Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

Ethylhexanol is a synthetic alcohol used as a solvent or fragrance ingredient, not a direct skin care active; it can be irritating at high concentrations.

A gentle synthetic surfactant that helps cleanse skin without over-drying, making it a good choice for sensitive or dry skin types.

A gentle pH adjuster and preservative booster that helps keep your products stable and fresh without harshness.

A lightweight synthetic solvent that helps products spread smoothly and evaporate quickly, but may cause dryness with overuse.

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

Ethylhexyl Acrylate helps makeup and sunscreen last longer, but it can be a mild irritant for sensitive skin.

A synthetic film-former that improves wear time and water resistance, but may feel tight or dry on sensitive skin.

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

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

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps products glide on smoothly and is generally well-tolerated by most skin types.

A synthetic peptide-like ingredient that may help soften expression lines, but results are subtle and not as dramatic as prescription treatments.

A highly effective, photostable sunscreen ingredient that provides broad-spectrum protection without the white cast of mineral filters.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that improves product feel and spreadability with low irritation potential.

A silky, non-greasy emollient that hydrates and smooths skin, ideal for oily or combination types.

A silky, non-greasy emollient that hydrates without clogging pores, ideal for oily and combination skin types.

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

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient derived from coconut oil that softens skin and helps other ingredients spread smoothly.

A gentle synthetic ingredient that makes skin feel smooth and silky without clogging pores or causing irritation.

A synthetic UVA filter that helps protect skin from sun damage, generally well-tolerated but not as widely studied as some other UV filters.

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

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that spreads easily and helps other ingredients absorb better.

A gentle, oil-soluble antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental damage and may boost sunscreen effectiveness.

A synthetic antioxidant that helps keep skincare products fresh and may offer mild skin-protective benefits.

A lightweight synthetic emollient that softens skin and improves product texture, but may clog pores for some.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps products spread smoothly and leaves skin feeling soft without clogging pores.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that improves product texture and skin feel without clogging pores.

A lightweight synthetic emollient that helps skin feel smooth without greasiness, generally well-tolerated.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps products spread smoothly and leaves skin feeling soft without clogging pores.

A lightweight synthetic emollient that softens skin without greasiness, but may clog pores for some.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that softens skin and helps other ingredients spread smoothly.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps products spread smoothly and leaves skin feeling soft without clogging pores.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that softens skin and improves product texture with a low risk of irritation.

A silky, non-greasy emollient derived from meadowfoam seed oil that hydrates and smooths skin with a lightweight feel.

A synthetic film-former that helps nail polish and long-wear makeup stay put, but may cause irritation for sensitive skin or nail beds.

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup and skincare last longer and resist water, but may feel tight or dry on sensitive skin.

Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene is a synthetic ingredient that keeps other sunscreen filters stable and effective, but it's not a primary UV blocker on its own.

A lightweight emollient that gives a silky feel but may clog pores for acne-prone skin.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that improves product feel without clogging pores.

A silky, non-greasy emollient that softens skin but may clog pores for some people.

A lightweight, silky emollient that hydrates without clogging pores, ideal for oily and combination skin types.

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

A lightweight, silky emollient that helps products spread easily, but may clog pores for some skin types.

A gentle, synthetic humectant that helps skin hold onto moisture without feeling sticky or heavy.

A silky, lightweight emollient that hydrates without clogging pores, ideal for oily and combination skin.

A silky, non-greasy emollient that improves product feel and spreadability without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that helps products spread smoothly and leaves skin feeling soft without greasiness.

A silky, non-greasy emollient that softens skin and improves product texture, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

A widely used UVB filter that helps protect skin from sunburn and is generally considered safe and well-tolerated.

A lightweight synthetic emollient that makes products feel silky, but may clog pores for acne-prone skin.

A gentle synthetic ester that helps blend pigments and oils, giving products a smooth, non-greasy feel with low irritation risk.

A powerful, photostable UVB filter that provides reliable sunburn protection without the greasy feel of older sunscreens.

A synthetic UV filter that effectively absorbs UVA and UVB rays, commonly used in sunscreens for broad-spectrum protection.

A gentle, effective preservative booster that helps keep products fresh while also providing mild skin-smoothing benefits.

A gentle, stable vitamin C derivative that brightens skin and fights free radicals without the irritation of pure ascorbic acid.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that softens skin and improves product feel, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

A gentle, lightweight emollient that softens skin without a greasy feel, making it a good choice for most skin types.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that hydrates and smooths skin without clogging pores, making it a good choice for sensitive and oily skin types.

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

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

Ethylparaben is an effective preservative with a long safety record, but some consumers prefer to avoid it due to concerns about endocrine disruption.