Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A safe, synthetic ingredient that helps products feel smooth and spread evenly without clogging pores.

A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix water and oil, generally well-tolerated but not biodegradable.

A gentle, water-friendly silicone that gives products a silky feel without heavy buildup.

A reliable synthetic emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy formulas, but may not suit those avoiding PEGs.

A synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in cleansers and creams, generally well-tolerated but not a star active ingredient.

A gentle synthetic polymer that helps products feel silky and spread smoothly without clogging pores.

A gentle, synthetic humectant that helps your skin stay hydrated without feeling sticky or greasy.

A silicone copolymer that improves product texture and spreadability, generally well-tolerated but not biodegradable.

A gentle, synthetic humectant that helps hydrate skin and improve product feel without common irritation.

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

Pegmatite is a natural mineral powder that provides gentle physical exfoliation, but its benefits and safety are not well-studied in skincare.

PEI-1000 is a synthetic polymer that helps create a smooth, even film on skin, but it's not a star ingredient and is best understood as a texture enhancer.

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

A synthetic polymer that helps products spread smoothly and leaves a light, flexible film on skin or hair for a conditioned feel.

PEI-1400 is a synthetic polymer that helps products stay put, but it's not a skincare active and may feel heavy on some skin types.

PEI-1500 is a synthetic polymer that helps products spread smoothly and stay put, but it's not a star ingredient for skin health.

PEI-1750 helps products stay put and resist water, but it's a synthetic polymer with limited skin-friendly research.

PEI-250 is a synthetic film-former that helps products stay put, but it may cause irritation for sensitive skin types.

PEI-2500 is a synthetic polymer that helps products spread smoothly and resist water, but it's not a star ingredient for skin health.

PEI-275 is a synthetic polymer that helps products form a flexible film on skin or hair, improving wear and water resistance.

PEI-35 is a synthetic polymer that helps products spread evenly and stay put, but it's not a star ingredient for skin health.

PEI-45 is a synthetic film-former that helps products like mascara and hair gels stay put, but it's not a hydrating or active ingredient.

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put longer, generally considered safe at low concentrations.

PEI-700 is a synthetic film-former that helps products stay put, but it has limited safety data and can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Pelargonic acid is a mild fatty acid that helps cleanse and adjust pH, but can be slightly drying for sensitive skin.

A gentle, aromatic hydrosol that can help soothe and lightly tone the skin without harshness.

A lab-grown rose geranium extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a healthy-looking complexion.

A gentle plant-based wax that adds richness and a subtle floral scent to skincare formulas without common irritation.

A gentle, aromatic botanical extract that may help balance oily skin and provide mild soothing benefits.

A gentle botanical extract with astringent and soothing properties, often used for its pleasant rose-like scent and potential to balance oily skin.

A gentle, naturally derived wax that helps thicken and stabilize balms and creams while adding a light floral scent.

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

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

A gentle, lab-grown plant extract that may help calm skin and fight oxidative stress, but research is still early.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, best for sensitive or stressed skin.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but human skincare research is limited.

A skin-identical lipid blend that helps restore the moisture barrier and reduce water loss.

A gentle botanical extract with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research is limited.

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

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

A gentle brown algae extract that helps hydrate and calm the skin, but research on its benefits is still emerging.

A lab-grown marine algae extract that may help calm and protect skin, but research is still early.

Pennyroyal extract is a traditional herb with a strong scent, but it carries notable safety risks and is rarely recommended in modern skincare.

A gentle conditioning ingredient that helps soften hair and skin without heavy buildup, though research is limited.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

A gentle, plant-based conditioning ingredient that helps detangle hair and soften skin without heavy buildup.

Pentadecalactone is a synthetic musk that adds a pleasant, long-lasting scent to products, but it offers no skincare benefits and may be a concern for those avoiding synthetic fragrances.

Pentadecane is a lightweight, natural emollient that gives skincare products a silky feel without clogging pores, making it a great choice for oily and sensitive skin types.

Pentadecyl alcohol is a gentle, non-drying fatty alcohol that softens skin and improves product texture without clogging pores.

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

A gentle synthetic solubilizer that helps blend oils and water in cleansers and makeup removers, with a low irritation profile.

Pentaerythritol is a gentle humectant that helps hydrate the skin and improve product texture without common irritation concerns.

A well-tolerated, non-greasy emollient that gives products a silky feel without clogging pores.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that improves product feel and stability without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-based emollient that hydrates and softens skin with a lightweight, non-greasy finish.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps products glide on smoothly without clogging pores.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps moisturize and improve product feel without clogging pores.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps products spread smoothly and feel silky on skin, with a very low risk of irritation or clogging pores.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps skin feel soft and smooth without clogging pores.