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 74 of 98

Surfactant
Potassium Myristate
POTASSIUM MYRISTATE

The potassium salt of myristic acid (C14 fatty acid). A traditional soap surfactant formed by saponification. Used in Rosette's cleansing paste for cleansing and foam generation.

surfactantcleansingemulsifier
Soap surfactant — effective cleansing and foamTraditional cleanser ingredient
Soap-based cleansers can disrupt skin pH; may be drying for sensitive/dry skin
+ Potassium Stearate+ Glycerin
Other
Potassium Phosphate

An inorganic potassium salt used as a pH adjuster and buffering agent to maintain stable pH in cosmetic formulas.

ph-adjusterbuffering-agent
Adjusts and stabilizes formula pHMaintains buffering capacity in aqueous formulas
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate

A mild preservative often paired with sodium benzoate.

PRESERVATIVE
Protects against yeast and mold
Surfactant
Potassium Stearate
POTASSIUM STEARATE

The potassium salt of stearic acid (C18 fatty acid). A traditional soap surfactant. Used alongside other soap salts in Rosette's cleansing paste.

surfactantcleansingemulsifier
Soap surfactant — effective cleansingEmulsifying properties
May be slightly drying for sensitive skin
+ Potassium Myristate+ Glycerin
Soothing
Potentilla Erecta Root Extract
POTENTILLA ERECTA ROOT EXTRACT

An extract from the root of Potentilla erecta (tormentil), rich in ellagitannins, catechins, and flavonoids. Provides antioxidant, soothing, and astringent benefits for sensitive skin care.

soothingantioxidantastringent
Rich in tannins (agrimoniin, pedunculagin) with strong antioxidant and astringent actionSoothes redness and irritationTraditionally used for sensitive and reactive skin
+ Sanguisorba Officinalis Root Extract+ Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Proline

A cyclic amino acid that functions as a humectant and forms part of the skin's natural moisturizing factor.

humectantamino-acid
Attracts and retains moistureSupports the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF)
Solvent / vehicle
Propanediol

A plant-derived glycol solvent and humectant; a gentler alternative to propylene glycol.

humectant
HydrationBoosts penetration of other ingredients
Emollient
Propanediol Benzoate

A multifunctional cosmetic ingredient combining propanediol and benzoic acid that functions as an emollient, solvent, and skin conditioning agent in cosmetic formulations.

emollientsolventskin conditioning
Softens and smooths skin by filling gaps between dead skin cellsHelps dissolve other cosmetic ingredientsEnhances absorption of other active ingredients
Generally considered safe for cosmetic use
Emollient
Propanediol Dicaprylate/Caprate
PROPANEDIOL DICAPRYLATE/CAPRATE

A diester of 1,3-propanediol with caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acids. A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that spreads easily and imparts a dry, silky skin feel. Plant-derived alternative to some silicone esters.

emollientskin-conditioning
Lightweight, non-greasy emollientDry skin feelPlant-derived from corn
+ Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride+ Glycerin
Soothing
Propolis
Propolis Extract

A bee-derived resin extract with soothing and antioxidant properties.

antioxidantsoothing
Soothes skinAntioxidant support
Possible allergy for those sensitive to bee products
+ Centella Asiatica
Preservative
Propyl Gallate
PROPYL GALLATE

A synthetic antioxidant (ester of propanol and gallic acid) used to prevent oxidative degradation of fats and oils in cosmetic formulas. Well-established preservative but has sensitization potential.

antioxidantpreservative
Prevents oxidative rancidity in oils and lipid-containing formulasExtends shelf life
A known sensitizer — can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individualsListed as a potential allergen in some regulatory frameworks
Solvent / vehicle
Propylene Carbonate

A cyclic carbonate solvent used to dissolve and stabilize UV filters and other actives in sunscreen and cosmetic formulations.

solvent
Dissolves and disperses UV filters and other activesImproves spreadability of sunscreen formulas
Solvent / vehicle
Propylene Glycol

A solvent and humectant common in many formulations.

humectant
HydrationImproves spreadability
Can be sensitizing for some reactive skin types
Emollient
Propylene Glycol Caprylate

A monoester of propylene glycol and caprylic acid (C8) used as a lightweight, fast-spreading emollient and carrier solvent in serums and moisturizers.

emollientsolvent
Lightweight, non-greasy emollient feelImproves spreadability of formulasActs as a carrier solvent for actives
Emollient
Propylene Glycol Dicaprate

A diester of propylene glycol and capric acid (C10) used as a lightweight emollient and dispersing agent in cleansing oils, sunscreens, and serums.

emollientsolvent
Lightweight, dry-touch emollient feelExcellent spreading and dispersing propertiesImproves spreadability in cleansing oils and sunscreens
Emollient
Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
PROPYLENE GLYCOL DICAPRYLATE/DICAPRATE

A mixed ester of propylene glycol with caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) fatty acids used as a lightweight, non-comedogenic emollient with excellent skin feel.

emollientskin-conditioningsolvent
Lightweight, non-greasy skin feelExcellent spreadability and skin absorptionNon-comedogenic
+ Glycerin+ Dimethicone
Emollient
Propylheptyl Caprylate

A lightweight synthetic ester of propylheptanol and caprylic acid that delivers a dry, non-greasy emollient feel in serums and creams.

emollientsolvent
Ultra-light, dry-touch skin feelImproves spreadability without greasiness
Preservative
Propylparaben

A longer-chain paraben preservative effective against bacteria and fungi, permitted by EU SCCS at up to 0.14% with specific restrictions on products for infants.

preservative
Broad-spectrum antimicrobial preservation at low concentrations
Weak estrogenic activity; EU SCCS permits up to 0.14% (as acid) in leave-on and rinse-off productsNot permitted in leave-on products for the nappy area of children under three
Exfoliant
Protease
PROTEASE

A proteolytic enzyme that cleaves peptide bonds in denatured or dead skin proteins. Used in enzyme-based cleansers and wash-off exfoliants (Melano CC Enzyme Face Wash) to provide gentle exfoliation alongside vitamin C actives.

enzymatic exfoliantskin-renewing
Gently dissolves dead keratin proteins for smoother skinWorks at skin's natural pH; less irritating than acid exfoliants
Possible enzyme sensitisation with repeated exposureAvoid on broken or compromised skin
+ Kaolin+ Ascorbic Acid
Soothing
Prunella Vulgaris Leaf Extract

An extract from the leaves of Prunella vulgaris (self-heal), a mint-family herb, containing rosmarinic acid, ursolic acid, and polyphenols that provide anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-soothing benefits.

soothingantioxidantanti-inflammatory
Anti-inflammatory properties that calm redness and irritationAntioxidant activity from rosmarinic acid and other polyphenolsTraditional use in herbal medicine for wound healing and skin conditions
Antioxidant
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Fruit Extract

An extract from the fruit (hull/skin) of Prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond), providing antioxidant polyphenols and mild conditioning properties distinct from the seed oil.

antioxidantskin-conditioning agentemollient
Contains polyphenols and flavonoids with antioxidant properties from almond fruitProvides mild skin-conditioning and softening effectsDifferent polyphenol profile from almond seed oil
May cause reactions in those with tree nut allergies, though extracted polyphenols have lower allergenicity than proteins
Emollient
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil

Sweet almond oil, a softening emollient rich in oleic acid.

emollient
SofteningNourishing
Humectant
Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Juice

Fresh-pressed juice from apricot (Prunus armeniaca), distinct from apricot kernel oil or fruit extract, supplying humectant sugars and skin-conditioning vitamins.

humectantconditioningantioxidant
Attracts and retains moistureProvides vitamins A and C that support skin healthSoftens and refreshes skin
Antioxidant
Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Extract
Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Extract

A water or hydroalcoholic extract of apricot kernels rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, used for antioxidant and skin-conditioning benefits; distinct from the expressed fixed oil.

antioxidantskin-conditioning
Antioxidant support from polyphenols and flavonoidsConditions and softens skinSupports a bright, even complexion