Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle powdered exfoliant from citrus peels that can brighten skin but may cause irritation for sensitive types.

A gentle, natural exfoliant that also helps absorb excess oil, but may be too gritty for sensitive skin if not finely milled.

A gentle, natural physical exfoliant that helps smooth skin without harsh chemicals, but may feel too gritty for sensitive skin.

A gentle, natural exfoliant packed with fatty acids and antioxidants, ideal for dry or sensitive skin types.

A natural, biodegradable physical exfoliant from hemp stems that gently buffs away dead skin cells without harsh microplastics.

A gentle exfoliating ester that helps smooth skin and improve texture with low irritation potential.

A gentle synthetic exfoliant that may help smooth skin texture without the irritation of traditional acids.

A gentle fermented hibiscus ingredient that may offer mild exfoliation and antioxidant benefits, but research is still limited.

A gentle, natural exfoliant that also provides antioxidant benefits, but may not suit very sensitive skin due to its physical texture.

A natural, gentle exfoliating powder from the hibiscus plant stem, ideal for physical scrubs without harsh microbeads.

Hippuric acid is a gentle, naturally derived exfoliant with antioxidant potential, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited compared to more established acids.

A gentle fruit-derived exfoliant that dissolves dead skin cells without harsh scrubbing, ideal for sensitive skin.

A gentle, fruit-derived exfoliant that helps smooth skin texture without harsh scrubbing, thanks to natural enzymes and antioxidants.

A gentle, enzyme-rich exfoliant from pumpkin seed byproduct that helps smooth skin without harsh scrubbing.

A natural, enzyme-based exfoliant that gently dissolves dead skin cells while providing hydration and antioxidant support.

A gentle fermented rice ingredient that helps soften and brighten skin without harsh exfoliation.

A mild AHA that exfoliates and hydrates without the sting of stronger acids, ideal for sensitive skin.

A mild AHA that exfoliates without the sting, ideal for sensitive skin looking for gentle surface renewal.

A mild exfoliating acid that helps smooth skin and even tone with a lower irritation risk than stronger AHAs.

A gentle, plant-based exfoliant that smooths skin and fades dark spots with minimal irritation, ideal for sensitive skin.

A gentle exfoliating acid that helps smooth skin texture and even tone without the irritation often associated with stronger acids.

Indole acetic acid is a plant growth hormone that may help gently exfoliate and renew skin, but human research is still limited.

A gentle, oil-soluble exfoliant that helps smooth skin texture and enhance fragrance, but is less studied than salicylic acid.

A gentle, biodegradable natural exfoliant that polishes skin without microplastics, but may feel too coarse for very sensitive skin.

A gentle, natural exfoliant with a pleasant floral scent, best suited for rinse-off products and sensitive skin types.

A gentle, natural exfoliating powder that can help smooth skin without harsh abrasives, though research on its benefits is still limited.

Jojoba seed powder is a gentle, natural exfoliant that helps remove dead skin cells without over-stripping, making it suitable for most skin types.

Kallikrein is a skin enzyme that gently exfoliates by breaking down dead skin cells, but its use in cosmetics is still emerging and may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

Keratinase is a gentle enzyme exfoliant that targets dead skin cells and rough skin without harsh scrubbing.

A gentle alpha-keto acid that exfoliates and supports skin renewal with low irritation potential.

A gentle, plant-based powder that can help polish skin without harsh microbeads, but research on its benefits is still limited.

A gentle, natural exfoliant from konjac root that helps smooth skin without harsh scrubbing.

A gentle, natural exfoliating powder from Korean fir leaves that also offers antioxidant benefits, but may cause irritation if particles are too large or used too frequently.

Lactic acid is a gentle AHA that exfoliates dead skin cells while also attracting moisture, making it a great choice for dry or sensitive skin types looking for smoother texture.

Lactide is a gentle, biodegradable exfoliant that helps smooth skin texture and boost hydration without harsh irritation.

A gentle, naturally derived exfoliant and skin conditioner from fermented milk, suitable for most skin types.

A gentle, probiotic-based exfoliant that helps smooth skin and support a healthy microbiome without harsh acids.

A gentle, probiotic-derived exfoliant that helps smooth skin and support a healthy microbiome without harsh irritation.

A gentle, fermented exfoliant that brightens skin without harsh scrubbing or strong acids.

A gentle probiotic ferment that helps exfoliate dead skin cells and support a balanced skin barrier without harsh acids.

A gentle fermented exfoliant that helps smooth skin texture and brighten without harsh acids.

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

A gentle probiotic ferment that exfoliates and soothes skin without the harshness of traditional acids.

A gentle, fermented watermelon extract that provides mild exfoliation and hydration, ideal for sensitive skin.

A gentle fermented pumpkin extract that lightly exfoliates and hydrates, ideal for sensitive skin looking for mild renewal.

A gentle fermented ingredient that offers mild exfoliation and skin conditioning, ideal for sensitive skin looking for a softer alternative to stronger acids.

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

A gentle, probiotic-derived exfoliant that helps smooth skin texture and support a healthy skin barrier without harsh acids.

A gentle, natural exfoliant from brown seaweed that also delivers minerals and hydration to the skin.

Lava powder is a natural mineral powder that helps absorb excess oil and gently exfoliate skin, but it can be abrasive for sensitive skin.

Lavender flower powder adds gentle physical exfoliation and a calming scent, but its coarse particles and potential for irritation mean it's best suited for rinse-off products and not for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Lemon fruit powder offers gentle exfoliation and antioxidant benefits, but its acidity and phototoxicity risk require careful formulation and usage.

Lemon Peel Powder offers gentle physical exfoliation and antioxidant benefits, but its citrus oils can increase sun sensitivity and irritation risk.

A gentle natural exfoliant with a fresh citrus scent, but may cause irritation for sensitive skin due to its essential oil content.

A gentle fermented ingredient that exfoliates and provides antioxidant benefits without the harshness of traditional acids.

A mild, plant-derived exfoliant that gently smooths skin without the sting of stronger acids.

Ligninase is a gentle enzyme exfoliant that helps brighten skin by breaking down dead surface cells, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Lignum powder is a natural wood-based exfoliant that gently sloughs dead skin, but its particle size and source can affect how abrasive it feels.

Lime peel powder offers gentle physical exfoliation and a bright scent, but its citrus oils can cause irritation or photosensitivity in some people.

A gentle, natural exfoliating powder from wood apple bark, best for those who prefer plant-based physical exfoliants.