Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A nourishing plant butter that softens and protects dry skin without feeling overly greasy.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich oil that softens and conditions skin without clogging pores.

A gentle, waxy emollient that helps thicken and stabilize creams without clogging pores.

A gentle emollient and stabilizer that helps keep products smooth and extends their shelf life, with a very low risk of irritation.

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

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

A lightweight synthetic emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, commonly used to improve product texture and spreadability.

A silky, plant-derived emollient that hydrates without clogging pores, ideal for sensitive and oily skin types.

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

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

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

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that improves the feel of skincare and makeup without clogging pores.

A lightweight synthetic ester that softens skin without greasiness, widely used in moisturizers and sunscreens.

Docosane is a gentle, non-greasy wax that helps skincare products feel smooth and stay put without clogging pores.

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

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

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that softens skin and improves product texture with minimal irritation risk.

Donkey milk is a gentle, nutrient-rich moisturizer that may soothe sensitive skin, but scientific evidence for its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

A gentle, protein-rich ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin, but scientific evidence is still limited.

Duck fat is a rich emollient that can deeply moisturize dry skin, but its moderate comedogenic rating means it may clog pores for some people.

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

A lightweight, omega-rich oil that hydrates and supports skin barrier health without clogging pores.

A gentle plant wax that helps soften and protect skin, but scientific research on its specific benefits is still limited.

Egg oil is a natural emollient rich in fatty acids and lecithin, offering moisturizing benefits but with moderate comedogenic potential for acne-prone skin.

Eicosane is a safe, lightweight emollient that helps products spread smoothly without feeling greasy.

Eicosatrienoic Acid is a gentle fatty acid that helps reinforce the skin barrier and improve moisture retention, though research on its cosmetic benefits is still emerging.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich oil that hydrates and helps protect skin from environmental stress, though research on its specific benefits is still emerging.

A gentle, plant-derived wax that adds richness and a smooth feel to balms and creams without clogging pores.

Emu oil is a rich emollient that helps soften skin and may support a healthy skin barrier, but its sourcing raises ethical and sustainability questions.

A modified oil that helps formulas stay flexible and stable, but offers little direct skin benefit.

A gentle emollient from soy that helps products glide on smoothly, but it's not a star hydrator or active ingredient.

Equi Lipida is a gentle, lipid-rich ingredient that helps restore the skin barrier and lock in moisture, making it a good choice for dry or sensitive skin.

A gentle, lightweight oil from an Australian native plant that hydrates and soothes skin without clogging pores.

Erucamide is a synthetic lubricant that improves the glide and feel of makeup and skincare, with a strong safety record at low use levels.

Erucyl Arachidate is a gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps soften and smooth skin without clogging pores.

A lightweight, plant-derived emollient that softens skin and improves product texture with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Erucyl Oleate is a gentle emollient that softens and smooths skin without feeling greasy, making it a good choice for dry or sensitive skin.

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

A gentle synthetic emollient that helps skin feel soft and smooth without clogging pores or causing irritation.

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

A gentle emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

A lightweight synthetic emollient that helps soften skin without a greasy feel, but it's not a star ingredient—just a supporting player in formulations.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient derived from almond oil that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores.

A lightweight, plant-based emollient that hydrates without greasiness, suitable for most skin types.

Ethyl Arachidonate is a fatty acid ester that helps soften and condition skin, but its role in inflammation and acne risk requires cautious use.

A lightweight, semi-synthetic emollient derived from argan oil that softens skin without a heavy or greasy feel.

A gentle, plant-based emollient that helps soften and smooth skin without clogging pores, ideal for dry or sensitive skin types.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that helps soften skin without clogging pores, suitable for most skin types.

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

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that softens skin without clogging pores.

Ethyl Citrates are gentle, multifunctional ingredients that soften skin and improve product texture, with a strong safety profile.

A lightweight synthetic emollient that softens skin without a greasy feel, generally well-tolerated and non-irritating.

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

A gentle, multi-tasking ingredient that hydrates, softens skin, and helps preserve formulas without harsh chemicals.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, making it a good choice for oily and acne-prone skin types.

A gentle, plant-based emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for sensitive and oily skin types.

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

A gentle, non-greasy emollient derived from linoleic acid that helps soften and smooth skin without clogging pores.

A gentle emollient that helps soften skin and support the skin barrier, but it's less studied than its parent fatty acid.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient derived from macadamia nut oil that hydrates and softens skin with a silky finish.