Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A mild, plant-based emulsifier that creates stable, creamy textures without common irritation.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that locks in moisture and softens skin without clogging pores.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps strengthen the skin barrier without clogging pores.

A thick, emollient fatty acid from animal fat that helps create rich creams and balms, but may clog pores for some skin types.

A fatty alcohol from animal fat that softens and thickens products, but may clog pores for some skin types.

A thickener and stabilizer from hydrogenated tallow, effective but may be too heavy for oily or acne-prone skin.

A mild, animal-derived surfactant that cleans effectively without over-drying, suitable for sensitive skin.

A rich, plant-like emollient from beef tallow that locks in moisture but may clog pores for acne-prone skin.

A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient that softens skin and improves product texture, but its animal-derived origin may not suit all preferences.

A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient that softens skin but may be too heavy for acne-prone types.

A safe, effective thickener for makeup and creams, but its animal-derived origin may not suit everyone.

A conditioning ingredient derived from animal fats that softens hair and reduces static, but may cause irritation or clog pores in sensitive individuals.

A traditional foam booster and emulsifier that can be effective but may cause irritation or clog pores in sensitive or acne-prone skin.

An effective hair conditioner and antistatic agent, but its animal origin and potential for irritation make it less common in modern clean beauty.

An effective foaming agent from animal-derived tallow, but may be too stripping for dry or sensitive skin.

An effective emulsifier that helps mix water and oils, but may be too heavy or potentially irritating for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

A gentle emulsifier that helps mix water and oil, but its animal-derived origin may not suit everyone.

A gentle emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in cleansers and creams, but its animal-derived origin may not suit everyone.

A mild, soap-like cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive or dry skin types.

A conditioning agent derived from tallow that softens hair and reduces static, but may be too heavy for fine hair or acne-prone skin.

Hydrogenated tamanu oil is a stable, non-greasy emollient that helps soften and soothe the skin without the strong scent or staining of raw tamanu oil.

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

A lightweight, non-greasy synthetic emollient that helps products glide on smoothly without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that helps strengthen the skin barrier and soothe dryness without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that softens skin and helps creams feel rich without being greasy.

A gentle, plant-based emollient that softens skin and helps stabilize formulas without clogging pores.

A gentle emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in creams and lotions while also softening the skin.

A safe, plant-derived thickener and emollient that helps lock in moisture but may clog pores for some skin types.

A hydrogenated nut oil that adds richness and slip to formulas, but may be comedogenic for some and is unsuitable for nut-allergic individuals.

A stable, nourishing emollient that helps soften and protect dry skin, but may clog pores for some.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that strengthens the skin barrier and helps lock in moisture, ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

A gentle, plant-derived humectant that helps hydrate and smooth skin with low irritation risk.

Hydrolyzed Acai Fruit is a gentle antioxidant and hydrating ingredient that helps protect skin from environmental stress while supporting a healthy-looking complexion.

A gentle, vitamin C-rich fruit extract that helps brighten skin and fight free radical damage without the irritation of pure ascorbic acid.

A gentle, plant-derived humectant that helps attract moisture to the skin, but research on its specific benefits is still limited compared to more established ingredients.

A gentle, biotech-derived extract that may help calm irritation and support skin hydration, though research is still emerging.

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant extract that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though research is still early.

Hydrolyzed albumen is a gentle protein that helps strengthen hair and temporarily smooth skin by forming a light film.

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, though human studies are limited.

A gentle, hydrating ingredient from algae that plumps skin and supports its moisture barrier without irritation.

A gentle, seaweed-derived humectant that helps skin hold onto moisture and leaves a light, smoothing film.

A gentle, processed aloe ingredient that hydrates and calms skin with low irritation risk.

A gentle, water-soluble aloe derivative that hydrates and calms skin, ideal for sensitive or irritated complexions.

A gentle, water-loving ingredient that hydrates and soothes skin, especially good for sensitive or irritated types.

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that helps calm skin and fight free radical damage, ideal for sensitive and aging skin.

A gentle, plant-based protein that helps hair and skin retain moisture and feel stronger without irritation.

Hydrolyzed Antler Velvet is a novel protein ingredient that may help hydrate and condition skin, but scientific evidence for anti-aging benefits is very limited.

A novel, protein-rich ingredient with promising anti-aging potential, but human studies are limited and ethical sourcing is a concern.

A gentle, plant-derived humectant that pulls moisture into the skin and may help calm irritation.

A gentle, algae-derived ingredient that provides antioxidant protection and light hydration, but its benefits are best supported by general spirulina research rather than specific cosmetic studies.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich seaweed extract that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress.

A gentle, plant-derived protein that helps strengthen hair and lightly moisturize skin without irritation.

A gentle bamboo-derived extract that helps calm skin and defend against environmental stress, ideal for sensitive or reactive skin types.

A gentle, plant-derived humectant that helps hydrate and calm the skin, though research on its specific benefits is still limited.

A gentle, plant-derived humectant that helps hydrate and condition the skin, though research on its specific benefits is still limited.

A gentle, plant-derived humectant that helps hydrate and calm the skin, with early research suggesting antioxidant benefits.

A novel protein extract from bee larvae that may help hydrate and condition skin, but research is limited and it's not suitable for vegans or those with bee allergies.

A gentle, water-soluble beeswax derivative that hydrates and helps maintain the skin barrier without the heavy feel of regular beeswax.

A gentle antioxidant extract from bilberry leaves that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

A gentle seaweed extract that helps hydrate and calm the skin, with antioxidant benefits from its natural compounds.