The library

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.

All 2402 ingredients — page 90 of 101

Surfactant
Sorbitan Laurate

A nonionic sorbitan ester of lauric acid (Span 20) with a low HLB value, used as an emulsifier to form and stabilize water-in-oil emulsions in cosmetic creams and lotions.

emulsifyingsurfactant
Nonionic emulsifier with low HLB for water-in-oil emulsionsGood skin tolerance
Emollient
Sorbitan Monooleate
SORBITAN MONOOLEATE

A nonionic sorbitan ester of oleic acid (Span 80). Functions as a lipophilic emulsifier with a low HLB value, used in W/O emulsions and as a co-emulsifier in combination with higher-HLB surfactants.

emollientemulsifier
Lipophilic W/O emulsifierSkin conditioning
+ Polysorbate 80+ Cetearyl Alcohol
Surfactant
Sorbitan Oleate

A nonionic sorbitan ester of oleic acid (Span 80) with a low HLB, used to form and stabilize water-in-oil emulsions in creams and sunscreens.

emulsifier
Stabilizes water-in-oil emulsionsImproves skin feel of creams and sunscreens
Emollient
Sorbitan Olivate

An olive-derived co-emulsifier (paired with Cetearyl Olivate as 'Olivem') for stable, skin-friendly emulsions.

emulsifier
Stabilizes emulsionsSkin-conditioning
+ Cetearyl Olivate
Emollient
Sorbitan Palmitate

Sorbitan Palmitate (Span 40) is a non-ionic surfactant formed by partial esterification of sorbitol with palmitic acid (C16 saturated fatty acid). It has a low HLB value (~6.7), making it a lipophilic emulsifier suited for water-in-oil emulsions and W/O/W multi-emulsions. Used in eye creams and moisturizers as a co-emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent.

emulsifyingemollientskin-conditioning
Sorbitan ester of palmitic acid (also known as Span 40) — a lipophilic emulsifier with a low HLB value that stabilizes water-in-oil emulsions and contributes a smooth, conditioned skin feelMore gentle and less comedogenic than older-generation sorbitan esters (e.g., Sorbitan Monostearate); the palmitate chain provides a soft, skin-conditioning characterOften used as a co-emulsifier alongside polysorbate-type (PEG-sorbitan) emulsifiers to balance the HLB of the emulsion system
+ Sorbitan Olivate+ Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride+ Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Sorbitan Palmitate Succinate
SORBITAN PALMITATE SUCCINATE

A succinic acid ester of sorbitan palmitate used as a mild emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent in moisturizers and milky lotions.

emulsifierskin-conditioning
Emulsifier for stable oil-in-water systemsPlant-derived sorbitol-based emulsifier
+ Glyceryl Stearate+ Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate
SORBITAN SESQUIISOSTEARATE

A partial ester of sorbitol and isostearic acid (1.5 moles of fatty acid per sorbitol). Used as a W/O emulsifier, particularly in sunscreen formulas and heavy creams where silicone compatibility is needed.

emulsifierskin-conditioning
W/O emulsifier for SPF and thick creamsGood compatibility with silicones
+ Dimethicone+ Zinc Oxide
Surfactant
Sorbitan Sesquioleate

A sorbitan ester of oleic acid used as a nonionic emulsifier for water-in-oil emulsions, commonly found in sunscreens and rich creams.

emulsifier
Stabilizes water-in-oil emulsionsImproves skin feel of creams and sunscreens
Surfactant
Sorbitan Stearate

A nonionic emulsifier (the mono-stearate ester of sorbitan) with a low HLB, used to form or stabilize water-in-oil emulsions in creams and lotions.

emulsifier
Creates stable water-in-oil emulsionsImproves product texture and spreadability
Surfactant
Sorbitan Tristearate

A nonionic triester of sorbitan and stearic acid (three stearate groups) with a low HLB, used to form and stabilize water-in-oil emulsions in creams and lotions.

emulsifier
Stabilizes water-in-oil emulsionsImproves product texture and spreadability
Humectant
Sorbitol

A sugar alcohol humectant derived from glucose that draws moisture into the skin and improves product texture.

humectantsolvent
Attracts and retains moistureImproves product texture and feel
Antioxidant
Sorbus Commixta Extract

Extract from Sorbus commixta (Korean/Japanese mountain ash / manoraknamuor); provides antioxidant polyphenols and sorbitol-related humectant compounds in Korean prestige ampoules.

antioxidantskin-conditioning
Rich in sorbitol and polyphenols with antioxidant and mild brightening propertiesTraditional Korean botanical used in multi-ferment prestige formulas
Other
Sorghum Bicolor Stalk Juice Extract
Sorghum Bicolor Stalk Juice

The juice expressed from the stalks of Sorghum bicolor (sorghum grain plant, Poaceae), used as a skin-conditioning and tightening agent in cosmetic formulations.

skin-conditioning
Skin conditioning and tightening effectNatural botanical ingredient
Soothing
Soy Milk Ferment Filtrate
Lactobacillus/Soymilk Ferment Filtrate

A filtrate obtained by fermenting soymilk with Lactobacillus bacteria, used as a skin-conditioning and soothing agent rich in probiotics, amino acids, and isoflavones.

skin-conditioningsoothinghumectant
Moisturizes and hydrates skinSoothes and calms irritated or sensitive skinSupports skin barrier restoration and cell renewal
Contains soy; avoid in formulas for known soy-allergic individuals
Active
Soy Milk Isoflavone
GLYCINE SOJA (SOYBEAN) MILK EXTRACT

Isoflavone-concentrated extract from soy milk. Contains genistein and daidzein, phytoestrogens with antioxidant properties and evidence for improving skin firmness and tone.

antioxidantskin-conditioningbrightening
Phytoestrogen-rich soy isoflavone complex (genistein, daidzein) with antioxidant and skin-firming propertiesTraditionally used in Japanese skincare for brightening and anti-aging effects
Those with estrogen-sensitive conditions may wish to consult a physician before extended use of high-isoflavone products
+ Niacinamide
Active
Soybean Extract Ferment Filtrate
GLYCINE SOJA (SOYBEAN) SEED FERMENT FILTRATE

A filtrate obtained by fermenting soybean with lactobacillus or other microorganisms. Fermentation enhances the bioavailability of soy isoflavones and produces beneficial metabolites. Used in Sana's fermented skincare line.

skin-brighteningantioxidantskin-conditioning
Fermentation increases bioavailability of soy isoflavonesSkin brightening and anti-agingProbiotic-influenced microbiome support
+ Soymilk Isoflavones+ Niacinamide
Antioxidant
Soybean Seed Extract
GLYCINE SOJA (SOYBEAN) SEED EXTRACT

Extract from the seeds of Glycine soja (soybean), distinct from soy oil or protein. Contains saponins, isoflavones, and polyphenolic antioxidants.

antioxidantskin-conditioning
Broad-spectrum extract from soybean seeds containing isoflavones, saponins, and fatty acidsAntioxidant protection with mild skin-conditioning properties
Active
Soymilk Isoflavones
SOY ISOFLAVONES

Isoflavone compounds (genistein, daidzein) extracted from soybeans or soymilk. Function as phytoestrogens, binding to estrogen receptors and stimulating collagen synthesis, leading to firmer, more youthful skin. Core active in Sana Namerakahonpo soy products.

antioxidantphytoestrogenanti-aging
Phytoestrogenic — supports collagen productionAntioxidant protectionSkin brightening and firming
Phytoestrogenic activity — those with estrogen-sensitive conditions may wish to consult a physician
+ Retinol+ Niacinamide
Humectant
Sparassis Crispa Extract

A beta-glucan-rich mushroom extract that hydrates skin and calms irritation.

humectantsoothing
Rich in beta-glucan to hydrate skinSoothes and calms irritation
+ Hyaluronic Acid+ Centella Asiatica
Barrier support
Sphingolipids
SPHINGOLIPIDS

A broad class of lipids that includes ceramides, sphingomyelin, and glycosphingolipids. Forms the 'mortar' between skin cells, maintaining barrier integrity and preventing moisture loss.

barrier-supportskin-conditioning
Key structural component of the intercellular lipid matrix of the stratum corneumReduces transepidermal water lossSupports barrier recovery in compromised skin
+ Ceramide NP+ Cholesterol+ Fatty Acids
Humectant
Sphingomonas Ferment Extract

A fermentation-derived extract from Sphingomonas bacteria that produces polysaccharides providing hydration, barrier support, and soothing effects.

skin-conditioningfilm-formerprebiotic
Forms a breathable film that reduces trans-epidermal water lossSoothes irritation and reduces visible rednessSupports skin microbiome diversity as a prebiotic
Antioxidant
Spinacia Oleracea Leaf Extract

An extract from spinach (Spinacia oleracea) leaves rich in vitamins and polyphenols that provide antioxidant skin conditioning.

antioxidantskin-conditioning
Delivers vitamins A, C, and K along with flavonoids for antioxidant protectionHelps protect skin from oxidative stress
Soothing
Spiraea Ulmaria Extract

An extract from the whole plant of meadowsweet (Spiraea ulmaria) containing salicylates, flavonoids, and tannins used for its soothing and antioxidant properties.

soothingantioxidantskin-conditioning
Natural source of salicylates with mild anti-inflammatory propertiesAntioxidant protection via flavonoids and tanninsHelps calm and soothe irritated skin
Soothing
Spiraea Ulmaria Flower Extract

An extract derived specifically from the flowers of meadowsweet (Spiraea ulmaria) with higher concentration of active polyphenols compared to whole-plant extract.

soothingantioxidantskin-conditioning
Concentrated source of flavonoids and salicylates from the flower for anti-inflammatory effectsAntioxidant protectionSoothes and calms irritated skin