Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

Kale powder brings antioxidant and nutrient benefits to skincare, but its effects are mild and best used as part of a broader antioxidant strategy.

Kale sprout extract is a gentle antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm irritation.

Kallikrein is a skin enzyme that gently exfoliates by breaking down dead skin cells, but its use in cosmetics is still emerging and may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

Kamala bark extract is a gentle antioxidant from a tropical tree, but research on its skincare benefits is still limited.

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and it's not a proven powerhouse ingredient.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

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

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and it's not a standout ingredient.

A gentle, plant-based emollient oil that softens skin with a light feel, though research on its unique benefits is still limited.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich flower extract that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Kanokosou extract is a gentle botanical with potential soothing benefits, but research is limited and it's not a proven powerhouse.

A gentle botanical powder with antioxidant and soothing potential, best known from traditional Ayurvedic use but with limited modern cosmetic research.

Licorice root extract is a gentle, research-backed ingredient that helps calm redness and even out skin tone without harsh side effects.

Kaolin is a mild clay that soaks up surface oil and dirt, making it a go-to for oily or combination skin without over-drying.

Kaolin is a mild, oil-absorbing clay that helps clarify skin without over-drying, making it a go-to for normal to oily skin types.

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

Kava Kava Root Extract is a gentle botanical that may help calm irritated skin and provide antioxidant protection, but its use in skincare is less common and requires careful sourcing.

Kefiran is a gentle, hydrating polysaccharide from kefir that helps skin retain moisture and may support a healthy-looking barrier.

A fermented botanical blend that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is limited.

Keihi Yu is a gentle herbal extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its cosmetic benefits is limited.

A mineral-rich seaweed extract that hydrates and soothes skin, but its benefits come mostly from its nutrient profile rather than unique active compounds.

A mineral-rich seaweed juice that hydrates and soothes skin without clogging pores.

A gentle, hydrating seaweed extract that helps soothe and moisturize skin without clogging pores.

A gentle, seaweed-derived ingredient that may help hydrate and calm the skin, though research is still emerging.

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

Kephalis is a synthetic peptide that may help smooth wrinkles and support skin firmness, but research is still emerging.

Keratin can temporarily smooth and strengthen hair, but results are not permanent and may not benefit all hair types.

A gentle, protein-derived surfactant that cleanses without stripping, making it a good choice for sensitive skin or damaged hair.

Keratinase is a gentle enzyme exfoliant that targets dead skin cells and rough skin without harsh scrubbing.

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

A gentle alpha-keto acid that exfoliates and supports skin renewal with low irritation potential.

Ketotravoprost is a potent synthetic ingredient that can stimulate eyelash growth but carries risks of eye irritation, darkening of the eyelid skin, and potential changes in eye color.

Kidachi Aloe Extract is a gentle, hydrating botanical that helps calm irritated skin and provides antioxidant protection, making it a great alternative to Aloe vera for sensitive skin.

A fermented aloe complex that offers gentle hydration and soothing benefits, though research on the specific blend is limited.

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

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

Kina Ekisu is a gentle botanical extract with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research in cosmetics is limited.

Kinetin is a gentle plant-derived ingredient that may help improve skin texture and reduce fine lines without the irritation of stronger anti-aging actives.

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

A gentle, microbiome-friendly ingredient from bacterial fermentation that may help balance skin and reduce sensitivity over time.

A gentle, hydrating ingredient that combines fruit extract with beta-glucan to help soothe and moisturize the skin.

Kiwi Fruit Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps brighten and soothe skin, but its benefits are best supported by the fruit's general nutritional profile rather than extensive cosmetic-specific studies.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich oil from kiwi seeds that helps nourish and protect the skin without clogging pores.

Kiwi seed oil is a gentle, antioxidant-rich oil that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores, making it a great choice for most skin types.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that helps soften skin without clogging pores, but its palm oil component raises sustainability questions.

A gentle brown seaweed powder that helps hydrate and soothe the skin, ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

A gentle, hydrating seaweed extract that may support skin barrier function and calm irritation.

A gentle, plant-based oil that hydrates and soothes skin, though research on its benefits is still limited.

A nutrient-rich seaweed extract that helps hydrate and calm the skin, with antioxidant benefits from coastal minerals.

A gentle, citrus-derived water that adds light antioxidant benefits and a fresh scent, but its effects are mild and mostly aromatic.

A gentle, plant-derived extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, though human research is still limited.

A gentle, plant-based powder that can help polish skin without harsh microbeads, but research on its benefits is still limited.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help soothe and protect skin, but research is still emerging.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help soothe and protect skin from environmental stress.

Kojic acid is a well-known skin brightener that works by blocking melanin production, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin and is less stable than some alternatives.

A gentler, more stable version of kojic acid that targets dark spots without the irritation or instability of the original.

A gentler, more stable version of kojic acid that helps fade dark spots and even out skin tone without the irritation of the original.

A synthetic peptide that may help brighten skin and fade dark spots, but research is still limited.