Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A modified collagen that helps hair and skin feel smoother and more hydrated, but its large molecule size limits deep penetration.

A silicone polymer that helps products spread smoothly and stay put, but offers no active skincare benefits.

A synthetic silicone polymer that improves product feel and spreadability without heavy residue.

A gentle, water-soluble derivative of birch bark betulin that helps condition skin and form a light protective film, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

A synthetic film-forming monomer mainly used in nail products; can be a skin sensitizer for some individuals.

Methyl methacrylate is a synthetic monomer used in nail products, but it can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, especially in uncured form.

A synthetic resin that helps nail polish stick and last longer, but it's not a moisturizing or skin-friendly ingredient.

Nitrocellulose is a common film former in nail polish that provides a durable, glossy finish, but it is highly flammable in its raw form and can be drying to nails over time.

A synthetic powder that helps makeup and skincare glide on smoothly and stay put, with a low risk of irritation.

Oleoyl Epoxy Resin is a synthetic film former that helps nail polish and long-wear makeup last longer, but it has limited public research on skin safety.

A gentle silicone polymer that creates a smooth, velvety feel on skin without clogging pores or causing irritation.

A synthetic film-former used in nail products; may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals and is not typically found in leave-on facial skincare.

A synthetic polymer that helps products spread smoothly and feel lightweight, but with limited independent safety data.

A synthetic polymer that helps products spread smoothly and leaves a light, non-greasy feel on skin.

A synthetic film-former that helps nail polish and mascara last longer, but may cause irritation for sensitive skin or eyes.

A synthetic film-former used in nail products; effective for durability but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

A high-tech synthetic polymer that helps active ingredients penetrate better and gives a silky, smooth feel without irritation.

A synthetic film former used in nail products; may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals and is not typically found in leave-on facial skincare.

A synthetic polymer that helps products spread smoothly and feel silky, but offers no active skincare benefits.

A safe, gentle synthetic polymer that helps products feel smooth and spread evenly without clogging pores.

A synthetic polymer that helps products spread smoothly and feel lightweight, but offers no direct skin benefit.

A gentle synthetic polymer that helps products spread smoothly and feel lightweight on skin.

A safe, synthetic ingredient that helps products feel smooth and spread evenly without clogging pores.

A gentle synthetic polymer that helps products feel silky and spread smoothly without clogging pores.

PEI-2500 is a synthetic polymer that helps products spread smoothly and resist water, but it's not a star ingredient for skin health.

A synthetic film-forming polymer that helps skincare products spread smoothly and feel lightweight, with low irritation risk.

A synthetic film former that helps makeup and sunscreen resist water and last longer, but raises environmental concerns due to its perfluoroalkyl structure.

A high-performance synthetic ingredient that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.

A high-tech film former that helps products resist water and feel silky, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.

A high-tech silicone-fluorocarbon hybrid that helps products glide on smoothly and resist water, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.

A synthetic film-former that helps products resist water, sweat, and oil, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.

A high-performance film former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.

A synthetic fluorinated ingredient that forms a protective film on skin, but its safety data is limited and environmental persistence is a concern.

A gentle, water-soluble wheat protein that helps hair and skin retain moisture and feel smoother.

Phenethyl methacrylate is a synthetic film-forming ingredient used mainly in nail products; it can be a skin sensitizer for some people.

A synthetic film former that helps products stay put without feeling heavy or sticky.

A common plastic polymer that helps products form a durable, glossy film, but raises environmental concerns due to its non-biodegradable nature.

A silicone film former that gives makeup a smooth, long-lasting finish without feeling heavy or greasy.

A synthetic resin used in nail products to create a durable, glossy film, but with limited safety data and potential for formaldehyde release under certain conditions.

Polyoxymethylene urea is a synthetic resin that creates a hard, glossy film on nails, but it may release trace formaldehyde and is not commonly found in everyday skincare.

A synthetic fluorinated polymer that helps products spread smoothly and resist water, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.

A high-performance silicone resin that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put without feeling heavy.

Polypropylene is a safe, synthetic plastic used in cosmetics to improve texture and film formation, but it has no active skincare benefits.

A gentle, synthetic conditioning polymer that smooths hair and reduces frizz without heavy buildup.

A gentle conditioning polymer that helps hair feel smooth and reduces static without heavy buildup.

A gentle synthetic polymer that smooths hair and reduces flyaways without heavy buildup.

Polyquaternium-62 is a gentle synthetic polymer that smooths hair and reduces flyaways without heavy buildup.

A gentle synthetic polymer that smooths hair and skin without heavy buildup, but may not suit very fine or low-porosity hair.

A gentle synthetic polymer that smooths hair and skin by forming a light, non-sticky film, with low irritation potential.

A gentle synthetic polymer that coats hair to reduce frizz and static, but may not suit very fine or low-porosity hair if overused.

Polyquaternium-84 is a gentle, synthetic conditioning polymer that smooths hair and reduces static without heavy buildup.

A gentle conditioning polymer that smooths hair and reduces static without heavy buildup.

Polyquaternium-88 is a gentle synthetic polymer that smooths hair and skin by forming a thin, flexible film, but it may cause buildup with frequent use.

Polysilicone-11 is a gentle silicone that helps products glide on smoothly and stay put without clogging pores.

Polysilicone-12 is a gentle silicone that gives skin a silky, smooth finish and helps makeup last longer without clogging pores.

Polysilicone-29 is a gentle silicone that creates a smooth, non-greasy film on skin or hair, but it may not suit those who prefer silicone-free routines.

Polysilicone-34 is a gentle silicone that helps products glide on smoothly and stay put, but it may not suit those who prefer silicone-free routines.

Polyvinyl Chloride is a synthetic plastic that is not a typical skincare ingredient; it is rarely used in modern cosmetics and is best avoided due to potential impurities and environmental concerns.

A gentle, seaweed-based film former that helps skin feel smooth and hydrated without clogging pores.

A synthetic film former used in nail products; effective for durability but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.