Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A mild, amino-acid-based cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil while respecting your skin's barrier.

A gentle, protein-based cleansing and conditioning ingredient that adds softness without stripping the skin or hair.

A gentle, modified protein that adds a temporary smoothing and conditioning feel to skin and hair, but does not restore lost elastin.

A mild, skin-friendly surfactant that cleanses without stripping, making it a great choice for sensitive or dry skin.

Lauroyl Lysine is a gentle, amino-acid-based powder that gives cosmetics a silky, smooth feel without clogging pores or irritating skin.

A gentle, amino-acid-based cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil without disrupting the skin barrier.

A gentle, biodegradable surfactant that cleans effectively without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

A film-forming polymer that helps products stay put longer and feel smoother, but it's not a star active ingredient.

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

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

A synthetic polymer that helps cosmetics stay put, especially in water-resistant formulas, with a low risk of irritation.

A mild, amino-acid-based surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

A gentle, amino-acid-based surfactant that cleanses effectively without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

A synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but research is limited to lab and small-scale studies.

A synthetic peptide designed to support skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but research is still emerging.

A synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but research is still emerging.

A mild, conditioning cleanser that helps remove dirt and oil without stripping the skin, making it ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

A gentle, plant-derived surfactant that cleans effectively without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

A gentle, amino-acid-based surfactant that cleanses effectively while being kind to sensitive and dry skin.

A gentle, synthetic amino-acid derivative that helps reinforce the skin’s moisture barrier and improve hydration.

A synthetic conditioning agent that reduces static and softens hair, but may cause irritation for sensitive scalps at higher concentrations.

A gentle synthetic emollient that softens skin and helps carry fragrance, but offers no active skincare benefits.

Lauryl Acrylate is a synthetic building block used in polymers for film-forming and water resistance, but it may be a skin sensitizer in its raw form.

A synthetic polymer that forms a flexible, water-resistant film on skin, commonly used in sunscreens and long-wear makeup to improve durability and texture.

A synthetic polymer that helps products stay put on skin and hair, but offers no active skincare benefit.

A safe, synthetic film-former that helps products stay put and resist water without clogging pores.

A gentle fatty alcohol that softens skin and helps products feel smooth without clogging pores.

A mild surfactant and chelating agent that helps cleanse and stabilize formulas, but may cause slight irritation in sensitive skin.

A gentle, low-irritation cleansing ingredient that effectively removes impurities while being kind to sensitive skin.

A mild, amino-acid-based surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive or dry skin types.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps soften and smooth the skin with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

A gentle, coconut-derived surfactant that helps create a rich lather while being much milder than traditional sulfates.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient derived from coconut oil and lauryl alcohol, ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that helps skin feel soft and smooth without clogging pores.

A gentle synthetic surfactant that effectively cleanses without being overly harsh, making it suitable for sensitive skin.

A gentle synthetic surfactant that effectively cleanses without stripping the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive skin.

A lightweight silicone that improves product feel and spreadability, generally well-tolerated by most skin types.

A gentle silicone emulsifier that helps products spread smoothly and rinse off cleanly, with low irritation potential.

A silicone polymer that improves product feel and spreadability without clogging pores.

A gentle silicone-based ingredient that forms a breathable, water-resistant film to smooth skin and hair without clogging pores.

A gentle synthetic conditioner that helps detangle and soften hair without heavy buildup, but is not widely studied on its own.

A gentle synthetic ester that helps soften and smooth the skin without feeling greasy.

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

A mild, biodegradable surfactant that cleanses effectively without stripping the skin barrier.

A gentle, plant-based surfactant that effectively cleanses without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

A gentle, plant-derived conditioning agent that softens hair and skin without heavy buildup, ideal for sensitive scalps and daily use.

A gentle, oil-soluble vitamin C derivative that brightens skin and fights free radicals with less sting than pure L-ascorbic acid.

Lauryl Glycol is a gentle skin-conditioning ingredient that helps improve product texture and feel without common irritation.

A gentle, semi-synthetic ingredient that helps blend oil and water in formulas while leaving skin feeling smooth.

A gentle surfactant that helps create a creamy lather and reduces the harshness of stronger cleansers, but is rarely used as a standalone ingredient.

A gentle, sulfate-free surfactant that creates a rich lather without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

A gentle silicone emulsifier that improves product feel and stability with a very low risk of irritation.

An effective preservative but can be irritating for sensitive skin; best limited to rinse-off products.

A synthetic antistatic and preservative ingredient with limited safety data; best avoided by those with sensitive skin or allergies.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that softens skin and improves product texture without clogging pores.

Lauryl Lactate is a gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps skin feel soft and smooth, making it a great choice for lightweight moisturizers.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient derived from lactic acid that softens skin without clogging pores.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps skin feel soft and smooth, with a very low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

A gentle synthetic ingredient that helps condition skin and stabilize formulas, but research on its long-term effects is limited.

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup and skincare products feel smooth and last longer, but it's not a hydrating or active ingredient.