Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A silicone-treated silica that gives a silky, blurring finish and helps control oil, but may not suit those avoiding silicones.

A safe, non-irritating powder that helps control shine and gives a silky feel to makeup and skincare.

A synthetic silica derivative that helps control shine, improve product feel, and stabilize formulas without clogging pores.

A powerful physical exfoliant that can smooth rough skin but may cause micro-tears if used too aggressively.

A safe, mineral-based pigment blend that provides broad-spectrum UV protection and natural-looking coverage without common chemical sunscreen irritants.

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

A synthetic film former that helps makeup and skincare last longer without feeling heavy or sticky.

A versatile silicone copolymer that improves product feel and water resistance with a low risk of irritation.

A gentle silicone polymer that improves product feel and wear without clogging pores or causing irritation.

A silicone blend that gives products a silky, smooth feel and helps blur imperfections without clogging pores.

A silicone crosspolymer that creates a flexible, breathable film on skin for smoother texture and longer wear without clogging pores.

A silicone polymer that helps makeup last longer and feel smooth, but may not suit those avoiding silicones.

A gentle, water-soluble silicone that smooths hair and skin without the heavy feel of traditional silicones.

Silicone Quaternium-10 is a gentle conditioning ingredient that smooths hair and reduces static without heavy buildup.

Silicone Quaternium-11 is a gentle conditioning ingredient that smooths hair and reduces static without heavy buildup.

A gentle conditioning silicone that helps detangle and soften hair without heavy buildup, but may not suit those avoiding all silicones.

Silicone Quaternium-16 is a gentle conditioning ingredient that smooths hair and skin without heavy buildup, but it may not suit those avoiding silicones entirely.

A gentle conditioning silicone that smooths hair and reduces frizz without heavy buildup.

A gentle conditioning ingredient that helps detangle hair and soften skin without heavy buildup, thanks to its silicone and panthenol components.

A gentle silicone conditioner that reduces frizz and flyaways without heavy buildup, suitable for most hair types.

A gentle conditioning silicone that smooths hair and skin without heavy buildup, but may not suit those avoiding silicones entirely.

A gentle silicone conditioner that smooths hair and skin without heavy buildup, ideal for fine or oily hair types.

Silicone Quaternium-7 is a gentle conditioning silicone that smooths hair and skin without heavy buildup, making it a popular choice for detangling and frizz control.

A gentle conditioning silicone that smooths hair and fights frizz without heavy buildup.

A synthetic film former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put longer without feeling overly stiff or sticky.

Silicones are safe, non-comedogenic film-formers that give a smooth feel, but they can cause buildup and may not suit all skin types.

Silk adds a silky feel and helps skin hold moisture, but it's not a must-have for everyone.

Silk amino acids are gentle, water-attracting proteins that help hydrate and smooth the skin without clogging pores.

Silk fibroin is a gentle protein that helps skin feel smooth and hydrated by forming a light, breathable film.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from Australian silk grass that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still emerging.

A gentle, naturally-derived emollient that helps soften and smooth the skin with low irritation potential.

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, though human research is still limited.

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

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, though research is still early.

A gentle, protein-packed extract that helps hydrate and soothe skin, but research is still limited.

A unique, fatty-acid-rich oil that moisturizes and may support skin barrier function, but research is still limited.

A gentle, fermented ingredient that may help hydrate and soothe skin, but research is still early.

A gentle, fermented ingredient that may help calm and hydrate skin, but research is still limited.

Silkworm frass is a novel, natural ingredient with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and it may not be widely available.

A gentle peptide from silkworm silk that may support collagen and skin firmness, but human research is still limited.

A gentle peptide from silkworm silk that may help support skin firmness and hydration, though research is still emerging.

A promising peptide blend that may help firm skin, but research is still early and results vary.

A gentle, hydrating peptide from silkworm silk that may help support skin moisture and texture, but research is still emerging.

A gentle silk-derived peptide that helps hydrate and temporarily smooth the skin's surface.

A gentle, biotech-derived peptide that helps hydrate and condition skin, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

A biotech peptide from silkworms that may support skin firmness and hydration, but research is still early.

Sillimanite is a natural mineral abrasive that can physically exfoliate skin, but its use in cosmetics is uncommon and may be too harsh for sensitive skin.

A gentle silicone derivative that helps skin feel smooth while offering antioxidant protection, but research is still limited.

A silicone powder that gives a silky, matte finish and helps control oil without clogging pores.

Silt is a gentle, mineral-rich sediment that helps exfoliate and absorb excess oil, but its benefits are largely anecdotal and depend on the source.

Silt extract offers gentle physical exfoliation and a dose of trace minerals, but its benefits are largely anecdotal and product-dependent.

Silver can help control bacteria on the skin, but its benefits are modest and it's not a must-have ingredient for most routines.

Silver acetylmethionate is an antimicrobial ingredient that helps control odor-causing bacteria, but it may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Silver benzoate is an effective preservative but may cause irritation in sensitive skin; it's best for rinse-off products.

Silver bicarbonate is a gentle preservative that helps keep products fresh, but its antimicrobial power is less studied than other silver forms.

Silver borosilicate is a synthetic glassy powder that adds shimmer and a smooth feel to cosmetics, but its antimicrobial claims are not well-supported in leave-on skincare.

A gentle antimicrobial ingredient that helps keep products fresh and may support skin clarity, but its effectiveness depends heavily on formulation.

Silver chloride is a gentle antimicrobial ingredient often used in deodorants and preservative blends to reduce bacteria without harsh chemicals.