Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle humectant that helps hydrate skin and improve product texture without common irritation.

A gentle, multifunctional ingredient that helps keep products fresh and your skin hydrated without irritation.

A gentle, effective humectant that also helps preserve your products without the sting of traditional preservatives.

A lightweight humectant that helps hydrate skin and improve product feel, with a low risk of irritation.

A mild, sugar-based humectant that hydrates without irritation, though research on its long-term benefits is still limited.

Acetamide MEA is a synthetic humectant that helps hydrate skin and hair, but it is less common than alternatives like glycerin and may not suit those avoiding synthetic ingredients.

A gentle, synthetic humectant that helps hydrate the skin without common irritation or clogging.

Acetoin is a gentle, natural humectant that helps hydrate skin and improve product texture without irritation.

A gentle, water-loving amino acid derivative that helps plump skin and support its natural moisture barrier without irritation.

Acetyl Aspartic Acid is a gentle, water-soluble amino acid derivative that helps maintain skin hydration and supports a healthy skin barrier.

A gentle sugar-derived ingredient that supports skin renewal and surface smoothness, often used as a milder alternative to traditional exfoliants.

A mild, sugar-based ingredient that helps gently exfoliate and hydrate skin without the harshness of stronger acids.

Acetyl Glutamine is a gentle, water-loving amino acid derivative that helps keep skin plump and hydrated while supporting the skin's natural barrier.

A gentle amino acid derivative that helps maintain skin hydration and supports a healthy barrier, but research is still early.

A gentle amino acid derivative that helps maintain skin moisture and supports a smoother appearance.

A gentle, naturally derived humectant that helps keep skin hydrated and supports a healthy barrier without irritation.

A gentle red seaweed extract that helps hydrate and calm the skin, but research is still early.

A gentle seaweed extract that helps hydrate and calm the skin, but research is still early.

A gentle, hydrating plant extract that helps soothe and moisturize skin, with antioxidant benefits.

A gentle fermented ingredient that may help hydrate and soothe skin, but research is still early.

Agave root juice is a gentle, natural humectant that helps hydrate and soothe the skin, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Agave stem extract is a gentle, plant-based humectant that helps hydrate and calm the skin, but research on its benefits is still limited.

A gentle, hydrating seaweed extract that helps soothe and moisturize the skin, but research on its benefits is still emerging.

A gentle red seaweed extract that helps hydrate and calm the skin, but research on its benefits is still limited.

A gentle amino acid derivative that may help improve skin hydration and barrier resilience, though research is still emerging.

Alanine is a gentle, water-loving amino acid that helps keep skin hydrated and supports a healthy barrier without irritation.

A gentle, amino-acid-based humectant that helps hydrate and soothe the skin, making it a good option for sensitive or dry skin types.

A gentle peptide that may help improve skin hydration and barrier function, but research is still early.

A gentle, algae-derived humectant that hydrates and forms a protective film on the skin, with good tolerability for most skin types.

A gentle, well-tolerated combination that soothes irritation and supports moisture retention, ideal for sensitive or compromised skin.

A gentle, multi-tasking ingredient that calms irritation and helps skin hold onto moisture — ideal for sensitive or stressed skin.

Aloe Ferox Leaf Juice is a gentle, hydrating ingredient that soothes and moisturizes skin, with a slightly richer nutrient profile than common Aloe Vera.

Aloe polysaccharides are gentle, hydrating molecules that help calm irritation and support the skin's moisture barrier.

Aloe vera leaf extract is a gentle, water-based humectant that hydrates and soothes the skin, making it a staple in calming and moisturizing products.

Alpha-glucan is a gentle, sugar-derived humectant that hydrates skin and supports a healthy microbiome without irritation.

A gentle, plant-derived water that offers light hydration and potential soothing benefits, but research is still emerging.

A gentle, marine-derived ferment that supports skin hydration and barrier function without irritation.

A gentle, hydrating ingredient from marine bacteria that supports skin moisture and resilience.

Ammonium lactate is a milder, less acidic alternative to straight lactic acid that hydrates and gently exfoliates, making it suitable for dry or sensitive skin.

Amniotic fluid extract is a novel, biotech-derived humectant with limited research; it may offer hydration benefits but lacks strong evidence for unique advantages over more established ingredients.

A gentle, fermented botanical ingredient that may help hydrate and soothe skin, but research is still emerging.

A gentle, sugar-derived humectant that hydrates without stickiness, suitable for most skin types.

A gentle, hydrating seaweed extract that helps skin retain moisture and defends against environmental stress.

A gentle marine extract that helps hydrate and protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

A gentle, hydrating algae extract that helps protect the skin barrier, especially in cold or dry climates.

Aphanothece Sacrum is a gentle algae extract that helps hydrate and calm the skin, though research is still emerging.

A gentle fermented apple extract that helps soften skin and provide light antioxidant benefits without harsh exfoliation.

Apple Fruit Water is a gentle, hydrating base ingredient that adds light antioxidant benefits and a subtle natural scent to skincare products.

Apple juice is a gentle, natural humectant that provides light hydration and antioxidant benefits, but its effectiveness is limited compared to more concentrated actives.

Apple pectin extract is a gentle, plant-derived humectant that helps hydrate and soothe skin while forming a light protective film.

A gentle fermented ingredient that may help hydrate and support the skin barrier, but research is still emerging.

Apricot fruit water is a mild, hydrating base that adds a touch of natural fruit extract to skincare, but it offers limited active benefits compared to more concentrated ingredients.

Apricot Juice offers gentle hydration and a touch of natural fruit goodness, but its benefits are mild compared to more concentrated active ingredients.

A gentle, plant-based amino acid blend that helps hydrate and support the skin barrier without irritation.

A gentle, natural sugar that helps attract moisture to the skin without irritation or clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-based humectant that hydrates and soothes, ideal for sensitive or dry skin.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit water that adds light hydration and a touch of soothing benefits, but its effects are mild compared to more concentrated actives.

Arginine is a gentle, naturally occurring amino acid that helps attract moisture to the skin and supports a healthy barrier.

A gentle, hydrating duo that helps skin retain moisture and feel smoother without irritation.

A gentle, synthetic amino acid derivative that may help hydrate and support the skin barrier, though research is still limited.