Ingredient library
Every ingredient SkinAtlas knows about — all 2402 of them. What each one does, what it works well with, and what to watch for.
The sodium salt of glycolic acid. Functions primarily as a pH-buffering and stabilizing agent in cosmetic formulas.
The salt form of hyaluronic acid; penetrates more readily.
A crosslinked form of sodium hyaluronate that creates a hydrating matrix on skin for enhanced, sustained moisture retention.
A distinct crosslinked form of sodium hyaluronate (a different crosspolymer chemistry than Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer) used as a humectant and film-forming agent, notably in dissolving microneedle patches.
A hybrid conjugate of sodium hyaluronate and dimethylsilanol that combines the humectant properties of hyaluronic acid with the film-forming, skin-smoothing benefits of organosilicon chemistry.
A strong base used in tiny amounts to adjust pH.
A mild synthetic surfactant derived from isethionic acid, commonly used in syndet cleansers for its extremely gentle, non-stripping lather and skin-conditioning feel.
The sodium salt of isostearic acid (a branched-chain C18 fatty acid), used as a mild anionic surfactant, emulsifier, and opacifying agent in cleansers and moisturizers.
The sodium salt of lactic acid, a natural component of the skin's NMF used as a humectant and mild pH buffer in moisturizers and toners.
A strong foaming surfactant; milder than SLS but can still dry skin.
The sodium salt of N-lauroyl aspartic acid. A mild amino acid-derived anionic surfactant with excellent skin compatibility. Used in Curel's sensitive-skin foaming facial wash.
An N-acyl amino acid surfactant made by conjugating lauric acid to glutamic acid, providing gentle yet effective cleansing with a rich foam and excellent skin compatibility.
A lauroyl (C12) amide of hydrolyzed silk protein. Functions as a mild anionic surfactant and skin-conditioning agent, imparting a silky, smooth after-feel.
A mild, lactic-acid-derived surfactant and emulsifier often used in gentle cleansers and emulsions.
A mild sulfate-free surfactant derived from isethionic acid and lauric acid used in facial and body cleansers for effective cleansing with a creamy lather and low skin irritation.
A mild anionic surfactant derived from lauric acid and methylaminopropionic acid. Gentle cleansing agent used in Chifure's cleansing foam.
A mild anionic surfactant derived from the amino acid sarcosine and lauric acid, used for gentle cleansing, foaming, and skin conditioning in facial and body cleansers.
An N-acyl amino acid surfactant (sodium salt of N-lauroyl-N-methyl-alanine) that provides gentle, low-irritation cleansing. Popular in Japanese sensitive-skin cleansers.
A mild anionic surfactant derived from lauryl glucoside and carboxylic acid chemistry, used as a gentle cleansing agent in sensitive-skin formulations.
The sodium salt of lauryl phosphate, an anionic surfactant used as a mild cleansing and foaming agent in facial cleansers and exfoliating polishes.
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS / sodium dodecyl sulfate) is a C12 anionic surfactant and one of the most potent cleansing agents in cosmetics. It efficiently emulsifies sebum and particulates, producing abundant foam. However, its barrier-disruptive effect — removing lamellar lipids from the stratum corneum — makes it a known skin irritant and sensitizer. It is common in rinse-off cleansers at concentrations where contact time limits irritation, and is the benchmark irritant used in controlled dermatological patch testing.
The sodium salt of levulinic acid, a naturally derived preservative that disrupts microbial cell membranes; also provides mild skin conditioning and humectant benefits.
A sodium salt of a complex mixture of esters of phosphoric acid and mannose, functioning as a humectant and skin conditioning agent that helps maintain hydration and improve skin structure.
An inorganic sulfite used as a formula antioxidant and preservative booster that prevents oxidation of sensitive ingredients such as vitamins and botanical extracts.