Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

Ethyl Arachidonate is a fatty acid ester that helps soften and condition skin, but its role in inflammation and acne risk requires cautious use.

A lightweight, semi-synthetic emollient derived from argan oil that softens skin without a heavy or greasy feel.

A gentler, more stable form of vitamin C that works well for most skin types without the sting of pure ascorbic acid.

Ethyl Aspartate is a gentle humectant that helps attract moisture to the skin, but research on its benefits is still limited compared to more established ingredients.

A gentle, plant-based emollient that helps soften and smooth skin without clogging pores, ideal for dry or sensitive skin types.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that helps soften skin without clogging pores, suitable for most skin types.

Ethyl Benzoate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that helps scent products and dissolve other ingredients, but it may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

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

Ethyl Biotinate is a more absorbable form of biotin that may help strengthen hair and nails when applied topically, but its effects are modest and not a substitute for internal nutrition.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant scent but may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

A well-studied synthetic insect repellent that is gentle on skin and widely recommended as an alternative to DEET.

Ethyl butyrate is a safe, fruity fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant scent but offers no skincare benefits.

Ethyl Caffeate is a gentle antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental damage and may support a more even skin tone.

A gentle, plant-based emollient that helps soften and smooth the skin without clogging pores.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that softens skin without clogging pores.

A next-gen hyaluronic acid derivative that binds to skin for longer-lasting hydration, but research is still emerging.

A modern peptide-hyaluronic acid hybrid that aims to plump and firm skin with low irritation potential.

A biotech blend that pairs a modified hyaluronic acid with a lab-made peptide to hydrate and support skin resilience, though long-term human data is still limited.

Ethyl Cinnamate is a gentle, naturally derived fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant scent to products but offers no active skincare benefits.

Ethyl Citral is a synthetic citrus fragrance that can cause skin irritation or allergies in sensitive individuals, especially at higher concentrations.

Ethyl Citrates are gentle, multifunctional ingredients that soften skin and improve product texture, with a strong safety profile.

Ethyl Crotonate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity, rum-like scent to products, but it may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

A lightweight synthetic emollient that softens skin without a greasy feel, generally well-tolerated and non-irritating.

Ethyl Cyclohexylacetate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant scent to products, but it offers no skincare benefits and may be a concern for those with fragrance sensitivities.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, caramel-like scent but offers no skincare benefits.

A gentle, synthetic vitamin B5 derivative that helps hydrate and calm the skin, suitable for most skin types.

Ethyl Dihydroxypropyl PABA is a less common UVB filter that can protect against sunburn but may cause skin sensitivity in some people.

Ethyl Diisopropylcinnamate is a synthetic UV filter that helps block UVB rays, but it is less common in modern sunscreens due to limited broad-spectrum protection.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds scent to products but offers no skincare benefits; safe at low levels but may cause sensitivity in some people.

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds a pleasant scent but offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Ethyl Dimethylaminobenzoate is a synthetic UV absorber that helps sunscreens and other products stay effective under sunlight, but it has moderate irritation potential and is not a primary sunscreen active.

A synthetic UV filter that helps protect skin from sun damage, but its use is limited to certain regions and formulations.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity scent but offers no skincare benefits and may be best avoided by those sensitive to fragrance.

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

Ethyl Dimethyloctadienoate is a synthetic scent ingredient that adds a fruity note to products, but it offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in those with fragrance allergies.

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

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds a nutty, roasted scent to products; generally considered safe at low levels but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A synthetic scent ingredient that makes products smell pleasant but offers no skin benefit and may irritate sensitive skin.

A gentle conditioning protein that can temporarily smooth hair and skin, but its animal origin and limited long-term benefits may not suit everyone.

A gentle, modified keratin protein that forms a protective film on hair and skin to improve strength, moisture retention, and manageability.

A gentle silk protein ester that adds moisture and slip to hair and skin without heavy buildup.

A gentle, film-forming protein derivative that helps skin feel smooth and hydrated, but research is limited.

A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put longer, but may feel stiff or heavy on some skin types.

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds scent but offers no skincare benefits; safe for most people but may cause reactions in those with fragrance sensitivities.

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

A modern UVA filter that offers broad-spectrum protection with low irritation potential, commonly used in sunscreens outside the US.

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds scent but offers no skincare benefit; generally safe at low levels but may irritate sensitive skin.

A gentle, oil-soluble antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental damage and may support collagen health.

Ethyl Formate is a solvent and fragrance ingredient that can add a fruity scent but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals at higher levels.

Ethyl Gallate is a gentle antioxidant that helps protect skin from free radicals, but it is less studied than more common antioxidants like vitamin C or E.

Ethyl Geranyl Ether is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh, floral scent, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Ethyl Glucoside is a mild, sugar-derived humectant that pulls water into the skin and improves product feel without common irritation.

Ethyl Glutamate is a mild, water-loving amino-acid derivative that helps attract moisture to the skin and supports a healthy barrier without irritation.

A gentle, multi-tasking ingredient that hydrates, softens skin, and helps preserve formulas without harsh chemicals.

A gentle, water-soluble blue pigment derived from chamomile that helps calm redness and irritation without staining the skin.

Ethyl Heptanoate is a synthetic ester that adds a fruity, wine-like scent to products; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but offers no skincare benefits.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a sweet, creamy note to products; generally safe at low levels but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Ethyl Hexanoate is a safe, widely used fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity scent but offers no skincare benefits.

A gentle, synthetic ingredient that helps preserve formulas and improve skin feel without common irritation.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, caramel-like scent to products; generally safe at low levels but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.