Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

An aromatic essential oil with limited skincare research; best used for its scent rather than proven skin benefits.

A fragrant botanical oil with antimicrobial potential, but its strong aroma and moderate irritation risk mean it's best used in low concentrations.

Benzaldehyde adds a pleasant almond-like scent to products but can be a skin sensitizer for some people, especially at higher concentrations.

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds a sweet, almond-like scent but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a mild almond note; generally safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds a sweet, almond-like scent but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benzalphthalide is a synthetic fragrance ingredient with limited safety data; it may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals and is best avoided in leave-on products for reactive skin.

Benzhydrol is a synthetic fragrance ingredient with a mild floral scent, considered safe at low concentrations but best avoided by those with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies.

Benzoin resin extract adds a warm, vanilla-like scent to products and may offer mild soothing benefits, but its fragrance components can irritate sensitive skin.

Benzoin resin oil adds a warm, vanilla-like scent to products and may offer mild soothing benefits, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Benzonitrile is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, almond-like scent; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause skin sensitivity in some individuals.

Benzothiazole is a synthetic fragrance compound with limited safety data; it may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals and is best avoided in fragrance-free routines.

Benzyl acetate is a widely used fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, floral scent to products; it is generally safe at low concentrations but can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benzyl Acetoacetate is a synthetic scent ingredient that adds a pleasant aroma to products, but offers no skincare benefits and may be a concern for those with fragrance sensitivities.

Benzyl benzoate is a common fragrance ingredient that can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals, especially at higher concentrations.

A synthetic ester that helps dissolve other ingredients and stabilize UV filters, but with limited public safety data.

Benzyl Butyrate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity, floral scent but offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Benzyl Cinnamate is a common fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, balsamic scent but can be a skin sensitizer for some people.

Benzyl Formate adds a pleasant floral-fruity scent but can be a skin sensitizer for some people, especially at higher concentrations.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a pleasant floral note but offers no skincare benefit and may cause sensitivity in some people.

Benzyl isobutyrate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, floral scent to products; it is generally safe at low levels but may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benzyl Isovalerate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a floral or fruity scent to products, but it offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Benzyl Methyl Ether is a synthetic fragrance ingredient with limited safety data; it may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benzyl Phenylacetate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, honey-like scent, but it may be a concern for those with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies.

Benzyl Propionate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, floral scent to products; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Benzyl Salicylate is a common fragrance ingredient that can help stabilize formulas but may cause skin reactions in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant floral note but offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Benzyl Tiglate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, floral scent to products; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Benzyl Valerate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant scent to products, but it offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Bergamot fruit oil adds a pleasant citrus scent but can cause sun sensitivity; look for bergapten-free versions for safer daytime use.

Bergamot fruit water adds a fresh citrus scent and mild toning effect, but can increase sun sensitivity if not properly processed.

Bergamot leaf oil adds a fresh citrus scent to products but can be irritating and is phototoxic if not properly processed.

Bergamot Peel Oil adds a fresh citrus scent to products but can cause sun sensitivity and irritation, so it's best used with caution and proper formulation.

A mild synthetic ester that adds a pleasant floral scent to products; limited research on direct skin benefits.

Beta-Ionol is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant scent to products but offers no direct skincare benefits.

Beta-Ionone adds a pleasant violet-like scent to products and may offer mild antioxidant benefits, but it can be a skin sensitizer for some people.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a warm, woody note to products but offers no skincare benefits.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a pine-like scent but may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Beta-santalene is a fragrant compound from sandalwood with early evidence of soothing benefits, but its primary role in skincare is as a scent ingredient.

Beta-santalol is a gentle, naturally derived fragrance component with mild soothing potential, but its benefits are largely aromatic rather than transformative for skin.

A gentle, sandalwood-derived ester that adds a subtle, calming scent and may offer mild soothing benefits, but its effects are not well-studied.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a fresh note but offers no skincare benefit and may be unnecessary for sensitive skin.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds scent but offers no skincare benefit; generally safe at low levels but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant scent but offers no skin benefit; safe at low concentrations but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Bicyclopentylone is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh scent to products, but it offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A fragrant essential oil with mild skin-soothing potential, best used at low concentrations and avoided by those with sensitive skin.

A gentle, aromatic floral water that can refresh and soothe the skin, but its benefits are largely due to its mild hydrating and calming properties rather than potent active compounds.

A fragrant essential oil that can add a fresh scent and mild tightening feel, but may irritate sensitive skin due to its aromatic compounds.

A fragrant essential oil with mild astringent properties, best suited for those who enjoy botanical scents and have non-sensitive skin.

Bitter orange peel oil adds a fresh scent to products but can be irritating for sensitive skin and increases sun sensitivity.

A fragrant essential oil with some antimicrobial potential, but may irritate sensitive skin due to its high content of volatile compounds.

Black spruce oil adds a grounding, forest-like scent to products and may offer mild antioxidant benefits, but its essential oil nature means it can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Black Spruce Leaf Oil adds a grounding, forest-like scent to skincare and may offer mild antioxidant and soothing benefits, but as an essential oil it can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Boldo Leaf Oil adds a fresh, herbal scent and mild antioxidant benefits, but its strong aroma and potential for irritation mean it's best used in low concentrations.

Bornyl acetate is a natural fragrance ingredient from pine oils that adds a fresh, woody scent and may offer mild antimicrobial benefits, but it is not a primary active for skin concerns.

A fragrant flower oil that adds a pleasant scent to products, but its skincare benefits beyond fragrance are not well-studied.

Boswellia Frereana Resin Oil offers a pleasant, woody scent and potential soothing benefits, but its fragrance components can be irritating for sensitive skin.

A fragrant resin oil with potential soothing benefits, but limited research and a risk of skin irritation for sensitive individuals.

Boswellia Papyrifera Resin Oil offers a natural, soothing fragrance with some antioxidant potential, but its essential oil nature means it can be irritating for sensitive skin.

A fragrant essential oil with a woody, citrusy scent that may offer mild soothing benefits, but its use is primarily for fragrance and should be approached with caution on sensitive skin.