Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

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

A lightweight synthetic emollient that spreads easily and leaves a silky feel, but may clog pores for some skin types.

A lightweight synthetic emollient that softens skin without a greasy feel, generally well-tolerated.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that mimics the skin's natural oils, making it a great choice for dry or sensitive skin.

A rich, lanolin-derived emollient that softens skin but may clog pores for some people.

Isopropyl Laurate is a lightweight synthetic oil that softens skin but may clog pores for some people.

A gentle, lightweight emollient that helps products glide on smoothly without a greasy feel, suitable for most skin types.

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

A common UVB filter that works well but has raised some environmental and absorption concerns.

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds a distinctive earthy, green, or bell pepper-like scent; generally safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

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

A widely used synthetic fragrance that adds a warm, woody scent but offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some people.

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

Isopropyl Methyl Pyranone is a synthetic fragrance compound that adds a sweet, caramel-like scent to products, but it offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds scent but offers no skincare benefits and may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a fresh, woody note but offers no skincare benefit beyond fragrance.

A widely used synthetic fragrance that gives a warm, woody scent but offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some people.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant scent but offers no skin benefit; safe at low levels but may cause sensitivity in some people.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds scent but offers no skincare benefit; may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

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

A synthetic solvent and fragrance ingredient with limited research; may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

A synthetic fragrance ester that adds a pleasant floral note but offers no skincare benefits.

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

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

Isopropyl methylphenetole is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds scent to products but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A lightweight emollient that makes products feel silky, but can clog pores for some people.

Isopropyl nicotinate creates a temporary flush and warmth by dilating surface blood vessels, but its cosmetic benefits are short-lived and may irritate sensitive skin.

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

A lightweight synthetic emollient that softens skin without greasiness, but may clog pores for some.

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

A synthetic fragrance compound that provides a pleasant scent but offers no skincare benefits; generally safe but may cause reactions in sensitive individuals.

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

Isopropyl PCA is a gentle, synthetic humectant that helps hydrate skin without feeling heavy, making it a good option for normal to dry skin types.

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds scent but offers no skincare benefit and may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

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

A gentle synthetic emollient that helps products feel silky and spread easily without heavy residue.

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

A lightweight, non-greasy shea butter derivative that softens skin without clogging pores.

Isopropyl Sorbate is a lightweight synthetic emollient that helps soften and smooth the skin without a greasy feel.

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

Isopropyl Tallowate is a fatty emollient that softens skin but may clog pores for some people.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds scent but offers no skincare benefit; may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

Isopropyl Thioglycolate is an effective depilatory ingredient that dissolves hair, but it can be irritating and has a strong odor, so it's best used with caution and proper formulation.

Isopropyl Tiglate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant scent to products, but it offers no skincare benefits and may be a concern for those with fragrance sensitivities.

A synthetic binder that helps pigments and powders stick together and spread evenly, but it's not a direct skin treatment.

A synthetic preservative that helps keep products fresh, but may cause irritation for sensitive skin types.

Isopropylamine is a synthetic pH adjuster used in tiny amounts to stabilize formulas, but it can be irritating and is rarely a featured ingredient in skincare.

A strong synthetic detergent that effectively removes oil and dirt but may be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

A synthetic berberine derivative with antimicrobial potential, but limited human safety data and a moderate irritation risk.

A widely used synthetic fragrance that adds a warm, woody scent; generally safe but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A potentially gentler cousin of classic benzoyl peroxide that fights acne bacteria and helps clear pores, but may still cause dryness or irritation in sensitive skin.

A novel synthetic compound that may help reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, but research is still early and it's found mainly in premium products.

A synthetic ingredient that helps condition skin and improve product feel, but research on its long-term benefits is still limited.

A synthetic peptide-like ingredient that helps soften expression lines by temporarily relaxing facial muscles, offering a gentler alternative to injectables.

A gentle, coconut-derived emollient that softens skin without feeling greasy, suitable for most skin types.

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

A synthetic film-former that helps products spread smoothly and stay put, but its connection to bisphenol A raises caution for some users.

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

A synthetic film former that helps makeup and nail polish last longer, but offers no active skincare benefit.

Isopropylindanone is a synthetic scent ingredient that adds a woody note but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.