Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup and hair products resist water and last longer, but it's not a skincare active.

Polyvinyl Chloride is a synthetic plastic that is not a typical skincare ingredient; it is rarely used in modern cosmetics and is best avoided due to potential impurities and environmental concerns.

A synthetic film former that helps products spread evenly and hold their shape, but offers no active skincare benefits.

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

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

A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put and feel smooth, but offers no active skincare benefits.

A synthetic film-former that helps products spread smoothly and feel lightweight on skin.

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

A synthetic film-former that helps create peel-off masks and gives a smooth, tight feel on skin.

A synthetic film-former used for water resistance and durability, not a beneficial skincare active.

A gentle, lab-grown antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though human studies are still limited.

A lab-grown pomegranate extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though human studies are still limited.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich ferment that supports skin radiance and barrier health without common irritants.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich ferment that supports skin radiance and hydration without common irritants.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical powder that may help soothe and protect skin, but its multi-part source means potency can vary.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that helps soften and smooth skin without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research on its topical benefits is still emerging.

A gentle antioxidant from pomegranate peel, modified for better stability in formulas, but research on the modified form is limited.

A stabilized, water-friendly version of pomegranate seed oil that offers antioxidant and moisturizing benefits with low irritation risk.

Pomegranate Seed Powder gently exfoliates while delivering antioxidants, but its texture can be gritty for sensitive skin.

A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient that helps soften skin without clogging pores, ideal for dry or sensitive skin types.

Pomiferin is a plant-derived antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress, though research on its cosmetic benefits is still emerging.

Ponderosa pine oil adds a fresh, woodsy scent to products but may irritate sensitive skin and has limited research on skincare benefits.

A gentle botanical extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress while calming irritation.

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

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, though research on its topical benefits is still limited.

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

A gentle, antioxidant-rich flower extract that may help calm irritated skin, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

A gentle floral water that may help calm sensitive skin, but its benefits are largely anecdotal and not backed by strong clinical research.

Poppy seed is a gentle, natural emollient with antioxidant properties, but research on its skincare benefits is still limited.

Poppy seed oil is a gentle, non-greasy emollient rich in omega-6 fatty acids that helps soften and soothe dry skin without clogging pores.

A gentle botanical extract from aspen flowers that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, though research is still emerging.

A gentle, plant-derived ingredient that helps calm irritated skin and provides antioxidant protection.

An experimental biotech ingredient from pig cells with limited human research and ethical concerns; not recommended for routine use.

An unusual, animal-derived experimental ingredient with very limited safety and efficacy data for cosmetic use.

A peptide from porcine sources that may help support skin firmness, but research is limited and ethical concerns exist.

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

A gentle, mushroom-derived extract that helps calm irritation and provides antioxidant protection, ideal for sensitive or stressed skin.

Poria Cocos Powder is a gentle, natural ingredient that can help absorb excess oil and soothe the skin, but its benefits are backed mostly by traditional use and limited modern research.

Pork-derived ingredients like collagen and glycerin are effective moisturizers, but may not suit vegans or those with religious or ethical restrictions.

Pork-derived ingredients like collagen and elastin can provide moisturizing and film-forming benefits, but they are not suitable for vegans, vegetarians, or those with religious dietary restrictions.

An obscure synthetic compound with minimal cosmetic research; not recommended for routine skincare.

A promising natural UV filter from algae that also fights oxidative stress, but currently limited in standalone sunscreen use due to regulatory and formulation challenges.

A gentle, hydrating seaweed extract with antioxidant potential, best for soothing and moisturizing sensitive or dry skin.

A gentle, nutrient-rich red algae powder that helps hydrate and protect the skin with antioxidant benefits.

A gentle, hydrating microalgae extract that helps skin retain moisture and defends against environmental stress.

A gentle, algae-derived film-former that helps skin feel smooth and hydrated without clogging pores.

A gentle, hydrating microalgae extract that helps skin retain moisture and defends against environmental stress.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich ferment that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though research is still early.

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

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that helps calm skin and defend against environmental stress.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from a rare Hawaiian succulent that may help calm irritated skin and fight free radical damage.

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

A gentle, amino-acid-based surfactant that cleanses without stripping, making it a good choice for sensitive or dry skin and hair.

A mild, plant-derived surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

A safe synthetic sweetener used in tiny amounts to improve taste in lip and oral products, but it offers no skincare benefit.

Potassium Acetate is a safe, low-irritation salt that helps control a product's pH and can support preservative systems.

A reliable synthetic thickener that gives gels and creams a smooth, non-sticky texture without clogging pores.

A safe, synthetic polymer that gives products a silky feel and helps them spread evenly without clogging pores.

A gentle, seaweed-derived thickener that gives products a smooth gel feel and can create a temporary tightening sensation on skin.