Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle, non-irritating exfoliating acid that helps smooth skin texture without the sting of stronger acids.

A gentle, plant-based exfoliant that may help brighten skin without the irritation of stronger acids.

A gentle, less-studied exfoliant that may help smooth skin texture with minimal irritation, but lacks the extensive research of AHAs or BHAs.

A gentle exfoliating acid that may help smooth skin texture with minimal irritation, but research is still limited.

A natural exfoliant from abalone shells that gently polishes skin but has limited research and may be too abrasive for sensitive skin.

A gentle, natural exfoliating powder that helps remove dead skin cells and absorb excess oil, but research on its specific skincare benefits is limited.

A natural, gentle physical exfoliant from açaí seeds, suitable for most skin types but with limited research on its specific benefits.

A gentle fermented ingredient that combines probiotic activity with grape-derived antioxidants to support smoother, brighter skin.

A gentle, natural fruit powder that provides mild exfoliation and antioxidant benefits, but research is limited.

A gentle, natural exfoliant from adzuki beans that helps smooth skin without harsh chemicals, but research on its benefits is still limited.

Agave leaf powder is a gentle, plant-based exfoliant and absorbent that can help mattify skin and lightly polish away dead cells without harshness.

A gentle, plant-derived exfoliant that helps brighten skin and even out tone without the irritation of stronger acids.

A gentle, nutrient-rich botanical powder that provides mild physical exfoliation and may offer antioxidant benefits, but its effects are not well-studied in skincare.

A natural, gentle exfoliating powder that also provides antioxidant properties, but research on its skincare benefits is still limited.

Alluvial mud is a gentle, mineral-rich sediment that can help absorb excess oil and lightly exfoliate skin, but its benefits are mostly anecdotal.

A gentle, natural exfoliant that buffs away dead skin cells without harsh microplastics, but may feel too gritty for sensitive skin.

Alpha hydroxy acids are effective exfoliants that smooth skin texture and boost radiance, but require careful use to avoid irritation.

A gentle, natural powdered exfoliant with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and it may not suit very sensitive skin.

Aminopeptidase is a gentle enzyme exfoliant that helps smooth skin by breaking down dead surface proteins, but it is less common and less studied than other exfoliating enzymes.

A milder form of glycolic acid that exfoliates and smooths skin with less sting, but still requires sun protection and gradual introduction.

Ammonium lactate is a milder, less acidic alternative to straight lactic acid that hydrates and gently exfoliates, making it suitable for dry or sensitive skin.

Amylase is a gentle enzyme exfoliant that dissolves dead skin cells by breaking down surface starches, making skin smoother without harsh scrubbing.

A gentle enzyme exfoliant that dissolves dead skin cells without scrubbing, ideal for sensitive skin.

A natural exfoliant from clam shells that gently polishes skin, but may be too scratchy for sensitive or compromised skin.

A gentle, natural seed powder that helps exfoliate and absorb excess oil without harshness, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

A gentle, natural exfoliant from apple cores that helps smooth skin without harsh microbeads.

Apple fiber is a gentle, natural exfoliant that helps slough off dead skin cells without the harshness of plastic microbeads, making it a popular eco-friendly choice for scrubs and masks.

Apple fruit extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that offers mild exfoliation and hydration, making it a good choice for most skin types.

A natural, physical exfoliant that sloughs off dead skin cells but can be too harsh for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

A gentle, natural exfoliant from crushed gemstone, but its benefits beyond physical scrubbing are not well-supported by research.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich natural exfoliant from coffee fruit that helps smooth skin without harsh microbeads.

A gentle, natural physical exfoliant with antioxidant benefits from coffee, but may be too gritty for sensitive skin if not finely ground.

A gentle, natural exfoliating powder from nut shells, best for physical scrubs but with limited research on its specific benefits.

A gentle, natural exfoliating powder from the seeds of the Brazilian pine tree, suitable for physical scrubs without harsh microbeads.

A gentle, natural exfoliant that sloughs off dead skin cells without harsh microplastics, but may feel gritty for sensitive skin.

A gentle fermented ingredient that helps soften and smooth skin without harsh scrubbing.

A gentle, natural exfoliating powder from Australian sandalwood fruit, best for those who prefer plant-based scrubs over synthetic beads.

A gentle hybrid of azelaic and salicylic acids that aims to brighten skin and smooth texture with less irritation than either parent ingredient alone.

A gentle, natural exfoliant from azuki beans that helps polish skin without harsh microbeads.

A gentle, natural exfoliating powder from babassu palm seeds that buffs away dead skin without harsh microbeads.

A gentle enzymatic exfoliant that dissolves dead skin cells without harsh scrubbing, but may irritate sensitive skin if overused.

A gentle fermented ingredient that helps soften and smooth skin without harsh scrubbing, ideal for those new to exfoliation.

A gentle, natural physical exfoliant from bamboo stems that helps smooth skin without harsh microbeads.

A gentle, natural powder that helps exfoliate and absorb excess oil without harsh microbeads.

Barley powder is a gentle, natural exfoliant that helps remove dead skin cells and absorb excess oil without harshness.

Barley Seed Flour is a natural, gentle exfoliant that helps remove dead skin cells and absorb excess oil without harshness.

Benzilic acid is a lesser-known AHA that may offer gentle exfoliation and brightening, but research is limited compared to glycolic or lactic acid.

A gentler cousin of salicylic acid that exfoliates and unclogs pores with less irritation, ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

A natural, gentle exfoliating powder rich in antioxidants that helps smooth skin without harsh microbeads.

A gentle, natural exfoliating powder that helps smooth skin without harsh microbeads, but may feel gritty in some formulations.

A gentle physical exfoliant with antioxidant benefits, but can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin due to its citrus origin.

A natural physical exfoliant that sloughs off dead skin cells, but may be too abrasive for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

A natural, gritty powder that physically exfoliates skin but can be irritating for sensitive or broken skin due to its spice content.

A natural physical exfoliant from walnut shells, effective for sloughing off dead skin but can be too harsh for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Blackberry seed provides gentle physical exfoliation and skin-softening fatty acids, but its small particle size may feel gritty for some.

A natural, gentle exfoliating powder that helps smooth skin without harsh microbeads, but may be too gritty for sensitive skin if particles are large.

A gentle pineapple-derived enzyme that exfoliates and calms skin, but may irritate sensitive skin if overused.

A mild, milk-based exfoliant that gently sloughs dead skin cells and supports a smoother, more even complexion.

A natural wood powder that gently exfoliates and absorbs excess oil, but may feel gritty and can be drying for sensitive skin.

Caffeine Salicylate blends the energizing effects of caffeine with the exfoliating power of salicylic acid, offering a dual-action ingredient for dull or congested skin.