Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A synthetic film-former that helps products spread evenly and feel smooth, but with limited published safety data.

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

A gentle film-forming polymer that improves product texture and wear without clogging pores or causing irritation.

A protein hydrolysate that may temporarily smooth and plump skin, but its source and limited research mean it's not a standout ingredient for most routines.

A gentle film-forming ingredient that helps makeup and skincare products last longer without feeling heavy or greasy.

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

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen last longer and feel smoother, with a low risk of irritation.

A gentle synthetic polymer that creates a smooth, breathable film on skin for better product feel and wear.

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

A silicone polymer that forms a flexible, breathable film for long-lasting wear and water resistance without heavy buildup.

A silicone polymer that forms a breathable, water-resistant film for smoother skin and longer wear.

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

A synthetic silicone polymer that helps products spread smoothly and resist water, but may feel heavy on some skin types.

A gentle synthetic polymer that helps products feel silky, spread evenly, and stay put without clogging pores.

A gentle film-forming ingredient derived from birch bark that helps skin feel smooth and protected, but research on its benefits is still limited.

A synthetic film-former that may help other ingredients stick to skin, but its large molecule size limits penetration and its safety data is still emerging.

A synthetic polymer that helps products spread smoothly and form a light, flexible film on skin or hair, but its high molecular weight limits skin penetration and its safety data is still emerging.

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

A gentle silicone film-former that blurs imperfections and controls shine without clogging pores.

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

A gentle, plant-derived ester that helps products feel smooth and stay put on skin, but it's not a star hydrator or active.

A film-forming ingredient that helps cosmetics stay put and feel smooth, but may not suit those with very sensitive skin.

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

A plant-based film former that helps makeup and skincare stay put, especially in water-resistant formulas.

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

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

A gentle film-forming ingredient that temporarily smooths skin texture and blurs imperfections without clogging pores.

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

A synthetic silicone that helps products resist water and last longer on skin or hair.

Microbial cellulose is a gentle, plant-free film former that helps lock in moisture and gives products a smooth, silky feel.

A gentle, protein-rich ingredient that helps hydrate and temporarily smooth the skin's surface, but may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies.

A gentle, protein-rich extract that helps hydrate and temporarily smooth the skin's surface, but research on its benefits is still emerging.

A gentle, biomimetic polymer that hydrates and soothes by forming a protective layer similar to your skin's natural barrier.

A gentle film-forming ingredient that locks in moisture and leaves skin feeling smooth without clogging pores.

A gentle, hydrating film-former that leaves skin feeling smooth and plumped without stickiness — ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

A synthetic film-forming polymer that gives a silky, smooth feel and helps makeup last longer without clogging pores.

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

A gentle film-forming polymer that improves product feel and wear, with very low irritation potential.

A synthetic film-former that helps products resist water and sweat, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.

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

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

A gentle, silicone-alternative film former that helps makeup and skincare stay put without feeling heavy or greasy.

A gentle film-forming polymer that improves product feel and wear without common irritants.

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

A plant-based film-former that helps create peel-off masks and absorb excess oil, but offers no active skincare benefits.

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

A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put on skin and hair, 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 gentle film-forming ingredient that helps products spread smoothly and feel lightweight on skin.

A gentle, algae-derived humectant that helps hydrate and soothe the skin while forming a light protective film.

Peach gum is a gentle, plant-based film-former that helps skin feel smooth and hydrated, but research on its benefits is still emerging.

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

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

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 resist water, but offers no active skincare benefit.

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put, but its perfluoro component raises environmental questions.

A silicone copolymer that helps products feel silky, spread evenly, and resist water, but may not suit those avoiding silicones.

A synthetic polymer that helps products spread smoothly and leaves a light, flexible film on skin or hair.

A synthetic polymer that helps products spread smoothly and feel lightweight, but its PEG component raises mild environmental and purity concerns.

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