Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A widely used, low-irritation humectant that helps products feel smooth and hydrating without being sticky.

Butylglycerin is a gentle, synthetic humectant that pulls moisture into the skin and improves product feel without common irritation.

Butyric acid is an emerging skincare ingredient that may support a healthy skin microbiome, but research is still early and it can be irritating at higher concentrations.

A synthetic humectant that helps hydrate skin, but research on its long-term effects is still limited.

A next-gen hyaluronic acid that sticks to skin longer for lasting hydration without greasiness.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich water from cacao seeds that hydrates and soothes skin without the heaviness of cocoa butter.

Calcium Aspartate is a gentle mineral-amino acid ingredient that may help support skin hydration and barrier function, but research is still early.

A gentle humectant and mild exfoliant that hydrates without irritation, but research is still limited.

A gentle, hydrating mineral that helps calm the skin and support its natural barrier without irritation.

Calcium lactate is a gentle, hydrating exfoliant that helps smooth skin without the sting of stronger acids.

A stable, water-soluble form of Vitamin B5 that helps hydrate and soothe the skin without irritation.

A gentle, plant-based humectant that holds water on the skin's surface, offering a smoother feel and lasting hydration without stickiness.

A next-generation humectant that forms a flexible, breathable film to lock in moisture without the stickiness of traditional hyaluronic acid.

Calf Skin Extract is a protein-rich ingredient that may help moisturize and temporarily smooth skin, but it lacks strong research and raises ethical and sourcing concerns.

A gentle red seaweed extract that helps hydrate skin and may offer antioxidant protection, but research is still early.

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

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical water that hydrates and soothes skin without irritation.

A gentle, hydrating water from the camellia plant that soothes and refreshes skin without irritation.

A gentle, hydrating water that provides antioxidant benefits and helps soothe the skin, making it a great base for sensitive skin formulas.

A gentle, fermented ingredient that provides hydration and supports a healthy-looking skin barrier, though research is still emerging.

A gentle, plant-derived humectant that pulls moisture into the skin and may offer mild antioxidant benefits.

Camphanediol is a synthetic humectant that helps hydrate the skin and improve product feel, with low irritation potential but limited research.

A gentle, water-loving fruit extract that helps hydrate skin and provides a modest dose of antioxidants, but its benefits are mild compared to more concentrated active ingredients.

A mild, multifunctional ingredient that hydrates skin and helps preserve formulas without the irritation of traditional preservatives.

Carbocysteine is a gentle, hydrating amino acid derivative that may help support skin barrier health, but research in topical cosmetics is still limited.

A gentle, water-loving amino-acid derivative that helps hydrate and calm the skin, but research is still early.

A gentle, water-soluble chitosan derivative that hydrates and forms a protective film on skin, with some soothing and antioxidant potential.

A gentle, water-loving derivative of chitosan that helps hydrate and form a protective film on the skin, with early research suggesting soothing benefits.

A gentle, biotech-derived film former that helps lock in moisture and may soothe the skin without clogging pores.

A gentle, water-loving ingredient that pulls moisture into the skin and helps maintain a healthy barrier.

A gentle red algae extract that helps hydrate and soothe the skin, with emerging research on its antioxidant potential.

Carrot Root Juice is a gentle, water-based ingredient that hydrates and provides antioxidant benefits, but its effects are mild compared to concentrated extracts or oils.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich water from carrots that hydrates and soothes skin without irritation.

A gentle, plant-based polysaccharide that helps hydrate and form a protective film on the skin, making it a good option for sensitive or dry skin types.

A gentle, sugar-based humectant that helps hydrate skin without stickiness, though research is still emerging.

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

A gentle marine extract that may help hydrate and calm the skin, but research is still early.

A gentle, plant-based humectant that helps hydrate and soothe the skin, with antioxidant benefits to protect against environmental stress.

A gentle, hydrating cactus fruit juice with antioxidant potential, best for dry or sensitive skin types.

Cetyl PCA is a gentle humectant that pulls moisture into the skin and leaves it feeling smooth without greasiness.

A gentle seaweed extract that helps hydrate and protect the skin with antioxidants, suitable for most skin types.

A gentle, hydrating base ingredient from cherries that offers mild antioxidant benefits and a subtle fruity scent, but lacks strong clinical evidence for dramatic skin changes.

Chia seed powder offers gentle physical exfoliation and a boost of hydration, making it a mild choice for most skin types.

A gentle, plant-derived humectant that hydrates skin and may help balance the skin microbiome.

Chitosan is a gentle, natural film-former that helps lock in moisture and can provide a light, protective barrier on skin or hair.

A novel hybrid ingredient that pairs chitosan's film-forming and hydrating properties with glutathione's antioxidant potential, though research on this specific conjugate is still limited.

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

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

A gentle, hydrating seaweed extract that helps soothe and moisturize the skin without clogging pores.

Citrulline is a gentle, hydrating amino acid that helps maintain skin moisture and supports a healthy skin barrier.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit water that hydrates and refreshes without heavy oils, but its benefits are based more on tradition than robust clinical studies.

A gentle, hydrating seaweed-derived ingredient that helps soothe skin and lock in moisture without clogging pores.

A gentle marine ferment that helps hydrate and support the skin barrier, but research is still early.

A biotech marine ingredient that mimics the skin's natural moisture-holding molecules, offering gentle hydration and a plumping effect.

A gentle fermented ingredient that helps hydrate and support the skin barrier, ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

A gentle, natural humectant that helps skin retain moisture, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

A gentle, hydrating extract from coconut fruit that helps soften and soothe skin without the heavy feel of coconut oil.

Coconut fruit juice is a gentle, hydrating ingredient that provides light moisture and soothing benefits, ideal for most skin types.

A gentle seaweed powder that helps hydrate and soothe the skin, but research on its benefits is still limited.

Collagen is a popular moisturizing ingredient that helps skin feel plump and hydrated, but it cannot directly replace lost collagen in the skin.