Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

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

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in human skin.

A gentle, non-greasy oil that helps soften and soothe skin, but research on its unique benefits is still limited.

A plant-based antioxidant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early.

A plant-based antioxidant extract that may help soothe and protect skin, though research is still emerging.

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

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

A gentle botanical powder with traditional soothing and antioxidant potential, but scientific research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, but research is still early.

Madecassic acid is a soothing, skin-repairing compound from Centella asiatica that helps calm irritation and support the skin barrier.

A gentle, research-backed soothing ingredient from cica that helps calm redness and support skin repair without irritation.

A gentle, fermented cleansing ingredient that removes dirt without stripping the skin.

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, but research is still early.

A gentle, lab-grown lily extract that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, but research is still early.

A gentle, biotech-derived ingredient that may help calm and protect skin, though human studies are still limited.

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, though research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

A gentle, lightly astringent floral water that adds a subtle lily scent and soothing feel to skincare products, but has limited research on specific skin benefits.

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Madrox is a little-known ingredient with minimal published research; its benefits are unclear and it may be a trade name for a blend.

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited—think of it as a supportive, not star, ingredient.

A gentle pH adjuster that helps keep your skincare products stable and skin-friendly, but offers no direct skin benefits.

A gentle antioxidant that pairs magnesium with a modified amino acid to help protect skin from environmental stress and support a healthy-looking complexion.

A safe mineral stabilizer and absorbent used in many cosmetics, but not a star active ingredient.

A safe, multi-mineral powder that helps control shine and improve product texture without common irritation concerns.

A gentle, stable vitamin C derivative that brightens skin and fights free radicals without the sting of pure ascorbic acid.

A gentle, stable vitamin C option that brightens skin and supports hydration without the irritation of pure ascorbic acid.

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

A gentle, stable form of vitamin C that brightens skin and fights free radicals without the irritation of pure ascorbic acid.

Magnesium Aspartate is a gentle, hydrating mineral salt that helps support skin barrier function and soothe irritation.

Magnesium Benzoate is a gentle preservative that helps keep products fresh, but it may cause mild irritation in very sensitive individuals.

Magnesium bromide is a gentle mineral salt that may help calm irritated skin, but research is limited and it's not a mainstream ingredient.

A safe, non-irritating mineral powder that absorbs oil and moisture, commonly used in deodorants and loose powders.

A gentle mineral powder that helps absorb oil and improve product texture, but offers no direct skin benefit.

A gentle, water-loving ingredient that hydrates and calms the skin, ideal for sensitive or irritated skin types.

Magnesium chloride is a gentle mineral salt that helps hydrate, calm, and support the skin barrier, but it can feel drying if overused or used in high concentrations.

Magnesium citrate is a gentle, water-soluble salt that can help exfoliate and hydrate skin without the irritation of stronger acids.

A milder sulfate surfactant that effectively cleanses but may still be drying for sensitive skin.

A gentler sulfate cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil while being less stripping than sodium lauryl sulfate.

A gentle, coconut-derived soap ingredient that cleans without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

Magnesium fluoride is a mineral salt used mainly as a bulking or abrasive agent in cosmetics; it offers no proven skincare benefits and may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A gentle humectant that pulls moisture into the skin and may help calm irritation, but research is still limited.

A gentle, water-soluble form of magnesium that helps calm skin and support its natural barrier without clogging pores.

A gentle mineral salt that delivers magnesium to the skin, potentially supporting barrier repair and calming irritation.

A gentle, well-absorbed form of magnesium that may help calm stressed skin and support a healthy moisture barrier.

Magnesium hydride is a novel ingredient that releases hydrogen gas on contact with water, but its skincare benefits are not well-established and it may cause irritation.

Magnesium hydroxide is a gentle mineral pH adjuster and oil absorber, but can be drying for some skin types.

An effective synthetic cleanser that can be drying for sensitive skin; best for normal to oily skin types.

A gentle, hydrating magnesium salt that supports skin barrier function without clogging pores.

Magnesium Lanolate is a gentle emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in creams, but may clog pores for acne-prone skin.

A mild thickening and opacifying agent that helps give products a creamy, opaque appearance without major skin concerns.

A gentler alternative to sodium lauryl sulfate that effectively cleanses without stripping the skin.

A mild, sulfate-free surfactant that effectively cleanses while being gentle on the skin barrier.

A milder alternative to traditional sulfates, but still a surfactant that may not suit ultra-sensitive skin.

A gentle, sulfate-free surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

A milder alternative to sodium lauryl sulfate, but still a surfactant that can be drying for sensitive skin.

A gentle, sulfate-based cleanser that effectively removes impurities while being less harsh than traditional sulfates.

A gentle, sulfate-free surfactant that cleanses effectively while being kinder to sensitive skin than traditional sulfates.

A moderately gentle sulfate surfactant that effectively removes dirt and oil but may still be drying for sensitive or dry skin.

A promising plant antioxidant with early research suggesting it may help calm and protect skin, but more human studies are needed to confirm its benefits.

A safe, non-irritating mineral pigment that provides color and some UV protection, but its effectiveness as a sunscreen ingredient is limited compared to zinc oxide or titanium dioxide alone.