Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A skin-friendly omega-6 fatty acid that strengthens the moisture barrier and calms dryness without clogging pores.

Linolenic acid is a gentle omega-3 fatty acid that helps reinforce the skin barrier and soothe dryness without clogging pores.

A gentle, dual-action ester that moisturizes and lightly exfoliates, making it a smart choice for dry or sensitive skin.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that helps soften and smooth skin with low irritation potential.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient derived from linseed oil that helps soften and smooth skin without clogging pores.

A gentle, water-dispersible emollient that softens skin and helps blend oil and water phases in formulas — generally well-tolerated and non-comedogenic.

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

A gentle, naturally fragrant oil that hydrates and soothes skin, but scientific evidence for its unique benefits is still limited.

A gentle, plant-derived wax that adds a smooth, non-greasy feel to lip and skin products, with low irritation potential.

A gentle, non-greasy oil that hydrates and provides antioxidant protection, suitable for most skin types including sensitive skin.

Luffa seed oil is a gentle, plant-based emollient that helps soften and smooth skin without clogging pores.

A gentle phospholipid that helps reinforce the skin's natural barrier and may calm sensitivity.

A mild, lipid-based ingredient that supports the skin barrier and helps keep moisture in without clogging pores.

A gentle, water-friendly emollient that softens skin without feeling greasy, but the PEG modification may raise concerns for some sensitive users.

A gentle, fatty-acid-rich extract that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores.

A non-greasy, nutrient-rich oil that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for dry or mature skin.

A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that mimics the skin's natural lipids to improve softness and barrier function.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that hydrates and helps blend oil and water in formulas, with a very low risk of irritation.

A nourishing plant butter that softens and hydrates skin without feeling overly greasy, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

A gentle, non-greasy oil that helps soften and soothe skin, but research on its unique benefits is still limited.

A gentle, plant-based oil that may help soften skin and provide antioxidant support, though research is still limited.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich oil that hydrates skin without clogging pores, though research on its benefits is still limited.

A gentle, plant-based oil that helps soften and hydrate skin without clogging pores, though research is still limited.

Mamushi oil is a traditional emollient with anecdotal benefits, but it lacks modern scientific backing and may pose ethical and allergy concerns.

A nourishing, non-greasy butter that softens skin and helps protect the moisture barrier without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-based emollient that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores.

A nourishing, non-greasy plant oil that softens skin and helps maintain moisture without clogging pores.

A gentle, water-friendly emollient that adds slip and softness without greasiness, ideal for rinse-off and leave-on products.

A lightweight, antioxidant-rich oil that hydrates and soothes skin without clogging pores.

Manketti oil is a gentle, non-greasy plant oil that deeply hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores, making it a great choice for dry or sensitive skin.

A gentle, water-soluble emollient derived from manketti oil that helps soften and condition skin without a greasy feel.

A mild, plant-based emulsifier that helps blend oil and water while leaving skin soft and smooth.

A gentle, antioxidant-packed oil that hydrates and protects without clogging pores, though research on its cosmetic benefits is still emerging.

Mare milk is a gentle, nutrient-rich ingredient that hydrates and soothes skin, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

A gentle, lipid-rich emollient that helps soften and condition the skin, but research on its unique benefits over other milk lipids is limited.

A nourishing, plant-based butter that softens and smooths skin without feeling overly greasy.

Marmot oil is a traditional animal fat used for its moisturizing properties, but it lacks modern safety and efficacy data and may not be suitable for all skin types.

A gentle, water-soluble emollient derived from marula oil that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores.

A gentle, eco-friendly emollient that hydrates and helps blend oil and water in formulas without clogging pores.

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

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

A nourishing, plant-based butter from Madagascar that softens and conditions skin, but may be too rich for oily or acne-prone skin.

A silky, non-greasy emollient from meadowfoam seeds that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores.

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

A gentle, plant-based oil that softens skin and may offer mild antioxidant benefits, though research is still limited compared to more common seed oils.

Mellisic acid is a gentle wax-derived fatty acid that helps smooth and condition skin, but it's rarely used as a standalone active.

Melozol Acetate is a synthetic emollient that helps soften and smooth skin with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores, though research on its long-term effects is limited.

Melozol Formate is a gentle synthetic emollient that helps products feel silky and spread easily, but research on its long-term effects is still limited.

A gentle, cooling emollient that hydrates and soothes without greasiness, ideal for sensitive or overheated skin.

A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient that mimics natural skin lipids to soften and smooth skin without clogging pores.

A synthetic emollient that helps products spread smoothly and leaves skin feeling soft, with a low risk of irritation.

Methoxytridecene is a lightweight synthetic emollient that helps products glide on smoothly without a greasy feel, but it lacks strong research on long-term skin benefits.

A gentle, castor oil-derived emollient that softens skin and improves product feel without clogging pores.

A gentle emollient that helps soften and smooth skin with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

A gentle emollient that softens skin and improves product texture without clogging pores.

Methyl Canolate is a gentle, plant-based emollient that helps soften and smooth skin without clogging pores.

Methyl Caprylate is a gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps products glide on smoothly without clogging pores.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient derived from coconut or palm oil that improves product texture and skin feel.

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