Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A fatty alcohol from animal fat that softens and thickens products, but may clog pores for some skin types.

A rich, plant-like emollient from beef tallow that locks in moisture but may clog pores for acne-prone skin.

A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient that softens skin and improves product texture, but its animal-derived origin may not suit all preferences.

A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient that softens skin but may be too heavy for acne-prone types.

Hydrogenated tamanu oil is a stable, non-greasy emollient that helps soften and soothe the skin without the strong scent or staining of raw tamanu oil.

A lightweight, non-greasy synthetic emollient that softens skin and improves product feel with low irritation potential.

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

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

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that softens skin and helps creams feel rich without being greasy.

A gentle, plant-based emollient that softens skin and helps stabilize formulas without clogging pores.

A safe, plant-derived thickener and emollient that helps lock in moisture but may clog pores for some skin types.

A hydrogenated nut oil that adds richness and slip to formulas, but may be comedogenic for some and is unsuitable for nut-allergic individuals.

A stable, nourishing emollient that helps soften and protect dry skin, but may clog pores for some.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that strengthens the skin barrier and helps lock in moisture, ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

A gentle, water-soluble beeswax derivative that hydrates and helps maintain the skin barrier without the heavy feel of regular beeswax.

A lighter, water-friendly version of cocoa butter that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores.

An unusual emollient that may help soften and condition skin, but research is very limited and it may not suit acne-prone skin.

A lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer derived from jojoba oil that hydrates and softens skin and hair with minimal irritation risk.

A gentle, skin-identical ingredient that helps restore moisture and strengthen the skin barrier without clogging pores.

A mild, plant-based emollient that improves skin feel and moisture without clogging pores.

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

A gentle synthetic ingredient that helps skin feel soft and hydrated by reducing water loss.

Hydroxycetyl Isostearate is a gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps soften and smooth the skin without clogging pores.

A synthetic ceramide mimic that supports the skin barrier and locks in moisture without clogging pores.

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

A water-friendly version of lanolin that softens skin without the heavy, sticky feel, but may still be problematic for those with wool allergies or acne-prone skin.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that helps products feel silky without clogging pores, but research on its long-term effects is still limited.

A gentle, milk-derived emollient that helps soften and smooth skin with a low risk of irritation.

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

A gentle silicone derivative that smooths skin and locks in moisture without clogging pores.

A gentle silicone derivative that improves product texture and skin feel, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

A gentle silicone emollient that improves product texture and skin feel without clogging pores or causing irritation.

A gentle, synthetic emollient that softens skin and improves product texture with a low risk of irritation.

A gentle fatty alcohol that softens skin and improves product texture without common irritation.

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

A gentle, plant-based oil that helps soften and condition skin, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

A gentle, plant-based wax that helps soften skin and lock in moisture without clogging pores.

A nourishing, non-greasy butter that softens skin and helps maintain moisture, but its high price and limited research on specific benefits are worth noting.

A lightweight, plant-based emollient that softens skin without clogging pores or feeling heavy.

A lightweight, plant-based emollient that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores or leaving a heavy residue.

A lightweight, linoleic-rich oil that moisturizes without clogging pores, though research on its unique benefits is still emerging.

A plant-derived emollient that hydrates without heaviness, making it a great choice for oily or combination skin.

A lightweight synthetic ester that softens skin without a greasy feel, generally well-tolerated.

A silky, non-greasy emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for lightweight formulas.

A silky, non-greasy emollient derived from meadowfoam seed oil that hydrates without clogging pores.

A silky, non-greasy emollient that helps other ingredients absorb better and leaves skin feeling smooth without clogging pores.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient from olive oil that hydrates and improves the feel of skincare products.

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

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for oilier or acne-prone skin types.

Isobornyl Propionate is a lightweight synthetic emollient that helps skincare products spread smoothly without leaving a heavy or greasy residue.

A lightweight synthetic ester that softens skin and helps other ingredients spread evenly, with a low risk of irritation.

A lightweight synthetic emollient that softens skin and improves product feel, but may clog pores for some users.

A silky, non-greasy emollient derived from meadowfoam seed oil that spreads easily and leaves skin feeling smooth without clogging pores.

A lightweight synthetic emollient that makes products feel silky, but may clog pores for acne-prone skin.

A lightweight synthetic emollient that softens skin but may clog pores for some people.

A lightweight synthetic ester that softens skin without feeling greasy, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that softens skin and helps other ingredients spread smoothly.

A lightweight synthetic emollient that softens skin but may clog pores for some people.

Isobutyl Tallowate is a semi-synthetic emollient that softens skin but may be comedogenic for acne-prone individuals.

A modified lanolin oil that moisturizes and smooths skin, but may clog pores for some people.