water.

surfactantcleansing
Amino acid-based surfactant — gentle cleansingGood skin compatibility
+ Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate+ Lauryl Betaine
Surfactant
Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate

A potassium salt of cocoyl glycinate, a mild amino acid-based surfactant derived from coconut fatty acids and glycine that provides gentle cleansing with good skin compatibility.

surfactantcleansing agentfoaming agent
Mild amino acid-derived surfactant with low irritation potentialProvides gentle cleansing without disrupting skin barrierBiodegradable and suitable for sensitive skin formulas
Generally well-tolerated; rare sensitivity possible at high concentrations
Humectant
Potassium Hyaluronate

The potassium salt of hyaluronic acid, a humectant that draws and binds moisture into the skin; a distinct INCI form from the more common sodium hyaluronate.

humectant
Deeply hydrates skinPlumps and improves skin smoothness
Other
Potassium Hydroxide

A strong base used in very small quantities to adjust formula pH; fully reacted/neutralized in finished cosmetic products.

ph-adjuster
Adjusts and stabilizes formula pHNeutralizes acidic ingredients to achieve target pH
Caustic at high concentration; used in tiny amounts in finished products where it is fully neutralized
Surfactant
Potassium Laurate
POTASSIUM LAURATE

The potassium salt of lauric acid (C12 fatty acid). A traditional soap surfactant with excellent foaming properties. Used in Rosette's cleansing paste.

surfactantcleansing
Soap surfactant — rich, stable foamEffective cleansing
May be drying at high concentrations
+ Potassium Myristate+ Glycerin
Other
Potassium Magnesium Aspartate

A mineral aspartate salt supplying both potassium and magnesium ions, used as a skin conditioner and electrolyte complex in restorative and color-correcting cosmetic formulas.

skin-conditioningelectrolyte
Delivers potassium and magnesium ions to support cellular energy metabolism in skinConditions and tones skin
Active
Potassium Methoxysalicylate
POTASSIUM METHOXYSALICYLATE

A potassium salt of 4-methoxysalicylic acid used as a regulated skin-whitening active in Japanese cosmetics (quasi-drug status). Inhibits melanogenesis and has mild exfoliating properties. Requires daily sun protection.

skin-lighteningantioxidantexfoliant
Brightens hyperpigmentation and uneven skin toneApproved quasi-drug skin-lightening active in JapanLess irritating than kojic acid or arbutin at equivalent efficacy
Use with caution if sensitive to salicylatesCan increase photosensitivity — use SPF daily
+ Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate+ Tocopherol+ Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate