Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle, antioxidant-rich oil from the prickly ash fruit that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

A gentle botanical extract that helps calm skin and fight environmental stress, but research is still limited compared to more studied antioxidants.

Zeatin is a plant hormone with antioxidant potential that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but human research is still limited.

Zeaxanthin is a gentle antioxidant that helps defend skin against blue light and UV damage, but it is not a replacement for sunscreen.

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

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

Zein is a gentle, corn-derived protein that forms a breathable film on skin and hair, helping lock in moisture and improve texture without clogging pores.

Zeolite is a gentle mineral that helps absorb excess oil and lightly exfoliate without harshness, making it a good option for oily or combination skin.

A gentle botanical juice with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is limited compared to more common ginger extracts.

Zinc is a well-studied mineral that helps calm irritation, control oil, and protect the skin barrier.

Zinc acetate is a gentle astringent that helps tighten pores and reduce surface bacteria, but it is not a primary acne treatment.

A gentle zinc-based ingredient that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still limited.

A zinc-ATP complex that may help calm irritation and support skin barrier function, but research is still early.

A gentle, stable vitamin C derivative that pairs antioxidant protection with zinc's soothing properties, ideal for sensitive skin.

A gentle, stabilized vitamin C derivative that pairs with zinc to support antioxidant protection and even skin tone with low irritation potential.

Zinc Aspartate is a gentle, antioxidant form of zinc that helps calm irritation and protect skin from environmental stress without the drying effect of some other zinc forms.

A gentle, multi-tasking ingredient that combines the benefits of zinc and azelaic acid to calm skin and reduce shine.

A gentle zinc complex that helps control oil and soothe skin without drying it out.

Zinc borate is a synthetic preservative with antimicrobial properties, but its use in skincare is limited and may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

Zinc carbonate is a gentle mineral that soothes irritation and absorbs excess oil, making it a safe choice for sensitive and acne-prone skin.

A synthetic silicone ingredient that forms a light, breathable film on skin, often used to improve texture and wear of products.

Zinc chloride is an effective astringent and deodorant ingredient, but its potential for irritation makes it less suitable for sensitive skin or daily leave-on use.

Zinc Citrate is a gentle, non-irritating ingredient that helps calm skin, reduce oiliness, and provide antioxidant protection without clogging pores.

A gentle, coconut-derived surfactant that cleanses effectively with low irritation potential, suitable for sensitive skin.

A gentler sulfate cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin, but may still be too drying for very sensitive or dry skin types.

A gentle antioxidant complex that pairs zinc with the amino acid cysteine to help calm and protect skin.

A silicone hybrid that helps products spread smoothly and resist water, but its phthalate component raises unnecessary concern despite being chemically different from controversial phthalates.

A silicone-based ingredient that helps products spread smoothly and leaves a soft, matte finish on skin.

A novel zinc–omega-3 complex that may help calm irritation and support the skin barrier, but research is still limited.

A gentle, zinc-based omega-3 derivative that may help calm irritation and support the skin barrier, though research is still emerging.

Zinc ethylhexanoate is a gentle, synthetic zinc salt that helps control odor and condition skin without common irritation.

Zinc Fructose Diphosphate is a gentle, zinc-based ingredient that may help calm skin and support barrier repair, but research is still limited.

Zinc gluconate is a well-tolerated form of zinc that helps calm irritation and balance oil production without drying out the skin.

Zinc Glutamate is a gentle, multi-tasking ingredient that helps calm skin, regulate oil, and support barrier health without common zinc irritation.

Zinc glycinate is a well-tolerated, chelated zinc that offers antioxidant protection and soothing benefits without the irritation of other zinc forms.

A milder, less irritating form of salicylic acid that still exfoliates and helps calm redness.

A gentle, dual-action ingredient that combines licorice root's anti-inflammatory power with zinc's protective benefits to calm redness and support skin recovery.

A synthetic peptide that may help firm skin and soften fine lines, with low irritation risk but limited independent research.

A hybrid ingredient that pairs collagen peptides with zinc, offering potential skin support and antioxidant benefits, though research is still emerging.

A gentle, hydrating ingredient that pairs hyaluronic acid's moisture-binding power with zinc's calming benefits.

Zinc hydroxide is a gentle mineral ingredient that helps balance pH and offers mild soothing and protective benefits for sensitive or irritated skin.

A gentle zinc compound that may help calm irritation and balance oil production, though research is still limited.

A gentle zinc-based ingredient that may help calm irritation and support the skin barrier, though research is still emerging.

Zinc lactate is a gentle, effective deodorant ingredient that helps neutralize odor without blocking sweat glands, making it a popular alternative to aluminum-based antiperspirants.

A gentle thickening and opacifying agent that also helps skin feel smooth, but it's not a star active ingredient.

A mild, non-drying zinc compound that helps balance oil production and soothe skin, making it a good choice for oily or combination skin types.

A gentle zinc-based ingredient that helps condition skin and provide mild oil control without drying.

A gentle zinc-based ingredient that helps condition skin and may offer mild oil-control benefits without common irritation.

A gentle mineral complex that may help calm irritation and support skin barrier function, though research is still emerging.

Zinc Myristate is a safe, synthetic powder ingredient that improves the feel and application of makeup, but it offers no active skincare benefits.

Zinc Neodecanoate is a gentle, multifunctional ingredient that helps condition skin and may offer mild antimicrobial benefits, making it a good choice for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Zinc nitrate is a synthetic preservative and astringent that can help control bacteria and reduce oil, but it may be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

A safe, effective mineral sunscreen that sits on top of skin to reflect UV rays, ideal for sensitive skin.

Zinc Palmitate is a safe, non-irritating ingredient that helps give makeup and creams a smooth, silky feel without clogging pores.

A synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, with low irritation potential.

A gentle zinc derivative that helps calm redness and reduce shine without drying out the skin.

Zinc peroxide offers mild antimicrobial and drying benefits for acne-prone skin, but it can be irritating and is less common than alternatives like benzoyl peroxide.

Zinc Phenolsulfonate helps tighten pores and reduce sweat odor, but it can be drying for sensitive or dry skin types.

Zinc Phosphate is a safe, non-irritating mineral powder used to add bulk and opacity to makeup, but it offers no active skincare benefits.

Zinc Picolinate is a gentle, oil-regulating ingredient that helps calm inflammation and may reduce breakouts without drying the skin.