Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

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

Hydratropyl Acetate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant scent but offers no skincare benefits and may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic hydrocarbon blend that helps dissolve oils and create a lightweight feel, but may be comedogenic for some.

A synthetic polymer that helps makeup last longer and feel smoother, but offers no skincare benefit.

A petroleum-derived solvent blend that effectively dissolves oils and creates lightweight textures, but may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

Hydrochloric acid is a strong acid used in tiny amounts to fine-tune product pH, but it can be irritating if not properly diluted.

Hydrocinnamaldehyde is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, floral scent but may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

A mild synthetic fragrance ester that adds a sweet, floral scent to products but offers no skincare benefits.

Hydrocinnamyl Cinnamate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, balsamic scent to products; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

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

Hydrocinnamyl isobutyrate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, balsamic 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 sweet, floral scent to products; generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A synthetic propellant that helps spray products work smoothly, but it has a high global warming potential and is being phased out in some regions.

Hydrogen is a trendy antioxidant ingredient that may help calm skin, but its benefits in topical skincare are still being studied and are not yet proven in large human trials.

Hydrogen Dimethicone is a gentle silicone that smooths and protects skin and hair without clogging pores or causing irritation.

A gentle silicone polymer that helps makeup and sunscreen last longer without feeling heavy or greasy.

A gentle silicone that smooths skin and hair without clogging pores, making it a reliable choice for most skin types.

Hydrogen peroxide can kill bacteria and lighten skin, but it's harsh and can damage healthy skin cells, making it a risky choice for routine skincare.

A lightweight silicone that helps products spread smoothly and feel silky, but may not suit those avoiding silicones.

A synthetic polymer that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put longer, but offers no active skincare benefits.

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

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps lock in moisture without clogging pores.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that mimics the skin's natural lipids to support hydration and barrier repair.

A stable, non-greasy emollient that locks in moisture and improves product texture, ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that strengthens the skin barrier and is well-tolerated by most skin types.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that locks in moisture and gives products a smooth, velvety feel.

A gentle, stabilized version of chamomile-derived bisabolol that helps calm irritated skin without causing breakouts.

A gentle, nourishing emollient that helps reinforce the skin barrier without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-based fatty alcohol that softens skin and improves product texture without common irritation.

A gentle, plant-derived film former that helps makeup and skincare stay put without clogging pores or irritating skin.

A synthetic polymer that helps makeup last longer and resist water, but offers no skincare benefit.

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

A gentle, processed root extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still limited.

A gentle, plant-based emollient that locks in moisture without clogging pores—great for dry or sensitive skin.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that locks in moisture and gives a silky feel — great for dry or sensitive skin.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that helps creams feel silky without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that gives a smooth, non-greasy feel and helps stabilize formulas.

A gentle, plant-based emollient that gives a silky, non-sticky feel to lipsticks and foundations while helping them stay put.

A reliable, low-irritation emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in your skincare products, but may feel slightly heavy on very oily skin.

A gentle, plant-derived ingredient that helps thicken and stabilize formulas without clogging pores.

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

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that improves product texture and spreadability without clogging pores.

A gentle, PEG-modified castor oil derivative that helps mix water and oil, making it a reliable emulsifier for stable, non-greasy formulas.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that gives products a smooth, non-greasy feel and helps stabilize formulas.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that helps create a smooth, non-greasy feel in creams and lip products.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that improves texture and spreadability without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that adds a smooth, non-greasy feel to products and helps stabilize formulas.

A gentle film-former that helps products stay put and resist water without clogging pores.

A gentle film-forming ingredient that helps products stay put without feeling heavy or sticky.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that softens skin with low irritation risk, though research on its unique benefits is still limited.

A gentle, coconut-derived emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

A gentle emollient that helps restore softness and smoothness to dry or rough skin without clogging pores.

A stable, lightweight emollient that softens skin without feeling heavy, ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that strengthens the skin barrier and is well-tolerated by most skin types.

A synthetic polymer that helps makeup and skincare stay put longer by forming a flexible, water-resistant film on the skin.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that spreads easily and leaves skin feeling soft without clogging pores.

A lightweight, synthetic emollient that improves product texture and leaves skin feeling silky without clogging pores.

A next-generation, plant-derived emollient that feels lightweight and non-greasy, with a strong sustainability profile.

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

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that helps products feel silky and stay put without clogging pores.