Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A lab-made peptide that may help firm skin and soften expression lines, but research is still emerging.

A lab-made peptide that may help firm skin and soften fine lines, but human studies are still limited.

A lab-made peptide that may help firm skin by signaling collagen production, but human studies are limited.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich mushroom powder that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, though research is still emerging.

Shark liver oil is a rich source of squalene, a natural emollient that hydrates and protects skin, but ethical and sustainability concerns have led many brands to switch to plant-based alternatives.

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

A deeply nourishing, non-irritating butter that softens and protects the skin without clogging pores.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps soften skin and improve the feel of creams and balms.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that delivers shea butter's moisturizing benefits without the heavy feel, suitable for most skin types.

A silky, non-greasy emollient derived from shea butter that moisturizes without the heavy feel of traditional shea butter.

A nourishing extract from shea butter that hydrates and softens skin without feeling overly greasy.

A modified shea butter that spreads easily and hydrates without greasiness, suitable for most skin types.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient derived from shea butter that softens skin and helps maintain moisture without clogging pores.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that improves skin softness without clogging pores, ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

A gentle silicone-enhanced emollient that softens skin without greasiness, but its PEG and silicone content may not suit everyone.

A gentle, water-friendly derivative of shea butter that helps blend oil and water in formulas without the greasiness of plain shea butter.

A water-friendly version of shea butter that hydrates and helps blend oils and water in your products, with a lighter feel than traditional shea butter.

A mild, plant-based emulsifier that helps blend oil and water while leaving skin feeling soft and smooth.

A mild, eco-friendly emulsifier that helps blend oil and water while leaving skin feeling soft and smooth.

A mild, eco-friendly emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in creams and lotions while leaving skin feeling soft.

A powerhouse fraction of shea butter that soothes, repairs, and strengthens the skin barrier without the heavy, greasy feel of whole shea butter.

A gentle emulsifier and foam booster that helps blend oil and water in cleansers, but may cause mild irritation for sensitive skin.

A gentle, shea-derived surfactant that cleanses without stripping, making it a good choice for sensitive or dry skin.

A gentle conditioning ingredient that helps soften and detangle hair without heavy buildup.

A gentle conditioning ingredient derived from shea butter that helps reduce static and soften hair without heavy buildup.

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

A gentle, nourishing extract from shea nuts that helps soften and soothe the skin without clogging pores.

A gentle, natural exfoliating powder from shea nut shells, ideal for physical scrubs without harsh microplastics.

Shea oil is a gentle, non-greasy moisturizer that softens skin and helps restore its natural barrier without clogging pores.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from shea nut leftovers that helps soothe and protect skin without the heavy feel of shea butter.

An exotic, high-tech ingredient with limited human research; may offer anti-aging benefits but raises ethical and safety questions.

A novel biotech ingredient that may support skin repair, but human evidence is still limited.

Sheep milk is a gentle, naturally moisturizing ingredient that can soothe and soften skin, but it's not a miracle cure and may not suit those with dairy allergies.

A mushroom extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and benefits are not well-established in human skin.

A novel ingredient from sheep skin that may support skin repair, but research is very limited and it's not a proven must-have.

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

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its specific skin benefits is still limited.

A gentle, aromatic floral water that offers mild soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research on its specific skincare effects is still limited.

Shellac is a natural resin that creates a hard, glossy film in nail polishes and some hair and lip products, but it's not a common skincare ingredient.

A gentle, plant-derived water that may help calm irritation and provide antioxidant protection, but research is still early.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit water that can help refresh and protect the skin, but its benefits are less concentrated than a pure extract.

A gentle fermented blend that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, though research is still emerging.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich mushroom extract that helps soothe and protect skin from environmental stress.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fungal extract that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich mushroom ferment that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress.

A next-generation retinoid designed to deliver anti-aging benefits with less irritation than traditional retinol.

A gentle, plant-based AHA that exfoliates and provides antioxidant benefits, suitable for most skin types including sensitive skin.

A lab-made peptide that aims to mimic the skin-firming effects of shikimic acid, but clinical data is still limited.

A synthetic peptide that aims to calm skin reactivity and reduce the look of redness, but clinical evidence is still limited.

A lab-made peptide that may help firm skin and soften lines, but human studies are limited.

A synthetic peptide that may help firm skin and soften wrinkles, with low irritation potential.

A lab-made peptide that may help smooth wrinkles and improve skin firmness, but human studies are still limited.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and benefits are not yet well-established.

Shinorine is a natural, algae-derived UV filter and antioxidant that helps protect skin from sun damage without the irritation of some synthetic filters.

A gentle, hydrating birch sap extract that soothes and refreshes skin without clogging pores.

A gentle, hydrating birch sap that helps soothe and moisturize skin with natural minerals and antioxidants.

A gentle, hydrating sap from birch trees that may help soothe and lightly moisturize the skin.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit water that adds a touch of freshness and protection to skincare formulas, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still emerging.

A nourishing, plant-based butter that helps soften and protect the skin without clogging pores.