Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle, plant-derived film-former that helps products feel smooth and stay put without clogging pores.

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put longer, especially in water or sweat.

A film-forming ingredient that helps smooth skin and improve product feel, but its aluminum content raises questions for some users.

A safe, synthetic film-former that improves water resistance and wear time without clogging pores.

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

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

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

A gentle film-forming ingredient that helps products stay put without feeling heavy or sticky.

A silicone-derived film former that helps products spread smoothly and leaves a soft, matte finish without clogging pores.

A synthetic silicone compound that helps makeup and skincare last longer by forming a flexible, water-resistant film on skin or hair.

A silicone-like film former that can help soothe and protect the skin, but research is still limited.

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

A milk protein that forms a light film on skin or hair, offering temporary smoothing and conditioning, but may not suit those with dairy allergies.

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

A gentle, salt-modified collagen that coats hair and skin to reduce frizz and add temporary softness, but its effects are not permanent.

A synthetic polymer that gives hair flexible hold without flaking, commonly found in styling sprays and gels.

A gentle silicone polymer that coats hair to reduce frizz and add shine without heavy buildup.

A semi-synthetic collagen derivative that forms a light film on skin to help retain moisture, but research on its benefits is still limited.

A gentle, plant-derived film-former that helps products feel smooth and can provide a light, non-sticky barrier on skin.

Amylose is a gentle, natural starch derivative that helps create a smooth, lightweight film on the skin, improving texture and moisture retention without clogging pores.

Apple pectin extract is a gentle, plant-derived humectant that helps hydrate and soothe skin while forming a light protective film.

A gentle, plant-based humectant that hydrates and soothes, ideal for sensitive or dry skin.

A gentle silicone polymer that creates a smooth, velvety feel on skin and helps products spread evenly without clogging pores.

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

A gentle film-forming polymer that improves product texture and wear without common irritation concerns.

A silicone polymer that creates a flexible, water-resistant film on skin for smoother texture and longer wear.

A synthetic polymer that helps products stay put, but its formaldehyde content raises safety concerns for some users.

A gentle, multi-tasking ingredient that hydrates, soothes, and helps strengthen the skin barrier and hair fibers.

A gentle film-forming ingredient that helps products spread smoothly and stay put, with low irritation risk.

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

A synthetic film-forming polymer that helps lock in moisture and improve skin feel, but research is limited compared to more common humectants.

A high-tech synthetic polymer that delivers extended hydration and a protective film, but is best suited for those who enjoy advanced, silicone-like textures.

A synthetic film-forming polymer that gives hair flexible hold and humidity resistance without heavy buildup.

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

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

A gentle silicone copolymer that helps products spread smoothly and leaves a soft, non-greasy film on skin or hair.

A gentle silicone that helps products glide on smoothly and lock in moisture without clogging pores.

A gentle film-forming polymer that helps skincare and makeup stay put without feeling heavy.

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

A gentle synthetic polymer that forms a flexible, breathable film to improve product wear, water resistance, and skin feel without clogging pores.

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

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup last longer and resist water, but may feel stiff or heavy on sensitive skin.

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

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup and nail products stay put without feeling heavy or sticky.

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put longer, but it may feel tight or heavy on very dry skin.

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup and skincare stay put longer, but may feel tight or heavy on sensitive skin.

A synthetic polymer that helps makeup last longer and resist water, but may feel stiff or tight on some skin types.

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup and skincare stay put, resist water, and feel flexible on skin.

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

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup last longer and resist water, but may feel heavy on very sensitive skin.

A synthetic polymer that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put longer, but may feel heavy on some skin types.

A synthetic silicone polymer that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put longer, especially in water or sweat.

A silicone polymer that helps products stay put, resist water, and feel smooth, with a good safety profile for most skin types.

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

A synthetic polymer that helps makeup and skincare products last longer and feel smoother on the skin.

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 resist water, but offers no active skincare benefit.

A silicone ingredient that helps repair damaged hair and lock in color, but may build up with heavy use.

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup last longer and resist water, but may feel tight or dry on sensitive skin.

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