Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

Pinacol is a synthetic humectant that helps hydrate the skin and can improve the feel of other ingredients, but it is less common and less studied than alternatives like glycerin.

Pinanediol is a gentle, plant-derived humectant that helps hydrate and soothe skin, with early research suggesting additional antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

A gentle, hydrating blend that pairs pineapple's mild fruit enzymes with beta-glucan's soothing moisture, ideal for brightening and smoothing without harsh irritation.

Pineapple Fruit Water offers gentle hydration and mild enzymatic exfoliation, but its benefits are largely from natural fruit sugars and enzymes rather than a concentrated active.

A gentle, synthetic amino-acid derivative that may help improve skin hydration and barrier function, though research is still limited.

Piperonyl glucoside is a gentle, sugar-based humectant that attracts moisture to the skin and may help calm irritation, making it a good option for sensitive skin types.

Piracetam is a synthetic compound with limited but promising research for skin hydration and barrier support; it is not a proven anti-aging ingredient.

Placental protein is a traditional ingredient with anecdotal benefits for skin hydration and firmness, but modern research is limited and ethical concerns may steer you toward plant-based alternatives.

A novel hybrid ingredient that combines the moisture-binding power of hyaluronic acid with platinum's antioxidant potential, but research is still limited.

A gentle, hydrating fruit juice that offers light antioxidant benefits, but its effects are mild compared to more concentrated extracts.

PNA is a next-generation humectant that can hold up to 4,000 times its weight in water, making it a standout hydrator for dry or dehydrated skin.

A synthetic humectant that helps hydrate skin and improve product feel, but research is limited.

A gentle, sugar-based humectant that hydrates and leaves a smooth, non-sticky feel on skin.

A gentle, synthetic humectant that helps skin hold onto moisture and feel smoother without irritation.

A gentle, water-loving polymer that plumps skin and reduces fine lines without irritation.

A gentle, water-loving ingredient that helps keep skin hydrated and smooth without feeling sticky.

A gentle, sugar-derived humectant that helps hydrate skin without stickiness, though research on its long-term benefits is still limited.

A gentle, synthetic humectant that helps hydrate skin and improve product feel without common irritation.

Polydextrose is a gentle, water-soluble humectant that helps attract moisture to the skin and leaves a light, non-sticky feel.

Polyethylglutamate is a gentle, amino-acid-based humectant that helps skin hold onto moisture without feeling sticky or heavy.

A standout hydrator that can hold thousands of times its weight in water, often outperforming hyaluronic acid in moisture retention.

Polyglutamic acid is a standout hydrator that can hold up to four times more water than hyaluronic acid, making it a great choice for dry or dehydrated skin.

Polyglycerin-10 is a gentle, non-sticky humectant that hydrates skin without the tackiness of glycerin.

A gentle, effective humectant that hydrates without stickiness, making it a great alternative to glycerin for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

A lightweight, non-sticky humectant that hydrates without clogging pores, making it a great choice for oily and sensitive skin types.

Polyglycerin-4 is a lightweight humectant that hydrates without stickiness, making it a great option for oily or combination skin.

A gentle, non-sticky humectant that hydrates the skin without the tackiness of glycerin, making it a great choice for lightweight formulas.

A lightweight, non-sticky humectant that hydrates without clogging pores, ideal for oily and sensitive skin types.

A mild, effective humectant that hydrates skin without stickiness, suitable for most skin types including sensitive.

A mild, water-loving ingredient that helps your skin hold onto moisture without feeling sticky or heavy.

A gentle, plant-based humectant that helps hydrate and soothe skin, with emerging antioxidant potential.

A gentle, plant-derived humectant that hydrates and soothes skin, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still emerging.

A synthetic humectant that helps hydrate the skin and improve the feel of cosmetic products, with a good safety profile for most skin types.

A gentle, effective humectant that hydrates skin without the sticky feel of glycerin, making it a great alternative for lightweight formulas.

A gentle, synthetic humectant that mimics the skin's natural moisturizing factors, offering lasting hydration without stickiness.

A gentle, hydrating seaweed extract with antioxidant potential, best for soothing and moisturizing sensitive or dry skin.

A gentle, nutrient-rich red algae powder that helps hydrate and protect the skin with antioxidant benefits.

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

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

A gentle, ocean-sourced extract that helps hydrate and calm the skin, but research on its benefits is still emerging.

A gentle, coconut-derived cleanser that cleans without stripping and even adds a touch of moisture.

Potassium Gluconate is a mild humectant and chelator that helps keep your products stable and your skin hydrated without irritation.

A gentle, high-performance humectant derived from fermented soy that holds water on the skin better than hyaluronic acid in some conditions.

Potassium lactate is a mild, effective humectant that helps hydrate skin without the sting often associated with pure lactic acid.

A gentle mineral-amino acid blend that may help calm stressed skin and support natural hydration, though research is still emerging.

Potassium Taurate is a gentle, antioxidant-rich humectant that helps hydrate and protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Potato Pulp Water is a gentle, hydrating ingredient that may help soothe and moisturize the skin, but research is limited.

PPG-10 Butanediol is a reliable synthetic humectant that boosts moisture without common irritation, making it a safe choice for most skin types.

A gentle, synthetic humectant that pulls moisture into the skin without the stickiness of glycerin.

A gentle, glucose-derived humectant that helps hydrate skin without stickiness, suitable for most skin types.

A gentle, synthetic humectant that helps your skin hold onto moisture without feeling sticky or greasy.

A gentle, synthetic humectant that pulls moisture into the skin without feeling sticky or heavy.

A gentle, synthetic humectant that attracts moisture to the skin without feeling sticky or heavy.

A gentle synthetic humectant that pulls moisture into the skin without feeling sticky or greasy.

A gentle synthetic humectant that helps keep skin hydrated without the stickiness of glycerin.

A gentle, synthetic humectant that attracts moisture to the skin without common irritation concerns.

A gentle, glucose-based humectant that hydrates and softens skin without feeling heavy or greasy.

A gentle, water-loving ingredient that pulls moisture into the skin and leaves it feeling smooth without greasiness.

A gentle, synthetic humectant that draws moisture to the skin without common irritation or stickiness.

A gentle, synthetic humectant that helps your skin hold onto moisture without feeling sticky or greasy.