Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle, lanolin-derived emollient that softens skin and helps stabilize formulas, but may clog pores for some.

A gentle, lard-derived emollient that softens skin but may not suit vegans or those avoiding animal ingredients.

Hydrogenated lime seed oil is a gentle, stable emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, making it a good choice for dry or sensitive skin types.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that supports skin barrier function without clogging pores.

A skin-friendly phospholipid that improves ingredient delivery and supports the moisture barrier without irritation.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that mimics skin's natural oils, ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that strengthens the skin barrier and resists oxidation, ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

A gentle, fish-derived emollient that softens skin and improves product texture, but may not suit vegans or those with fish allergies.

A gentle, milk-derived emollient that strengthens the skin barrier without clogging pores — ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

Hydrogenated mink oil is an effective emollient, but its animal origin and ethical concerns make it a poor fit for most modern skincare routines.

A stable, non-greasy emollient that adds a silky feel to products without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

A gentle, plant-based emollient that softens and smooths skin without feeling greasy.

A lightweight, plant-derived emollient that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that helps lock in moisture without feeling greasy.

A gentle, plant-based emollient that softens skin without feeling greasy, ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that helps moisturize and soften skin without clogging pores.

A gentle, olive-derived emollient that helps skin feel smooth and soft without clogging pores.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient from olive oil that helps soothe and strengthen the skin barrier without clogging pores.

A rich, stable emollient that softens skin but raises sustainability concerns due to its deep-sea fish source.

A stable, non-greasy emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for dry or sensitive skin types.

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

A stable, animal-derived emollient that softens skin and locks in moisture, but lacks extensive human research.

A gentle, plant-based emollient that helps maintain skin softness without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that softens and smooths skin without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-based emollient that softens skin and helps stabilize formulas, with a very low risk of irritation.

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

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

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

A stable, non-greasy emollient derived from pine seeds that helps soften skin and improve product texture.

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

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

A stable, non-greasy emollient derived from plum seeds that softens skin and gives products a luxurious, buttery feel.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that hydrates and smooths skin without clogging pores, ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

A lightweight, non-greasy synthetic emollient that helps products spread smoothly without clogging pores.

A silky, non-greasy synthetic emollient that mimics the feel of natural oils without clogging pores.

A gentle, synthetic emollient that gives a smooth, silky feel without clogging pores or causing irritation.

A safe, non-greasy emollient that gives products a silky, smooth feel without clogging pores.

A silky, lightweight synthetic oil that hydrates without clogging pores — a great option for oily and sensitive skin types.

A synthetic emollient that spreads easily, feels lightweight, and helps other ingredients absorb without clogging pores.

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

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

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

A gentle, plant-based emollient that hydrates and smooths skin without clogging pores, ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

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

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

A stable, non-greasy emollient derived from rosehip oil, ideal for dry or sensitive skin in balms and sticks.

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

A rich emollient that softens skin, but its shark-derived origin raises ethical and sustainability concerns.

A shelf-stable, non-greasy shea butter that locks in moisture and softens skin without the natural nutty scent.

A stabilized, non-greasy shea derivative that adds richness and slip to formulas without the meltiness of raw shea butter.

A gentle, synthetic lipid that helps reinforce the skin barrier and improve moisture retention, with limited but promising research.

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

A gentle, skin-friendly lipid that strengthens the moisture barrier and helps calm dry, sensitive skin.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient derived from sunflower oil that softens skin without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that softens skin and strengthens the moisture barrier without clogging pores.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that strengthens the skin barrier and gives products a smooth, creamy feel.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that locks in moisture and softens skin without clogging pores.

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

A thick, emollient fatty acid from animal fat that helps create rich creams and balms, but may clog pores for some skin types.