Emollient
170 ingredients in this category
10-Hydroxydecanoic Acid
Provides Hydration
4-T-Butylcyclohexanol
A synthetic fatty alcohol (the non-irritating kind)
Acetylated Lanolin
An emollient derived from lanolin
Acetylated Lanolin Alcohol
An ester of lanolin
Acetylated Palm Kernel Glycerides
Provides Hydration
Alcohol
Alcohol, benzyl alcohol, denatured alcohol, ethanol, ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, methanol, SD alcohol
“Alcohol” refers to a group of organic compounds with a vast
Aleurites Moluccana Seed Oil
candlenut, kukui nut, Aleurites molucannus
Also called candlenut or kukui nut oil Rich in hydrating fatty acids
Almond Oil
sweet almond oil, Prunus amygdalus, Prunus dulcis
Rich source of skin-replenishing ingredients including triglycerides and several fatty acids Used as an emollient
Almond/Borage/Linseed/Olive Acids Glycerides
Almond Oil, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil
Not found on page
Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
Natural prebiotic typically synthesized from sugars Helps support a healthy microbiome
Apricot Kernel Oil
Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil
Emollient plant oil pressed from the seeds of apricots Similar to other non-fragrant plant oils
Arachidic Acid
Arachidic acid is a fatty acid derived from peanut oil (as well
Arachidyl Alcohol
1-Eicosanol
Waxy substance used as a thickening agent and emollient in cosmetics
Arachidyl Propionate
Arachidyl propionate is a waxy substance used as a thickening
Arachis Hypogaea Extract
Extract of the plant commonly known as the peanut Has emollient properties
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
The Latin name for the oil expressed from the kernels of the argan tree
Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter
Murumuru Seed Butter
Derived from a type of palm tree Excellent emollient
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Oil
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract
Delivers emollient moisturizing benefits Known to be a skin-soothing antioxidant
Batyl Alcohol
batilol
Non-drying alcohol
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate
Synthetic ingredient
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
Synthetic emollient that promotes softer skin and long-lasting hydration
Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Seed Oil
rapeseed oil, canola oil
Non-fragrant plant oil Good source of antioxidants
Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
Supple, wax-like, lubricating, thickening agents
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Unsaponifiables
Shea Butter
Helps prevent moisture loss Visibly repairs dry, compromised skin and lips
C10-30 Cholesterol/Lanosterol Esters
A complex mixture of fatty acids from lanolin and cholesterol Conditions skin
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Alkyl Benzoate
Popular emollient (skin-softening, moisture-sealing) ingredient
C12-15 Alkyl Lactate
C12-15 alkyl lactate is an emollient ester that also works as a
C18-36 Acid Triglyceride
C18-36 acid triglyceride is used as an emollient and texture
Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil
Hemp Seed Oil
Non-fragrant plant oil Also known as hemp seed oil
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Provides emolliency and beneficial fatty acids
Carthamus tinctorius oil
Safflower Oil, Safflower Seed Oil
Better known as Safflower Oil Contains beneficial fatty acids, primarily linolenic acid
Cassia Angustifolia Seed Polysaccharide
Derived from the seed of the Cassia angustifolium plant Serves as an emollient for the skin
Castor Isostearate Succinate
A mix of esters formed by the reaction of castor seed oil, isostearic acid, and succinic acid
Castor Oil
Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Ricinus communis
Plant-derived skin care ingredient Used as an emollient which helps decrease water loss
Ceramide 3
Ceramide NP
Type of ceramide found in skin Reinforces skin’s barrier strength
Ceramide AP
α-hydroxy-N-stearoylphytosphingosine
Helps strengthen skin's barrier Improves hydration and suppleness
Ceramide EOP
ceramide 1
Type of ceramide found naturally in skin Helps improve skin’s barrier strength and hydration
Ceramide EOS
Ceramide 1
Specific type of ceramide found naturally in skin that has a bio-identical skin care ingredient Works optimally when combined with other ceramides + fatty acids and cholesterol
Ceramide NG
Ceramide 2
A specific ceramide found naturally in skin that can be replicated as a cosmetic ingredient Works to improve skin’s barrier strength, hydration, and suppleness
Ceramide NP
Ceramides
Type of ceramide found in skin Reinforces skin’s barrier strength
Ceramide NS
Ceramides
Natural skin component that aids barrier strength Aides in improving skin’s texture and hydration
Ceramides
ceramide AP, ceramide EOP, ceramide NG, ceramide NP, ceramide NS, phytosphingosine, sphingosine
Major components of skin’s outer layers Help improve barrier strength, hydration, and suppleness
Cetearyl Octanoate
Synthetic mixture of fatty acids
Cetyl Acetate
A mixture of cetyl alcohol and acetic acid used as a
Cetyl Glyceryl Ether
chimyl alcohol
Emollient made from reaction of glycerin and cetyl alcohol
Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract
Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Oil, Quinoa Oil
Chenopodium quinoa seed oil is a skin care ingredient derived
Cholesterol
Lanolin, Wool Extract
Replenishes skin by supporting moisture balance Helps reinforce and strengthen skin’s barrier
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Caprylyl Caprylate/Caprate
A safe, lightweight emollient
Cocoa Butter
Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF), Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter
Oil extracted from cocoa beans Used as an emollient
Coconut Oil
medium-chain fatty acids, medium-chain triglycerides
Non-volatile, non-fragrant plant kernel oil Has emollient properties for skin
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract
Lactobacillus/Coconut Fruit Juice Ferment Filtrate, Coconut
Ingredient is rich in skin-conditioning fatty acids, proteins, and complex B vitamins. No "At a Glance" section was found on the page.
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil
Coconut Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract, Coconut
Non-volatile, non-fragrant plant kernel oil High saturated fat content provides emollient properties
Corylus Avellana (Hazel) Seed Oil
Oil extracted from the hazelnut and that is used as an emollient.
Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil
Plant-derived oil extracted from Crambe abyssinica seeds
Decyl Oleate
Skin-conditioning agent
Dibutyl Adipate
Di-n-butyl adipate
Ester blend of a fatty alcohol and fatty acid
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
A fast-spreading, dry skin-conditioning agent, emollient, and solvent
Diethylhexyl Malate
Emollient and skin-conditioning agent derived from the solvent
Diisopropyl Adipate
Fatty acid ester of isopropyl alcohol and adipic acid
Diisopropyl Dimer Dilinoleate
A synthetic ester that functions as a skin-conditioning agent and emollient
Diisopropyl Sebacate
Synthetic or plant-derived emollient and plasticizer
Diisostearoyl Trimethylolpropane Siloxy Silicate
Diisostearoyl trimethylolpropane siloxy silicate is an emollient
Diisostearyl Dimer Dilinoleate
Diisostearyl dimer dilinoleate is a synthetic ester that
Diisostearyl Malate
Malic Acid
Emollient made from a fatty alcohol + malic acid
Dipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate
Lanolin (alternative)
Functions as an emulsifying agent and viscosity adjuster in skin care formulations
Dipentaerythrityl Tri-Polyhydroxystearate
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Film-forming emollient that is known for adding water-resistance properties (popular in sunscreens)
Docosahexaenoic Acid
Type of omega-3 fatty acid Has emollient properties
Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil
purple viper’s-bugloss
Non-fragrant plant oil rich in replenishing lipids and omegas Plays a role in visibly improving signs of sun-damaged skin
Ectoin
Amino Acids
Amino acid derivative and osmolyte (compounds that help protect and regulate water balance) Reduces moisture loss and boosts skin hydration
Egg Yolk
Egg yolk is mostly water and lipids (fats), especially
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Fatty acid derived from salmon oil Good emollient
Elaeis Guineensis Oil
Also called palm oil
Emollient
Supple, wax-like, lubricating, thickening agents
Emu Oil
Dromaius novaehollandiae oil
Derived from the Emu bird, native to Australia Contains beneficial fatty acids like oleic and linoleic acids
Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate
Skin-conditioning emollient that delivers a soft, smooth after feel
Ethylhexyl Olivate
Ester
Natural emollient of skin-conditioning fatty acids derived from olive oil Helps keep vital hydrating substances in skin from escaping
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Helps soften and smooth skin Reduces moisture loss from skin’s upper layers
Evening Primrose Oil
Oenothera Biennis Oil
Also known as Oenothera biennis oil Non-fragrant plant oil
Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA)
GLA
Essential omega-6 fatty acid for barrier repair
Garcinia Indica Seed Butter
Kokum Butter
Plant-derived emollient, commonly known as “Kokum Butter” Well-suited for dry skin as it moisturizes and seals in hydration
GLA
Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA), Fatty Acid
GLA stands for Gamma Linolenic Acid Fatty acid used as an emollient and antioxidant
Glucosyl Ceramide
Ceramides, Glycosphingolipid
Composed of a ceramide and sugar molecule known as glucose Partially responsible for the healthy formation and appearance of skin’s upper layers
Glycereth-7 Triacetate
Polyethylene Glycol (7) Glyceryl Ether Triacetate
A synthetic humectant and emollient that confers hydration and a silky feel to skin
Glycerol Monostearate
Glyceryl Ester
Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.
Glyceryl Behenate
Glycerin, Behenic Acid
Emollient formed by the combination of glycerin + behenic acid Aids the integration of key ingredients into skin’s surface and imparts a smooth, soft feel
Glyceryl Cocoate
Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics
Glyceryl Dibehanate
A complex mixture of glycerin and the naturally-occurring fatty
Glyceryl Dipalmitate
Used as an emollient and thickening agent
Glyceryl Distearate
Emollient and thickening agent
Glyceryl Isopalmitate
Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.
Glyceryl Isostearate
Mixture of portions of glycerin and isostearic acid
Glyceryl Myristate
Mixture of portions of glycerin and myristic acid used as an
Glyceryl Oleate
Glyceryl Monooleate
Emollient and emulsifier
Glyceryl Palmitate
A mixture of portions of glycerin and palmitic acid used as an
Glyceryl Ricinoleate
Synthetic and/or plant-derived blend of glycerin and castor oil derivative
Glyceryl Rosinate
Versatile ingredient found in skin care, makeup, and beverages
Glyceryl Stearate
Found naturally in the human body
Glycine Soja Sterols
Phytosterols, Glycine Soja Lipids, Soy Extract
Have moisturizing and antioxidant properties Solid complex alcohols derived from wild soybean plants
Glycolipid
Ceramides
Sugar-fat compound supporting skin barrier
Glycosphingolipid
Glycosphingolipid is a subtype of glycolipids containing the amino alcohol sphingosine.
Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton) Seed Oil
Extracted from the seeds of the cotton plant
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Sunflower Seed Oil
Non-volatile, non-fragrant plant oil Contains beneficial fatty acids, including oleic, stearic, & linoleic acid
Hemp Seed Oil
Fatty Acid, Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil
From the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa Used as an emollient
Heptyl Undecylenate
An alkyl ester derived from castor oil
Hexyl Laurate
Skin-softening agent and emollient that is a mixture of hexyl
Hydrogenated Coco-Glyceride
Cocoglycerides
Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics
Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides
Palm glycerides are the fatty acid component of palm oil
Hydrogenated Polydecene
Synthetic emollient and skin-softening agent
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
Polyisobutene
Synthetic emollient that provides moisture retention
Hydrolyzed Pea Protein
Emollient and hair conditioning agent Also functions as a surfactant
Hydroxystearic Acid
May be derived from castor oil or created in a lab
Isoamyl Cocoate
Isoamyl cocoate is the ester of isoamyl alcohol (a natural
Isononyl Isononanoate
Synthetic ester that functions as an emollient skin-softening agent
Isopropyl Isostearate
Ester of isopropyl alcohol and isostearic acid
Isopropyl Lanolate
Derived from lanolin, it is used in cosmetics as a texture
Isopropyl Myristate
Texture enhancer and emollient
Isopropyl Palmitate
Texture enhancer and emollient.
Isostearyl Neopentanoate
Propanoic acid
Ester of isostearyl alcohol and neopentanoic acid
Jojoba Butter
Jojoba Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Butter, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Hydrogenated jojoba for rich, protective moisture
Jojoba Esters
Jojoba Oil, Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil
Skin-identical esters for balanced moisture
Jojoba Oil
Emollient, non-fragrant oil Enhances skin's restorative properties
Jojoba Wax
Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF), Jojoba Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Natural wax ester for skin-compatible moisture
Lanolin Acid
Why isn’t this ingredient rated?
Lauryl Lactate
Mixture of lauryl alcohol and lactic acid that functions as a skin-softening agent and emollient; also used to impart fragrance.
Lauryl Laurate
Wax-like emollient that contributes to a soft after feel and smooth glide Helps bioactive ingredients better integrate with skin’s surface
Lecithin
Assists in improving skin’s moisture retention Is also emulsifying agent
Leptospermum Scoparium Oil
Manuka Oil, Tea Tree Oil
Derived from New Zealand tea tree Similar to Australian tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil
Limnanthes Alba, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Meadowfoam Seed Oil
Non-fragrant, edible plant oil Functions as an emollient and softening agent
Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Meadowfoam Seed Oil
AKA meadowfoam seed oil Functions as an emollient and softening agent
Linoleic Acid
Linolenic Acid
Unsaturated omega-6 fatty acid found in corn, safflower, and sunflower oils The most abundant fatty acid found in skin’s upper layers
Linolenic Acid
alpha-linolenic acid
Omega-3 fatty acid Skin conditioning and restorative ingredient
Linseed Seed Oil
Flax, Flaxseed Oil, Linolenic Acid, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil, Linum Usitatissimum Extract
More commonly known as flaxseed oil Significant plant source of omega fatty acids
Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil
Flax, Flaxseed Oil, Linoleic Acid, Linseed Seed Oil
Plant-derived oil more commonly known as flaxseed oil Significant source of omega fatty acids
Lipid
Wide range of ingredients found in plants, animals, and human skin
Macadamia Nut Oil
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
Luxurious nut oil rich in palmitoleic acid
Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate
Gentle emulsifier for smooth, stable formulas
Mineral Oil
Highly refined occlusive for moisture protection
Oenothera Biennis Oil
evening primrose oil
Evening primrose oil rich in GLA for barrier repair
Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil
babassu oil, Attalea speciosa, babassu palm
Babassu oil for lightweight, non-greasy moisture
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil
Rice bran oil rich in antioxidants and gamma-oryzanol
Oryza Sativa Cera
Rice bran wax for protective barrier formation
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
Avocado Oil
Persea gratissima is the Latin name for avocado, and the
Petrolatum
petroleum jelly
Petrolatum is a rich emollient and FDA-approved skin protectant
Phosphatidylcholine
Lecithin
Active ingredient in lecithin
Polyglyceryl-4 Olivate
Polyglyceryl-4 olivate is the plant-derived or synthetic
Prunus Domestica Seed Oil
plum kernel
Prunus domestica seed oil, also known as plum kernel, plum
Raphanus Sativus (Radish) Seed Oil
Radish Seed Oil
Raphanus sativus (radish) seed oil is non-fragrant plant
Rose Hip Oil
Rosa Canina Seed Oil
Rose hip oil is a non-fragrant emollient plant oil that has
Safflower Seed Oil
Linolenic Acid
Emollient oil derived from the safflower (Carthamus
Salvia Hispanica (Chia) Seed Oil
Chia Seed Oil
Non-fragrant plant oil Considered the richest plant source of omega-3 fatty acids
Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil
chia seed oil
Salvia hispanica seed oil, also known as chia seed oil, is
Sclerocarya Birrea
Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil
More commonly known as marula oil, Sclerocarya birrea oil
Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil
Marula oil
More commonly known as marula oil, Sclerocarya birrea oil
Sesame Oil
Sesame oil is a non-fragrant plant oil that is a good
Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil
Sesame Oil
Sesamum indicum (sesame) seed oil is a non-fragrant plant
Silybum Marianum Seed Oil
Milk Thistle Oil
Silybum marianum seed oil comes from the milk thistle plant
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Butter
Jojoba Butter
Premium jojoba butter for intensive nourishment
Skin Conditioning Ingredients
skin conditioning agents
Skin conditioning ingredients – also known as skin
Soy Oil
Genistein
Soy oil is a non-fragrant plant oil with multiple uses for skin
Sphingolipids
Sphingolipids are complex, long chain lipids (fats) that
Squalene
Squalane
Natural skin lipid for moisture and protection
Sunflower Seed Oil
Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) seed oil
Sunflower seed oil is a non-volatile, non-fragrant plant
Sweet Almond Oil
Emollient, non-fragrant plant oil
Trisiloxane
Silicone, Siloxane
A colorless, odorless siloxane fluid Imparts a soft feel to skin
Triticum Vulgare Germ Oil
N/A
Non-fragrant plant oil Imparts emollience
Undecane
Tridecane (often used in tandem)
Emollient that is known for offering a lightweight, smooth glide to formulations Touted for its quick absorbency and non-greasy finish
Walnut Oil
Juglans Regia (Walnut) Seed Oil
Emollient, non-fragrant plant oil Good source of omega fatty acids for skin, namely linoleic acid
Wheat Germ Glycerides
N/A
Natural ingredient used as emollient and texture enhancer in cosmetics.
Wheat Germ Oil
Emollient plant oil similar to all non-fragrant plant oils.
Zea Mays (Corn) Oil
Provides Hydration