Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

Coconut oil is a rich emollient that softens skin but may clog pores for some people, making it best for dry or normal skin types.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient derived from coconut oil that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores.

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

A gentle, coconut-derived emollient that helps moisturize and soften skin without feeling greasy.

Coconut seed butter is a deeply moisturizing natural emollient, but its moderate comedogenic rating means it may clog pores for some people.

A silky, plant-based alternative to silicones that hydrates without greasiness and is well-tolerated by most skin types.

Cod liver oil is a nourishing emollient rich in omega-3s and vitamins that can help soothe dry, rough skin, but its strong scent and potential for oxidation require careful formulation.

A gentle, algae-derived oil that helps soften skin and provides antioxidant protection, though research is still early.

A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient that combines coffee seed oil with PEG for improved texture and stability.

A lightweight, non-comedogenic oil that hydrates and provides antioxidant protection without clogging pores.

A gentle, non-greasy plant oil that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores, suitable for most skin types.

Coix Seed Oil is a gentle, plant-based oil that hydrates and soothes skin without clogging pores, making it a good choice for sensitive or oily skin types.

Corn Glycerides are a gentle, plant-derived emollient that helps soften and smooth the skin without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-derived emulsifier that helps blend oil and water while softening skin — generally well-tolerated but processed with PEG, which some prefer to avoid.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that supports the skin barrier and helps lock in moisture without clogging pores.

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

A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient that softens skin and helps other ingredients absorb better.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that helps soften and smooth skin without heavy greasiness.

A gentle, plant-based emollient that helps soften skin and support the moisture barrier without clogging pores.

Cranberry seed oil is a lightweight, antioxidant-rich oil that hydrates and helps protect skin from environmental stress without clogging pores.

A generic cream base is a common cosmetic vehicle that delivers active ingredients but its specific effects depend entirely on the formula.

A gentle, plant-based oil that softens skin but has limited research and a moderate chance of clogging pores for some people.

Crocodile oil is a rich emollient that may help soothe dry or irritated skin, but research on its benefits is still limited.

A natural emollient oil from an African tree, but with limited research and a moderate chance of clogging pores for some skin types.

A gentle plant oil with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and it may be mildly comedogenic for some skin types.

Cucumber seed oil is a gentle, non-greasy moisturizer rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin E, ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

A lightweight, non-greasy plant oil that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores—great for oily or combination skin types.

A deeply nourishing plant butter that hydrates and softens skin without feeling greasy, ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

A deeply nourishing plant butter that hydrates and softens skin without feeling greasy.

A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient derived from cupuaçu butter that softens skin without clogging pores.

A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient derived from cupuaçu butter that softens and smooths skin without clogging pores.

A gentle, water-friendly emollient that brings the richness of cupuacu butter into lightweight, rinse-off and leave-on products.

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

A synthetic lipid that mimics natural skin fats to support the moisture barrier, with early research suggesting it may help reduce water loss and improve skin comfort.

A gentle synthetic emollient that improves product feel and spreadability without common irritation.

A lightweight synthetic emollient that gives a silky, non-greasy feel to skincare products with low irritation potential.

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

A lightweight synthetic emollient that helps products glide on smoothly without a greasy feel, but research on long-term skin benefits is still limited.

A gentle, plant-based oil that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores, with some antioxidant benefits.

A gentle, plant-based oil that hydrates and helps protect the skin barrier without feeling greasy.

A gentle, plant-based oil that helps soften and protect skin with a light feel and antioxidant support.

Decane is a safe, lightweight emollient that helps products glide on smoothly without clogging pores, but it offers no active skincare benefits.

Decene is a lightweight synthetic emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture, but it offers no active benefits beyond surface feel.

Decyl acetate is a lightweight, non-greasy emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, making it a good choice for oily or acne-prone skin types.

A gentle fatty alcohol that helps soften skin and stabilize formulas without the drying effects of short-chain alcohols.

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

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

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, with a touch of hemp-derived fatty acid benefits.

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

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that softens skin without clogging pores.

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

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that hydrates and softens skin while being gentle enough for sensitive and acne-prone types.

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

Decyl Myristate is a lightweight emollient that softens skin, but it may clog pores for those prone to breakouts.

Decyl Oleate is a silky, non-greasy emollient that helps moisturizers spread easily, but it may clog pores for acne-prone skin.

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

Decyl Palmitate is a lightweight, non-greasy emollient that softens skin and improves product texture, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

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

Decyl Succinate is a gentle, lightweight emollient that helps soften skin and improve product feel without clogging pores.

A synthetic emollient that helps products spread smoothly and resist wash-off, but lacks extensive safety data in cosmetics.