Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

An effective but potentially drying cleanser that may irritate sensitive skin, especially in high concentrations.

A synthetic surfactant that helps products foam and rinse cleanly, but may be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

A synthetic surfactant that helps cleanse the skin but may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.

Sodium nitrate is a safe preservative in low concentrations but offers no skin benefits and is rarely used in leave-on skincare.

Sodium nitrite is a common preservative that helps keep products fresh, but it can form potentially harmful nitrosamines under certain conditions.

An effective synthetic cleanser that helps remove oil and makeup, but may be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

A moderately strong synthetic cleanser that can be effective but may cause irritation for sensitive skin types.

A mild to moderate synthetic cleanser that effectively removes oil and dirt but may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

A synthetic surfactant that cleans effectively but may be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

A gentle, multi-tasking surfactant that cleanses without stripping and leaves skin or hair feeling soft.

A gentle, plant-based cleanser that effectively removes impurities without stripping the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive skin.

Sodium Oleate is an effective cleanser derived from fatty acids, but it can be drying and potentially irritating for sensitive or dry skin types.

A synthetic polymer that helps products stay put on skin or hair, but offers no active skincare benefits.

A gentle, amphoteric surfactant that cleanses effectively while being kind to sensitive skin.

A gentle, low-irritation surfactant that effectively cleanses without stripping the skin barrier.

A gentle, low-irritation surfactant that effectively cleanses while being kind to sensitive skin.

A gentle, modified hyaluronic acid that sticks to skin longer for lasting hydration without irritation.

A mild, collagen-derived surfactant that cleanses gently and leaves skin and hair feeling soft, making it a great choice for sensitive or dry skin types.

A mild, coconut-derived cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil while respecting the skin barrier.

A mild, plant-derived emulsifier that helps blend water and oil without stripping the skin, making it a great choice for sensitive skin formulas.

A gentle, amino-acid-based surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin barrier, ideal for sensitive or dry skin.

A moderately strong cleansing agent that can effectively remove dirt and oil but may be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

A gentle surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin, but is not a star active ingredient on its own.

A mild cleansing agent that helps remove dirt and oil without stripping the skin, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A gentle, sulfate-free surfactant that cleanses effectively without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

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

A gentle, olive-derived conditioning ingredient that helps soften hair and skin without heavy buildup.

A gentle, olive-oil-derived surfactant that cleanses effectively without stripping the skin barrier.

A gentle, natural cleanser derived from olive oil that effectively removes dirt without stripping the skin.

A mild, amino-acid-based cleanser that effectively removes impurities while respecting the skin's moisture barrier.

Sodium oxalate is a rare cosmetic ingredient used to adjust pH or bind metals, but it can be irritating at higher concentrations and is not widely recommended for sensitive skin.

A gentle film-forming ingredient that helps products feel smooth and stay put, but offers no active skincare benefits on its own.

A gentle, starch-based polymer that improves product feel and wear without common irritants.

A synthetic stabilizer that prevents oxidation but may release trace formaldehyde under certain conditions, making it a cautious choice for sensitive skin.

An effective preservative but can be irritating for sensitive skin, especially at higher concentrations.

A gentle, palm-derived surfactant that cleans without stripping the skin — a good alternative to traditional sulfates.

A gentle, coconut-derived surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, making it ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

An effective but potentially drying cleanser derived from palm kernel oil; best for oily skin types and those who prefer traditional soap bars.

A mild, coconut-derived surfactant that cleans without stripping the skin, ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

A gentle, low-irritation surfactant that effectively cleanses without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

Sodium Palmate is an effective cleanser from palm oil, but its high pH can be drying and its environmental impact raises sustainability concerns.

Sodium Palmitate is an effective, natural cleanser commonly found in bar soaps, but it can be drying or irritating for sensitive or dry skin types.

A gentle, semi-synthetic ingredient that helps hydrate and plump the skin by mimicking natural skin components.

A gentle, skin-friendly surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin barrier.

A gentle, semi-synthetic collagen derivative that helps skin feel smoother and more hydrated without the irritation of pure collagen.

A mild, protein-based surfactant that cleanses gently and leaves hair and skin feeling soft, making it a good choice for sensitive or dry types.

A mild, amino-acid-based cleansing agent that effectively removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

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

A gentle, vitamin B5 derivative that helps calm irritation and support the skin barrier without clogging pores.

A gentle, water-soluble form of vitamin B5 that helps hydrate and soothe the skin without clogging pores.

Sodium Paraben is an effective preservative but has raised some safety concerns; it is generally considered safe at low levels.

A mild, eco-friendly surfactant derived from passionfruit seeds that cleanses without stripping the skin.

A dual-action ingredient that hydrates and leaves a silky, smooth finish—great for dry or dehydrated skin without clogging pores.

A gentle, peanut-derived surfactant that cleanses effectively but may not suit those with peanut allergies.

Sodium Peanutate is a natural soap ingredient that cleans effectively but may be drying and is a concern for those with peanut allergies.

A gentle, synthetic surfactant that effectively cleanses without stripping the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive skin.

A gentle, coconut-derived surfactant that effectively cleanses without stripping the skin, but may not be ideal for those avoiding PEG compounds.

A gentle, PEG-modified surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, but its PEG component raises mild environmental and purity concerns.

A gentle synthetic surfactant that effectively cleanses without stripping the skin, but may not suit very sensitive types if used at high levels.

A behind-the-scenes helper that protects your products from metal contamination and improves rinse-off feel, but not a direct skin benefit ingredient.