Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture, with low irritation potential.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that softens skin and improves product texture, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

A gentle, naturally scented oil that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

A non-greasy, stable plant oil that hydrates and supports the skin barrier without clogging pores.

Homonopal is a synthetic emollient that helps products feel smooth and non-greasy, but research on its long-term effects is limited.

Hoplostethus oil is a rich emollient that helps soften and condition skin, but its sustainability concerns make it a less common choice today.

Horse fat is a traditional emollient that can soften skin, but it's not widely studied and may feel heavy for oily skin types.

A traditional emollient oil with moisturizing benefits, but limited modern research and a moderate chance of clogging pores for some skin types.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps lock in moisture without clogging pores.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that mimics the skin's natural lipids to support hydration and barrier repair.

A stable, non-greasy emollient that locks in moisture and improves product texture, ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that strengthens the skin barrier and is well-tolerated by most skin types.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that locks in moisture and gives products a smooth, velvety feel.

A gentle, nourishing emollient that helps reinforce the skin barrier without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-based fatty alcohol that softens skin and improves product texture without common irritation.

A gentle, plant-based emollient that softens skin and improves product feel without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-based emollient that locks in moisture without clogging pores—great for dry or sensitive skin.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that locks in moisture and gives a silky feel — great for dry or sensitive skin.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that helps creams feel silky without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that gives a smooth, non-greasy feel and helps stabilize formulas.

A gentle, plant-based emollient that gives a silky, non-sticky feel to lipsticks and foundations while helping them stay put.

A gentle, plant-derived ingredient that helps thicken and stabilize formulas without clogging pores.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that improves product texture and feel without clogging pores.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that improves product texture and spreadability without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that gives products a smooth, non-greasy feel and helps stabilize formulas.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that helps create a smooth, non-greasy feel in creams and lip products.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that improves texture and spreadability without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that adds a smooth, non-greasy feel to products and helps stabilize formulas.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that softens skin with low irritation risk, though research on its unique benefits is still limited.

A gentle, coconut-derived emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

A gentle emollient that helps restore softness and smoothness to dry or rough skin without clogging pores.

A stable, lightweight emollient that softens skin without feeling heavy, ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that strengthens the skin barrier and is well-tolerated by most skin types.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that spreads easily and leaves skin feeling soft without clogging pores.

A lightweight, synthetic emollient that improves product texture and leaves skin feeling silky without clogging pores.

A next-generation, plant-derived emollient that feels lightweight and non-greasy, with a strong sustainability profile.

A gentle, plant-based emollient that softens skin and improves product texture without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that helps products feel silky and stay put without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that improves product texture and skin feel without clogging pores or causing irritation.

A gentle, nourishing emollient that helps soften and smooth skin without clogging pores.

A lightweight, plant-derived emollient that mimics skin's natural oils for a silky feel without greasiness.

A gentle, olive-derived emollient that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores, suitable for most skin types.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient derived from sesame oil that helps soften skin and improve product texture.

A lightweight, plant-derived emollient that hydrates without greasiness and is well-tolerated by most skin types.

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

A gentle, hydrogenated oil that softens and protects skin without clogging pores, but offers limited antioxidant benefits compared to unprocessed grapefruit seed oil.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient derived from grapefruit seeds that helps soften skin and support the moisture barrier without irritation.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that strengthens the skin barrier without clogging pores.

A stable, non-greasy emollient that locks in moisture without clogging pores, ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that strengthens the skin barrier and adds richness to products without clogging pores.

A rich, animal-derived emollient that softens and seals in moisture, but may be too heavy for oily or acne-prone skin.

A gentle, olive-derived emollient that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that closely resembles skin's natural oils, making it an excellent choice for all skin types, especially oily or acne-prone skin.

A gentle, plant-based wax that adds structure and a smooth feel to balms and sticks without common irritation.

A gentle, plant-based emollient that improves product texture and skin feel without clogging pores or causing irritation.

A gentle, non-greasy wax that locks in moisture and gives products a smooth, silky feel without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-based wax that locks in moisture and gives products a smooth, creamy feel without clogging pores.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that strengthens the skin barrier without clogging pores.

A plant-based wax that gives lip and cream products a smooth, glossy feel, but research on its specific benefits is limited.

Hydrogenated Laneth-5 is a gentle, lanolin-derived emollient that helps soften skin and stabilize mixtures of oil and water, but it may not suit those with lanolin allergies.