Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put and resist water, but offers no direct skin benefit.

A synthetic conditioning agent that helps reduce static and improve manageability, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals at higher concentrations.

A silicone-based film former that helps makeup last longer and resist water, but may feel slightly tight on dry skin.

A gentle fern extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and benefits are not yet well-established in human skin.

Activated clay is a gentle, natural absorbent that helps draw out excess oil and surface debris without stripping the skin.

A synthetic antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early.

A synthetic retinoid-like ingredient that may help smooth fine lines and improve skin texture, but can cause irritation in sensitive skin.

A newer synthetic ingredient that may help firm skin and reduce wrinkles, but research is still early.

A lab-made compound that may help support collagen, but research is still early and it's not a proven must-have.

A lab-made antioxidant that may help protect skin from pollution and UV damage, but research is still early.

A synthetic compound with potential antioxidant benefits, but research is very limited and it is rarely seen in mainstream products.

A synthetic ingredient that mimics a natural signaling peptide to help improve skin firmness and smooth wrinkles, but research is still emerging.

A synthetic compound that may reduce skin sensitivity by calming nerve signals, but research is still early.

A gentle fern extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is limited and benefits are not yet well-established.

Adenine is a gentle, naturally derived ingredient that may help support skin repair, but research in cosmetics is still limited.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich root extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still early.

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and benefits are not yet well-established.

Adenosine is a gentle, science-backed anti-aging ingredient that helps smooth fine lines and improve skin firmness without irritation.

A cellular messenger that may help support skin firmness and resilience, but research in topical cosmetics is still limited.

Adenosine phosphate is a gentle, energy-boosting ingredient that may help smooth fine lines and support skin firmness over time.

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is the energy currency of cells, and when applied topically, it may help energize skin cells to support a firmer, more youthful appearance.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich oil from Patagonia that helps soothe and soften skin without clogging pores.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research on human skin is still limited.

Adipic acid is a mild pH adjuster that helps keep your skincare products stable and gentle on skin, but it doesn't provide active skincare benefits on its own.

A synthetic polymer that creates a flexible film on skin or hair, helping products last longer and resist water.

A synthetic polymer that helps products stay put longer, especially in water-resistant sunscreens and long-wear makeup.

A safe, synthetic polymer that helps skincare and makeup feel silky, control shine, and improve spreadability without clogging pores.

A synthetic polymer that helps products stay put and resist water, but offers no active skincare benefit.

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put longer without feeling heavy.

A safe, synthetic film-former that helps products stay put and resist water without clogging pores.

A safe synthetic polymer that helps makeup and skincare products spread smoothly and last longer without clogging pores.

A synthetic polymer that helps makeup and skincare stay put longer without clogging pores.

A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put and resist water, but offers no active skincare benefit.

A safe, synthetic film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen last longer without clogging pores.

A safe, synthetic film-former that helps products resist water and last longer without clogging pores.

A futuristic ingredient derived from stem cells that may support skin repair, but the science is still early and products are often very expensive.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is very limited and it's not a well-studied ingredient.

A gentle, natural exfoliant from adzuki beans that helps smooth skin without harsh chemicals, but research on its benefits is still limited.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from adzuki bean seed coats that may help calm and protect the skin.

A fragrant essential oil with limited research on skincare benefits; best used in low concentrations due to potential irritation.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich orchid ingredient that may help soothe and protect skin, but research is still early.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and it's not a powerhouse ingredient.

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is limited compared to more common botanical extracts.

A fragrant wood oil with limited research; best for those who enjoy natural scents but may irritate sensitive skin.

A fragrant leaf oil that adds a warm, spicy scent to products but has limited research on direct skin benefits and may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

African basil extract is a gentle botanical antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, but research is still early.

African basil oil offers antimicrobial and antioxidant benefits but can be irritating for sensitive skin due to its essential oil nature.

A gentle conditioning ingredient that helps soften hair and skin without heavy greasiness.

A lightweight, non-greasy Amazonian oil that deeply moisturizes and helps calm irritation without clogging pores.

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its specific skin benefits is still limited.

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant extract that may help calm and protect skin, though research is still early.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, though research is still early.

A gentle, seaweed-derived thickener that helps create smooth gel textures without irritating skin.

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

A gentle, seaweed-derived thickener that gives gels a smooth texture without clogging pores or irritating skin.

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

A fragrant wood extract with antioxidant potential, but more research is needed to confirm its skincare benefits beyond scent.

A rare, luxurious fragrance oil with a distinctive woody scent, but limited research on skincare benefits and potential for skin irritation.

Agarwood Stem Extract is a gentle botanical antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

A biotech-derived antioxidant from Korean mint that may help calm and protect skin, though human studies are still limited.