Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

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

A gentle botanical powder that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant protection, but research is limited.

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but more human studies are needed to confirm its benefits.

Indocyanine Green is a medical dye with no established role in everyday skincare; its use in cosmetics is experimental and not recommended for routine application.

A synthetic amino acid derivative that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but more human studies are needed.

Indole is a fragrant compound found in flowers and coal tar, used in tiny amounts for scent; it can be irritating at higher levels and is not a primary active ingredient.

Indole acetic acid is a plant growth hormone that may help gently exfoliate and renew skin, but human research is still limited.

A gentle amino acid derivative that may help boost collagen and improve skin firmness, though research is still emerging.

A gentle, synthetic amino-acid derivative that may help calm irritation and reinforce the skin barrier, though research is still early.

A synthetic compound that may help firm skin and reduce wrinkles, but clinical evidence is still limited.

A futuristic, lab-grown ingredient with promising theory but very limited human evidence; best viewed as experimental.

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

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

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

Inosine is a gentle skin-conditioning ingredient that may support firmness and texture, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still emerging.

Inositol is a gentle humectant that helps hydrate and soothe the skin, making it a good option for sensitive or dry skin types.

A gentle, multi-tasking humectant that helps hydrate and soothe the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive or dry skin types.

A promising hybrid antioxidant that combines vitamin C and niacin benefits with better stability, though research is still emerging.

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

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

Inulin is a gentle, plant-derived prebiotic that hydrates and supports a balanced skin microbiome, making it a smart choice for sensitive or microbiome-conscious routines.

A gentle, plant-derived film former that leaves skin and hair feeling smooth and conditioned without heavy buildup.

A gentle film-forming protein that can add light conditioning and a smooth feel, but research on its iodized version is limited.

Iodized garlic extract is a traditional ingredient with antimicrobial claims, but it is rarely used in modern skincare because of its strong odor, high irritation potential, and lack of reliable cosmetic safety data.

A novel protein-based ingredient that may help support skin barrier function, but research is still early.

A gentle film-forming protein derivative that may help smooth and protect the skin, but research is limited.

An effective preservative that keeps products safe from microbes, but may cause skin reactions in a small number of sensitive individuals.

Ionone adds a pleasant violet scent to products but can be a skin sensitizer for some people.

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

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

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

A gentle film-forming polymer that improves product feel and water resistance without common irritation or pore-clogging concerns.

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

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put, but offers no skincare benefit.

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

A synthetic polymer that helps products stay put longer, but offers no direct skin benefit.

A gentle botanical extract with traditional use in Japanese skincare, offering soothing and antioxidant benefits, though modern scientific evidence is still emerging.

Irakusa Extract is a gentle botanical with potential soothing benefits, but research is limited and its exact identity is unclear from the label.

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

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

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant protection, though research is still emerging.

A gentle, lightly fragrant floral water that offers mild hydration and a soothing feel, best for those who enjoy botanical skincare without heavy actives.

A gentle, plant-based wax that helps soften skin and lock in moisture without clogging pores.

A gentle botanical extract that helps calm skin and fight free radicals, but its benefits are backed by limited human studies.

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm and condition skin, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in large human studies.

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm irritation and provide antioxidant protection, though research is still limited.

A fragrant botanical oil that can add a subtle floral scent and mild skin-conditioning benefits, but its use is limited by potential irritation and lack of strong research.

A gentle, lab-grown antioxidant from Arctic iris that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, but research is still early.

A gentle botanical extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

A gentle, hydrating seaweed extract that helps skin retain moisture and feel soothed, ideal for dry or sensitive skin types.

A gentle seaweed powder that helps thicken and soothe formulas, but its benefits are mostly textural rather than active.

Iritone is a gentle, plant-derived ingredient that may help calm irritated skin, but research is limited and it's not a proven powerhouse.

A safe, non-irritating mineral pigment that gives warm yellow tones to makeup and skincare tints.

A safe, non-irritating black mineral pigment that adds color to makeup and skincare without clogging pores.

A safe, widely used mineral pigment that adds red tones to makeup and skincare — unlikely to irritate or clog pores.

A safe, non-irritating mineral pigment that provides yellow color in makeup and skincare, widely accepted for sensitive skin.

A safe, non-irritating mineral pigment that provides black color in makeup and skincare.

Iron powder is a safe, non-irritating mineral colorant widely used in makeup for its stable, opaque pigment.

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