Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

Ozonized sunflower seed oil is a semi-synthetic emollient that may help calm skin and support a clearer complexion, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still emerging.

Ozonized turpentine is a niche ingredient with potential antimicrobial benefits, but its strong odor and irritation risk limit its appeal for everyday skincare.

A novel fermented yeast ingredient with ozonation that may support skin antioxidant defenses, but human research is still limited.

p-Anisic acid is a mild, naturally derived preservative helper that also offers gentle antioxidant and soothing benefits, making it a safe choice for most skin types.

P-Anisonitrile is a synthetic fragrance compound that adds a sweet, anise-like scent to products, but it offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

P-Anisyl Acetate is a synthetic fragrance compound that adds a sweet, floral scent to products, but it offers no skincare benefits and may be a concern for those with fragrance sensitivities.

P-Anisyl Butyrate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient with a pleasant, sweet, floral scent; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

P-Anisyl Formate is a synthetic fragrance compound that adds a pleasant floral-sweet note to products, but offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in those with fragrance allergies.

P-Anisyl Isobutyrate 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 synthetic scent ingredient that adds a sweet, pleasant aroma but offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A synthetic fragrance ester that adds a sweet, floral scent to products; generally considered safe at low concentrations but offers no skincare benefits.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, floral scent; considered safe at low levels but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

P-Cresol is a synthetic fragrance and preservative compound that can be irritating; it is rarely used in modern leave-on skincare and is best avoided by sensitive skin.

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds scent but offers no skincare benefit; may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient with limited public safety data; best for those who tolerate synthetic fragrances well.

P-Cresyl Benzoate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient with limited safety data; it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

p-Cresyl Isobutyrate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, floral note to products, but it offers no skincare benefits and may be a concern for those with fragrance sensitivities.

A synthetic fragrance ester that adds a sweet, floral note to products but offers no skincare benefit beyond scent.

P-Cresyl Methyl Ether is a synthetic fragrance component that adds a pleasant floral note but offers no skincare benefits and may be a concern for those with fragrance sensitivities.

A synthetic ester that adds a subtle scent and light conditioning feel, but offers no active skincare benefits.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant floral scent but offers no skincare benefits and may be unnecessary for sensitive skin.

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds a floral hyacinth note but offers no skincare benefit; safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

P-Cymene is a plant-derived antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research on its topical benefits is still limited.

P-Ethylphenetole is a synthetic fragrance ingredient with limited published safety data; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

p-Hydroxyanisole is a synthetic stabilizer that prevents oils from going rancid, but it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals at higher concentrations.

p-Isopropylphenol is a synthetic preservative that helps keep products fresh, but it may cause irritation for sensitive skin types.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant scent but offers no skincare benefits; generally safe at low levels but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

P-Menthadiene is a natural fragrance compound with mild antioxidant potential, but it may cause skin sensitivity in some people.

P-Menthanone is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a minty or herbal note, but it offers no direct skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A synthetic minty fragrance that adds a fresh scent but may cause irritation for sensitive skin types.

A synthetic cooling ingredient that creates a refreshing, minty sensation on skin without the strong scent of actual mint.

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

A plant-derived aromatic compound with antioxidant potential, but its strong scent and moderate irritation risk limit its use in skincare.

P-Methoxypropiophenone is a synthetic fragrance compound with limited safety data; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, floral scent but offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds scent but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a floral, sweet scent but offers no skincare benefit and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

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

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

A synthetic floral scent ingredient that is generally safe at low levels but may cause skin reactions in sensitive individuals.

p-Tolyl Phenylacetate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a floral, honey-like scent to products; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

P-Vinylphenol is a synthetic fragrance compound with limited cosmetic research; it may pose irritation risks and is not a functional skincare active.

A fermented blend of a medicinal mushroom and a root extract that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, though research is still emerging.

A nourishing, non-greasy oil rich in omega fatty acids and antioxidants that helps soften skin and support a healthy moisture barrier.

Paeonol is a gentle antioxidant from peony that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, but human studies are limited.

Pakau White Clay is a mild, absorbent clay ideal for oily or combination skin, offering gentle purification without harshness.

Palau White Clay is a gentle, mineral-rich clay that helps absorb excess oil and impurities without stripping the skin, making it a good option for sensitive or dry skin types.

A gentle clay extract that helps absorb excess oil and impurities without stripping the skin, but research on its unique benefits is still limited.

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

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

A gentle, plant-based ingredient that may help calm redness and provide antioxidant protection, though research is less extensive than for other licorice extracts.

Palladium is a rare metal used mainly as a colorant in cosmetics, not a proven skincare active, and may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put and resist water, but offers no active skincare benefit.

A gentle antioxidant-rich fruit extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress while providing light hydration.

A rich, plant-based emollient that softens skin but may clog pores for some people, and its sourcing raises environmental concerns.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that helps replenish the skin's natural moisture barrier without clogging pores.

A gentle fatty alcohol that softens skin and improves product texture without clogging pores.

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

Palm kernel oil is a rich emollient that softens skin but may clog pores for some, and its sourcing raises environmental concerns.

A mild, eco-friendly emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in skincare formulas while leaving skin feeling soft.