Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle silicone wax that helps makeup and skincare last longer without feeling heavy or greasy.

A gentle silicone polymer that helps products spread smoothly and leaves a soft, velvety finish without clogging pores.

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

A synthetic film-former that helps products spread smoothly and feel lightweight, but its safety data is limited to general polymer use.

A synthetic polymer that helps hair feel smooth and products spread evenly, but it's not a standout ingredient and may cause buildup with frequent use.

A silicone polymer that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put without feeling heavy, but it may not suit those who prefer silicone-free routines.

A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put and resist water, but it's not a star ingredient for skin health.

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup last longer and resist water, but it's not well-studied for long-term skin effects.

A synthetic film-former mainly used in nail products to create a durable, glossy finish; less common in leave-on skincare.

A silicone polymer that gives a silky, blurring finish and improves product wear without clogging pores.

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

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

A gentle silicone polymer that helps products spread smoothly, feel silky, and last longer without clogging pores.

A silicone crosspolymer that gives a silky, non-greasy feel and helps products spread smoothly, but offers no active skincare benefits.

DNA is a gentle humectant and film former that helps hydrate and temporarily plump skin, but its anti-aging claims are not strongly backed by independent human studies.

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

A synthetic film-former that helps products resist water and wear longer, but with limited independent safety data.

A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put on skin or hair, but offers no active skincare benefit.

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

Eel skin mucus extract is a novel humectant and film-forming ingredient that helps hydrate and temporarily smooth the skin, but research is still early and it may not be suitable for those with fish allergies.

Egg provides protein and moisture to skin and hair, but its texture and potential allergenicity make it a niche ingredient best suited for rinse-off treatments.

Egg powder can temporarily tighten and smooth skin, but it is not a long-term solution for firmness or hydration.

Egg white can temporarily tighten skin and absorb excess oil, but its effects are short-lived and it may not suit sensitive or dry skin.

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

A silicone film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen last longer and resist water, but may feel heavy on some skin types.

A gentle synthetic polymer that helps products spread smoothly and stay put, with low irritation risk.

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

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

A safe, 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, resist water, and feel smooth, 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 create flexible, water-resistant films in makeup and skincare, generally considered safe and non-irritating.

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

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 benefit.

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

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

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

A synthetic polymer that helps skincare and makeup stay put longer, especially in water-resistant formulas.

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

Ethylhexyl Acrylate helps makeup and sunscreen last longer, but it can be a mild irritant for sensitive skin.

A synthetic film-former that improves wear time and water resistance, but may feel tight or dry on sensitive skin.

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 skincare last longer and resist water, but may feel tight or dry on sensitive skin.

A synthetic film-former that gives nail polish and long-wear makeup their tough, shiny finish, but contains a phthalate that raises some safety questions.

A synthetic optical brightener and film former with limited safety data; best reserved for occasional use in wash-off or nail products.

A high-tech synthetic film former that boosts water resistance and wear time, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.

A synthetic film-former that helps products resist water and wear longer, but its perfluoro structure raises environmental persistence concerns.

Gelatin is a gentle film-forming protein that can temporarily smooth and hydrate skin, but it is not a substitute for collagen-boosting ingredients.

Gelatin crosspolymer is a gentle film-forming ingredient that helps skin feel smooth and hydrated, but it's not a standout active for major skin concerns.

A gentle, hydrating seaweed extract that helps skin hold moisture and feel smooth, but research is still limited compared to more studied algae ingredients.

A gentle seaweed powder that helps create a protective film on skin, offering light hydration and a soothing feel.

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

A gentle film-forming polymer that helps products stay put and resist water without feeling heavy or sticky.

A gentle film-former that helps products stay put and feel smooth, without clogging pores or causing irritation.

A gentle film-forming ingredient that helps products stay put and resist water, but offers no direct skincare benefit.

A film-forming polymer that helps products stay put and resist water, but it's not a moisturizer or active ingredient.

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

A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put, but its phthalate-related name may raise unnecessary concern.

A pine-derived film former that helps makeup and skincare stay put longer, especially in water-resistant formulas.