Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle, protein-based conditioning ingredient that adds softness and manageability without heavy buildup.

A gentle, protein-based conditioning ingredient that adds softness and manageability to hair and skin without heavy buildup.

A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put, but it can feel tight or dry on some skin types.

A gentle collagen derivative that adds a light film to skin, helping it feel smooth and hydrated without heavy residue.

A semi-synthetic collagen derivative that forms a light film on skin to help retain moisture, but research on its benefits is still limited.

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

A fermented botanical extract that soothes and protects skin with antioxidants, ideal for sensitive or stressed skin.

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

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress without irritation.

A traditional plant extract with potential soothing benefits, but research is limited and it's not a mainstream ingredient.

Amyl acetate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient with a fruity scent; it can be irritating for sensitive skin in high concentrations.

Amyl alcohol is a solvent that helps dissolve other ingredients, but it can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin at higher concentrations.

Amyl benzoate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant scent to products, but it offers no direct skin benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Amyl Butyrate adds a sweet, fruity scent to products but offers no skincare benefits; it's generally safe at low levels but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A common synthetic fragrance allergen that can cause skin reactions in sensitive individuals, but is generally safe for most people at low concentrations.

Amyl Cinnamate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, floral scent but offers no skincare benefits and may be a concern for those with fragrance sensitivities.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a floral jasmine note; generally safe at low levels but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Amyl ethyl ketone is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity, spicy scent but offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Amyl formate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity, apple-like scent to products; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but offers no skincare benefits.

Amyl Hexanoate is a safe, fruity-smelling synthetic ester used to add a pleasant apple-like scent to cosmetics, with a low risk of irritation for most people.

Amyl isobutyrate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity, sweet scent but offers no skincare benefits.

Amyl Isovalerate is a synthetic fragrance ester that adds a fruity, apple-like scent to products, but offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

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

Amyl phenylacetate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, honey-like scent to products; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Amyl Propionate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity, apple-like scent, but offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in those with fragrance allergies.

Amyl Salicylate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, floral scent to products; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for oily or combination skin types.

Amylase is a gentle enzyme exfoliant that dissolves dead skin cells by breaking down surface starches, making skin smoother without harsh scrubbing.

A synthetic floral scent ingredient that may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that provides a jasmine-like scent but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic UV filter that also contributes to fragrance; effective but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A common synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a floral scent but is a known allergen for some people, especially those with sensitive skin.

Amylcinnamyl alcohol is a common synthetic fragrance that adds a sweet floral scent, but it is a known allergen that may cause skin reactions in sensitive individuals.

Amylcyclopentanone is a synthetic scent ingredient that adds a pleasant floral-fruity note, but it offers no skincare benefit and may cause sensitivity in those with fragrance allergies.

Amylcyclopentenone is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, floral scent but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Amylfuran is a synthetic fragrance ingredient with limited safety data; it may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Amylisoeugenol is a synthetic fragrance compound that adds a warm, spicy scent but may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

A gentle enzyme exfoliant that dissolves dead skin cells without scrubbing, ideal for sensitive skin.

A gentle, plant-derived film-former that helps products feel smooth and can provide a light, non-sticky barrier on skin.

Amylose is a gentle, natural starch derivative that helps create a smooth, lightweight film on the skin, improving texture and moisture retention without clogging pores.

Amylvinyl carbinol is a natural mushroom-derived alcohol used mainly for scent, with some early research suggesting mild antimicrobial benefits, but it can be a skin sensitizer for some.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant scent but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A natural essential oil with a warm, woody scent that may offer mild skin-soothing benefits, but can cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic peptide blend that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but more human studies are needed to confirm its effects.

A synthetic peptide blend that may help support collagen and improve skin firmness, but human data is still limited.

A promising peptide that may help firm skin and soften lines, but more human studies are needed to confirm its effects.

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

A natural exfoliant from clam shells that gently polishes skin, but may be too scratchy for sensitive or compromised skin.

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

A mineral-rich volcanic rock extract that may support skin barrier function, but research is limited and benefits are not well-established.

A gentle Amazonian oil that hydrates and soothes, ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

A gentle, natural seed powder that helps exfoliate and absorb excess oil without harshness, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

A plant-derived compound with promising antioxidant and soothing benefits, though research in topical skincare is still emerging.

A gentle alpine plant extract that may help calm irritated skin and provide antioxidant protection, though research is still emerging.

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

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

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

Anemarrhena Root Extract is a gentle botanical with antioxidant and soothing potential, but human skin research is still limited.

Anethole adds a sweet, licorice-like scent to products but can be irritating for sensitive skin at higher concentrations.

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