Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

Wollastonite is a natural mineral used mainly as a filler and texture modifier in powder cosmetics, but it has limited skincare benefits and its safety in inhaled forms is a concern.

A gentle, hydrating mushroom extract that helps skin retain moisture and may calm irritation, though research is still emerging.

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

A gentle, protein-derived humectant that helps hair and skin retain moisture and feel smoother, but may not suit those with wool allergies.

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though research is still early.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research in skincare is still limited.

Wormwood oil offers antimicrobial and soothing benefits but can be irritating for sensitive skin and requires careful dilution.

A gentle, plant-based oil with traditional roots in soothing skin, but modern research is still limited.

Xanthan gum is a safe, plant-derived thickener that gives your skincare products a smooth, spreadable texture without clogging pores.

A gentle, effective thickener that improves product texture without clogging pores or irritating skin.

A gentle, modified xanthan gum that thickens products and helps reduce static in hair without common irritation.

Xanthine is a gentle antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but it's not a powerhouse ingredient on its own.

A promising hop-derived antioxidant that helps defend skin from pollution and UV damage, though more human studies are needed to confirm its anti-aging benefits.

Xenotime is a rare mineral used mainly as a colorant in cosmetics; there is very little research on its skincare benefits or safety.

A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture, with low irritation potential.

A gentle, nourishing oil rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

A mild, plant-based emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in formulas while adding a silky feel to skin.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fungal ferment that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though human research is still limited.

A mild, plant-derived emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures while being very gentle on skin.

A gentle, sugar-derived emollient that helps products spread smoothly and leaves skin feeling soft without greasiness.

Xylitol is a gentle humectant that helps hydrate the skin and may support a healthy skin barrier without clogging pores.

Xylityl Cocoate is a mild, sugar-based emollient that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores, making it a great choice for sensitive and acne-prone skin.

A gentle, sugar-derived humectant that hydrates without stickiness and may help strengthen the skin barrier.

A gentle, lightweight emollient that hydrates and helps control odor-causing bacteria, making it a smart choice for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

A gentle, sugar-derived humectant that boosts skin hydration without stickiness, ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

Xylobiose is a gentle, plant-derived sugar that hydrates and supports beneficial skin bacteria, making it a promising prebiotic humectant for sensitive skin.

Xyloglucan is a gentle, plant-based humectant that hydrates and soothes the skin while forming a protective barrier — a great option for sensitive or dry skin types.

Xylose is a gentle, natural humectant that helps hydrate the skin and may support collagen production, making it a good choice for dry or aging skin.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores, making it a great option for sensitive and acne-prone skin types.

A synthetic antioxidant that helps keep skincare products fresh and stable, with low irritation potential.

Xymenynic acid is a plant-derived fatty acid with antioxidant potential, but research is still early and it's not a mainstream ingredient.

Yak milk is a gentle, nutrient-rich moisturizer that may soothe and soften skin, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still emerging.

Yarrow extract is a gentle botanical that may help calm redness and provide antioxidant protection, but its effects are mild and best for sensitive or normal skin types.

Yarrow flower water is a mild, soothing botanical water that may help calm irritated skin and provide gentle astringent benefits, but research on its cosmetic efficacy is limited.

Yarrow juice is a gentle, plant-based ingredient that helps calm redness and provides antioxidant protection, making it a good choice for sensitive or irritated skin.

A fermented blend of yeast and mistletoe that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is still emerging.

A gentle fermented ingredient that may help improve skin texture and glow, but research is still limited.

A gentle, fermented ingredient that may help hydrate and soothe skin, but evidence is limited to lab studies.

A fermented ingredient that may support skin hydration and texture, but human research is limited and ethical sourcing is a concern.

A novel fermented ingredient with potential antioxidant benefits, but research is limited and it's not a proven skincare powerhouse.

A fermented blend that may help hydrate and smooth skin, but research is limited and benefits likely come from the whole formulation.

Yeast extract is a gentle, nutrient-rich ingredient that helps hydrate and condition the skin, but it's not a miracle cure for aging or acne.

A gentle, mineral-rich yeast ferment that may help hydrate and condition skin, but research is limited.

A gentle, fermented yeast ingredient that helps hydrate and condition the skin, popular in K-beauty essences.

A gentle, fermented ingredient that helps hydrate and support a healthy-looking skin barrier without irritation.

A gentle, fermented botanical extract that helps hydrate and protect the skin with antioxidant benefits.

A gentle, fermented botanical extract that may help calm irritation and support skin hydration, though research is still early.

A gentle, fermented yeast extract that helps hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier without irritation.

A gentle, fermented yeast ingredient that delivers magnesium to help hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier.

A gentle, biotech-derived ingredient that pairs yeast ferment with niacinamide to help hydrate, soothe, and support a healthy-looking skin barrier.

A promising peptide blend that may help firm skin and soften fine lines, but more human studies are needed to confirm its effects.

A gentle, biotech-derived ingredient that pairs yeast fermentation with a peptide to support skin hydration and barrier function.

A novel fermented ingredient that may offer antioxidant protection, but research is still early.

A gentle, fermented ingredient that may help support skin barrier function and hydration, but more human studies are needed.

A gentle plant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early.

A gentle plant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still early.

A widely used synthetic yellow pigment that adds color to cosmetics but offers no skincare benefits.

A widely used synthetic colorant that adds yellow-orange shades to cosmetics, generally considered safe in approved concentrations but may cause reactions in sensitive individuals.

CI 45350 is a synthetic yellow dye that adds color to cosmetics; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A common synthetic pigment that adds yellow color to makeup and bath products, generally considered safe for topical use.