The library

Ingredient library

Every ingredient SkinAtlas knows about — all 2371 of them. What each one does, what it works well with, and what to watch for.

All 2371 ingredients — page 75 of 99

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
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
Emollient
Ppg-5 Pentaerythrityl Ether

A propylene glycol ether of pentaerythritol (5 moles propylene oxide) used as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent.

emollientskin-conditioning
Softens and smooths skinMaintains skin conditioning
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