Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle, plant-derived ester that helps condition skin and dissolve other ingredients, but it's not a star performer on its own.

A pine-derived ester that helps dissolve other ingredients and leaves a smooth feel, but is not a standout active for skin benefits.

A plant-derived emollient blend that softens skin but may clog pores for some people.

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

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps soften and smooth the skin with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Methyl Laurate is a gentle emollient that softens skin and helps other ingredients absorb, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

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

Methyl linoleate is a gentle, esterified fatty acid that helps soften and condition skin without the greasy feel of pure oils.

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

A gentle emollient derived from fatty acids that helps soften and smooth skin, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

Methyl Oleate is a gentle emollient that softens skin but may clog pores for acne-prone individuals.

Methyl Palmate is a gentle, plant-derived emollient that softens skin and helps other ingredients spread smoothly, but its palm oil origin raises sustainability concerns.

Methyl Palmitate is a gentle emollient that softens skin, but may clog pores for acne-prone individuals.

A gentle, castor-oil-derived emollient that softens skin without feeling greasy, but it's not a powerhouse active ingredient.

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

A gentle emollient that helps soften and smooth skin without clogging pores, but it's not a standout active ingredient.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient derived from sunflower oil that hydrates and softens skin with a silky finish.

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

A lightweight synthetic emollient that helps products spread smoothly and feel silky without greasiness.

A synthetic emollient that spreads easily, feels silky, and helps dissolve UV filters in sunscreens.

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

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps products spread smoothly and leaves skin feeling soft without clogging pores.

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

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

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

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

A lightweight synthetic emollient that helps soften skin without a greasy feel, generally well-tolerated.

A lightweight synthetic emollient that helps products spread smoothly without a greasy feel, generally well-tolerated by most skin types.

A gentle silicone-like emollient that adds a silky feel to products without heavy greasiness.

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

A gentle, nutrient-rich oil from microalgae that helps moisturize and support skin barrier function without clogging pores.

Millet Seed Oil is a gentle, lightweight emollient rich in linoleic acid and antioxidants, ideal for normal to dry skin types seeking non-greasy hydration.

Mink oil is a rich emollient that softens skin, but its animal origin and moderate comedogenic rating may not suit all skin types.

A semi-synthetic emollient that softens skin but raises ethical and comedogenic concerns; rarely used in modern clean beauty.

Mink wax is a natural emollient and thickener, but its use raises ethical concerns and may be comedogenic for some skin types.

MIPA-Myristate helps products feel smooth and spread easily, but may clog pores or irritate sensitive skin for some users.

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

A gentle, non-greasy seed oil rich in linoleic acid that helps soften and soothe the skin without clogging pores.

A fermented oil that may offer antioxidant and skin-softening benefits, but research is limited and it's not a staple ingredient.

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

A natural wax from lignite that helps thicken and stabilize formulas, but it's not a star active ingredient.

Moray eel oil is a novel marine oil that may offer moisturizing benefits, but research is very limited and it may be comedogenic for some.

A lightweight, non-greasy oil that hydrates and helps protect the skin barrier without clogging pores.

A lightweight, non-greasy oil that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores, with some antioxidant benefits.

A lightweight, non-greasy oil that hydrates and helps protect the skin barrier, suitable for most skin types including oily and acne-prone.

A gentle, biotech-derived emollient that helps soften and smooth skin without clogging pores.

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

A gentle emollient blend that helps soften and smooth skin without heavy greasiness.

A gentle, plant-based emollient blend that helps soften skin and improve product feel without clogging pores.

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

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

A gentle, non-greasy oil that hydrates and helps protect the skin barrier, suitable for most skin types.

Murumuru fruit extract is a gentle, plant-based moisturizer that helps soften and smooth skin without clogging pores.

A nourishing, plant-based butter that hydrates and softens without feeling greasy, ideal for dry skin and hair.

A wax blend that helps lock in moisture and give products a rich, protective feel, but may clog pores for some skin types.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that helps soften and smooth the skin without clogging pores, making it a good choice for dry or sensitive skin types.

A synthetic emollient that helps products feel silky and spread easily, but may clog pores for some skin types.

A mild synthetic emollient that helps products spread smoothly without greasiness, generally safe for most skin types.

A lightweight synthetic emollient that helps products glide on smoothly without a greasy feel.

A synthetic emollient that makes products feel silky, but may clog pores for some skin types.