Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though research is still early.

Erucalkonium chloride is an effective preservative and antistatic agent for hair products, but it may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.

Erucamide is a synthetic lubricant that improves the glide and feel of makeup and skincare, with a strong safety record at low use levels.

A gentle, effective surfactant that creates rich foam without stripping the skin, making it a great choice for sensitive or dry skin types.

Erucic acid is a gentle fatty acid that helps cleanse and condition skin and hair, but it may be slightly comedogenic for acne-prone individuals.

Erucyl Arachidate is a gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps soften and smooth skin without clogging pores.

A lightweight, plant-derived emollient that softens skin and improves product texture with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Erucyl Oleate is a gentle emollient that softens and smooths skin without feeling greasy, making it a good choice for dry or sensitive skin.

Erythorbic acid is a gentler, more stable alternative to L-ascorbic acid that helps brighten skin and fight free radicals.

A gentle flower extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

A mild, aromatic floral water that offers gentle soothing and antioxidant benefits, but with limited research specific to skincare.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, though research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in large human studies.

Erythritol is a gentle, non-irritating humectant that helps hydrate skin without stickiness, making it a great alternative to glycerin for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

A lightweight synthetic emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for oily or combination skin types.

Erythrodiol is a gentle plant antioxidant that may help calm skin and support its natural defenses, though research is still early.

Erythrulose is a gentle sugar-derived self-tanner that works with DHA to create a more natural, longer-lasting tan with less odor and irritation.

Escin is a plant-derived anti-inflammatory ingredient that helps reduce puffiness and support microcirculation, especially around the eyes.

Esculetin is a plant-derived antioxidant that may help brighten skin and fight free radicals, but research in cosmetics is still limited.

Esculin is a gentle plant antioxidant that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, but it is not a star ingredient and is best used as part of a broader formula.

Esparto wax is a natural, plant-derived wax that helps thicken and stabilize cosmetic formulas without common irritation concerns.

Estratetraenol is a synthetic steroid with limited cosmetic research; its primary use is in fragrance or pheromone products, not proven for skincare benefits.

A synthetic polymer that helps products form a flexible, long-lasting film on hair or skin, but offers no active skincare benefits.

Ethane is a safe, colorless gas used to propel product out of aerosol cans, but it offers no direct skin benefit.

Ethanolamine is an effective pH adjuster but can be irritating for sensitive skin, especially in leave-on products.

A gentle synthetic humectant that helps hydrate skin and support barrier function, but research on its long-term benefits is still limited.

A strong chemical that breaks hair bonds for removal or reshaping, but can irritate skin if not used carefully.

A gentle synthetic humectant that helps keep skin hydrated and improves product feel, but offers limited unique benefits compared to alternatives.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient with limited safety data; best for those who tolerate synthetic scents.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a woody scent; generally safe at low levels but may cause sensitivity in some people.

A synthetic antioxidant that helps prevent ingredient breakdown, but its safety data is less extensive than more common alternatives.

Ethoxydiglycol is a common solvent that helps active ingredients penetrate the skin, but it can also increase the absorption of potentially irritating ingredients.

A mild synthetic solvent that helps dissolve other ingredients and gives a smooth, non-greasy feel, but may enhance penetration of other actives.

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

A gentle synthetic emollient that helps skin feel soft and smooth without clogging pores or causing irritation.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture without clogging pores.

A gentle emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

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

A synthetic preservative that helps keep products fresh, but its safety data is less extensive than more common alternatives.

A synthetic fragrance ester that adds a fruity or floral note to products; generally safe at low levels but offers no skincare benefit.

Ethyl 2-Acetyloctanoate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient with limited safety data; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient with limited safety data; generally considered low-risk at typical use levels but best avoided by those with fragrance sensitivities.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds scent but offers no skin benefit; generally safe at low levels but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A fruity-smelling ester used for scent; generally safe at low levels but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity note to products; generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A synthetic fragrance ester that adds a fruity note to products; generally considered safe at low concentrations but offers no skincare benefit.

Ethyl 2-Octenoate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity, floral note to products; it is generally safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A synthetic antioxidant that may help shield skin from oxidative damage, but research is still early and it's not a standout ingredient.

A gentle synthetic exfoliant that helps smooth skin texture without the harshness of stronger acids.

A mild synthetic ester that helps dissolve other ingredients and adds a subtle scent, but offers no standout skincare benefits.

A synthetic fragrance ester that adds a fruity scent to products; generally safe but may cause sensitivity in those with fragrance allergies.

Ethyl 3-Phenylglycidate is a synthetic fragrance compound that adds a sweet, fruity note to products but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic preservative booster that helps keep products fresh by enhancing the effectiveness of other preservatives, but it's not a standalone preservative.

Ethyl Acetoacetate is a synthetic ester that adds scent and helps dissolve other ingredients, but it offers no direct skin benefit and may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity scent; generally safe at low concentrations but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A lightweight synthetic emollient that helps soften skin without a greasy feel, but it's not a star ingredient—just a supporting player in formulations.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient derived from almond oil that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores.

A synthetic ingredient that may support skin renewal when activated by light, but it's primarily used in medical settings and can be irritating.

Ethyl Anisate is a gentle, naturally derived fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, anise-like scent to products, but it offers no direct skincare benefits.

Ethyl Anthranilate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a floral, grape-like scent but offers no skincare benefits and may be a concern for those with fragrance sensitivities.

A lightweight, plant-based emollient that hydrates without greasiness, suitable for most skin types.