Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle, plant-derived exfoliant that helps smooth skin without the sting of stronger acids.

Ethyl Salicylate is a milder cousin of salicylic acid, offering gentle exfoliation with a lower irritation risk, but it is less studied and often used more for fragrance than efficacy.

A natural exfoliant with a strong herbal scent, but may irritate sensitive skin due to its essential oil content.

A gentle fermented bean extract that may help soften and brighten skin without harsh chemicals.

A gentle, fermented ingredient that may help hydrate and lightly exfoliate the skin, but research is mostly based on the broader benefits of ferments rather than this specific blend.

A gentle, multi-tasking ferment that combines enzymatic exfoliation with charcoal's clarifying power, but its complex blend makes it hard to predict individual skin reactions.

A gentle fermented blend that supports skin texture and glow through natural acids and antioxidants.

A gentle, fermented blend that helps soften and smooth skin while providing light hydration and antioxidant benefits.

A gentle fermented fruit complex that offers mild exfoliation and antioxidant benefits, ideal for dull or uneven skin.

A gentle probiotic ferment that may help smooth texture and support a healthy skin barrier, but research is still emerging.

A gentle fermented ingredient that hydrates and lightly exfoliates, suitable for most skin types.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fermented fruit extract that may help brighten and smooth skin without harsh irritation.

A gentle fermented seed complex that helps soften and smooth skin without harsh scrubbing, but research is still emerging.

A gentle, probiotic-fermented enzyme complex that helps soften and brighten skin without harsh scrubbing.

A gentle fermented ingredient that lightly exfoliates and hydrates, ideal for dull or uneven skin.

A gentle fermented blend that supports skin radiance and barrier health without harsh irritation.

A gentle fermented ingredient that helps soften and smooth skin without harsh scrubbing, ideal for those who want mild exfoliation.

A gentle, fermented ingredient that may help hydrate, lightly exfoliate, and support a healthy-looking skin barrier.

A gentle, fermented exfoliant that helps smooth skin without harsh scrubbing, ideal for sensitive types.

A gentle fermented ingredient that lightly exfoliates and nourishes skin, suitable for most skin types including sensitive skin.

A gentle fermented extract that helps exfoliate and brighten skin without harsh chemicals.

A gentle fermented ingredient that combines antioxidant benefits from green tea with mild exfoliation from fermentation byproducts.

A gentle fermented ingredient that may help smooth skin texture and support hydration, but research is still emerging.

A gentle, fermented blend that combines willow bark's natural exfoliating power with probiotic and antioxidant benefits for smoother, calmer skin.

A gentle fermented fruit extract that offers mild exfoliation and antioxidant protection, suitable for most skin types.

Ficin is a plant-derived enzyme that gently exfoliates skin by dissolving dead cells, but it can be irritating if left on too long or used too frequently.

A gentle, fermented ingredient that helps smooth skin texture and support a healthy-looking complexion without harsh scrubbing.

A gentle, natural exfoliating powder with antioxidant benefits, but research on its cosmetic efficacy is still limited.

Fig Seed offers gentle physical exfoliation from a natural source, but research on its specific benefits is limited compared to more studied exfoliants.

Flaxseed flour offers gentle physical exfoliation and oil absorption, making it a good natural option for sensitive or oily skin types.

Fumaric acid is a gentle alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates and brightens skin, but it can cause irritation at higher concentrations.

Furoic acid is a gentle exfoliating acid with antioxidant potential, but research on its efficacy and safety in cosmetics is still limited.

A mild, sugar-derived exfoliant that smooths skin and boosts hydration with minimal irritation.

A gentle enzyme exfoliant that works by breaking down surface sugars, offering mild brightening without harsh scrubbing.

A milder cousin to salicylic acid that delivers exfoliation with less sting, making it ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

A gentle, hydrating exfoliant that smooths skin without the sting of stronger acids.

A gentle, fruit-derived exfoliant that helps smooth skin texture without the sting of stronger acids.

Gamma-Valerolactone is a gentle, naturally derived exfoliant that may help smooth skin texture with less irritation than stronger acids.

Glass beads provide gentle physical exfoliation but raise environmental concerns due to their non-biodegradable nature.

Glucaric acid is a gentle, multi-tasking PHA that exfoliates, hydrates, and supports skin barrier health with minimal irritation.

A gentle PHA exfoliant that smooths skin and boosts hydration with minimal irritation.

A gentle, hydrating exfoliant that smooths skin without the sting of stronger acids.

Gluconic acid is a mild exfoliating PHA that gently smooths skin texture and boosts hydration without the sting of stronger acids.

A gentle, fermented exfoliant that helps smooth skin and improve hydration without harshness.

A gentle exfoliating acid that smooths skin and boosts hydration without the sting of stronger AHAs.

Glucosamine is a gentle, non-acid exfoliant that helps smooth skin texture and support a more even tone, with low irritation potential.

A gentle exfoliating ingredient that combines salicylic acid with glucosamine for milder action, ideal for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

A gentle, hydrating acid that lightly exfoliates and supports the skin's natural moisture barrier.

A gentle, hydrating exfoliant that smooths skin texture without the sting of stronger acids.

A gentle humectant with mild exfoliating properties, suitable for most skin types including sensitive skin.

A milder cousin of salicylic acid that exfoliates and smooths skin with less irritation.

Glycolic acid is a well-researched exfoliant that smooths skin and boosts collagen, but it can cause irritation if overused or used at too high a concentration.

Glyoxylic acid is a chemical exfoliant that helps smooth skin and reduce fine lines, but it is stronger than AHAs and requires careful use to avoid irritation.

A gentle, natural exfoliating powder rich in antioxidants, ideal for sensitive skin types looking for mild physical exfoliation.

Grape Seed Powder is a gentle, natural exfoliant that sloughs off dead skin cells without harsh microbeads, and its antioxidant content may offer additional skin-soothing benefits.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich natural exfoliant that helps polish skin without harsh microbeads.

Grapefruit peel powder offers gentle physical exfoliation and antioxidant benefits, but its gritty texture and potential for irritation mean it's best suited for rinse-off products and not for sensitive or compromised skin.

A natural, antioxidant-rich exfoliant that gently buffs away dead skin without harsh microbeads.

A gentle, natural exfoliating powder from green tea seeds that also provides antioxidant protection, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

A gentle natural exfoliant with antioxidant benefits, but its caffeine content may be overhyped in topical skincare.