Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A silicone polymer that improves product feel and wear without clogging pores or causing irritation.

A gentle, plant-derived film-former that helps products feel smooth and stay put without clogging pores.

A gentle silicone emulsifier that creates smooth, stable formulas without heavy residue.

A gentle, silicone-based cleansing and texturizing ingredient that helps products spread smoothly without stripping the skin.

A gentle silicone derivative that smooths hair and skin without heavy buildup, but its long-term effects are less studied than simpler silicones.

A gentle, non-greasy butter that softens and hydrates skin without clogging pores, ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

A gentle, plant-derived soother that helps calm irritated skin and supports a healthy-looking complexion.

A gentle, multi-tasking ingredient that soothes irritation while supporting the skin's natural repair processes.

A gentle, stable vitamin C derivative that pairs antioxidant protection with soothing skin repair.

A gentle, low-irritation duo that soothes and supports skin barrier function, best for sensitive or stressed skin.

A gentle, dual-action ingredient that calms irritation and supports skin repair, ideal for sensitive or stressed skin.

A gentle, dual-action ingredient that soothes irritation and helps skin hold onto moisture, ideal for sensitive or compromised skin.

A gentle, dual-action ingredient that soothes irritation and supports skin repair without clogging pores.

Allantoin PABA combines soothing allantoin with PABA, a former sunscreen ingredient, but PABA is rarely used today due to safety concerns and allergy risks.

A gentle, well-tolerated combination that soothes irritation and supports moisture retention, ideal for sensitive or compromised skin.

A gentle, multi-tasking ingredient that calms irritation and helps skin hold onto moisture — ideal for sensitive or stressed skin.

Allergenic fragrances are common skin sensitizers that can cause irritation and allergic reactions, especially in those with sensitive skin or eczema.

Allethrins are synthetic insecticides used in some personal care products for anti-parasitic purposes, but they are not common in everyday skincare and may cause irritation for sensitive individuals.

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still early—think of it as a nice bonus, not a skincare hero.

A gentle plant-based antioxidant extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Allo-Ocimenol is a natural fragrance compound that adds a pleasant scent to products but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Alloimperatorin is a plant-derived antioxidant with early research suggesting anti-inflammatory benefits, but its use in skincare is still emerging and requires caution due to potential photosensitivity.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Alluvial mud is a gentle, mineral-rich sediment that can help absorb excess oil and lightly exfoliate skin, but its benefits are mostly anecdotal.

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds scent but offers no skincare benefit; may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

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

Allyl Butyrate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity, pineapple-like scent to products, but it offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Allyl Caproate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity, pineapple-like scent to products, but it offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Allyl Cinnamate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, balsamic scent but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

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

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity scent but offers no skincare benefits and may be a concern for those with fragrance sensitivities.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a pleasant fruity note but offers no skincare benefit and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Allyl heptanoate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity, pineapple-like scent to products, but it offers no skincare benefits and may be a concern for those with fragrance sensitivities.

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds a violet note to products but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Allyl 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 benefits.

A synthetic powder that helps control shine and gives a silky feel, but offers no active skincare benefits.

A synthetic polymer that helps products spread smoothly and feel silky, with a low risk of irritation.

Allyl Nonanoate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity, pineapple-like scent to products; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A synthetic fragrance ester that adds a fruity scent to products but offers no skin benefit and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Allyl phenethyl ether is a synthetic fragrance compound that adds a sweet floral note to products, but it may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Allyl phenoxyacetate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, fruity note to products but offers no skincare benefits and may be a concern for those with fragrance sensitivities.

Allyl Phenylacetate is a synthetic fragrance compound that adds a sweet, honey-like scent to products, but it offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Allyl Propionate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity note to products; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but offers no skin benefit beyond scent.

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put longer, especially in water or sweat.

Allyl Trimethylhexanoate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity, floral scent to products, but offers no skincare benefits.

Allylanisole adds a sweet, licorice-like scent to products but can be a skin sensitizer for some people.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a warm, spicy scent but may cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

A nourishing blend of plant-derived fatty acids that softens and smooths skin with a low risk of irritation.

Almond Kernel Extract is a gentle, plant-based ingredient that helps soothe and condition the skin, making it a good fit for sensitive and dry skin types.

A gentle, semi-synthetic ingredient that combines the moisturizing benefits of almond oil with improved water solubility for stable, non-greasy formulas.

A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient that helps products spread smoothly and leaves skin feeling soft without clogging pores.

A gentle, PEG-modified almond oil that helps products spread smoothly and feel silky without clogging pores.

A mild, eco-friendly emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in skincare products while leaving skin feeling soft.

A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient that helps soften skin without feeling overly greasy, suitable for most skin types.

A gentle, natural exfoliant that buffs away dead skin cells without harsh microplastics, but may feel too gritty for sensitive skin.

Almondamide DEA helps create rich lather and thicker textures, but it is a semi-synthetic ingredient with moderate irritation potential for sensitive skin.

A gentle conditioning agent derived from almond oil that helps reduce static and improve manageability, but may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.

A gentle, almond-derived surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, making it a solid choice for sensitive or dry skin types.

A gentle conditioning ingredient that helps soften hair and reduce static without heavy buildup.

A gentle, almond-derived surfactant that helps create a rich lather without stripping the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive skin.