Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle, multitasking ingredient that combines vitamin B6 and zinc to help calm skin and balance oil production.

Zinc pyrithione is a well-studied antimicrobial that helps control dandruff and scalp flaking, but it may cause mild irritation for sensitive skin.

A gentler retinoid that aims to give you the anti-aging perks of retinoic acid with less redness and peeling.

Zinc Ricinoleate is a gentle, effective odor absorber that traps odor molecules without blocking sweat glands, making it a popular alternative to aluminum-based deodorants.

Zinc Rosinate is a safe, non-irritating film former that helps makeup and hair products stay put without clogging pores.

Zinc Salicylate combines zinc's soothing properties with salicylic acid's exfoliating action, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Zinc Silicate is a safe, non-irritating mineral powder that helps absorb oil and gives a smooth finish, but it offers no active skincare benefits.

Zinc Stearate is a safe, widely used thickener and binder in powders, but may be moderately comedogenic for acne-prone skin.

A mineral compound that helps strengthen enamel and reduce sensitivity, but its cosmetic skincare benefits are less established.

Zinc sulfate is a gentle astringent that can help calm skin and reduce excess oil, but it's not a primary treatment for acne or inflammation.

Zinc sulfide is a safe, low-irritation mineral pigment used to add opacity or a slight white tint to cosmetics, but it offers no skincare benefits.

Zinc Thiosalicylate is a synthetic zinc compound that may help control dandruff and surface bacteria, but research is limited and it can be irritating for sensitive skin.

A gentle antifungal ingredient that helps manage yeast and bacteria on skin, often used in deodorants and foot care.

A mild, zinc-infused wheat protein that helps soothe and protect the skin without clogging pores.

Zingerone is a ginger-derived antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research in cosmetics is still emerging.

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

Zirconium dioxide is a safe but uncommon mineral powder used mainly for opacity and texture; it is not a sunscreen active and offers no UV protection.

A plant compound with early research suggesting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, but human skincare studies are limited.

A plant compound with early research suggesting antioxidant and soothing benefits, but more human studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness in skincare.

Ziyu Glycoside III is a plant compound with early evidence of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, but research in cosmetic formulations is still limited.

A gentle yeast ferment that may help balance the skin microbiome and strengthen the skin barrier, though research is still early.

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

A gentle, biotech-derived ferment that helps hydrate and calm the skin, with early research suggesting antioxidant benefits.