Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

Nephrite powder is a natural mineral exfoliant with a long history in traditional beauty, but scientific evidence for its skin benefits is limited.

A gentle marine extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still early and sustainability is a concern.

Neral adds a bright lemon scent to products but can be a skin sensitizer, so it's best for those without fragrance sensitivities.

Nerol is a natural floral fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant rose-like scent to products but offers no proven skincare benefits beyond aroma.

Nerol Oxide is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant floral-citrus note, but offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Nerolidol is a natural fragrance ingredient with some early research suggesting antioxidant and skin-soothing benefits, but its main role in cosmetics is scent.

Nerolidyl Acetate is a gentle, naturally derived fragrance ingredient with mild skin-conditioning potential, but its benefits are secondary to its scent profile.

Neryl acetate is a gentle, naturally derived fragrance ingredient with low irritation potential, but it offers no active skincare benefits beyond scent and mild conditioning.

Neryl butyrate is a synthetic fragrance ester that adds a pleasant fruity-floral note to products, but offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in those with fragrance allergies.

Neryl Formate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant scent but offers no direct skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Neryl isobutyrate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a floral, fruity scent to products; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but offers no skin benefit beyond fragrance.

Neryl Isovalerate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient with a pleasant floral-herbal scent; it is considered safe at low concentrations but offers no skincare benefits beyond scent.

Neryl propionate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant floral scent to products; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but offers no skincare benefits.

A fragrant, soothing oil from New Caledonian sandalwood, but may cause irritation in sensitive skin due to its aromatic compounds.

A gentle, aromatic water from New Caledonian sandalwood that can soothe skin and provide a subtle fragrance, but its benefits are largely anecdotal and it may cause sensitivity in those allergic to sandalwood.

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

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

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that may help calm redness and support skin barrier repair, though human clinical data is still limited.

A gentle, hydrating botanical water with antioxidant properties, best for soothing and refreshing normal to dry skin.

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

Niacin is a well-studied form of vitamin B3 that helps strengthen the skin barrier and even out skin tone, but it can cause temporary flushing in some people.

A well-researched, multi-tasking vitamin that strengthens skin, fades dark spots, and calms redness without irritation.

A gentle, stable hybrid of niacinamide and vitamin C that offers antioxidant protection and brightening without the irritation of pure L-ascorbic acid.

A gentle exfoliating and brightening ingredient that pairs niacinamide with glycolic acid for smoother, more even-toned skin with less sting.

A gentle, multitasking ingredient that pairs niacinamide’s brightening and barrier-supporting powers with mild exfoliating and soothing properties from hydroxybenzoate.

A promising brightening ingredient that combines niacinamide with hydroxycitrate, but research is still limited compared to niacinamide alone.

A gentle dual-action ingredient that combines niacinamide's barrier support with lactic acid's mild exfoliation for smoother, brighter skin.

Niacinamide malate is a gentle, effective ingredient that helps brighten skin tone and improve texture without the irritation of stronger acids.

A gentle, dual-action ingredient that exfoliates and supports the skin barrier without the irritation of standalone acids.

A gentle exfoliating and brightening hybrid that pairs the pore-clearing power of salicylic acid with the soothing, barrier-supporting benefits of niacinamide.

A promising hybrid antioxidant that combines niacinamide and alpha-lipoic acid, but research is still early.

A gentle, multi-tasking ingredient that combines niacinamide's brightening and barrier-supporting benefits with yeast peptides for added hydration and skin-smoothing effects.

A gentle botanical extract from the niaouli tree that may help calm and purify skin, though research is limited.

Niaouli leaf oil is a natural essential oil with antimicrobial and soothing properties, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin and should be used in low concentrations.

Niaouli oil can help calm blemishes and add a fresh scent, but it may irritate sensitive skin if used at high concentrations.

Nickel Acetylmethionate is a controversial ingredient that may soothe skin but carries risks due to nickel content, especially for those with nickel allergies.

Nickel gluconate is a known allergen and sensitizer; it is rarely used in modern skincare and is best avoided, especially for anyone with nickel allergy.

A plant-derived peptide that may help smooth fine lines and support collagen, but research is still early.

A biotech-derived peptide from tobacco plants that may help firm skin and soften fine lines, but human research is still limited.

A plant-derived peptide blend that may help support skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but research is still early.

A novel plant-derived peptide complex that may help support collagen production, but research is still early and it's less proven than well-studied peptides.

A biotech peptide from tobacco plants that may help firm skin, but research is still early and benefits are not guaranteed.

A plant-based peptide that may help support collagen and skin firmness, but research is still early.

Nicotinaldehyde is a lesser-known relative of niacinamide that may help with skin texture and tone, but research is still early and it can be irritating for some.

NAD+ is a buzzworthy anti-aging ingredient that supports skin cell energy and repair, but its topical benefits are still being studied and may not match the hype.

A promising anti-aging ingredient that boosts cellular energy, but human skin research is still limited compared to niacinamide.

A stable, dual-action antioxidant that combines vitamin C and niacinamide benefits without the typical irritation or instability of pure L-ascorbic acid.

A synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but human data is still limited.

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

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

A synthetic peptide that may help reduce fine lines and improve skin firmness, but human studies are limited.

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

A lab-made peptide that may help smooth wrinkles and improve skin firmness, but human studies are still limited.

A synthetic peptide that may help support collagen and reduce fine lines, but human data is still limited.

A lab-made peptide that may help smooth fine lines and improve skin firmness, but human studies are limited.

A lab-made peptide that may help smooth wrinkles and improve skin firmness, with low irritation potential.

A gentle, multi-tasking molecule that pairs niacinamide-like benefits with vitamin E’s antioxidant power, but research is still emerging.

A promising anti-aging peptide that combines the benefits of niacinamide with a signal peptide to help firm skin and soften wrinkles.

A lab-made peptide that may help smooth wrinkles and improve skin firmness, but human studies are still limited.

A lab-made peptide that may help firm skin and soften wrinkles, with a low risk of irritation.