Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle, natural physical exfoliant that helps smooth skin texture, but may be too abrasive for sensitive or compromised skin.

Sweet Almond Seed provides gentle physical exfoliation and a touch of nourishment, but its texture can vary and it may not suit very sensitive skin.

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

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

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

A gentle, natural powdered exfoliant from orange tree parts that adds mild texture and a light citrus scent to skincare products.

A gentle, non-irritating physical exfoliant that polishes skin without the sharp edges of natural crystals.

A natural citrus peel powder that provides gentle physical exfoliation and a dose of antioxidants, but may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

Tahitian vanilla seed offers gentle exfoliation and antioxidant protection, but its benefits are less studied than those of more common vanilla extracts.

A gentle, natural exfoliating powder from tangelo fruit that offers mild antioxidant benefits, best for those who prefer fruit-based skincare.

A gentle, natural exfoliant that also delivers antioxidants from citrus peels, but its effectiveness and stability depend heavily on how it's processed and formulated.

A gentle, natural physical exfoliant with antioxidant benefits, best suited for normal to combination skin types.

Tartaric acid is a gentle AHA exfoliant that helps smooth skin texture and brighten complexion, but it can cause irritation if overused.

A gentle enzyme exfoliant from a heat-loving microbe that helps soften and smooth skin without harsh scrubbing.

Thiolactic acid is a gentle exfoliant that may help smooth skin and reduce signs of aging, but research is still limited compared to better-studied AHAs.

Thiosalicylic acid is a stronger, sulfur-based cousin of salicylic acid that may help with acne and exfoliation, but it can be more irritating and is less studied in cosmetics.

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

Tioxolone is a synthetic exfoliant with antimicrobial properties, but research on its effectiveness and safety is limited compared to more common ingredients like salicylic acid.

Topaz is a natural mineral used for gentle physical exfoliation, but its benefits are limited to texture and mild polishing.

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

A gentle yeast ferment that helps smooth skin texture and strengthen the skin barrier without harsh irritation.

A gentle, strawberry-derived acid that may help exfoliate and brighten skin with low irritation potential, but research is still limited.

A gentle, oil-soluble salicylate ester that helps smooth skin texture without the irritation often linked to salicylic acid.

Trilactin is a gentle, hydrating exfoliant that helps smooth skin texture without the irritation often associated with stronger acids.

A gentler, silicone-bound form of glycolic acid that exfoliates without the typical sting, ideal for sensitive skin.

A gentle silicone-based exfoliant that combines mild lactic acid benefits with a smooth, non-sticky feel.

A gentler, silicone-bound version of salicylic acid that exfoliates without the typical sting or dryness.

Trypsin is an enzyme exfoliant that gently dissolves dead skin cells, but it can be irritating if left on too long or used too frequently.

Urea is a gentle, effective humectant and exfoliant that hydrates and smooths skin, but higher concentrations can cause stinging on sensitive or broken skin.

Urea peroxide offers mild exfoliation and whitening effects but can be irritating, especially at higher concentrations.

A mild dual-action ingredient that gently exfoliates and hydrates, suitable for most skin types.

Vanilla Seed Powder offers gentle physical exfoliation and antioxidant benefits, but its evidence is limited and it may not suit very sensitive skin.

Vetiver root powder is a gentle, natural exfoliant with soothing and aromatic benefits, best suited for rinse-off products.

Vinegar can gently exfoliate and balance skin pH, but it must be heavily diluted to avoid irritation.

A gentle, natural seed powder that helps polish away dead skin cells without harsh microbeads.

Volcanic ash can help absorb excess oil and gently exfoliate, but its gritty texture may be too harsh for sensitive skin.

Volcanic rock is a natural exfoliant that helps remove dead skin cells and absorb excess oil, but it can be too abrasive for sensitive skin if used too frequently.

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

Walnut shell powder is a natural physical exfoliant, but its irregular, sharp particles can cause micro-tears in the skin, making it a controversial choice for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

A natural, gentle exfoliating powder from tree bark that may also provide antioxidant benefits, but research on its specific skincare effects is limited.

Wheat bran is a gentle, natural exfoliant that also helps absorb excess oil, but it may not suit those with gluten sensitivity or very dry skin.

A gentle, natural exfoliating powder that also provides skin-nourishing vitamins and minerals, but may not suit those with gluten sensitivity.

A gentle, natural exfoliant that helps smooth skin and calm minor blemishes without harshness.

A gentle, natural alternative to salicylic acid that exfoliates and calms skin without harshness.

A gentle natural exfoliant with antioxidant benefits, but research on its skincare effects is still limited.

A gentle, fermented alternative to salicylic acid that exfoliates while calming the skin.

Yogurt offers gentle exfoliation and hydration thanks to its natural lactic acid and probiotic content, but its benefits in skincare are modest and best for normal to dry skin types.

A gentle, lactic acid-rich ferment that exfoliates and hydrates without the harshness of stronger acids.

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

A gentle fermented yuzu peel extract that offers mild exfoliation and antioxidant benefits, ideal for sensitive skin.

Yuzu peel powder offers gentle physical exfoliation and antioxidant benefits, but its fine particle size and citrus origin may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

Zeolite is a gentle mineral that helps absorb excess oil and lightly exfoliate without harshness, making it a good option for oily or combination skin.

A milder, less irritating form of salicylic acid that still exfoliates and helps calm redness.