Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A synthetic ingredient used in nail products to help coatings stick and last longer, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic plasticizer that helps nail polish stay flexible and resist chipping, but is not a moisturizer or active skincare ingredient.

A synthetic film-forming ingredient used in nail products; limited safety data and potential for skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup and nail polish last longer, but it's not a hydrating or active skincare ingredient.

A synthetic bonding agent that helps nail products stick better, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic photoinitiator that makes UV-cured nail products harden quickly, but may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people.

A synthetic resin for nail products, not a hydrating or skin-friendly ingredient; potential allergen and not recommended for everyday skincare.

A synthetic film former that helps nail polish last longer, but its connection to bisphenol A raises safety questions for some users.

A synthetic crosslinking agent that strengthens nail coatings but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Butyl acetate helps nail polish glide on and dry quickly, but it can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin or frequent use.

Butylphthalimide is a synthetic plasticizer that helps nail products stay flexible and resist chipping, but it has limited safety data and is best used in well-ventilated spaces.

Cyclohexyl Methacrylate is a synthetic film-forming ingredient used mainly in nail products to create a hard, glossy finish, but it can be a skin sensitizer for some people.

A synthetic ingredient that helps nail polish and lip products stay flexible and durable, but its safety profile is still being studied.

This is a photoinitiator for UV-cured products, not a skincare ingredient; it may cause skin irritation in some people.

An industrial plasticizer rarely used in leave-on skincare; best avoided for daily facial care due to limited safety data and potential irritation.

A synthetic plasticizer that helps nail polish and lip products stay flexible and durable, but its safety data is limited compared to older alternatives.

A synthetic crosslinker used in nail products to improve durability, but may cause skin sensitization in some individuals.

A synthetic film former used in nail products to create a hard, glossy finish, but it can be a skin sensitizer for some people.

A strong synthetic adhesive for nails and lashes, but can cause irritation if misused or if you have a sensitivity.

A synthetic film-forming monomer used in nail products; may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals and is best left to professional use.

Ethyl acetate is an effective solvent for nail products but can be drying and irritating if used in high concentrations on skin.

Ethyl cyanoacrylate is a strong adhesive used in nail products; it is not a skincare ingredient and can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions with direct contact.

Ethyl Methacrylate is a key ingredient in many nail enhancement systems, but it can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some users.

Ethyl Tosylamide is a synthetic plasticizer that makes nail polish more flexible and durable, but it can be a skin sensitizer for some people.

Ethylene carbonate is a synthetic solvent that helps products spread and dry, but it can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

A synthetic film-former that helps nail polish and long-wear makeup stay put, but may cause irritation for sensitive skin or nail beds.

A synthetic resin that helps nail polish stick better and last longer, but it's not a moisturizer or active skincare ingredient.

A synthetic resin that strengthens nail polish but may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic plasticizer that helps nail polishes and other products form flexible, durable films — generally safe at low levels but not a skincare active.

A synthetic film-former that gives nail polish and long-wear makeup their tough, glossy finish, but it's not a skincare active.

HEMA is a common nail ingredient that can cause allergic reactions in some people, so patch testing is recommended.

HEMA Acetoacetate is a synthetic ingredient used in nail products for strong adhesion, but it can be a skin sensitizer for some people.

HEMA Maleate helps products stick and last longer, but it can be a skin sensitizer for some people, especially in nail formulas.

A synthetic film-forming ingredient used in nail products; it helps coatings adhere and last, but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Hexamethylene diisocyanate is a synthetic crosslinker used in nail products for durability, but it is a known irritant and sensitizer, making it unsuitable for leave-on skincare.

A synthetic ester that helps nail polishes and hair products form flexible, durable films without making them brittle.

A synthetic film-former that helps nail products last longer, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic resin that creates tough, shiny films in nail products, but may cause sensitivity in some users.

A strong, fast-drying adhesive used in nail and lash products; effective but can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people.

A synthetic film former that helps nail products adhere and resist chipping, but it's not a moisturizer or active skincare ingredient.

A synthetic film-forming ingredient used in nail products to improve durability and adhesion, but it is chemically related to bisphenol A, which raises some safety questions.

A synthetic film former that helps makeup and nail polish last longer, but offers no active skincare benefit.

Isopropylphthalimide is a synthetic plasticizer that helps nail polishes and hair products stay flexible and durable, but its safety data is limited.

A synthetic plasticizer found in some nail products; its safety data is limited and it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Methacrylamide is a synthetic monomer used to create durable films in nail and hair products, but it can be a skin sensitizer and is best avoided in leave-on facial skincare.

Methacrylic acid is a strong synthetic monomer used in nail products and adhesives; it can be irritating and is not a typical skincare ingredient.

A synthetic ingredient that helps nail and hair products stick better and last longer, but may cause irritation for sensitive users.

A synthetic ingredient that helps nail polish and hair products stick better and last longer, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic ingredient that helps nail and hair products stick better and last longer, but with limited safety data.

A synthetic film-forming monomer mainly used in nail products; can be a skin sensitizer for some individuals.

Methoxyethyl Acrylate is a synthetic film-former that helps nail products resist chipping and wear, but it can be a skin sensitizer for some individuals.

A synthetic solvent that helps nail polish glide on smoothly and dry quickly, but may cause mild irritation for sensitive skin or prolonged contact.

MIBK is a strong industrial solvent with limited cosmetic use; it can be irritating and is best avoided in leave-on skincare.

Methyl methacrylate is a synthetic monomer used in nail products, but it can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, especially in uncured form.

A synthetic resin that helps nail polish stick and last longer, but it's not a moisturizing or skin-friendly ingredient.

A synthetic ingredient that strengthens nail coatings but may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Nitrocellulose is a common film former in nail polish that provides a durable, glossy finish, but it is highly flammable in its raw form and can be drying to nails over time.

Oleoyl Epoxy Resin is a synthetic film former that helps nail polish and long-wear makeup last longer, but it has limited public research on skin safety.

A synthetic film-former used in nail products; may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals and is not typically found in leave-on facial skincare.

A synthetic film-former that helps nail polish and mascara last longer, but may cause irritation for sensitive skin or eyes.