Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle, plant-derived cleansing agent that effectively removes impurities without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

A gentle mineral-amino acid blend that may help calm stressed skin and support natural hydration, though research is still emerging.

Potassium Metabisulfite is an effective preservative but can be a common allergen, especially for those with sulfite sensitivity.

A gentle pH adjuster and stabilizer that helps keep your skincare formulas balanced and effective without causing irritation.

A synthetic UVB filter that helps shield skin from sunburn, but its use is limited in some regions due to regulatory differences.

A milder alternative to salicylic acid that exfoliates and brightens with a lower risk of irritation.

A mild, sulfate-free surfactant that cleanses effectively without stripping the skin, making it ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

A widely used preservative that prevents microbial growth, but has raised some safety concerns regarding potential endocrine disruption.

Potassium monopersulfate is a strong oxidizer used mainly in hair lightening and disinfectant products; it is not a typical skincare ingredient and can be irritating.

Potassium Myristate is an effective cleanser that creates rich lather, but it can be drying or irritating for sensitive or dry skin types.

A mild, amino acid-based surfactant that cleanses effectively while respecting the skin barrier.

A mild, collagen-derived surfactant that cleanses gently and helps maintain skin softness, ideal for sensitive or dry skin.

A mild, amino-acid-based surfactant that effectively cleanses while being gentle on the skin barrier.

A gentle, niacinamide-derived peptide that may help brighten skin and reduce signs of aging with low irritation risk.

A synthetic preservative that helps keep products fresh but may cause irritation for sensitive skin at higher concentrations.

A mild, well-tolerated preservative that helps keep your skincare products fresh and safe from spoilage.

An effective cleansing agent that helps remove oil and dirt, but may be drying or irritating for very sensitive skin.

Potassium oleate is an effective cleanser and emulsifier, but can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin due to its high pH.

A mild, collagen-derived surfactant that cleanses gently and leaves skin feeling soft, ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

A gentle, olive-oil-based cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin.

A mild, plant-derived surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, suitable for sensitive and dry skin types.

A mild, amino-acid-based surfactant from olive oil that cleanses gently and is well-tolerated by sensitive skin.

A mild, amino-acid-based cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil while leaving skin soft and hydrated.

A mild, plant-based surfactant that effectively cleanses while respecting the skin barrier.

A mild, amino-acid-based cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil while leaving skin soft and hydrated.

A mild, olive-derived surfactant that cleanses effectively while respecting the skin barrier — ideal for sensitive or dry skin.

A mild, plant-derived surfactant that cleanses effectively while respecting the skin barrier — ideal for sensitive or dry skin.

A mild, amino-acid-based surfactant that effectively cleanses while respecting the skin's natural moisture barrier.

Potassium oxide is a strong alkali rarely found in finished skincare; it is more relevant to soap chemistry than to leave-on products.

A modified wax that helps thicken and stabilize products, generally considered safe and non-irritating for most skin types.

A natural soap-making ingredient that effectively cleanses but can be drying for some skin types.

An effective but potentially drying cleanser derived from palm oil, best for normal to oily skin types.

An effective cleanser that can be drying for some skin types, best suited for normal to oily skin in rinse-off products.

A mild, protein-based conditioning ingredient that adds softness and manageability without heavy buildup.

A mild, amino-acid-based surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, making it ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

A mild, amino-acid-based surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin or hair, making it ideal for sensitive or dry types.

A mild, protein-derived conditioning ingredient that helps soften and smooth skin and hair without heavy buildup.

A mild, protein-based surfactant that cleanses gently while helping hair and skin feel soft and conditioned.

Potassium Paraben is an effective preservative but has raised concerns about potential endocrine disruption, leading many brands to phase it out.

A natural soap ingredient from peanut oil that cleanses effectively but may be drying or irritating for sensitive skin, and poses a risk for those with peanut allergies.

A synthetic fluorinated ingredient that helps products spread evenly and resist water, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.

Potassium Phenoxide is a synthetic preservative booster that helps keep products fresh, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals at higher concentrations.

A safe, synthetic pH adjuster that helps keep your skincare products stable and gentle on your skin.

A synthetic mineral salt that helps keep your skincare products stable and at the right pH, with a low risk of irritation.

Potassium Propionate is a mild preservative that helps keep products fresh and stable, but it is not as widely studied as some alternatives.

Potassium propylparaben is an effective preservative but has raised concerns about potential endocrine disruption, leading many brands to phase it out.

A gentle, plant-based soap that effectively cleanses without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

A gentle, castor-oil-derived surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

A mild, plant-derived soap that cleanses effectively while being gentle enough for sensitive skin.

A milder, less irritating version of salicylic acid that helps exfoliate and smooth skin without the typical sting.

Potassium Silicate helps create a smooth, protective film on skin but can be drying or irritating at high concentrations.

A gentle pH adjuster and chelator that helps stabilize formulas and improve preservative efficacy without irritating skin.

A gentle, widely used preservative that keeps your products fresh without common irritation.

A gentle, plant-derived cleanser that effectively removes impurities without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

Potassium Stearate is an effective emulsifier and cleanser, but it can be drying or irritating for sensitive or dry skin types.

A mild, amino-acid-based surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, making it ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

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

A mild, protein-derived cleansing agent that cleans without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

Potassium sulfate is a safe, mild salt used to thicken or adjust pH in cleansers and shampoos, with very low irritation potential.

Potassium sulfide is an effective depilatory but can be highly irritating to skin and eyes; use with caution and follow product instructions exactly.