Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle conditioning ingredient that helps reduce static and improve softness in hair and skin products.

Behenamine Oxide is a gentle surfactant that helps create rich lather and stabilize formulas, but it's less common in modern 'clean' beauty due to its synthetic origin.

Beheneth-10 is a gentle, synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in products, making it a safe choice for most skin types, including sensitive skin.

Beheneth-15 is a gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps oil and water mix in creams and lotions, with a low risk of irritation.

Beheneth-2 is a gentle emulsifier that helps creamy products stay smooth and stable, with a very low risk of irritation.

A gentle, non-drying emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy formulas without stripping the skin.

Beheneth-25 is a gentle, non-irritating emulsifier that helps cleanse without stripping the skin, making it a solid choice for sensitive skin formulas.

Beheneth-30 is a mild, low-irritation emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in cleansers and creams, making it a good choice for sensitive skin.

Beheneth-30 Phosphate is a gentle, synthetic surfactant that effectively cleanses and helps mix oil and water without stripping the skin.

Beheneth-5 is a gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps oil and water mix, making creams and lotions feel smooth without heavy irritation.

A gentle, plant-derived fatty acid that helps thicken formulas and soften skin without clogging pores.

A gentle synthetic conditioning agent that helps soften hair and stabilize emulsions without heavy buildup.

A gentle silicone that smooths and softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for dry or sensitive types.

A gentle silicone emulsifier that helps create smooth, stable formulas without heavy residue.

Behenoyl Stearic Acid is a gentle synthetic ingredient that helps condition skin and stabilize emulsions, but it is not a standout active.

A gentle, effective conditioning ingredient that detangles hair and reduces static without heavy buildup.

A silicone-based conditioning ingredient that smooths hair and skin, but its phthalate component raises some safety questions.

A gentle, plant-derived conditioning ingredient that softens hair and skin without the heavy buildup or irritation of older quaternary ammonium compounds.

Behenyl alcohol is a gentle, plant-derived fatty alcohol that thickens and stabilizes formulas without clogging pores or irritating skin.

Behenyl Beeswax is a gentle, plant-derived wax that helps thicken and stabilize formulas without clogging pores.

Behenyl behenate is a gentle, plant-based wax that gives products a smooth, creamy texture without clogging pores or causing irritation.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that improves product feel and spreadability without clogging pores.

A mild, conditioning surfactant that cleans without stripping, making it ideal for sensitive skin and dry hair.

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

A gentle silicone that improves product feel and spreadability, suitable for most skin types including sensitive skin.

A gentle silicone polymer that creates a smooth, velvety feel on skin and helps products spread evenly without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-based emollient that helps lock in moisture and leaves skin feeling soft without clogging pores.

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

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that softens skin and gives a silky feel to creams and lip products without clogging pores.

A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put longer, especially in water-resistant sunscreens and long-wear makeup.

A gentle, plant-based emollient that softens skin and improves product texture without clogging pores.

Behenyl PCA is a gentle, moisturizing ingredient that helps improve skin hydration and softness without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-friendly wax alternative that helps create smooth, stable textures in balms and creams.

A gentle film-forming polymer that improves product texture and wear without common irritation concerns.

A gentle emulsifier and conditioner that helps blend water and oil in formulas while leaving skin and hair feeling soft.

A silicone polymer that creates a flexible, water-resistant film on skin for smoother texture and longer wear.

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

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

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit water that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a balanced complexion.

A highly photostable, broad-spectrum sunscreen filter that offers excellent UVA and UVB protection with minimal irritation risk.

A gentle, lab-grown plant cell extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more even tone.

Bentonite clay is a gentle, natural absorbent that helps draw out oil and dirt from the skin without harsh stripping.

Benzaldehyde adds a pleasant almond-like scent to products but can be a skin sensitizer for some people, especially at higher concentrations.

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds a sweet, almond-like scent but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a mild almond note; generally safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds a sweet, almond-like scent but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A mild synthetic surfactant that helps cleanse and stabilize formulas without stripping the skin.

Effective preservative but can be irritating for sensitive skin or eyes; better suited for rinse-off products.

Benzalkonium Saccharinate is an effective preservative, but it may cause irritation for some, especially those with sensitive skin.

A modified clay that thickens and stabilizes formulas, generally safe but not a skin-active ingredient.

Benzalphthalide is a synthetic fragrance ingredient with limited safety data; it may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals and is best avoided in leave-on products for reactive skin.

A synthetic pH adjuster with limited research on skin benefits; generally considered safe at low levels but not a star ingredient.

An effective preservative for rinse-off products, but can be irritating for sensitive skin or in leave-on formulas.

Benzhydrol is a synthetic fragrance ingredient with a mild floral scent, considered safe at low concentrations but best avoided by those with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies.

Benzilic acid is a lesser-known AHA that may offer gentle exfoliation and brightening, but research is limited compared to glycolic or lactic acid.

Benzimidazole is not a typical skincare ingredient and has limited safety data for cosmetic use; it is best avoided in leave-on products until more research is available.

A novel silicone-diamond hybrid that adds a soft-focus, silky finish to makeup and skincare, but research on its long-term effects is limited.

A synthetic UVA filter that helps protect skin from deeper sun damage, but it's less common in the US and more often found in international sunscreens.

An effective preservative but a known allergen that can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is limited and it's not widely used.