Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle synthetic ester that softens skin and improves product texture, with low irritation potential.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps skin feel smooth and soft without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-based fatty alcohol that softens skin and may help active ingredients absorb better, but it's less common and less studied than alternatives like cetyl alcohol.

A gentle, plant-based wax that adds richness and staying power to balms and creams without common irritation.

A gentle, plant-derived wax that helps lock in moisture and gives a smooth, velvety feel to skincare products.

A gentle, plant-based wax ester that helps soften skin and improve product texture without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-based wax blend that helps create smooth, creamy textures while moisturizing the skin.

A gentle, plant-based wax that adds smoothness and structure to skincare products without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-derived wax that adds a smooth, velvety feel to balms and sticks without heavy greasiness.

A gentle, plant-based oil that hydrates and softens skin with a light feel, though research on its benefits is still emerging.

A lightweight, non-greasy oil that hydrates and soothes without clogging pores, ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that softens skin and improves product texture without clogging pores.

A gentle, castor-oil-derived emollient that softens skin without feeling greasy.

A gentle synthetic emollient that helps products glide on smoothly without clogging pores.

A gentle, low-irritation emollient that helps products spread smoothly and keeps nail polish flexible.

A gentle, skin-softening lipid that strengthens the skin barrier without clogging pores.

A gentle, modified plant oil that helps soften skin and improve product texture, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps soften skin and improve product feel without clogging pores.

A gentle synthetic emollient that softens skin and improves product feel, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient that softens skin and helps other ingredients spread smoothly.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient derived from castor oil that helps soften and smooth the skin without clogging pores.

A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient that softens skin and improves product feel without common irritation or clogging concerns.

A gentle, modified lanolin that softens skin but may clog pores for some people.

A semi-synthetic emollient that softens skin but may clog pores for some; not suitable for vegans.

A semi-synthetic emollient that softens skin but may clog pores for some people, especially those prone to breakouts.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture without common irritation.

A gentle emollient derived from lanolin that softens skin but may clog pores for some people.

A rich emollient that softens skin but may clog pores for some, especially those prone to breakouts.

A semi-synthetic emollient that softens skin but may clog pores for some, and is not suitable for vegan or certain religious lifestyles.

A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient that softens skin and improves product feel without common irritation or clogging concerns.

A gentle, modified oil that softens skin and improves the feel of products without clogging pores.

A gentle, sugar-derived emollient that helps products feel silky and spread smoothly without clogging pores.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich oil from Patagonia that helps soothe and soften skin without clogging pores.

A lightweight, non-greasy Amazonian oil that deeply moisturizes and helps calm irritation without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-based oil that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores, though research on its specific benefits is still limited.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that helps calm and support the skin barrier without clogging pores.

A gentle, non-greasy butter that softens and hydrates skin without clogging pores, ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

A nourishing blend of plant-derived fatty acids that softens and smooths skin with a low risk of irritation.

A gentle, semi-synthetic ingredient that combines the moisturizing benefits of almond oil with improved water solubility for stable, non-greasy formulas.

A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient that helps products spread smoothly and leaves skin feeling soft without clogging pores.

A gentle, PEG-modified almond oil that helps products spread smoothly and feel silky without clogging pores.

A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient that helps soften skin without feeling overly greasy, suitable for most skin types.

Alpha-Santalyl Butyrate is a gentle synthetic emollient and fragrance ingredient that softens skin and adds a subtle sandalwood-like scent, but it has limited research on long-term benefits.

A gentle, plant-derived oil with traditional use for soothing skin, though modern research is still limited.

Aluminum Lanolate is a waxy stabilizer that helps keep water and oil mixed, but it may not suit acne-prone skin due to its moderate comedogenic potential.

A gentle, plant-based oil that hydrates and provides antioxidant protection, suitable for most skin types.

A gentle, plant-based oil that hydrates and protects skin without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-based oil that helps moisturize and soften skin with a subtle, warm scent.

A gentle, lightly fragrant oil that may help soothe and soften skin, but research is limited and it is best used as a supporting ingredient.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture without clogging pores.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for oily or combination skin types.

A gentle Amazonian oil that hydrates and soothes, ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

Animal-derived ingredients can be effective but raise ethical and allergy concerns; check labels if you prefer plant-based options.

Animal-derived ingredients can be effective but raise ethical and sustainability concerns for many users.

A rich, animal-derived emollient that softens skin but may clog pores and raises ethical concerns for some users.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich oil that helps soften skin and may offer some environmental protection.

Apple peel wax is a gentle, plant-based emollient that helps soften and protect the skin while adding texture to balms and creams.

A gentle, plant-based oil that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores, backed by moderate evidence for antioxidant benefits.

A gentle, plant-based emollient that helps soften and condition skin without clogging pores.

A gentle fermented oil that moisturizes and softens skin, with potential antioxidant benefits from fermentation.