Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle, protein-based ingredient that forms a protective film on skin to help retain moisture and support a smoother appearance.

A gentle, multi-tasking ingredient that helps hair feel smoother and skin look plumper by depositing a lightweight, moisturizing film.

A novel film-forming ingredient that combines plant-derived prune seedcake with a synthetic polymer to improve water resistance and texture in skincare products.

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

A gentle, protein-based ingredient that helps skin feel soft and smooth by forming a light, moisture-locking film.

A gentle, film-forming ingredient that adds shine and manageability to hair while providing light moisture to skin.

A gentle, plant-based ingredient that helps skin and hair feel smooth and hydrated without clogging pores.

A semi-synthetic film former from soy byproducts, valued for flexible hold and low irritation in styling and eye makeup.

A novel biotech ingredient that forms a breathable film on skin to lock in moisture and provide a temporary smoothing effect.

Hydrolyzed Spinal Protein is an animal-derived film-forming ingredient that can temporarily smooth skin and hair, but its benefits are not well-studied and it may not suit vegan or sensitive users.

A gentle film-forming ingredient that helps hair feel smoother and skin look more refined, but may not suit those avoiding wheat-derived components.

A gentle film-forming ingredient that helps smooth hair and skin while providing light hold and environmental protection.

Hydroxybutyl Methacrylate is a synthetic polymer used mainly in nail products to create a durable, glossy film, but it may cause skin sensitivity in some individuals.

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

A safe synthetic polymer that helps products spread smoothly and stay put without clogging pores.

A synthetic polymer that helps products spread smoothly and leaves a lightweight, non-sticky film on skin.

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

A gentle film-forming polymer that leaves skin feeling smooth and hydrated without clogging pores.

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

An effective film-former for nail products, but not a common or recommended ingredient in everyday facial skincare due to potential irritation and limited benefit.

A silicone polymer that helps makeup and skincare last longer and feel smooth, with a very low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

A synthetic film-former that helps nail polish and some cosmetics resist wear and water, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

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

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put without feeling heavy, but offers no active skincare benefit.

A synthetic film-former that helps other ingredients stay put on skin, but it's still new and not widely studied on its own.

A synthetic ingredient that helps other active ingredients stick to the skin, but it's not widely studied on its own.

A novel protein-based ingredient that may help support skin barrier function, but research is still early.

A gentle film-forming protein derivative that may help smooth and protect the skin, but research is limited.

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

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

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

A gentle film-forming polymer that improves product feel and water resistance without common irritation or pore-clogging concerns.

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

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

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

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

A synthetic film-former mainly found in nail products; generally safe for nails but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

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

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

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

A safe, synthetic film-former that helps makeup and skincare stay put without clogging pores or irritating skin.

A synthetic polymer that helps products stay put and resist water, generally considered safe and non-irritating.

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

Isodecyl Acrylate is a synthetic film-former that helps skincare products spread smoothly and feel silky, but it offers no active skin benefits.

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

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

A synthetic film-former that helps products spread smoothly and stay put, but its connection to bisphenol A raises caution for some users.

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

A synthetic resin that helps makeup stay put, but offers no skincare benefit and may feel heavy on sensitive skin.

A gentle film-forming polymer that helps makeup and sunscreen last longer without feeling heavy or sticky.

A film-forming polymer that helps products stay put longer and feel smoother, but it's not a star active ingredient.

A synthetic polymer that helps cosmetics stay put, especially in water-resistant formulas, with a low risk of irritation.

Lauryl Acrylate is a synthetic building block used in polymers for film-forming and water resistance, but it may be a skin sensitizer in its raw form.

A synthetic polymer that forms a flexible, water-resistant film on skin, commonly used in sunscreens and long-wear makeup to improve durability and texture.

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

A gentle silicone-based ingredient that forms a breathable, water-resistant film to smooth skin and hair without clogging pores.

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup and skincare products feel smooth and last longer, but it's not a hydrating or active ingredient.

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

Levan is a gentle, biotech-derived humectant that helps hydrate and soothe skin while forming a lightweight protective film.

A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put, but with limited research on long-term skin effects.