Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A novel marine extract with early research suggesting antioxidant and soothing benefits, but human studies are limited.

Lupeol is a plant-derived compound that helps calm skin and fight oxidative stress, but it's not a star ingredient in most commercial products yet.

A gentle, plant-based extract that helps calm irritation and protect skin from environmental stress.

A gentle, biotech-powered extract that may help calm irritation and strengthen the skin barrier, though human studies are still limited.

Luteolin is a plant-based antioxidant that helps calm skin and defend against environmental stress, but it's not a standalone solution for major skin concerns.

Lutetium chloride is a rare earth metal salt with limited research in cosmetics; its benefits are uncertain and it may pose irritation risks at higher concentrations.

Lychee fruit extract is a gentle antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a more even tone.

Lychee fruit juice is a gentle, water-based ingredient that adds light hydration and antioxidant protection, but its benefits are not as well-studied as more common fruit extracts.

Lychee seed powder offers gentle physical exfoliation and oil absorption, but research on its specific skincare benefits is limited compared to more studied exfoliants.

A gentle root extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, though research is still early.

Lycopene is a potent antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals from UV and pollution, but its benefits in skincare are still being studied and it may not be as stable as other antioxidants.

A once-popular synthetic floral scent that is now heavily restricted in the EU due to a high rate of allergic reactions.

A peptide that helps reduce under-eye puffiness by encouraging fluid drainage, but results are subtle and not permanent.

Lysine is a gentle amino acid that helps hydrate and support the skin's natural barrier, making it a safe addition to most routines.

A mild, amino-acid based surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, suitable for sensitive skin.

Lysine Aspartate is a mild amino-acid salt that helps attract moisture to the skin and supports a healthy barrier, making it a gentle option for most skin types.

A gentle, less-irritating form of azelaic acid that helps brighten skin and smooth texture without the typical stinging.

A mild, amino-acid-based surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

A gentle amino acid derivative that may help strengthen the skin barrier and provide antioxidant support, though research is still limited.

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

A mild, amino-acid-based pH adjuster that helps keep cleansers and toners gentle while supporting skin’s natural barrier.

Lysine HCl is a gentle amino acid that may help support collagen and skin repair, but research in topical skincare is still limited.

A gentle, amino-acid-based surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, making it ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

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

Lysine Octatrienoate is a gentle antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still limited.

A gentle antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still limited.

Lysolecithin is a mild emulsifier that helps mix water and oil in skincare, with some skin-softening benefits and a low risk of irritation.

A gentle lipid that may help strengthen the skin barrier and improve hydration, but research is still early.

An experimental ingredient with potential for light-activated delivery, but very limited safety and efficacy data in everyday skincare.

A gentle phospholipid that helps reinforce the skin's natural barrier and may calm sensitivity.

A mild, lipid-based ingredient that supports the skin barrier and helps keep moisture in without clogging pores.

Lysozyme is a gentle enzyme that helps control unwanted bacteria on the skin, making it a mild alternative to harsher antimicrobial ingredients.

Lysyl Ornithine is a gentle, amino-acid-based ingredient that may help calm irritated skin, but research is still early.

M-Cresyl Acetate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, floral note to products, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic film-former that helps products spread evenly and feel smooth, but with limited published safety data.

M-Hydroxyanisole is a synthetic fragrance and antioxidant ingredient that can help stabilize formulas but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that is increasingly restricted due to potential skin sensitization and reproductive toxicity concerns.

M-Tolualdehyde is a synthetic fragrance compound that adds almond-like notes but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and benefits are not yet well-established.

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

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and benefits are not yet well-established in human skin.

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

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still early — it's more of a supporting ingredient than a star performer.

Maackiasin is a plant-derived antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early.

A gentle, water-based botanical blend that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is limited.

Maca root powder is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that may help soothe and protect skin, but research on its topical benefits is still limited.

A mild, coconut- and macadamia-derived surfactant that cleanses gently, making it a good choice for sensitive or dry skin.

A gentle, water-friendly emollient that softens skin without feeling greasy, but the PEG modification may raise concerns for some sensitive users.

A gentle, fatty-acid-rich extract that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores.

A non-greasy, nutrient-rich oil that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for dry or mature skin.

A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that mimics the skin's natural lipids to improve softness and barrier function.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that hydrates and helps blend oil and water in formulas, with a very low risk of irritation.

A gentle, plant-based emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures while leaving skin feeling soft.

A gentle, natural exfoliant that sloughs off dead skin cells without harsh microplastics, but may feel too gritty for sensitive skin.

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

A nourishing plant butter that softens and hydrates skin without feeling overly greasy, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

A promising antioxidant from nutmeg that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early.

Mace oil adds a warm, spicy scent to products and offers antioxidant benefits, but its potency means it can irritate sensitive skin if used too strong.

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and benefits are not yet well-established.