Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put, but its vinyl chloride component raises minor safety questions in high-exposure scenarios.

A synthetic floral fragrance that is a common allergen; many brands have phased it out due to safety concerns.

Vinyl Dimethicone is a safe, non-comedogenic silicone that gives products a silky feel and helps other ingredients spread evenly.

A silicone crosspolymer that gives a silky, smooth feel to products without clogging pores or causing irritation.

A silicone polymer that gives products a silky, smooth feel and helps ingredients spread evenly without clogging pores.

A silicone powder that gives a silky, matte finish and helps products glide on smoothly without clogging pores.

A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put, resist water, and feel smooth — generally safe and non-irritating for most skin types.

A synthetic polymer that helps products stay put, but may cause buildup with frequent use.

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

A gentle silicone that helps products glide on smoothly and creates a breathable, non-greasy film on skin or hair.

A safe, non-irritating silicone powder that gives a silky finish and helps blur imperfections without clogging pores.

A synthetic polymer that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put, but offers no active skincare benefit.

Vinylstyrene is not a common skincare ingredient; it is a synthetic monomer used in industrial polymers and nail products, with limited safety data for direct skin contact.

A gentle botanical powder with traditional soothing and antioxidant potential, but clinical evidence is limited.

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm irritated skin and provide antioxidant protection, though research is still emerging.

Violacein is a promising biotech-derived antioxidant with early research suggesting it may help protect skin from environmental stress, but human studies are still limited.

A gentle botanical extract from violet willow that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, though research is still emerging.

A gentle fern extract with antioxidant potential, best for soothing sensitive or irritated skin.

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

Virginian Juniper Oil can help balance oily skin and fight acne-causing bacteria, but its strong fragrance and potential for irritation mean it's best for those without sensitive skin.

A fragrant wood oil that adds a warm, woody scent to products and may offer mild astringent benefits, but can be irritating for sensitive skin.

A rich, plant-based oil that softens and conditions skin with a low risk of irritation, though research on its specific benefits is still limited.

A rich, plant-based butter that softens and conditions skin with a high fatty acid content, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

A gentle, natural seed powder that helps polish away dead skin cells without harsh microbeads.

A gentle, plant-based emollient that softens skin and locks in moisture, but research on its unique benefits is still limited.

Visnadine may help improve skin microcirculation for a temporary glow, but evidence is limited and it can cause irritation in sensitive skin.

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

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, though research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in large human studies.

A gentle blend of vitamin B12 and yeast peptides that may help calm and condition the skin, though research is still emerging.

A citrus-infused vitamin C peptide blend that may offer antioxidant and brightening benefits, but research on the polypeptide portion is limited.

Vitex Fruit Oil is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical oil that may help soothe and condition the skin, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, but research is still early.

Vitex Leaf Oil adds a natural botanical scent and potential antioxidant benefits, but its essential oil nature means it can be irritating for sensitive skin.

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, though research is still early.

A traditional Ayurvedic oil with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but limited modern research and a moderate risk of clogging pores for some skin types.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but human skin research is still limited.

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

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

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

A gentle, antioxidant-rich seed extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Volcanic ash can help absorb excess oil and gently exfoliate, but its gritty texture may be too harsh for sensitive skin.

Volcanic rock is a natural exfoliant that helps remove dead skin cells and absorb excess oil, but it can be too abrasive for sensitive skin if used too frequently.

A mineral-rich natural ingredient that helps absorb excess oil and gently exfoliate, but research on its skincare benefits is still limited.

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

A silicone polymer that creates a flexible, water-resistant film on skin for longer-lasting makeup and sunscreen.

A synthetic polymer that helps products spread smoothly, form a flexible film, and improve hold without heavy buildup.

A synthetic film-forming polymer that helps products stay put, resist water, and improve texture without common irritation.

A synthetic polymer that helps products stay put, resist water, and feel smooth, with a strong safety record in cosmetics.

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup and skincare resist water, sweat, and smudging without being heavy or sticky.

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

A synthetic polymer that helps hair hold its style and adds water resistance to products, generally considered safe and non-irritating.

A gentle synthetic polymer that creates a smooth, flexible film on skin to improve product feel and wear.

A safe, synthetic film-former that helps products stay put and feel smooth, but may feel stiff in high concentrations.

A safe, synthetic film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put without clogging pores.

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put longer, but may feel slightly tacky on some skin types.

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

Walnut extract offers antioxidant benefits to protect skin from environmental stress, but it's not a standout ingredient and may not suit very sensitive skin.

Walnut Seed Butter is a nourishing plant-based emollient that helps soften and condition dry skin, but it may be moderately comedogenic for acne-prone individuals.

A gentle antioxidant extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still emerging.

Walnut Seed Oil is a nourishing emollient rich in omega fatty acids and antioxidants, but its moderate comedogenic rating means it may not suit all skin types, especially acne-prone skin.