Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle synthetic surfactant that helps blend oil and water in cleansers, with low irritation potential.

Mesitylene is a synthetic solvent with limited cosmetic use; it may pose irritation risks and is not a common skincare ingredient.

A gentle botanical oil with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and it may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Mesua Ferrea Oil is a natural essential oil with antioxidant and soothing potential, but its strong aroma and limited research mean it's best used in low concentrations and patch-tested first.

A synthetic preservative with limited public research; generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Metaphosphoric acid is a gentle pH adjuster that helps keep skincare formulas stable and skin-friendly, but it is not a primary active ingredient.

Meteorite powder adds a subtle shimmer and trace minerals to cosmetics, but its benefits are largely aesthetic and not backed by strong skincare research.

Methacrylamide is a synthetic monomer used to create durable films in nail and hair products, but it can be a skin sensitizer and is best avoided in leave-on facial skincare.

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen last longer and feel smoother, with a low risk of irritation.

A synthetic polymer that helps create a smooth, spreadable texture and can leave a light, flexible film on skin or hair.

A synthetic polymer that helps create a smooth, silky feel on skin and improves product texture without known irritation.

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup and skincare last longer, but may feel heavy on some skin types.

A gentle synthetic polymer that creates a smooth, breathable film on skin for better product feel and wear.

A synthetic ingredient that helps nail polish and hair products stick better and last longer, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A silicone polymer that helps products spread smoothly and stay put, but offers no active skincare benefits.

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup last longer and resist water, but offers no active skincare benefit.

A biotech peptide inspired by deep-sea microbes that may help support skin firmness and reduce signs of aging, though human research is still limited.

Methenamine is a synthetic preservative that works by slowly releasing formaldehyde, which can be effective but raises concerns for skin sensitivity and long-term safety.

Methenammonium Chloride is a synthetic preservative that helps keep products fresh but may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

A gentle silicone powder that gives a silky feel and helps control shine without clogging pores.

Methionine is a gentle antioxidant amino acid that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports natural repair processes.

A synthetic peptide blend that may help firm skin and soften fine lines, but research is still emerging.

A lab-made peptide duo that may help smooth wrinkles and improve skin firmness, but results vary and more human studies are needed.

A novel peptide blend that may support skin firmness and hydration, but human research is very limited.

A synthetic peptide blend that may help support collagen and reduce fine lines, but research is still emerging.

A synthetic peptide that may help support collagen and improve skin firmness, but research is still emerging.

A synthetic peptide that may help support skin firmness and repair, but research is still emerging.

A lab-made peptide that may help firm skin and soften lines, but research is still early.

A synthetic peptide blend that may help firm skin and soften fine lines, but human studies are limited.

A synthetic peptide that may help support collagen and improve skin firmness, but research is still emerging and results vary.

A lab-made peptide that may help firm skin and soften lines, but research is still early.

A synthetic peptide blend that may help support skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but human research is still limited.

A synthetic peptide blend that may help firm skin and soften lines, but human research is still limited.

A lab-made peptide blend that may help firm skin and soften lines, but human research is still limited.

A lab-made peptide that may help support collagen and smooth fine lines, but research is still early and results vary.

A synthetic peptide blend that may help support collagen and improve skin firmness, but research is still emerging.

A synthetic peptide blend that may help support collagen and improve skin firmness, but research is still early.

A lab-made peptide blend that may help signal skin to look firmer and smoother, but long-term human data is still limited.

A synthetic peptide blend that may help firm skin and soften wrinkles, but research is still early.

A synthetic peptide complex that may help signal skin to appear firmer and smoother, but research is still emerging.

A synthetic peptide blend that may help firm skin and soften lines, but research is still emerging and results vary.

A synthetic peptide that may help firm skin and soften fine lines, but human data is still limited.

A lab-made peptide that may help firm skin and soften lines, but human studies are limited.

A lab-made peptide that may help signal skin to look firmer and smoother, but human studies are limited.

A lab-made peptide that may help support collagen and firm skin, but human studies are still limited.

A lab-made peptide blend that mimics spider silk to help skin feel firmer, but research is still early and benefits are not guaranteed.

A lab-made peptide that may help smooth wrinkles and firm skin, but research is still early and it's not a replacement for proven anti-aging ingredients.

A silicone polymer that forms a flexible, breathable film for long-lasting wear and water resistance without heavy buildup.

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

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a fresh note but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that provides a fresh scent but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a fresh note but offers no skincare benefit; safe at low levels but may cause sensitivity in some people.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient with antioxidant properties, generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds a nutty, earthy scent to products but offers no skincare benefits.

Methoxy PEG-10 is a gentle, water-attracting polymer that helps keep skin hydrated and improves product texture, but it is synthetic and may be a concern for those avoiding PEGs.

A silicone polymer that forms a breathable, water-resistant film for smoother skin and longer wear.

A synthetic silicone polymer that improves product feel and spreadability without heavy residue.

A synthetic humectant that helps dissolve other ingredients and retain moisture, but offers no unique benefits over gentler alternatives.

A gentle, stabilized vitamin C derivative that brightens skin and fights free radicals with minimal irritation.

A synthetic polymer that helps products spread smoothly and leaves a flexible, non-sticky film on skin or hair.