Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

Ammonium molybdate is a mineral salt that provides molybdenum, but its benefits in skincare are unproven and it may cause irritation at higher concentrations.

A mineral-rich volcanic rock extract that may support skin barrier function, but research is limited and benefits are not well-established.

Bittern is a mineral-rich byproduct of sea salt production that may offer trace minerals to the skin, but evidence for specific benefits is limited.

Calcite is a safe, natural mineral that helps absorb oil and provide gentle texture in powders and scrubs, but it offers no active skincare benefits.

Calcium chloride is a mineral salt that can thicken formulas and tighten skin, but it may cause stinging or irritation for sensitive skin types.

Calcium Gluconate is a gentle mineral salt that helps stabilize formulas and may support the skin's natural barrier without causing irritation.

Ferric glycerophosphate is a gentle mineral salt that may offer antioxidant benefits and support skin vitality, but research is still emerging.

Ferrous gluconate is a gentle iron source that may support antioxidant defenses in skincare, but its benefits are modest and it's more common in color cosmetics than in active treatment products.

Lithium carbonate is an emerging skincare mineral that may help calm irritation and support skin barrier function, but research is still early.

Magnesium bromide is a gentle mineral salt that may help calm irritated skin, but research is limited and it's not a mainstream ingredient.

Magnesium chloride is a gentle mineral salt that helps hydrate, calm, and support the skin barrier, but it can feel drying if overused or used in high concentrations.

A gentle, water-soluble form of magnesium that helps calm skin and support its natural barrier without clogging pores.

A gentle mineral salt that delivers magnesium to the skin, potentially supporting barrier repair and calming irritation.

A gentle, well-absorbed form of magnesium that may help calm stressed skin and support a healthy moisture barrier.

A safe, non-irritating mineral pigment that provides color and some UV protection, but its effectiveness as a sunscreen ingredient is limited compared to zinc oxide or titanium dioxide alone.

Magnesium oxide is a safe, non-irritating mineral that helps absorb excess oil and adjust product texture, but it offers no direct skin benefit beyond formulation support.

A gentle mineral salt that can soothe tired muscles and calm irritated skin when used in baths or masks.

Manganese chloride is a trace mineral that may support antioxidant defenses in skin, but research on its topical benefits is still limited.

Manganese glycerophosphate is a gentle mineral salt that may support antioxidant activity in skincare, but research on its topical benefits is still limited.

Manganese sulfate is a trace mineral that helps your skin's natural antioxidant system, but it's used in tiny amounts and is not a standout ingredient on its own.

A blend of minerals that may help reinforce the skin barrier, but research on this specific combination is limited.

Sapphire Extract adds a subtle shimmer and gentle physical exfoliation, but its skincare benefits beyond appearance are not well-studied.

Sea silt is a gentle, mineral-rich exfoliant that can help polish skin and absorb excess oil without harshness.

Silt extract offers gentle physical exfoliation and a dose of trace minerals, but its benefits are largely anecdotal and product-dependent.

Smithsonite is a mineral source of zinc carbonate, offering potential soothing and oil-absorbing benefits, but research on its cosmetic use is very limited.

Sodium itself is rarely used alone in skincare; it appears as part of salts like sodium chloride or sodium hyaluronate, where it helps with texture, preservation, or delivery.

Sodium molybdate is a trace mineral salt that may help support the skin's natural antioxidant defenses, but research on topical benefits is still emerging.

Tourmaline is a mineral powder that may add a subtle glow and improve product feel, but its claimed energy benefits lack strong scientific backing.

Tourmaline extract is a mineral ingredient often marketed for its energizing and purifying effects, but scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited.

Zinc is a well-studied mineral that helps calm irritation, control oil, and protect the skin barrier.

Zinc carbonate is a gentle mineral that soothes irritation and absorbs excess oil, making it a safe choice for sensitive and acne-prone skin.

Zinc Glutamate is a gentle, multi-tasking ingredient that helps calm skin, regulate oil, and support barrier health without common zinc irritation.

Zinc hydroxide is a gentle mineral ingredient that helps balance pH and offers mild soothing and protective benefits for sensitive or irritated skin.

A gentle mineral complex that may help calm irritation and support skin barrier function, though research is still emerging.

A safe, effective mineral sunscreen that sits on top of skin to reflect UV rays, ideal for sensitive skin.