Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A natural, gritty powder that physically exfoliates skin, but its coarse texture may be too harsh for sensitive or compromised skin.

A gentle, natural wood powder that helps slough off dead skin and absorb excess oil, but lacks strong clinical research.

Lipase is a gentle enzyme exfoliant that breaks down sebum and dead skin cells, making it ideal for oily or congested skin without harsh scrubbing.

A gentle, mineral-rich exfoliant from red algae that polishes skin without harsh microbeads.

A gentle plant-based exfoliant that helps smooth skin without harsh scrubbing, but research on its benefits is still limited.

A gentle, natural exfoliating powder from loquat seeds, best for physical scrubs and masks, but research on its skincare benefits is still limited.

A gentle, natural exfoliating powder with antioxidant properties, best suited for rinse-off products like masks and scrubs.

A gentle, natural exfoliant from blueberry seeds that also provides antioxidant benefits, best suited for rinse-off products.

Luffa cylindrica is a natural exfoliant that gently buffs away dead skin cells, but it can be too abrasive for sensitive skin if used too aggressively.

A gentle, natural physical exfoliant from the luffa gourd, but can be too abrasive for sensitive or compromised skin.

Lychee seed powder offers gentle physical exfoliation and oil absorption, but research on its specific skincare benefits is limited compared to more studied exfoliants.

A gentle, less-irritating form of azelaic acid that helps brighten skin and smooth texture without the typical stinging.

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

A milder cousin of salicylic acid that exfoliates and calms skin, making it a good option for sensitive or reactive skin types.

Maleic acid is a potent but harsh exfoliant rarely used in consumer skincare due to high irritation potential; safer AHAs like glycolic or lactic acid are preferred.

Malic acid is a gentle AHA exfoliant that helps smooth skin texture and brighten complexion, but it can cause irritation if used too frequently or at high concentrations.

Malonic acid is a mild exfoliant and pH adjuster, but research on its skincare benefits is still emerging.

A mild, hydrating exfoliant ideal for sensitive skin, offering gentle surface renewal without the sting of stronger acids.

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

Mandarin Peel Powder offers gentle physical exfoliation with antioxidant benefits, but its gritty texture and potential for irritation mean it's best suited for occasional use in rinse-off products.

A gentle AHA that exfoliates and brightens skin with less irritation than glycolic acid, making it ideal for sensitive or darker skin tones.

A fun, fragrant exfoliant blend for body scrubs, but its high salt content can be drying and irritating for sensitive skin.

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

A mild, plant-based exfoliant derived from meadowfoam seed oil that gently resurfaces skin without the sting of stronger acids.

Mevalonolactone is a mild PHA exfoliant that gently smooths skin without the irritation of stronger acids, making it a good choice for sensitive skin.

A natural mineral blend that gently exfoliates and absorbs excess oil, but may be too abrasive for sensitive skin.

A gentle, natural exfoliating powder packed with antioxidants that can help polish skin without harsh microbeads.

A gentle, natural exfoliant from morning glory seeds, but research on its safety and efficacy is limited.

Mudstone powder is a natural, gentle physical exfoliant that helps remove dead skin and absorb excess oil without harsh chemicals.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich ferment that lightly exfoliates and nourishes, but its complex sourcing makes it hard to standardize.

A gentle, fermented blend that helps exfoliate and nourish skin without harsh chemicals.

A gentle fermented fruit blend that lightly exfoliates and provides antioxidant benefits, ideal for most skin types.

A gentle, multi-strain milk ferment that exfoliates and hydrates without harshness, ideal for sensitive skin looking for a mild glow.

A natural, gentle exfoliating powder from wood, best for those seeking plant-based physical exfoliation with minimal irritation risk.

A gentle, natural physical exfoliant that sloughs off dead skin cells without harsh microbeads.

A milder cousin of salicylic acid that helps smooth skin without the sting, ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

A gentle exfoliating and brightening ingredient that pairs niacinamide with glycolic acid for smoother, more even-toned skin with less sting.

A gentle dual-action ingredient that combines niacinamide's barrier support with lactic acid's mild exfoliation for smoother, brighter skin.

A gentle, dual-action ingredient that exfoliates and supports the skin barrier without the irritation of standalone acids.

A gentle exfoliating and brightening hybrid that pairs the pore-clearing power of salicylic acid with the soothing, barrier-supporting benefits of niacinamide.

A gentle, natural exfoliant that helps polish skin without harsh microbeads, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

A gentle, natural exfoliant from cactus seeds that helps smooth skin without harsh microbeads.

A gentle physical exfoliant from noni seeds, but research on its skincare benefits is still limited.

Nutmeg Fruit Powder offers gentle physical exfoliation and antioxidant benefits, but its coarse texture and potential for irritation mean it's best used with care in rinse-off products.

Nutmeg powder offers gentle physical exfoliation and a warm, spicy scent, but can irritate sensitive skin if used too frequently or in high amounts.

A natural, gritty powder that buffs away dead skin cells, but may be too harsh for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

A gentle, natural exfoliant from oat hulls that polishes skin without harsh microbeads, ideal for sensitive skin types.

Oat kernel flour is a gentle, soothing ingredient ideal for sensitive or irritated skin, offering mild exfoliation and moisture retention.

A gentle, natural exfoliant and skin soother that's especially kind to sensitive and dry skin types.

A gentle, natural physical exfoliant that polishes skin without harsh microplastics, but may feel too gritty for sensitive skin.

A gentle, natural physical exfoliant that polishes skin without harsh microplastics, but may feel too gritty for sensitive skin.

A gentle, natural exfoliant with antioxidant properties, best for those who prefer fruit-based skincare over synthetic beads or harsh acids.

A natural, gentle exfoliant with antioxidant benefits, but may cause irritation for sensitive skin due to citrus oils and coarse texture.

Oxosuccinic acid is a gentle alpha-keto acid exfoliant that may help brighten skin and support antioxidant defenses, but research is still emerging.

A gentle, natural exfoliant rich in calcium and trace minerals, best for those seeking a mild physical scrub without harsh microbeads.

Oyster shell powder is a natural, mineral-rich exfoliant, but its sharp particles can be harsh on sensitive skin.

Pancreatin is a gentle enzyme exfoliant that helps soften and smooth skin by breaking down dead skin cells, but it's less common and less studied than other exfoliating enzymes.

Papain is a gentle enzyme exfoliant from papaya that helps soften and smooth skin by dissolving dead cells, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin if overused.

A dual-action ingredient that gently exfoliates dead skin cells while helping to calm and hydrate the skin.

A gentle enzyme exfoliant that helps smooth skin without harsh scrubbing, but may not be suitable for very sensitive or compromised skin.