Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

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

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

A gentle film-forming polymer that helps lock in moisture and gives a smooth, non-greasy feel to skincare products.

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

Chitin is a gentle, natural film-former that helps skin retain moisture and feel smooth, but it is not a standout hydrator on its own.

A gentle, film-forming humectant derived from shellfish that helps lock in moisture and smooth the skin's surface.

Chitosan is a gentle, natural film-former that helps lock in moisture and can provide a light, protective barrier on skin or hair.

A gentle, film-forming ingredient that helps lock in moisture and may improve skin feel without clogging pores.

Chitosan Benzamide is a semi-synthetic ingredient that forms a breathable film on skin, potentially improving hydration and helping manage acne, but research is still early.

A gentle film-forming ingredient derived from chitosan that helps lock in moisture and improve product feel on skin.

A gentle exfoliant that pairs salicylic acid with a soothing, film-forming biopolymer, making it a good option for acne-prone or sensitive skin.

A gentle, water-soluble chitosan derivative that forms a breathable film on skin to lock in moisture and improve texture.

A gentle film-former that helps lock in moisture and improve product feel without clogging pores.

A gentle film-forming ingredient that helps lock in moisture and smooth the skin’s surface without clogging pores.

A gentle film-forming polymer that helps skincare products feel silky and stay put without clogging pores.

Colophonium is a natural pine resin that helps products stick or form a film, but it is a well-known skin allergen and may cause irritation for sensitive individuals.

A natural protein from mollusk shells that forms a lightweight film on skin, offering a temporary smoothing and tightening effect.

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 feel smooth and last longer, but with limited published safety data.

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

Dextran is a gentle, sugar-derived polymer that helps products feel smooth and hydrated without clogging pores.

Dextran sulfate is a gentle film-forming ingredient that helps soothe and protect the skin, but its benefits are mostly surface-level.

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

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup last longer and resist smudging, but may be drying for some users.

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

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

A synthetic film-former that boosts water resistance and wear time in makeup and sunscreens, with a low risk of irritation.

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put longer, but it's not a hydrating or active ingredient.

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

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

A synthetic polymer that helps makeup last longer and resist water, but it's not a skincare active.

A synthetic polymer that helps products stay put longer, especially in water-resistant formulas, with a good safety profile.

A gentle film-forming polymer that helps products spread smoothly and create a light, flexible hold without heavy residue.

A pine-derived film former that helps makeup and sunscreens stay put, but may feel stiff or tacky on skin.

A synthetic polymer that helps hold hairstyles in place by forming a flexible film on hair, but it may cause buildup or stiffness with heavy use.

A synthetic film-former that helps sunscreen and makeup stay put longer, but it's not a standout active ingredient.

A gentle film-forming polymer that improves water resistance and texture in sunscreens and lotions without clogging pores.

A gentle, modified milk protein that forms a protective film on hair and skin to lock in moisture and smooth texture.

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

A silicone-based film former that helps products stay put and feel silky, but offers no active skincare benefits.

A synthetic polymer that creates a flexible, water-resistant film on skin, ideal for long-wear and waterproof formulas.

A synthetic polymer that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put longer, but offers no direct skin benefit beyond its film-forming function.

A gentle, plant-derived film former that helps makeup and sunscreen last longer without clogging pores or irritating skin.

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

A gentle film-forming polymer that helps skincare and makeup stay put without clogging pores or irritating skin.

A gentle film-forming polymer that helps products spread smoothly and stay put without clogging pores.

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

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

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

A synthetic polymer that helps makeup and skincare stay put without feeling heavy or greasy.

A film-forming ester that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put longer, but may feel heavy on oily skin.

Dimer Rosin is a modified tree resin that helps makeup and hair products stay put, but it may feel sticky or heavy on some skin types.

A gentle silicone powder that gives a silky finish and helps makeup stay put without clogging pores.

A gentle silicone film-former that helps products feel silky and stay put, but may not suit those avoiding silicones.

A gentle silicone polymer that helps makeup and hair products last longer without feeling heavy or greasy.

A silicone polymer that helps products glide on smoothly, feel silky, and stay put without clogging pores.

A gentle silicone polymer that improves product feel and wear without clogging pores or irritating skin.

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

A silicone polymer that creates a smooth, breathable film on skin, improving product feel and longevity without clogging pores.

A silicone-infused wax that gives products a silky, smooth feel without the heavy greasiness of traditional waxes.