Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A synthetic fragrance ester that adds a fruity, apple-like scent; generally considered safe at low concentrations but offers no skincare benefit.

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds a pleasant scent but may cause skin reactions in sensitive individuals.

A silky, non-greasy emollient derived from meadowfoam seed oil that spreads easily and leaves skin feeling smooth without clogging pores.

A synthetic film-former mainly found in nail products; generally safe for nails but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic scent molecule that adds a fresh, green note to products but offers no skincare benefit.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a fresh floral note but offers no skincare benefit and may be unnecessary for sensitive skin.

A synthetic UVB filter that helps protect skin from sunburn, but its use is limited by regulatory approval in some regions.

A lightweight synthetic emollient that makes products feel silky, but may clog pores for acne-prone skin.

A lightweight synthetic emollient that softens skin but may clog pores for some people.

A lightweight synthetic ester that softens skin without feeling greasy, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

A synthetic fragrance ester that adds a sweet, honey-like scent; generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A synthetic depigmenting ingredient with limited research; may help fade dark spots but requires caution due to potential irritation and lack of long-term safety data.

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

Isobutyl Propionate is a synthetic ester used for its fruity scent in cosmetics; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but offers no skincare benefits.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a unique scent but offers no skincare benefits; safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that softens skin and helps other ingredients spread smoothly.

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds a pleasant floral note but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A lightweight synthetic emollient that softens skin but may clog pores for some people.

Isobutyl Tallowate is a semi-synthetic emollient that softens skin but may be comedogenic for acne-prone individuals.

Isobutyl Tiglate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, fruity scent to products; it is generally considered safe at low levels but offers no skincare benefits.

A well-researched synthetic brightener that targets dark spots by blocking a key enzyme in melanin production, with good tolerability.

A modified lanolin oil that moisturizes and smooths skin, but may clog pores for some people.

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

A synthetic rubber that helps products stay put and resist water, but offers no skin benefit.

A safe, synthetic film-former that helps makeup and skincare stay put without clogging pores or irritating skin.

A synthetic polymer that helps products stay put and resist water, generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Isobutylparaben is an effective preservative but has raised safety concerns due to potential hormone-mimicking effects, leading many brands to phase it out.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a leathery note but may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

A synthetic brightener that targets dark spots by blocking a key enzyme in melanin production, but may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

Isobutylthiazole is a synthetic fragrance compound that adds a green, nutty, or roasted note to products; it is generally safe at low levels but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sharp, fruity scent but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Isobutyric acid is a fragrance ingredient and pH adjuster that is generally safe at low levels but can be irritating in high concentrations.

A gentle, synthetic emollient that helps soften and smooth skin without clogging pores.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a warm, woody scent; generally considered safe at low levels but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Isocarvyl acetate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh, herbal scent to products; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Isoceteth-10 is a gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in skincare, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Isoceteth-10 Stearate is a gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps water and oil mix in your creams and lotions, with a low risk of irritation.

Isoceteth-12 is a synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in cleansers, but it may be slightly drying or irritating for very sensitive skin.

A reliable emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in creams and lotions, generally well-tolerated but may be less suitable for very sensitive skin.

Isoceteth-20 is a gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix water and oil in your skincare, making textures smooth and stable without common irritation.

Isoceteth-25 is a gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, making it a common but low-risk ingredient in cleansers and creams.

Isoceteth-30 is a mild synthetic emulsifier that helps mix water and oil in cleansers, with low irritation potential for most skin types.

Isoceteth-5 is a gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in cleansers and lotions, with a low risk of irritation.

Isoceteth-7 is a gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in your skincare products, but it may not be ideal for those avoiding ethoxylated ingredients.

A reliable synthetic emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures in skincare, but offers no direct skin benefit.

Isocetyl alcohol is a gentle, non-drying emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture without clogging pores.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps moisturizers feel silky without clogging pores.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture without clogging pores.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture without clogging pores.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that softens skin and helps products spread smoothly.

Isocetyl Laurate is a lightweight, non-greasy emollient that softens skin and improves product texture with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

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

Isocetyl Myristate is a reliable emollient that softens skin, but it may clog pores for some people.

A lightweight synthetic emollient that softens skin without a greasy feel, but may clog pores for some people.

Isocetyl Salicylate is a gentle emollient that also offers mild salicylic acid-like benefits, making it a good option for smoothing skin without irritation.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps skin feel soft and smooth without clogging pores.

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

A gentle marine-sourced extract that helps calm and protect the skin, though research is still emerging.

Isocineole is a gentle, plant-derived compound that may help calm skin and provide a cooling sensation, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup last longer and resist water, but may feel tight or stiff on some skin types.