Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

Basic Yellow 87 is a synthetic yellow dye used mainly in rinse-off products; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Beetroot powder adds a natural pink-red tint and provides mild antioxidant benefits, but its color can be unstable and may stain fabrics or skin temporarily.

A natural orange-red pigment that also provides antioxidant benefits, but its color can be unstable in some formulations.

Biotite is a natural mineral that adds shimmer and color to makeup, but its iron content may cause discoloration in some formulations.

A safe, synthetic red pigment that adds vibrant color to makeup but offers no skincare benefits.

Bismuth Citrate is a safe synthetic colorant that adds opacity and a subtle shimmer to makeup, but it offers no skincare benefits.

A safe, widely used mineral pigment that adds shimmer and coverage, but can cause irritation in sensitive skin or when used in high concentrations.

Bismuth Subgallate is a synthetic colorant and mild skin protectant, generally safe in low concentrations but with limited cosmetic research.

Bismuth subnitrate gives a silky feel and opacity to powders, but can cause skin irritation in some people, especially those with sensitive skin.

A safe and widely used black pigment for coloring cosmetics, but may cause irritation in sensitive eyes or if inhaled as loose powder.

A safe, widely used black pigment that adds color to makeup and skincare without active skincare benefits.

A widely used synthetic blue dye that is generally safe in cosmetics but offers no skincare benefits.

Brilliant Black 1 is a safe synthetic colorant for most people, but those with sensitive skin or allergies should patch test first.

Bromocresol Green is a synthetic dye used to adjust product color or indicate pH, but it offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Bromothymol Blue is a synthetic dye used for color, not a beneficial skincare ingredient; it adds no proven skin benefits.

A safe, widely used synthetic colorant for brown shades, but offers no skincare benefits.

Caramel is a safe, natural colorant that adds a warm tint to products but offers no skincare benefits.

Carbon Black is a common black pigment in cosmetics, generally safe for external use but may be irritating if inhaled or used near eyes in high amounts.

Carmine gives a vibrant red or pink hue but may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals and is not vegan-friendly.

A safe, plant-derived green colorant that adds a natural-looking tint to products without known skin irritation.

A safe, opaque green pigment used in color cosmetics; generally well-tolerated but best avoided on broken or irritated skin.

A safe, FDA-approved green pigment that adds color without common irritation or clogging pores.

A safe, stable green pigment widely used in color cosmetics, but avoid inhaling loose powder forms.

CI 11710 is a widely used yellow pigment that adds color to makeup but offers no skincare benefits.

CI 11920 is a safe, widely used synthetic orange dye, but it offers no skincare benefits beyond color.

A common synthetic red dye that adds color to makeup but offers no skincare benefits.

CI 12120 is a synthetic red pigment that adds vibrant color to makeup, but its safety is well-established for external use only.

CI 12370 is a synthetic red dye that adds vibrant color to cosmetics, but it offers no skincare benefits and may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

CI 12490 is a safe, widely used synthetic pigment that adds vibrant red color to makeup, but offers no skincare benefits.

CI 12700 is a synthetic yellow dye that adds color to cosmetics but offers no skincare benefits.

A widely used synthetic red dye that adds color to cosmetics but offers no skincare benefits.

A widely used synthetic red pigment that is generally safe in cosmetics but may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

CI 16290 is a safe, widely used synthetic red dye that adds color to makeup but offers no skincare benefits.

A widely used synthetic red dye that adds color to cosmetics but has raised some safety concerns in high oral doses.

CI 18130 is a safe, widely used synthetic pigment that adds red color to makeup, but offers no skincare benefits.

CI 18690 is a synthetic red pigment that adds color to makeup, but it offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in very rare cases.

CI 18965 is a safe, widely used synthetic yellow pigment, but offers no skincare benefits beyond color.

CI 20040 is a synthetic yellow dye used for color, but it has raised some safety concerns and is restricted in several regions.

CI 20470 is a safe, widely used synthetic black dye for rinse-off products, but offers no skincare benefit.

CI 26100 is a safe, widely used synthetic red dye for wash-off cosmetics, but offers no skincare benefits and may cause rare allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

A widely used synthetic yellow dye that is generally safe in cosmetics but may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

CI 40820 is a synthetic brightener that makes products look whiter or brighter, but it offers no skincare benefit and is best avoided by those with sensitive skin.

A synthetic yellow dye that adds color to products but offers no skincare benefit; generally considered safe at low concentrations.

CI 40850 is a widely used synthetic yellow colorant in cosmetics, generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in rare cases.

CI 42100 is a safe, widely used synthetic green dye that adds color to cosmetics but offers no skincare benefits.

CI 42510 is a synthetic violet dye that adds color to cosmetics but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

CI 42520 is a synthetic violet dye that adds color to cosmetics but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

A widely used synthetic blue dye that is generally safe in cosmetics at low levels, but some people may prefer to avoid synthetic colors.

A safe, widely used synthetic violet dye that adds color to cosmetics but offers no skincare benefits.

CI 45405 is a synthetic red dye that adds color to cosmetics, but it has raised safety concerns and is restricted or banned in some countries.

CI 45430 is a common synthetic red dye that adds vibrant color to cosmetics, but it has some safety concerns, particularly regarding oral ingestion.

CI 50420 is a synthetic black dye that adds color to cosmetics but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

CI 51319 is a widely used synthetic red dye that adds vibrant color to cosmetics, but it offers no skincare benefits and may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

CI 58000 is a widely used synthetic red colorant that is generally considered safe in cosmetics at regulated levels, but may cause irritation in very sensitive individuals.

CI 60724 is a synthetic violet dye that adds color to cosmetics, but it has limited safety data and is best used in rinse-off products.

CI 60725 is a safe, widely used synthetic violet dye that adds color to cosmetics but offers no skincare benefits.

CI 60730 is a safe synthetic violet dye for most people, but those with sensitive skin may want to patch test.

CI 69825 is a widely used red pigment that adds color to makeup but offers no skincare benefits.

CI 71105 is a safe, widely used blue pigment in cosmetics, but it offers no skincare benefits beyond color.

CI 73900 is a widely used, safe red pigment that gives makeup its color without causing irritation or clogging pores.