Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put without feeling heavy, but offers no active skincare benefit.

A synthetic silicone polymer that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put longer, but may feel heavy on some skin types.

A powerful antioxidant that may help brighten skin and fight signs of aging, but more human studies are needed.

A gentle, synthetic emollient that softens skin and improves product texture with a low risk of irritation.

A gentle conditioning ingredient that reduces static and improves softness in hair and skin without heavy buildup.

A gentle conditioning ingredient that reduces static and softens hair without heavy buildup.

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

A gentle, plant-based emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures while also softening the skin.

A gentle fatty alcohol that softens skin and improves product texture without common irritation.

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

A mild, skin-friendly emulsifier that creates stable, creamy textures without irritation.

A mild, sugar-derived emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in cleansers and creams without stripping the skin.

A synthetic film-former that helps other ingredients stay put on skin, but it's still new and not widely studied on its own.

A synthetic ingredient that helps other active ingredients stick to the skin, but it's not widely studied on its own.

Hydroxysultaines are gentle cleansing agents that create a rich foam without stripping the skin, making them a popular alternative to harsher sulfates.

Hydroxytryptophan is a little-known skincare ingredient with theoretical antioxidant benefits, but there is very limited research on its effectiveness when applied to the skin.

A powerful olive-derived antioxidant that helps shield skin from pollution and UV stress, with emerging research supporting its anti-aging potential.

A gentle exfoliating acid that helps smooth skin texture and even tone without the irritation often associated with stronger acids.

A gentle botanical seed ingredient with limited research, likely offering mild soothing and moisturizing benefits for sensitive skin.

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research specific to Hypericum erectum is limited.

A gentle, non-irritating antimicrobial that helps calm redness and support skin healing without drying or stinging.

A gentle plant root extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in human skin.

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its skincare benefits is still limited.

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

A gentle, plant-based oil that helps soften and condition skin, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

Hyssop Herb Extract offers antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research on its topical effects is limited compared to more studied botanicals.

Hyssop Leaf Oil offers antimicrobial and soothing benefits but can be irritating for sensitive skin and is best used in low concentrations.

Hyssop Oil offers antimicrobial and soothing benefits but can be irritating for sensitive skin and is primarily used for its scent.

Ibuprofen can reduce redness and swelling in skincare, but it is a drug ingredient with potential for irritation and systemic absorption, so use with caution.

Icariside II is a plant-derived antioxidant with early research suggesting it may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more even tone, but human studies are limited.

A gentle, plant-based humectant and antioxidant that helps skin retain moisture and defend against environmental stress.

A gentle, mineral-rich plant juice that helps hydrate and calm the skin, but scientific evidence is still emerging.

A gentle, hydrating plant water that may help soothe and protect the skin, but research is limited.

A gentle, natural extract that helps calm irritation and provides antioxidant protection, ideal for sensitive or reactive skin.

Ictasol is a traditional ingredient used to soothe and draw out impurities, but it has a strong odor and may irritate sensitive skin.

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its specific skin benefits is still limited.

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in human skin.

Illite is a gentle clay that helps absorb excess oil and impurities without over-drying, making it a popular choice for combination to oily skin types.

Illite extract is a gentle clay that helps absorb excess oil and impurities without stripping the skin.

Imidazole is a synthetic pH adjuster with limited direct skin benefit; it's safe at low levels but can be irritating in higher concentrations.

A common, effective preservative that helps keep your products fresh, but may release trace formaldehyde and can be a mild irritant for sensitive skin.

A synthetic peptide-like ingredient that may help calm skin sensitivity, but research is still emerging.

Imiloxan HCl is a synthetic compound with limited research in cosmetics; its safety and efficacy for skincare are not well-established.

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

A gentle, plant-based humectant that helps skin hold onto moisture without feeling heavy or greasy.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and benefits are not yet well-documented.

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

Incense Cedar Oil adds a woody, earthy scent to products but has limited research on skin benefits and may irritate sensitive skin.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical powder that may help calm skin, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

A fragrant botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but may cause irritation in sensitive skin due to natural aromatic compounds.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, best for soothing sensitive skin, though research is still emerging.

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

A gentle botanical extract with traditional use for soothing skin, though modern research is limited.

A traditional botanical root powder with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but limited modern research supports its efficacy in skincare.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that can help soothe skin and provide mild protection from environmental stress.

A gentle botanical powder with antioxidant and soothing potential, though human studies are limited.

A gentle Ayurvedic root powder that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant protection, though clinical evidence is limited.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and benefits are not yet well-established in human skin.

A gentle, plant-derived powder that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant protection, though research is still emerging.