Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle synthetic ester that softens skin and improves product texture, with low irritation potential.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a unique earthy note but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds a fresh, green scent but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals at higher concentrations.

A gentle humectant that helps hydrate skin and improve product texture without common irritation.

A gentle, multifunctional ingredient that helps keep products fresh and your skin hydrated without irritation.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps skin feel smooth and soft without clogging pores.

A synthetic solvent that helps other ingredients dissolve and spread, but offers no direct skin benefit.

1,5-Naphthalenediol is a synthetic antioxidant and color stabilizer, but its use in cosmetics is limited and safety data is sparse.

A gentle, effective humectant that also helps preserve your products without the sting of traditional preservatives.

A fragrant compound from mint oils that adds a fresh scent but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A gentle, naturally derived fatty acid that helps calm and condition the skin, with emerging research supporting its soothing benefits.

A gentle, naturally derived fatty acid that helps soothe and protect the skin, often found in royal jelly-based products.

A gentle, non-irritating exfoliating acid that helps smooth skin texture without the sting of stronger acids.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant scent but offers no skincare benefits; generally safe at low levels.

A synthetic fragrance compound with limited safety data; best avoided by those with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies.

2-Acetonaphthone is a synthetic fragrance ingredient with limited safety data; it is generally considered safe at low levels but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

2-Benzylheptanol is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant scent to products; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

2-Decenal is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh citrus note but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

2-Dodecenol is a synthetic fatty alcohol used for scent and preservation, but it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals at higher concentrations.

A synthetic alcohol used as a solvent or denaturant; can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity, cheesy scent but offers no direct skincare benefit and may irritate sensitive skin.

A synthetic solvent used in small amounts; not a star ingredient but generally safe at low concentrations.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh scent but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

2-Heptanol is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds scent but offers no skincare benefits and may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

2-Hexanol is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds scent to products but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

2-Hydroxyethyl acrylate is a synthetic raw material used to create polymers that improve product texture and stability, but it is rarely found as a standalone ingredient in consumer products.

2-Isopentenal is a synthetic fragrance compound with limited safety data; it may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals and is best avoided in leave-on products for reactive skin.

2-M-Cresylethanol is a synthetic fragrance ingredient with mild antimicrobial properties, but it may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals at higher concentrations.

2-Melozol Acetate is a little-known synthetic ingredient with limited research; its benefits and safety are not well-established, so approach with caution.

2-Melozol Formate is a little-known synthetic antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is very limited.

2-Methoxy-p-Cresol is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a smoky, spicy note to products, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a pleasant floral note, but offers no skincare benefits and may be a concern for those avoiding fragrance.

A small alcohol molecule used mainly as a solvent or fragrance ingredient; it has limited direct skin benefit and may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh, floral scent but offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A potent synthetic odorant rarely used in skincare; its strong sulfurous smell limits its appeal and may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

2-Methylbutanol is a small alcohol used to dissolve other ingredients or add scent, but it can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

A fruity-smelling ester used to add a pleasant apple-like scent to products; generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic ester that adds a fruity, floral scent to products; generally considered safe at low levels but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a warm, nutty aroma but offers no skincare benefit and may cause sensitivity in some people.

A natural fatty acid used mainly for its cheesy or fruity scent; safe at low levels but not a functional skincare active.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a fresh, citrusy note but offers no skincare benefits and may be a concern for those with fragrance sensitivities.

A synthetic fragrance compound used in tiny amounts to add a savory or roasted note; generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity, acidic scent but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals at higher concentrations.

A synthetic fragrance ester that adds a fruity or floral note but offers no skincare benefit beyond scent.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds scent but offers no skin benefit and may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic fragrance ester that adds a pleasant scent but offers no skincare benefits; safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A potent synthetic brightener that targets dark spots and uneven tone, but can be irritating for sensitive skin.

A synthetic fragrance aldehyde that adds a fresh, green scent but can be a skin sensitizer for some people.

A synthetic preservative booster that helps keep products fresh but may cause irritation for sensitive skin at higher concentrations.

2-Octanol is a mild fatty alcohol that helps dissolve other ingredients and can boost preservative effectiveness, but it's not a primary active ingredient.

2-Octenal is a synthetic fragrance compound that adds a fresh, green scent but can be a skin sensitizer for some people.

2-P-Cresylethanol is a synthetic fragrance ingredient with mild preservative-boosting properties, generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

2-Pentanol is a solvent alcohol that can help dissolve other ingredients but may be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient with limited safety data; generally considered low risk at typical use levels but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a fresh note but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a pleasant fruity-woody note but offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A synthetic cooling agent that adds a refreshing feel but may irritate sensitive skin at higher concentrations.

A synthetic cooling and minty fragrance ingredient that can add a pleasant sensation but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a pleasant aroma but offers no skincare benefit and may cause sensitivity in some people.

A synthetic cooling agent that adds a fresh, minty scent to products; generally well-tolerated but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals at high levels.