Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle conditioning ingredient that helps soften hair and skin without heavy buildup, though research is limited.

A gentle, plant-based conditioning ingredient that helps detangle hair and soften skin without heavy buildup.

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

A synthetic fluorinated ingredient that helps repel water and reduce frizz, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.

A high-tech silicone that provides a silky feel and water resistance without clogging pores, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.

A high-tech film former that provides a silky, water-resistant finish, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.

A lightweight silicone that helps products spread smoothly and resist water, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.

A gentle silicone that coats hair strands for slip, shine, and manageability, with less buildup than traditional dimethicone.

A gentle protein ingredient that can temporarily strengthen hair and help skin feel smoother, but effects are not permanent.

A gentle protein derivative that helps strengthen hair and lightly condition skin without heavy buildup.

A gentle, water-binding protein derivative that adds moisture and softness to hair and skin without heavy buildup.

A gentle, water-soluble wheat protein that helps hair and skin retain moisture and feel smoother.

A gentle conditioning polymer that helps detangle hair and reduce flyaways without heavy buildup.

A gentle, positively charged polymer that coats hair and skin to reduce frizz, add slip, and improve feel without heavy buildup.

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

A gentle silicone that adds slip and shine without clogging pores, making it a good option for most skin and hair types.

A gentle silicone that adds shine and slip to products without feeling heavy or clogging pores.

A gentle silicone blend that makes products feel silky and spread smoothly, but offers no active skincare benefits.

A gentle silicone that gives a silky, non-greasy finish and helps other ingredients spread evenly.

A lightweight silicone that gives skin and hair a silky feel without clogging pores, but may not suit everyone who avoids silicones.

A gentle silicone that forms a breathable, water-resistant film to lock in moisture and improve product wear.

A gentle, biomimetic polymer that forms a protective film to lock in moisture and improve skin feel without irritation.

A safe, synthetic film former that helps products stay put without clogging pores or irritating skin.

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

A botanical extract with traditional use in haircare, but limited modern scientific evidence to support its benefits.

A synthetic polymer that helps hair feel smooth and reduces flyaways, but may build up with heavy use.

A synthetic film former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put, but offers no skincare benefit and may feel tight on dry skin.

Polyamide-1 is a synthetic film-former that helps makeup and hair products resist water and last longer, with a low risk of irritation.

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

A gentle silicone copolymer that forms a breathable, water-resistant film for smoother skin and hair without heavy residue.

A gentle conditioning ingredient that helps soften hair and skin without heavy buildup.

A gentle synthetic polymer that leaves skin and hair feeling smooth without heavy buildup or irritation.

A silicone resin that gives a silky, matte feel and helps products spread smoothly without clogging pores.

A synthetic fluorinated polymer that helps products spread smoothly and resist water, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.

A safe, non-greasy silicone alternative that provides a smooth, water-resistant finish without clogging pores.

A gentle silicone film-former that helps products spread smoothly and resist water, but offers no active skincare benefits.

Polyquaternium is a synthetic polymer that smooths hair and skin by forming a thin, flexible film, but some types may cause buildup with frequent use.

A synthetic polymer that helps hair hold its style and reduces static, but may build up with heavy use.

A gentle synthetic polymer that helps hold hairstyles and adds a smooth feel to products without heavy buildup.

A gentle synthetic polymer that helps hair hold its shape and reduces frizz without heavy buildup.

A synthetic conditioning polymer that helps reduce frizz and static, but may cause buildup with frequent use.

A gentle conditioning polymer that helps reduce frizz and static without heavy buildup, commonly found in eye-friendly formulas.

A gentle conditioning polymer that reduces flyaways and improves wet combing without heavy buildup.

A gentle conditioning polymer that leaves hair and skin feeling soft without heavy buildup.

A gentle, effective detangler and antistatic agent that leaves hair smooth and manageable without buildup.

A gentle conditioning polymer that smooths hair and reduces static without heavy buildup.

Polyquaternium-103 is a gentle conditioning polymer that helps reduce frizz and static while improving the feel of hair and skin.

A gentle, synthetic conditioning polymer that smooths hair and reduces frizz without heavy buildup.

Polyquaternium-105 is a gentle conditioning polymer that helps reduce frizz and static in hair while improving product spreadability, with a low risk of irritation.

Polyquaternium-106 is a gentle synthetic polymer that smooths hair, reduces frizz, and improves manageability without heavy buildup.

Polyquaternium-107 is a gentle conditioning polymer that reduces frizz and static without heavy buildup, making it suitable for fine or oily hair types.

A gentle, modern conditioning polymer that smooths hair and reduces static without the heavy feel of older polyquaterniums.

Polyquaternium-11 is a gentle synthetic polymer that helps hair feel smooth and reduces frizz without heavy buildup.

Polyquaternium-110 is a gentle conditioning polymer that helps reduce frizz and improve hair feel without heavy buildup.

Polyquaternium-111 is a gentle synthetic polymer that helps hair feel smooth and reduces frizz without heavy buildup.

Polyquaternium-112 is a gentle, synthetic polymer that smooths hair, reduces static, and improves texture without heavy buildup.

Polyquaternium-113 is a gentle conditioning polymer that helps detangle hair and improve product feel without heavy buildup.

A gentle synthetic polymer that smooths hair and skin without heavy buildup, ideal for sensitive scalps.

Polyquaternium-12 is a gentle synthetic polymer that helps detangle hair and reduce static without heavy buildup.

A gentle synthetic polymer that smooths hair and skin without heavy buildup, but may not suit those avoiding silicones or synthetic ingredients.