Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

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

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

A gentle, plant-based extract with antioxidant potential, but more research is needed to confirm its benefits in skincare.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help soothe skin and fight free radical damage, though research in cosmetics is still emerging.

Miradenafil is a little-known synthetic compound with very limited published research; its cosmetic benefits and safety profile remain uncertain.

Mistletoe extract offers antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research in skincare is still emerging.

A novel antioxidant that targets cellular energy centers, but research in topical skincare is still early.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that softens and smooths skin without clogging pores.

Mixed Ionones add a floral, violet-like scent to products and may offer mild antimicrobial benefits, but they are primarily a fragrance ingredient with limited direct skin benefit.

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is very limited — it's not a proven powerhouse ingredient yet.

A gentle flower extract with potential antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is limited and it's mainly used for its pleasant fragrance and traditional appeal.

Molasses extract is a gentle humectant that helps hydrate and soothe the skin, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though human studies are limited.

A gentle, non-greasy seed oil rich in linoleic acid that helps soften and soothe the skin without clogging pores.

A gentle, lightly fragrant botanical water that may offer mild soothing and astringent benefits, but lacks strong clinical evidence.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

A gentle antioxidant-rich fruit extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research on this specific species is limited.

Molybdenum aspartate is a trace mineral complex that may offer antioxidant benefits, but research in topical skincare is very limited.

Molybdenum chloride is a trace mineral salt with theoretical antioxidant benefits, but it is extremely rare in skincare and lacks solid safety or efficacy data for cosmetic use.

Molybdic acid is a trace mineral with theoretical antioxidant benefits, but it is not a proven or common skincare ingredient and may pose irritation risks at higher concentrations.

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

A gentle, water-based fruit juice that adds light hydration and antioxidant protection, but research on its skincare benefits is still limited.

Monarda Didyma Oil adds a pleasant minty-citrus scent and may offer mild antimicrobial benefits, but its fragrance components can irritate sensitive skin.

A fermented argan extract with potential antioxidant benefits, but research is still emerging and it may not be a standout ingredient.

A gentle fermented ingredient with antioxidant potential, but research in topical skincare is still limited.

A fermented oil that may offer antioxidant and skin-softening benefits, but research is limited and it's not a staple ingredient.

A gentle fermented ingredient with antioxidant potential, but research is still emerging and it may not be a powerhouse active.

A fermented rice filtrate that may help brighten and condition skin, but research is still emerging.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich root extract with traditional use but limited modern cosmetic research.

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

A gentle, antioxidant-rich root extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though human studies are limited.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich leaf extract that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Monk Fruit Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that may help soothe and protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Monk fruit powder is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that may help soothe skin and protect against environmental stress, but research in cosmetics is still limited.

A gentle, plant-based oil that softens and conditions skin, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

A mild, sugar-based humectant that hydrates without irritation, making it a good option for sensitive or dry skin.

Monosodium citrate is a gentle pH adjuster that helps keep your skincare products stable and kind to your skin's natural barrier.

A gentle, hydrating seaweed extract that helps skin retain moisture and may calm irritation.

A gentle seaweed extract that helps hydrate and calm the skin, though research is still emerging.

A natural wax from lignite that helps thicken and stabilize formulas, but it's not a star active ingredient.

Montan wax is a plant-derived wax that helps give lipsticks and creams a smooth, stable texture without clogging pores.

Montmorillonite is a gentle clay that helps draw out oil and impurities without stripping the skin, making it a solid choice for oily or combination skin types.

Moonflower Extract is a gentle botanical with antioxidant potential, but research on its specific benefits in skincare is still limited.

Moonstone extract is a trendy gemstone ingredient with minimal scientific backing for skincare benefits beyond a placebo or mild soothing effect.

Moonstone powder adds a soft, pearlescent glow to makeup and can gently exfoliate, but its skincare benefits are largely cosmetic rather than active.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract with traditional use but limited modern cosmetic research.

Moray eel oil is a novel marine oil that may offer moisturizing benefits, but research is very limited and it may be comedogenic for some.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich mushroom ferment that may help soothe and protect the skin, though human studies are limited.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich ferment that helps soothe and condition skin while supporting a healthy-looking complexion.

A gentle, natural exfoliating powder packed with antioxidants that can help polish skin without harsh microbeads.

A lightweight, non-greasy oil that hydrates and helps protect the skin barrier without clogging pores.

A lightweight, non-greasy oil that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores, with some antioxidant benefits.

A lightweight, non-greasy oil that hydrates and helps protect the skin barrier, suitable for most skin types including oily and acne-prone.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from moringa seed byproduct that helps protect skin from environmental stress while providing light hydration.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich flower extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early.

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research in skincare is still early.

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

A gentle, natural exfoliant from morning glory seeds, but research on its safety and efficacy is limited.

A gentle, mineral-rich clay that helps draw out impurities and control shine without stripping the skin.

A synthetic UV filter with limited public research; may offer broad-spectrum protection but is not widely used in mainstream products.