Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a warm, woody note to products, but offers no skincare benefit and may cause sensitivity in some people.

A biotech peptide from transgenic rice that may support collagen and skin firmness, but human research is still limited.

A biotech rice peptide that may support collagen and skin firmness, but human research is still limited.

A lab-made peptide from silkworms that may help firm skin and reduce fine lines, but research is still early.

A biotech peptide from tobacco that may help reduce fine lines, but research is still limited compared to traditional peptides.

Transglutaminase is a biotech enzyme that may help reinforce the skin's structure, but its benefits in cosmetics are still being explored.

A botanical extract with traditional astringent uses, but limited modern research on its skincare benefits.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract from tree peony callus that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still emerging.

A gentle botanical extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm irritation.

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

Tree Wormwood Herb Oil offers potential soothing and antimicrobial benefits, but its potency and lack of broad safety data mean it's best used in low concentrations and with caution.

Trehalose is a gentle, natural humectant that pulls water into the skin and helps protect it from drying out, making it a great option for dry or sensitive skin.

A gentle, moisture-binding ingredient that also helps reduce static and improve hair manageability.

A gentle, sugar-derived ester that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores.

Trehalose undecylenate is a gentle, sugar-based ester that hydrates and softens skin with low irritation potential, though research on its long-term benefits is still emerging.

Tremella mushroom extract is a gentle, plant-based humectant that helps skin hold onto moisture, often compared to hyaluronic acid.

A powerful prescription retinoid that effectively treats acne and reduces signs of aging, but requires careful use due to high irritation potential.

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

A mild synthetic emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in cleansers, generally well-tolerated but not a standout active ingredient.

A mild synthetic emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in cleansers and lotions, generally well-tolerated by most skin types.

An effective cleansing agent that helps remove dirt and oil, but may be slightly drying for sensitive skin.

A mild synthetic surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping, but may cause irritation for very sensitive skin.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps skincare products spread smoothly and leaves skin feeling soft without clogging pores.

A gentle botanical blend that helps protect skin from environmental stress while offering a mild herbal scent.

A gentle botanical blend that may help calm irritation and protect skin from environmental stress, though research on the specific combination is limited.

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

A mild, citrate-based emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures without common irritation.

Triacetin is a gentle, low-risk solvent and skin conditioner often used to improve product texture and stability.

A gentle, next-generation retinoid alternative that pairs vitamin A activity with skin-identical lipid support, but clinical evidence is still limited.

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

A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put and resist water, but offers no active skincare benefits.

Triarachidin is a gentle, plant-based emollient that helps soften and smooth the skin with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Tribehenin is a gentle, plant-based emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture without clogging pores.

A gentle emulsifier that helps create smooth, stable creams and lotions with a silky feel.

Tribenzoin is a synthetic film-former that helps makeup and nail products glide on smoothly and last longer, with a low risk of irritation.

A gentle, castor-oil-derived emollient that helps cosmetics feel smooth and stay put without clogging pores.

A plant-based antioxidant powder that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research in topical use is still limited.

A plant extract with antioxidant potential, but limited research supports its topical benefits in skincare.

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

A gentle botanical powder with antioxidant potential, but limited research supports its specific skin benefits.

A safe, low-irritation ingredient that helps formulas spread smoothly and keeps nail polish flexible, but offers no direct skin benefit.

A synthetic emollient that helps products feel silky and spread easily, with low irritation potential.

Tricalcium phosphate is a gentle mineral abrasive and opacifier, safe for most skin types but best suited for rinse-off or low-concentration leave-on formulas.

Tricaprin is a gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps moisturize and condition the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive or oily skin types.

Tricaprylin is a gentle, lightweight emollient that hydrates without clogging pores, making it a great choice for oily and acne-prone skin types.

A silky, non-greasy emollient that hydrates and smooths skin without clogging pores, ideal for sensitive and oily skin types.

A silky, non-greasy emollient that helps products spread smoothly and feel lightweight on skin.

A mild synthetic emulsifier that helps mix water and oil in products without stripping the skin.

A synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, but may be slightly drying for sensitive skin.

A mild synthetic emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in creams and lotions, with a low risk of irritation.

A gentle conditioning ingredient that reduces static and softens hair without heavy buildup.

A rich, traditional African seed butter that deeply moisturizes without clogging pores, ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

A gentle, plant-derived emulsifier that helps blend water and oil in your skincare while adding a touch of skin conditioning.

A mild, plant-based emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in skincare products while adding a touch of nourishment.

A rich, plant-based butter that softens and hydrates skin without feeling overly greasy, with some antioxidant potential.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds scent but offers no skincare benefit and may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A gentle, fatty-acid-rich oil that hydrates and soothes without clogging pores—great for dry or sensitive skin.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich mushroom extract that may help soothe and protect skin, but research is still early.

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though human studies are limited.

A gentle plant-based powder with antioxidant potential, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.