Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle, yeast-fermented soybean extract that hydrates and supports skin barrier function with a low risk of irritation.

A gentle, fermented ingredient that helps hydrate and condition skin without irritation, ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

A gentle, fermented botanical extract that may help hydrate and support skin barrier function, though human studies are limited.

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

A gentle fermented ingredient that may help smooth skin texture and support hydration, but research is still emerging.

A gentle, hydrating cactus extract that may help soothe and moisturize skin, but research is limited.

A gentle, fermented fig extract that hydrates and provides antioxidant benefits, suitable for most skin types.

Fig fruit juice is a gentle, hydrating ingredient with antioxidant benefits, but its effectiveness in skincare is supported more by traditional use than robust clinical studies.

Fig Tree Juice is a gentle, hydrating botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its skincare benefits is still limited.

Fish cartilage extract is a natural humectant that may help hydrate and temporarily firm skin, but research is limited and it's not a proven anti-aging ingredient.

Fish egg extract is a luxurious humectant that helps hydrate and condition skin, but its benefits are not strongly backed by independent research.

A novel, protein-rich extract that may help hydrate and temporarily plump the skin, but research is very limited and sourcing raises ethical and sustainability questions.

A gentle microalgae extract that helps hydrate and calm the skin, though research is still emerging.

Fructan is a gentle, plant-derived humectant that helps hydrate skin and supports a balanced microbiome, making it a good choice for sensitive or reactive skin.

Fructose is a gentle, natural humectant that helps keep skin hydrated and smooth, but it's not as potent as glycerin or hyaluronic acid.

Fucose is a gentle sugar-derived ingredient that supports skin hydration and a healthy barrier, with promising early research for soothing and firming effects.

A gentle, microbiome-friendly sugar that helps hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier, inspired by a key component of breast milk.

A gentle, plant-derived humectant that helps hydrate and soothe the skin without clogging pores.

A gentle fermented yeast extract that helps improve skin texture and hydration, popular in Korean skincare.

A gentle, fermented ingredient that hydrates and supports skin texture, popular in Korean skincare essences.

Galactose is a gentle sugar humectant that helps hydrate skin and may support a healthy skin microbiome, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still emerging.

A gentle prebiotic sugar that hydrates and feeds beneficial skin bacteria without irritation.

A gentle, hydrating exfoliant that smooths skin without the sting of stronger acids.

A gentle, hydrating red algae extract that helps skin retain moisture and feel smooth, with a low risk of irritation.

A gentle, hydrating seaweed extract that helps skin hold moisture and feel smooth, but research is still limited compared to more studied algae ingredients.

A gentle, water-soluble fruit juice that provides light hydration and antioxidant protection, ideal for normal to dry skin types.

A gentle red algae extract that helps hydrate and soothe skin, but research is still emerging.

A gentle, hydrating seaweed extract that helps skin retain moisture and feels soothing on application.

Glucamine is a gentle, sugar-based humectant that helps hydrate the skin and can improve the feel of skincare formulas without common irritation.

A gentle, hydrating exfoliant that smooths skin without the sting of stronger acids.

Glucomannan is a gentle, plant-based humectant that helps hydrate and soothe the skin while leaving a light, non-greasy feel.

A gentle, fermented exfoliant that helps smooth skin and improve hydration without harshness.

A gentle exfoliating acid that smooths skin and boosts hydration without the sting of stronger AHAs.

Glucosamine is a gentle, non-acid exfoliant that helps smooth skin texture and support a more even tone, with low irritation potential.

Glucosamine sulfate is a gentle humectant that helps hydrate and smooth skin, with some research suggesting it may support collagen production.

Glucose is a gentle humectant that helps hydrate the skin and may support natural repair processes.

A gentle, hydrating acid that lightly exfoliates and supports the skin's natural moisture barrier.

Glutamic acid is a gentle, naturally occurring amino acid that helps keep skin hydrated and supports a healthy barrier, making it a safe choice for most skin types.

Glutamine is a gentle amino acid that helps maintain skin hydration and supports a healthy skin barrier, but it is less studied than other amino acids like glycine or proline.

Glycereth-12 is a reliable, non-sticky humectant that hydrates the skin without the tackiness of plain glycerin, making it a great choice for lightweight formulas.

A gentle, water-attracting ingredient that helps keep skin hydrated without feeling sticky or heavy.

A gentle, water-attracting ingredient that helps keep skin hydrated without the stickiness of plain glycerin.

A gentle, multi-tasking ingredient that hydrates and softens skin without feeling heavy or greasy.

A gentle, water-loving humectant that hydrates without stickiness, ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

A gentle, water-attracting ingredient that helps hydrate the skin without feeling heavy or sticky.

A reliable, low-irritation humectant that hydrates without stickiness, ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

A gentle, water-loving humectant that helps hydrate the skin without feeling sticky or heavy.

A mild, water-attracting ingredient that helps keep skin hydrated without clogging pores or causing irritation.

A gentle, water-loving ingredient that helps your skin hold onto moisture without feeling greasy.

A gentle humectant with mild exfoliating properties, suitable for most skin types including sensitive skin.

A mild, effective humectant that hydrates without clogging pores, suitable for most skin types.

A gentle, non-sticky humectant that hydrates skin without the tackiness of plain glycerin.

Glycerin is a superstar humectant that hydrates the skin without clogging pores, making it suitable for nearly all skin types.

A gentle, synthetic humectant that hydrates skin without the sticky feel of glycerin, making it a good option for lightweight formulas.

A gentle, water-attracting humectant that helps keep skin hydrated without the sticky feel of plain glycerin.

A gentle, skin-identical ingredient that helps attract and hold moisture while supporting the skin’s natural barrier.

A gentle phospholipid that helps hydrate and support the skin barrier, though research is still emerging.

A gentle, bio-identical humectant that helps skin hold onto moisture and may support barrier repair.

A gentle, water-attracting ingredient that helps hydrate the skin and improve the feel of cosmetic formulas without common irritation.

A synthetic humectant that helps hydrate skin and improve product feel, generally well-tolerated but less studied than glycerin.