Helps create a smooth, lightweight texture that feels comfortable on skin without being too thick or too thin.
Form
Liquid
State
Solid
See origin →
Functions
Viscosity Controlling
Film Forming
Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Controls Viscosity
Traditional Use
A modern synthetic copolymer created for conditioning and emulsifying purposes in cosmetic formulations, developed through 20th century polymer and surfactant chemistry.