Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A lightweight, non-greasy synthetic emollient that helps products glide on smoothly and can enhance the feel of sunscreens and serums.

A lightweight, fast-evaporating synthetic liquid that helps products glide on smoothly without leaving a greasy feel.

Perfluoroheptane is a synthetic film-former that helps products spread smoothly and leaves a non-greasy, breathable layer on the skin.

Perfluorohexane is a lightweight synthetic liquid that helps products spread smoothly and evaporate quickly, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.

A synthetic fluorinated surfactant that helps products spread and resist water, but its safety and environmental impact are not fully understood.

A synthetic polymer that helps products stay put, especially in water-resistant sunscreens and long-wear makeup.

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put, but its perfluoro (PFAS) chemistry raises environmental concerns.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps products spread smoothly, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.

A lightweight, volatile liquid that helps products spread smoothly and evaporates quickly, leaving a non-greasy feel—generally safe but best for those who tolerate silicones.

A lightweight synthetic liquid that helps products glide on smoothly and leaves a non-greasy, breathable film on skin.

A fast-evaporating synthetic liquid that helps products spread and dry quickly, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.

A synthetic oxygen carrier that may temporarily boost skin oxygenation and help other ingredients absorb better, but its long-term benefits are still being studied.

A high-tech silicone that provides a silky feel and water resistance without clogging pores, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.

A high-tech silicone polymer that helps products stay put and resist water, but may feel heavy on some skin types.

A novel film-forming emollient that helps products feel silky and spread smoothly, but research on long-term safety is still limited.

A high-tech emollient that provides water resistance and a silky feel, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.

A specialized silicone surfactant that improves water resistance and spreadability, but its complex chemistry and environmental persistence raise caution.

A high-performance synthetic ingredient that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.

A high-performance film-former that helps makeup last longer and resist water, but it's a synthetic ingredient with limited biodegradability.

A high-tech film former that helps products resist water and feel silky, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.

A high-tech film former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.

A synthetic fluorosilicone that helps products spread smoothly and resist water, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.

A specialized silicone-fluorocarbon hybrid that helps products spread smoothly and resist water, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.

A high-performance film former that helps products resist water and sweat, but its synthetic nature and potential environmental persistence raise some concerns.

A high-tech film former that provides a silky, water-resistant finish, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.

A high-tech film-former that helps makeup last longer and resist water, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.

A high-tech silicone-fluorocarbon hybrid that helps products glide on smoothly and resist water, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.

A synthetic film-former that helps products resist water, sweat, and oil, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.

A synthetic film-former that helps products resist water and wear longer, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.

A synthetic film-former that helps products resist water and sweat, but its perfluoroalkyl chemistry raises environmental persistence concerns.

A lightweight silicone that helps products spread smoothly and resist water, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.

A high-performance film former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.

A synthetic fluorinated ingredient that forms a protective film on skin, but its safety data is limited and environmental persistence is a concern.

A synthetic fluorinated ingredient that forms a breathable film on skin to lock in moisture and protect against environmental stressors.

A synthetic fluorinated film-former that creates a breathable, water-resistant barrier on the skin without feeling heavy.

Perfluoropropane is a safe, inert gas that can create a temporary cooling or plumping sensation on skin, but its cosmetic benefits are short-lived and not backed by strong evidence.

Perfluorotetralin is a synthetic fluorinated liquid that may help deliver oxygen to the skin, but its benefits are still being studied and it is not a mainstream ingredient.

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant extract with limited but promising research; best for those seeking natural, low-irritation skincare ingredients.

A plant extract with promising antioxidant and soothing potential, but currently lacks robust human studies to confirm its effectiveness in skincare.

A lesser-known botanical extract with potential antioxidant benefits, but research is very limited.

A gentle, lab-grown plant extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though human studies are still limited.

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

A gentle, antioxidant-rich oil from perilla flowers that helps soften skin and may calm irritation, though research is still emerging.

A gentle, plant-based ingredient that helps calm irritation and protect skin from environmental stress.

Perilla leaf extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps soothe skin and defend against environmental stress.

A gentle fermented ingredient that may calm irritation and provide antioxidant benefits, though human studies are limited.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical powder that may help calm and protect the skin, though more human studies are needed.

Perilla leaf water is a gentle, antioxidant-rich hydrosol that can help soothe and protect the skin, though research on its topical benefits is still emerging.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich oil that helps soothe and nourish skin without clogging pores.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from perilla seeds that helps calm irritation and protect skin from environmental stress.

A nourishing, non-greasy oil that hydrates and calms skin, with a good safety profile for most skin types.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract from perilla seed cake that may help soothe and nourish the skin.

Perillaldehyde is a natural fragrant compound with antioxidant and antimicrobial potential, but its use in skincare is limited and may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

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

Perillyl alcohol is a natural aromatic compound with some antioxidant promise, but it's used in tiny amounts mainly for scent and may irritate sensitive skin.

Perlite is a natural volcanic mineral that helps absorb excess oil and gently exfoliate without being harsh on the skin.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in human skin.

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in human skin.

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 still early and benefits are not yet proven in human skin.