Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle, antioxidant-rich root extract that may help soothe skin and fight free radicals, though human studies are limited.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich seed extract that may help soothe and protect skin, though research is still emerging.

Triclosan is an effective antimicrobial but has raised safety and environmental concerns, leading to restricted use in many regions.

A synthetic skin-conditioning ingredient that improves product feel without major safety concerns.

A lightweight synthetic ester that makes products feel silky and spread easily without greasiness.

A lightweight synthetic emollient that helps skin feel smooth and soft without clogging pores, commonly used in makeup and moisturizers.

A lightweight synthetic ester that improves product feel without heavy greasiness, generally well-tolerated.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a fresh, woody note but offers no skincare benefits and may be unnecessary for sensitive noses.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a pleasant fragrance but offers no skincare benefit; safe for most people but may cause reactions in those sensitive to fragrance.

A synthetic fragrance compound that provides a pleasant woody-floral scent, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh, citrusy scent; generally considered safe at low concentrations but offers no skincare benefits.

Tridecan-2-One is a synthetic fragrance ingredient with a low irritation risk, but it offers no skincare benefits beyond scent.

Tridecanal is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh, citrusy note to products, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Tridecane is a gentle, lightweight emollient that helps products glide on smoothly without a greasy feel.

Tridecenal is a synthetic fragrance compound that adds a fresh, citrus scent but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

An effective emulsifier and surfactant, but may cause irritation in sensitive skin at higher concentrations.

A gentle, phosphate-based surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in cleansers and lotions, with a low irritation profile.

A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps cleansers and lotions mix and rinse cleanly, but may be too stripping for very dry or sensitive skin.

A gentle, non-stripping cleansing ingredient that helps remove impurities while maintaining skin comfort.

Trideceth-18 is a gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix water and oil in products, but it offers no direct skin benefit.

A gentle synthetic surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin, commonly found in mild cleansers.

Trideceth-2 is a gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, commonly used in cleansers and shampoos for mild cleansing without stripping.

A gentle, water-soluble surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy formulas without heavy residue.

Trideceth-3 is a synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, but it may cause mild irritation for sensitive skin types.

A gentle synthetic surfactant that effectively cleanses without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

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

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

A gentle, semi-synthetic surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive skin formulas.

A mild synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in cleansers and lotions, generally safe but may be drying for very sensitive skin.

A gentle, synthetic emulsifier that helps mix water and oil in cleansers and lotions without stripping the skin.

A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps cleansers and lotions mix oil and water without stripping the skin.

A gentle synthetic surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin, often used in mild formulas.

Trideceth-7 is a gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix water and oil in skincare products, with a low risk of irritation.

A gentle synthetic surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin, often used in milder formulas.

A mild synthetic emulsifier that helps products spread and rinse cleanly, but may be slightly drying for very sensitive skin.

A gentle, non-drying surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, commonly used in cleansers and shampoos.

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

A gentle fatty alcohol that softens skin and improves product texture without common irritation.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that softens skin and improves product texture with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

A gentle, plant-based emollient that hydrates without greasiness, suitable for most skin types including sensitive and oily skin.

Tridecyl Erucate is a gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps soften and smooth the skin without clogging pores.

A lightweight synthetic emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for oily and combination skin types.

A lightweight synthetic emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for oily or combination skin types.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture without clogging pores.

Tridecyl Myristate is a reliable emollient that softens skin but may clog pores for acne-prone individuals.

A lightweight synthetic emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for oily or acne-prone types.

A gentle, oil-soluble salicylate ester that helps smooth skin texture without the irritation often linked to salicylic acid.

Tridecyl Stearate is a gentle emollient that helps soften and smooth the skin without feeling greasy.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture without clogging pores.

Tridecyl Trimellitate is a lightweight synthetic emollient that helps skincare products feel silky and spread smoothly without clogging pores.

An effective cleansing surfactant, but may be drying or irritating for sensitive skin types.

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

Triethanolamine is a common pH adjuster that helps formulas feel balanced, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin at higher concentrations.

A reliable emulsifier that helps create smooth, stable creams and lotions, but may cause mild irritation in sensitive skin at high concentrations.

A gentle, modified collagen that helps hair feel softer and smoother without heavy buildup.

A synthetic silicone used to coat pigments and powders, making them smoother, more water-resistant, and easier to blend.

A silicone polymer that helps products stay put and resist water, but may feel heavy on some skin types.