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.
A mild, amino-acid-derived nonionic emulsifier (the sodium salt of the stearoyl ester of glutamic acid) used to form stable oil-in-water emulsions in creams and sunscreens.
The sodium salt of stearoyl lactic acid, used as an emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent that stabilizes cosmetic emulsions and imparts a soft, conditioned feel.
An N-methyl taurine-based anionic surfactant derived from stearic acid, used as a gentle emulsifier and cleansing agent in Japanese formulations.
A synthetic anionic copolymer of styrene and acrylates used as a film former, opacifier, and viscosity controller in cosmetic formulations including sunscreens and toners.
An inorganic sodium salt of sulfuric acid used as a viscosity-controlling agent and processing aid in cosmetic formulations.
An inorganic sulfite salt used as an antioxidant preservative in cosmetics, preventing discolouration and oxidative breakdown of other formula components.
The sodium salt of surfactin, a cyclic lipopeptide biosurfactant produced by Bacillus subtilis fermentation, used in cosmetics for gentle cleansing, emulsifying, and foam generation.
An amphoteric surfactant derived from sweet almond oil fatty acids (prunus amygdalus dulcis). It belongs to the amphoacetate family of mild cleansers, offering good foam, low irritancy, and a conditioning after-feel. Used in gentle facial cleansers, shampoos, and body washes.
The sodium salt of tocopheryl phosphate — a water-soluble vitamin E ester. Highly stable and penetrates the skin well, converting to active tocopherol intracellularly. Used in Naturie's Hatomugi gel as a water-soluble antioxidant.
A modified trehalose (a disaccharide) esterified with octenylsuccinic acid and neutralized with sodium. Functions as an emulsifier and film-forming humectant. Used in Rosette's cleansing paste.
A cyclic triphosphate salt (the trisodium salt of trimetaphosphoric acid), distinct from the simpler Sodium Metaphosphate. Functions primarily as a metal-ion chelator in cosmetic formulas, protecting actives and emulsion stability by sequestering trace metal ions that would otherwise catalyze oxidation. Used alongside Sodium Metaphosphate in some K-beauty hydration actives.
An extract from the fruit of Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) rich in lycopene, carotenoids, and vitamins, used in cosmetics for its antioxidant, soothing, and skin-brightening properties.
A water-soluble form of collagen that hydrates and forms a smoothing film on the skin's surface.
Extract from the root of Sophora angustifolia (narrow-leaved sophora or Ku Shen), used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Contains matrine and oxymatrine alkaloids with potent anti-inflammatory and soothing effects, used in sensitive skin formulas.
Extract from the root of Sophora flavescens (kushen), a plant used in traditional Chinese and Korean medicine. Contains matrine, oxymatrine, and flavonoids with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-aging properties. Used in Elixir Retino Power Cream.
An extract from the flower buds of Sophora japonica (Japanese pagoda tree), one of the richest natural sources of rutin (quercetin glycoside), providing potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits; distinct from root extract in phytochemical concentration.
Extract from the root of Sophora japonica (Japanese pagoda tree). Rich in rutin and other flavonoids with antioxidant and soothing properties. Distinct from Sophora angustifolia (Ku Shen) in phytochemical profile.
A polyethoxylated sorbitan tetraoleate (230 EO units) used as a mild nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer in cosmetic formulas.
A polyethylene glycol ether of sorbitol (30 EO units) esterified with isostearic acid. Functions as an O/W emulsifier and co-emulsifier in lightweight cosmetic formulas including mists, milky toners, and cream-mists. The isostearate portion contributes emolliency; the ethoxylated sorbitol backbone provides the hydrophilic character needed for stable emulsification.
A hydrophilic nonionic surfactant derived from sorbitol polyethoxylate and oleic acid, used as an emulsifier and solubilizer — especially effective in cleansing oils for rinsability.
A sorbitol ether esterified with oleic acid. Used as a gentle emulsifier in Matsuyama's M-mark amino acid emulsion.
A straight-chain unsaturated carboxylic acid used as a cosmetic preservative at up to 1% concentration to prevent microbial contamination and extend product shelf life.
A sorbitan ester formed from sorbitol and two moles of stearic acid. Used as a co-emulsifier in sunscreen and moisturiser formulas, slightly more lipophilic than Sorbitan Stearate.
A sorbitan ester of isostearic acid used as a water-in-oil emulsifier, commonly found in sunscreens and rich emollient creams.