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 synthetic copolymer of styrene and acrylic acid derivatives used as a film-former and opacifying agent in cosmetics, particularly sunscreens.
A copolymer of styrene and vinylpyrrolidone used as a film-former and texture agent in skin and hair care formulations.
A naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid used in cosmetics primarily as a pH adjuster and mild chelating agent, with secondary humectant properties.
A natural exopolysaccharide produced by fermentation of Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Produces a distinctive elastic, gel-like texture at low concentrations. Used by Shiseido to create the signature skin feel in their toners and essences.
Common table sugar used in cosmetics as a gentle humectant that attracts water to the skin.
A mixture of sucrose esters of coconut fatty acids used as a mild emollient, emulsifier, and gentle surfactant in skin care products; well-tolerated and considered skin-friendly.
A sucrose ester of stearic acid (diester form). A gentle, plant-derived non-ionic emulsifier and emollient. Used in elegant creams and lotions.
A sucrose ester of lauric acid used as a mild, plant-derived emulsifier and surfactant in cleansers and emulsions.
A sugar-derived emulsifier and emollient with a soft, conditioning finish.
A sucrose ester of stearic acid used as a nonionic emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent. Derived from sugar and vegetable fatty acids; gentle and suitable for sensitive skin formulas.
A sugar ester of stearic acid that acts as a mild nonionic emulsifier for oil-in-water systems, with a high HLB and skin-conditioning properties.
A sucrose ester formed from stearic acid and acetic acid providing emollient and occlusive properties, used in lip products and rich skin creams.
An OTC-approved acne-treatment active (up to 10%) that works via antimicrobial and mild keratolytic mechanisms to reduce breakouts and control oil.
A linoleic-acid-rich plant oil that softens skin and supports the barrier without heaviness.
An enzyme antioxidant that converts superoxide radicals into hydrogen peroxide and oxygen, protecting cells from oxidative damage with decades of safe use in cosmetics.
Defatted almond seed meal (the residual cake after pressing sweet almond oil) used as a mild physical exfoliant and absorbent in cleansers and scrubs.
Extract from the leaves of Swertia chirata (Chirayita), a Himalayan bitter herb. Used in K-beauty for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory bitter iridoid glycosides.
Extract from Swertia japonica (Japanese swertia or Japanese gentian). Contains swertiamarin, gentiopicroside, and other iridoid glycosides with soothing and traditional skin-brightening applications.
An extract derived from edible swiftlet nests (made of swiftlet saliva) rich in glycoproteins, sialic acid, and amino acids that condition and hydrate the skin.
A petroleum-derived or Fischer-Tropsch process wax mimicking the ester composition of natural beeswax, used as a vegan-friendly structuring agent and emollient in balms, sticks, and solid cosmetics.
A lab-synthesized fluorine-containing mica (potassium magnesium aluminosilicate fluoride). Free of heavy-metal contaminants found in natural mica. Used in sunscreens and BB creams for silky texture and optical diffusion.
A synthetic fluorine-modified mica (fluorphlogopite) used as a colorant and pearlescent pigment in cosmetics, offering superior batch consistency and purity compared to natural mica.
A petroleum- or ketone/aldehyde-based synthetic wax used to structure and thicken anhydrous formulas such as lip balms, sticks, and waxy emulsions.
An extract from Syringa vulgaris (common lilac) containing phenylpropanoids and polyphenols, used in cosmetics for antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties.