Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

HC Yellow No. 14 is a synthetic yellow dye for hair color, generally considered safe in regulated concentrations but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

HC Yellow No. 9 is a synthetic colorant used in hair dyes, generally considered safe for most people but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A gentle conditioning polymer that helps hair feel soft and reduces frizz without heavy buildup.

Henna is a natural colorant and conditioner, but its safety depends on purity and source—avoid products with added metallic salts or synthetic dyes.

Henna extract is a natural colorant and conditioner, but it can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals and may not be suitable for all hair types.

Hexadimethrine Chloride helps hair hold its shape and reduces static, but it can be drying or irritating for sensitive scalps.

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

Hydrogen Dimethicone is a gentle silicone that smooths and protects skin and hair without clogging pores or causing irritation.

A gentle silicone that smooths skin and hair without clogging pores, making it a reliable choice for most skin types.

A lightweight silicone that helps products spread smoothly and feel silky, but may not suit those avoiding silicones.

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

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

A silicone alternative that forms a flexible, breathable film on skin and hair, offering long-lasting hold and moisture without heavy buildup.

An effective emulsifier and antistatic agent, but may cause irritation or clog pores in sensitive individuals.

A conditioning ingredient that reduces static and softens hair, but may be too heavy for fine hair or acne-prone skin.

A conditioning ingredient derived from animal fats that softens hair and reduces static, but may cause irritation or clog pores in sensitive individuals.

A conditioning agent derived from tallow that softens hair and reduces static, but may be too heavy for fine hair or acne-prone skin.

A gentle, plant-based protein that helps hair and skin retain moisture and feel stronger without irritation.

A gentle, plant-derived protein that helps strengthen hair and lightly moisturize skin without irritation.

A gentle, plant-based protein that can temporarily strengthen hair and lightly moisturize skin without irritation.

A gentle, plant-based protein that helps hydrate and strengthen skin and hair without irritation.

A gentle, dual-action ingredient that hydrates and smooths skin and hair without heavy residue.

A collagen-silicon hybrid that helps smooth and hydrate skin and hair, but its anti-aging benefits are mostly surface-level.

A gentle, protein-rich ingredient from pearl shells that helps smooth hair and temporarily plump skin by forming a light film.

A gentle, protein-based surfactant that cleans without stripping, making it ideal for sensitive skin and hair.

A modified plant protein that bonds to hair to strengthen and repair damage, but its synthetic modification may not suit all preferences.

Hydrolyzed egg protein is a gentle, natural ingredient that helps strengthen hair and temporarily smooth the skin's surface, but it is not a deep moisturizer or repair agent.

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

A fish-derived protein that temporarily strengthens hair and lightly hydrates skin, best for those seeking natural, protein-rich formulas.

A gentle, plant-based protein that can temporarily strengthen hair and lightly moisturize skin without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-derived protein that can help strengthen hair and temporarily smooth the skin's surface without irritation.

Hydrolyzed honey protein is a gentle, natural humectant that hydrates and strengthens skin and hair without clogging pores.

A lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer derived from jojoba oil that hydrates and softens skin and hair with minimal irritation risk.

A gentle, plant-derived protein that helps strengthen hair and lightly moisturize skin without irritation.

A protein-silicone hybrid that temporarily repairs hair damage and adds shine without heavy buildup.

A protein-silicone hybrid that helps strengthen and smooth hair, but may build up over time with heavy use.

A protein-silicone hybrid that helps strengthen and smooth hair without heavy buildup.

Hydrolyzed lupine protein is a gentle, plant-based protein that helps strengthen hair and lightly moisturize skin without irritation.

A gentle, plant-derived conditioning ingredient that helps hair and skin feel soft and smooth without heavy buildup.

A gentle, plant-based protein that may help strengthen hair and temporarily smooth skin, but research is limited compared to more established proteins like keratin or collagen.

A gentle conditioning ingredient derived from milk protein that helps hair feel softer and more manageable without heavy buildup.

A gentle, positively charged oat protein that clings to hair and skin to reduce frizz, add softness, and improve moisture retention without heavy buildup.

A gentle, protein-based ingredient that helps strengthen and repair damaged hair by filling in gaps in the hair shaft.

A gentle, plant-based protein that helps strengthen hair and lightly moisturize skin without common allergens.

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

A gentle, protein-based conditioner from rice bran that adds softness and manageability to hair and a smooth feel to skin.

A gentle, dual-action ingredient that deposits a protective film on hair and skin, offering conditioning and shine without heavy buildup.

Hydrolyzed Sericin is a gentle silk protein that helps skin and hair retain moisture and feel smooth, with a low risk of irritation.

A gentle, plant-based protein that strengthens hair and lightly hydrates skin without common irritation or clogging.

A gentle conditioning ingredient that helps hair and skin feel smooth and protected without heavy buildup.

A gentle film-forming ingredient derived from silk that helps smooth and protect skin and hair without heavy residue.

A gentle, semi-synthetic ingredient that combines silk proteins with a silicone-like molecule to improve skin softness and hair smoothness without heavy residue.

A gentle, plant-derived protein that helps hydrate and strengthen skin and hair without irritation.

Hydrolyzed Soy Protein is a gentle, plant-derived ingredient that helps hair and skin hold onto moisture and feel smoother, but it's not a deep repair agent.

A gentle conditioning ingredient that deposits a protective film on hair and skin, improving moisture and manageability without heavy buildup.

A gentle, dual-action ingredient that helps hair and skin feel smooth and hydrated without heavy buildup.

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 gentle, plant-derived protein that helps hydrate and strengthen skin and hair without common irritation.

A gentle, plant-based protein that helps skin and hair retain moisture and feel smoother.