Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, caramel-like scent to products; generally considered safe at low concentrations but offers no skincare benefits.

A gentle synthetic ingredient that helps condition the skin, but research on its long-term benefits is still emerging.

Ethyl Hydroxyheptyl Ketone is a synthetic fragrance ingredient with limited published safety data, but it is generally considered safe at the low levels used in cosmetics.

A synthetic emulsifier that helps oil and water mix in your skincare, generally considered safe and non-irritating at low levels.

Ethyl Hydroxypyrone is a synthetic fragrance and skin-conditioning agent that adds a sweet, caramel-like scent to products but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Ethyl Isobutyrate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity, rum-like scent to products; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but offers no skincare benefits.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds scent to products; generally considered safe at low levels but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, making it a good choice for oily and acne-prone skin types.

Ethyl Isovalerate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity, apple-like scent to products; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but offers no skincare benefit.

A gentle, plant-based emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for sensitive and oily skin types.

Ethyl lactate is a mild, effective humectant that helps hydrate skin without irritation, making it a good choice for sensitive skin types.

A milder retinoid that aims to deliver anti-aging results with less irritation than traditional retinol, making it a good option for sensitive skin.

A gentle, plant-derived exfoliant that helps smooth skin without the sting of stronger acids.

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

A mild, amino-acid-based preservative enhancer that helps protect formulas without the harshness of traditional preservatives.

A mild, amino-acid-based preservative booster that helps protect formulas from microbes without the harshness of traditional preservatives.

Ethyl Linalool is a synthetic scent ingredient that gives a floral, lavender-like aroma, but it may cause skin reactions in sensitive individuals.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient derived from linoleic acid that helps soften and smooth skin without clogging pores.

A gentle emollient that helps soften skin and support the skin barrier, but it's less studied than its parent fatty acid.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient derived from macadamia nut oil that hydrates and softens skin with a silky finish.

A synthetic cooling compound that delivers a refreshing, long-lasting chill without menthol's strong odor or volatility.

A gentle silicone that gives skin a smooth, non-greasy finish without clogging pores.

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

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

Ethyl Methoxycinnamate is an effective UVB filter, but its safety has been debated due to potential skin absorption and environmental concerns.

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

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds a nutty, roasted scent but offers no skin benefit beyond smell.

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

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

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

A lightweight emollient that softens skin but may clog pores for some, and raises ethical concerns due to its animal origin.

Ethyl Morrhuate is a gentle emollient from cod liver oil that helps soften skin without clogging pores, but its benefits are similar to many other oils.

Ethyl Myristate is a lightweight emollient that softens skin but may clog pores for acne-prone individuals.

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

Ethyl nicotinate creates a temporary warm flush on the skin by widening blood vessels, often used for a plumping or tingling effect, but it can cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Ethyl O-Anisate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, anise-like scent to products; it has low irritation potential but offers no direct skin benefits.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a sweet, coconut-like note to products, but offers no skincare benefit and may be unnecessary for fragrance-free routines.

Ethyl Octanoate is a gentle, fruity-scented emollient that adds a pleasant fragrance and silky feel to products, but offers no active skincare benefits.

Ethyl Oleate is a lightweight emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture, but it may clog pores for some people.

Ethyl Olivate is a gentle, olive-derived emollient that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores, making it a good choice for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Ethyl P-Cresylcarbonate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, floral scent to products, but it offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Ethyl P-Toluate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient with low irritation potential, but it offers no skincare benefits beyond scent.

A gentle, lightweight emollient that helps skin feel soft without a greasy residue.

A lightweight emollient that softens skin but may clog pores for some people.

A gentle, coconut-derived surfactant that cleanses effectively but may not suit ultra-sensitive scalps in high concentrations.

A lightweight synthetic ester that softens skin and improves product feel, with low irritation risk.

A fast-evaporating synthetic fluid that gives a silky, non-greasy feel and helps other ingredients spread evenly.

A lightweight synthetic ingredient that helps products spread smoothly and evaporate quickly, but its long-term safety data is still limited.

Ethyl Persate is a little-known synthetic preservative with limited safety data; it appears in a few products but is not widely studied or recommended.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that softens skin and improves product feel without clogging pores.

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

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

Ethyl Phenoxyacetate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient with a low irritation risk, but it offers no skincare benefits beyond scent.

Ethyl Phenylacetate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, honey-like scent to products, but it offers no direct skincare benefits.

A biotech-derived ingredient that helps skin hold onto moisture and may support a firmer, smoother look.

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put, but may feel slightly tight on very dry skin.

A gentle silicone that forms a breathable, water-resistant film for a smooth, silky feel without clogging pores.

Ethyl propionate is a synthetic ester used for its fruity, rum-like scent; it is generally considered safe in low concentrations but offers no direct skin benefit.

Ethyl propyl ketone is a synthetic solvent and fragrance ingredient that can help dissolve other ingredients but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic solvent that helps other ingredients absorb better, but may cause irritation for sensitive skin.