Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

2-Hydroxyethyl acrylate is a synthetic raw material used to create polymers that improve product texture and stability, but it is rarely found as a standalone ingredient in consumer products.

4-Hydroxybutyl acrylate is a synthetic monomer used in polymer ingredients for nail and adhesive cosmetics, but it is rarely present as a standalone ingredient in leave-on skincare.

A natural gum that helps create a light, temporary film on skin, often used to improve texture or hold ingredients together.

A gentle, plant-derived gum that helps smooth and soothe skin while creating a light, non-sticky protective film.

A gentle, plant-based gum that helps form a light, soothing film on skin, but its benefits are mostly texture-related rather than deeply active.

A synthetic film former that helps products stay put, but it's mostly used in specialty items like nail polish rather than everyday skincare.

A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put and resist water, but offers no active skincare benefit.

A synthetic polymer that helps products last longer and feel smooth, but its formaldehyde component raises some safety questions.

A synthetic film-former that helps products like nail polish and mascara last longer and resist water.

A synthetic film former that helps makeup stay put, but offers no skincare benefit and may feel tight on dry skin.

A synthetic film former that helps products stay put, but its phthalate-related name may cause confusion — it is not a phthalate of concern.

A safe, synthetic film-former that helps makeup last longer and feel smoother without clogging pores.

A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put and resist water, but offers no active skincare benefit.

A silicone-based film former that improves water resistance and wear time, generally safe but may feel heavy on some skin types.

A safe, synthetic film-former that helps products spread smoothly and stay put without clogging pores.

A safe synthetic polymer that helps products stay put and feel smooth, but offers no active skincare benefit.

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put longer, but offers no active skincare benefit.

A safe, synthetic film-former that helps products spread evenly, feel lightweight, and resist water or sweat.

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put without common irritation.

A synthetic polymer that helps products stay put and resist water, but offers no direct skin benefit.

A safe, synthetic film-former that helps products spread evenly and stay put without clogging pores.

A reliable film-former that helps products stay put and resist water, but it's purely synthetic and may feel tight on some skin types.

A safe, synthetic film-former that helps products spread smoothly and stay put without clogging pores.

A synthetic film-former that boosts water resistance and wear time in makeup and sunscreen without common irritation.

A safe, synthetic film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put without clogging pores.

A safe, synthetic film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put without clogging pores.

A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put, resist water, and feel smooth, but offers no active skincare benefit.

A reliable film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put, but offers no active skincare benefit.

A safe synthetic film-former that helps products stay put and resist water, but offers no active skin benefit.

A synthetic polymer that helps products stay put, resist water, and feel smooth, but offers no active skin benefit.

A safe, synthetic film-former that helps products spread smoothly, resist water, and last longer without common irritation.

A safe, synthetic film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put without clogging pores.

A synthetic polymer that helps create a smooth, even film on skin, commonly used to improve texture and water resistance.

A safe, synthetic film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen last longer without feeling heavy.

A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put and resist water, but may feel tight or heavy on some skin types.

A safe film-forming polymer that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put without clogging pores.

A safe, synthetic film-former that helps products stay put and resist water without feeling heavy.

A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put and resist water, but may feel slightly tight or heavy on some skin types.

A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put and resist water, but offers no active skincare benefit.

A synthetic polymer that helps products stay put and resist water, but offers no skincare benefit.

A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put and resist water, but offers no active skincare benefit.

A synthetic polymer that helps products stay put and resist water, but offers no active skincare benefit.

A synthetic polymer that helps products stay put and feel smooth, but offers no direct skin benefit.

A gentle synthetic polymer that improves product texture and helps ingredients stay on skin without clogging pores.

A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put and resist water, but offers no active skincare benefit.

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen last longer, but offers no active skincare benefit.

A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put on skin and resist water, but it's not a moisturizer or active ingredient.

A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put and resist water, but offers no active skincare benefit.

A synthetic film-former that helps products adhere to skin or nails, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put and resist water, but offers no direct skin benefit.

A silicone-based film former that helps makeup last longer and resist water, but may feel slightly tight on dry skin.

A synthetic polymer that helps products stay put longer, especially in water-resistant sunscreens and long-wear makeup.

A synthetic polymer that helps products stay put and resist water, but offers no active skincare benefit.

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put longer without feeling heavy.

A safe, synthetic film-former that helps products stay put and resist water without clogging pores.

A synthetic polymer that helps makeup and skincare stay put longer without clogging pores.

A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put and resist water, but offers no active skincare benefit.

A safe, synthetic film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen last longer without clogging pores.

A safe, synthetic film-former that helps products resist water and last longer without clogging pores.

A silicone polymer that improves product feel and wear without clogging pores or causing irritation.