Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A high-performance silicone that creates a smooth, silky feel on skin without clogging pores or causing irritation.

A gentle silicone that gives products a silky feel and helps them glide on smoothly without clogging pores.

A gentle silicone emulsifier that creates silky, spreadable textures without clogging pores or causing irritation.

A gentle silicone emulsifier that creates silky, stable formulas without clogging pores or causing irritation.

A synthetic silicone polymer that helps makeup last longer and resist water, but may feel heavy on some skin types.

A synthetic silicone polymer that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put without feeling heavy or greasy.

A gentle silicone emulsifier that improves product texture and stability without clogging pores.

A gentle, next-generation retinoid alternative that targets fine lines and uneven texture with less irritation than retinol.

A gentle retinoid alternative that aims to smooth wrinkles and improve skin texture with less irritation than traditional retinol.

A novel peptide-algae hybrid that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early.

A novel peptide-marine extract hybrid that may help protect skin from UV-related damage, but human studies are limited.

A novel peptide-algae hybrid that may help protect skin from UV damage and support collagen, but clinical evidence is still limited.

A gentle silicone ingredient that leaves skin feeling silky smooth without clogging pores.

A gentle silicone emulsifier that creates smooth, stable formulas without clogging pores or irritating skin.

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

A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put, but offers no active skincare benefit.

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

A synthetic UV stabilizer that protects product formulas from light damage, but offers no direct skin benefit.

A gentle silicone that helps products glide on smoothly and leaves a silky, non-greasy finish.

A gentle, non-comedogenic silicone that improves product feel and wear without clogging pores or causing irritation.

A synthetic photoinitiator that makes UV-cured nail products harden quickly, but may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people.

A silicone polymer that gives products a silky, smooth feel and helps them stay put without clogging pores.

A silicone polymer that creates a smooth, flexible film on skin or hair, improving product feel and wear without clogging pores.

A gentle silicone that creates a silky, smooth finish on skin and hair without clogging pores or causing irritation.

Bis-Vinyldimethicone is a silicone polymer that creates a smooth, breathable film on skin and hair, improving product feel and wear without clogging pores.

A safe, non-comedogenic silicone that gives products a silky, smooth feel without clogging pores.

A gentle silicone emulsifier that improves product texture and stability without clogging pores or irritating skin.

A silicone polymer that gives products a velvety, smooth feel without clogging pores.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps products glide on smoothly without clogging pores.

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

A gentle silicone derivative that smooths hair and skin without the heavy feel of traditional silicones.

A synthetic UV stabilizer that helps protect both your skin and the product formula from UV damage, but it's not a primary sunscreen active.

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

Bisabolol is a gentle, plant-derived ingredient that helps calm redness and irritation, making it a great choice for sensitive or reactive skin.

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

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps soften and smooth the skin without clogging pores.

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

A gentle conditioning ingredient that helps reduce static and improve manageability without heavy buildup.

Bismaleate is a synthetic stabilizer that helps keep skincare products consistent and pleasant to use, but it has limited direct skin benefits.

Bismuth Citrate is a safe synthetic colorant that adds opacity and a subtle shimmer to makeup, but it offers no skincare benefits.

Bismuth Subgallate is a synthetic colorant and mild skin protectant, generally safe in low concentrations but with limited cosmetic research.

Bismuth subnitrate gives a silky feel and opacity to powders, but can cause skin irritation in some people, especially those with sensitive skin.

A lightweight silicone that improves product texture and leaves a smooth finish without clogging pores.

A silicone polymer that helps products spread smoothly and resist water, but may not suit those avoiding silicones.

Bistort root extract is a gentle botanical with antioxidant and soothing potential, but human studies are limited.

A rich, nourishing oil that softens skin but may clog pores for some — best for dry or normal skin types.

A rich emollient oil that softens skin but may be moderately comedogenic for acne-prone types.

A plant extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but it requires careful processing to remove potentially irritating compounds.

Bitter Apple Powder may help calm skin and reduce excess oil, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin and lacks strong research support.

A gentle, water-dispersible emollient that softens skin without a greasy feel, suitable for most skin types.

A gentle plant-based antioxidant that may help calm skin, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in human studies.

A gentle, plant-based sap that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, though research is still early.

A fragrant essential oil with mild skin-soothing potential, best used at low concentrations and avoided by those with sensitive skin.

A gentle, aromatic floral water that can refresh and soothe the skin, but its benefits are largely due to its mild hydrating and calming properties rather than potent active compounds.

A gentle, natural wax that softens skin and adds a subtle floral scent, but its benefits are mainly textural and aromatic rather than active.

A natural antioxidant extract that may help brighten skin and tighten pores, but can be irritating for sensitive skin due to its citrus content.

A natural antioxidant and astringent from bitter orange juice, but may cause irritation in sensitive skin due to natural fruit acids.

A fragrant essential oil that can add a fresh scent and mild tightening feel, but may irritate sensitive skin due to its aromatic compounds.

A gentle antioxidant extract from bitter orange leaves and twigs, but limited research and potential for skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

A fragrant essential oil with mild astringent properties, best suited for those who enjoy botanical scents and have non-sensitive skin.