Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

Masterwort Leaf Extract is a gentle botanical with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research is limited and it's not a standout ingredient.

A gentle, water-based extract from mastic tree resin that may help calm irritation and provide antioxidant protection.

A fragrant essential oil with antioxidant potential, but may irritate sensitive skin and is best used in low concentrations.

A gentle, plant-derived wax that adds structure and a smooth feel to balms and creams without common irritation.

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress while offering mild soothing benefits.

Mastic Thyme Flower Oil offers antimicrobial and antioxidant benefits but can be irritating for sensitive skin due to its essential oil nature.

Mastic thyme oil offers antimicrobial and antioxidant benefits but can be irritating for sensitive skin; use in low concentrations.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but human skin research is still limited.

A gentle botanical extract with potential antioxidant and soothing benefits, though research is limited.

Matrine is a plant-derived alkaloid that helps calm redness and irritation, making it a gentle option for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich ferment from a rare mushroom that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich mushroom ferment that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich mushroom powder that may help soothe and protect skin, though research is still emerging.

A gentle, lab-grown flower extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more even tone.

A gentle, plant-based oil that helps soften and smooth skin without clogging pores, though research on its specific benefits is still limited.

A nourishing, plant-based butter from Madagascar that softens and conditions skin, but may be too rich for oily or acne-prone skin.

A gentle microalgae extract that may help calm skin and fight oxidative stress, but research is still early.

A gentle, biotech-derived ferment that may help hydrate and support the skin barrier, but research is still early.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich bark extract from the Amazon with emerging research on soothing and protecting skin.

A plant extract with promising antioxidant and soothing potential, but research in cosmetic use is still limited.

MDM Hydantoin is an effective preservative but may irritate sensitive skin due to its slow release of formaldehyde.

A synthetic preservative that helps keep products fresh but may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

A gentle synthetic surfactant that helps cleanse and emulsify without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

MEA-Benzoate is a synthetic preservative helper that extends shelf life but may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

MEA-Biotinate is a gentle, water-soluble form of biotin that may help strengthen hair and improve skin barrier function, but research is limited.

MEA-Borate is a mild pH adjuster that helps keep your skincare products stable and gentle, but it is not a star active ingredient.

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

A gentle coconut-derived surfactant that helps create a rich lather while being less harsh than traditional sulfates.

A gentle emulsifier that helps create smooth, stable creams and lotions without common irritation.

A modified collagen that helps hair and skin feel smoother and more hydrated, but its large molecule size limits deep penetration.

A silk protein derivative that helps hair and skin feel smooth and hydrated, but evidence is mostly anecdotal.

A gentle chelating agent that helps your skincare products stay effective longer by neutralizing troublesome metal ions.

A milder alternative to SLS that still provides good foam, but may still be drying for very sensitive skin.

A gentle, sulfate-free surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive or dry skin types.

A mild sulfate-based cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil but may still be drying for sensitive or dry skin types.

A gentle synthetic surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, often used in sulfate-free and sensitive-skin formulas.

MEA-Sulfite is a synthetic reducing agent used in hair treatments and some skincare, but it may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

A mild cleansing agent with antimicrobial properties, best for rinse-off products and acne-prone skin.

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

A mild, plant-based exfoliant derived from meadowfoam seed oil that gently resurfaces skin without the sting of stronger acids.

A silky, non-greasy emollient from meadowfoam seeds that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores.

A non-greasy, stable plant oil that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores.

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

A gentle, plant-derived conditioning ingredient that softens hair and skin without heavy buildup or irritation.

A gentle botanical extract with soothing and antioxidant benefits, ideal for sensitive or irritated skin.

A mild botanical water that can help calm and refresh skin, but its astringent properties may be too drying for very sensitive or dry skin types.

A gentle botanical extract from meadowsweet root that may help calm skin and tighten pores, but research is limited compared to more studied soothing ingredients.

Mealworm larva extract is an emerging, sustainable ingredient with potential moisturizing and antioxidant benefits, but research in human skincare is very limited.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract from the Himalayas that may help calm and protect skin, though research is still early.

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

MEL is an ambiguous label that likely refers to a melanin derivative or a typo; its benefits and safety are not well-documented.

A botanical extract with antimicrobial potential, but limited human studies and a risk of skin irritation at higher concentrations.

A fragrant essential oil with mild antimicrobial potential, best used in low concentrations to avoid skin irritation.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited compared to more common Melaleuca species.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited compared to more studied plant extracts.

A botanical essential oil with antimicrobial potential, but limited research and a risk of skin irritation for sensitive individuals.

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

A synthetic polymer that helps products stay put and feel smooth, but offers no active skin benefits.

Melanin is a promising antioxidant and UV-protective ingredient, but its use in cosmetics is still emerging and not yet widely proven in human studies.

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