Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

An experimental antioxidant derivative with limited cosmetic research; promising in theory but not yet proven in everyday skincare.

Pyruvic acid is a potent exfoliant similar to AHAs, but it may be less irritating for some skin types while still improving texture and acne.

Quartz can provide gentle physical exfoliation, but its sharp edges may irritate sensitive skin if not finely milled.

Quassia Wood Powder is a gentle botanical astringent that may help calm skin and reduce excess oil, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Quassin is a plant-derived compound with potential anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits, but research in cosmetics is still limited.

Quaternium-14 is an effective preservative and antistatic agent, but its potential for skin irritation means it is best suited for rinse-off products.

Quaternium-15 is an effective preservative but controversial due to its formaldehyde-releasing nature, which can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic conditioning ingredient that reduces static and softens hair, but may cause buildup with frequent use.

A safe, modified clay that improves product texture and stability without major skin concerns.

A safe, non-irritating thickener that gives makeup and skincare a smooth, creamy feel without clogging pores.

A synthetic conditioning ingredient that helps reduce static and improve manageability, but may be too heavy for fine or acne-prone skin.

A modified clay that helps control oil and improve product texture, generally safe for most skin types.

Quaternium-22 is a gentle conditioning ingredient that reduces static and improves feel in hair and skin products, with a low risk of irritation.

Quaternium-24 is a gentle conditioning ingredient that helps reduce frizz and static without heavy buildup.

Quaternium-27 is a mild conditioning ingredient that helps detangle hair and reduce static, but it may not suit very fine or easily weighed-down hair types.

Quaternium-30 is a synthetic conditioning ingredient that helps reduce frizz and static in hair while adding a silky feel, but it may not suit those avoiding silicones or heavy polymers.

Quaternium-33 is a synthetic conditioning ingredient that helps reduce static and improve manageability, but it may cause irritation for sensitive skin or clog pores in some people.

Quaternium-43 is a synthetic conditioning ingredient that helps reduce static and improve hair manageability, but it may not suit very sensitive scalps.

Quaternium-45 is a synthetic conditioning ingredient that reduces static and improves manageability in hair products, with a low risk of irritation.

Quaternium-51 is a gentle synthetic conditioner that helps reduce static and improve the feel of hair and skin without heavy buildup.

Quaternium-52 is a gentle synthetic conditioner that reduces frizz and static without heavy buildup, but it offers no active skincare benefits.

A gentle synthetic conditioner that helps detangle hair and reduce flyaways without heavy buildup.

Quaternium-56 is a synthetic conditioning agent that reduces static and improves hair feel, but its benefits are mostly cosmetic and temporary.

Quaternium-60 is a synthetic conditioning agent that reduces static and improves manageability in hair products, with a low risk of irritation for most users.

A gentle conditioning ingredient that helps reduce static and improve manageability in hair products, with a low risk of irritation.

A gentle synthetic conditioner that helps detangle hair and reduce frizz without heavy buildup.

Quaternium-70 is a synthetic conditioning ingredient that helps reduce frizz and static in hair, but it may not suit those with very fine or easily weighed-down hair.

Quaternium-71 is a gentle synthetic conditioner that helps detangle hair and soften skin without heavy buildup.

Quaternium-72 is a synthetic conditioning ingredient that helps reduce static and improve manageability in hair products, with a low risk of irritation for most users.

Quaternium-73 is a synthetic preservative booster that helps keep rinse-off products fresh, but it may cause irritation for sensitive skin types.

A gentle conditioning ingredient that helps reduce static and improve manageability in hair products, with mild film-forming benefits for skin.

A synthetic conditioning agent that helps reduce frizz and static in hair, but may not suit all hair types.

A gentle synthetic conditioner that reduces static and smooths hair without heavy buildup.

A gentle conditioning ingredient that makes hair and skin feel smoother without heavy buildup.

A gentle conditioning ingredient that makes hair and skin feel softer and more manageable without heavy buildup.

A gentle conditioning ingredient that helps hair feel soft and smooth while reducing static and flyaways.

A gentle, protein-based conditioning ingredient that smooths hair and reduces frizz without heavy buildup.

A gentle conditioning ingredient that makes hair and skin feel smoother without heavy buildup.

A gentle synthetic conditioner that helps detangle hair and reduce flyaways, but offers no long-term repair.

Quaternium-80 is a gentle conditioning ingredient that reduces static and softens hair, but it may not suit very sensitive scalps.

A synthetic conditioning agent that helps reduce frizz and static, but offers limited skin benefits beyond temporary smoothness.

Quaternium-82 is a synthetic conditioning ingredient that helps reduce static and improve hair feel, but it may build up on fine or low-porosity hair over time.

Quaternium-83 is a synthetic conditioning agent that helps reduce static and improve manageability in hair products, with a low risk of irritation.

A synthetic conditioning ingredient that helps reduce flyaways and static in hair, generally considered safe for most users.

A gentle synthetic conditioner that smooths hair and reduces static, but may build up with frequent use.

Quaternium-86 is a synthetic conditioning ingredient that helps reduce static and improve manageability in hair products, but it may cause buildup with frequent use.

Quaternium-87 is a synthetic conditioning ingredient that helps reduce static and soften hair, but it may not suit very sensitive scalps.

Quaternium-88 is a gentle conditioning polymer that smooths hair and skin without heavy buildup, making it a popular choice for sensitive scalps and fine hair.

Quaternium-90 is a synthetic conditioning ingredient that helps reduce static and improve manageability in hair products, but it may not suit very sensitive scalps.

A gentle clay derivative that improves product feel and stability, but offers no direct skin benefit.

A modified clay that helps control oil and improve product feel, generally safe but not well-studied in long-term use.

A gentle clay-derived thickener that improves product feel without common irritation concerns.

A gentle synthetic conditioner that helps detangle hair and reduce flyaways without heavy buildup.

A synthetic conditioning ingredient that helps detangle hair and reduce frizz with a low risk of irritation.

Quaternium-93 is a synthetic conditioning ingredient that helps reduce frizz and static in hair, but it may not suit those with very sensitive scalps.

Quaternium-95 is a synthetic conditioning ingredient that helps detangle and soften hair with a low risk of irritation.

A synthetic conditioning agent that helps reduce static and improve the feel of hair and skin, generally well-tolerated but not a standout active.

Quaternium-97 is a synthetic conditioning ingredient that helps reduce frizz and static while making hair feel softer and easier to manage.

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

A natural antioxidant extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a more even skin tone.