Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

Boldo Leaf Oil adds a fresh, herbal scent and mild antioxidant benefits, but its strong aroma and potential for irritation mean it's best used in low concentrations.

A novel mushroom oil that provides light moisture and antioxidant support, but research is limited and it may be hard to find.

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

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that delivers essential fatty acids to support skin barrier function and soothe dryness.

A gentle fermented ingredient that helps condition and soothe the skin, especially beneficial for dry or sensitive types.

A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient derived from borage seed oil that helps strengthen the skin barrier and calm irritation.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that blends the nourishing profile of borage oil with the elegant feel of silicone — great for dry or sensitive skin.

A gentle, nourishing emollient that strengthens the skin barrier without clogging pores.

A water-friendly version of borage oil that helps hydrate and soothe skin without the greasy feel.

A gentle, modified borage oil that hydrates and soothes without feeling greasy, ideal for sensitive or dry skin.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient derived from borage seed oil that hydrates and soothes without clogging pores.

Boric acid is a mild preservative and pH adjuster, but its use is tightly regulated due to toxicity concerns at high doses.

Borneol offers a cooling, soothing feel and mild antimicrobial benefits, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin at higher concentrations.

Bornyl acetate is a natural fragrance ingredient from pine oils that adds a fresh, woody scent and may offer mild antimicrobial benefits, but it is not a primary active for skin concerns.

Bornyl Isovalerate is a gentle, plant-derived ingredient that helps calm irritated skin and reduce redness, making it a promising addition to sensitive-skin formulations.

A gentle, hydrating fruit juice with antioxidant potential, but research on its skincare benefits is still limited.

Boron nitride is a safe, non-irritating powder that gives makeup a silky, blurring finish without clogging pores.

A gentle, fragrant flower extract with mild antioxidant potential, best known for its pleasant scent rather than proven skin benefits.

A fragrant flower oil that adds a pleasant scent to products, but its skincare benefits beyond fragrance are not well-studied.

Boronophenylalanine HCl is a synthetic amino acid derivative with very limited cosmetic use; its role in skincare is not well-documented and it is not a standard ingredient in consumer products.

Boswellia Frereana Resin Oil offers a pleasant, woody scent and potential soothing benefits, but its fragrance components can be irritating for sensitive skin.

A gentle, plant-based ingredient that helps calm redness and protect skin from environmental stress.

A fragrant resin oil with potential soothing benefits, but limited research and a risk of skin irritation for sensitive individuals.

Boswellia Papyrifera Resin Oil offers a natural, soothing fragrance with some antioxidant potential, but its essential oil nature means it can be irritating for sensitive skin.

A gentle, water-based extract of frankincense resin that helps calm skin and provides antioxidant protection.

A gentle, lab-grown plant cell extract that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

A mild, water-based form of frankincense that may help calm redness and support a balanced complexion.

A multi-herb botanical blend that can help tighten pores and calm skin, but its effectiveness depends heavily on the formulation.

A blend of four traditional botanical extracts that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but human skin research is still limited.

A catch-all for plant extracts that can offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but the exact effects depend on the specific plants used.

A gentle botanical blend that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is limited.

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

A gentle fern extract with antioxidant potential, best for sensitive or environmentally stressed skin, though research is still emerging.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich ferment that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich ferment that may help soothe and protect skin, but research is still early.

A gentle, plant-based oil that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores, with emerging research on its antioxidant potential.

A peptide that mimics the effects of botulinum toxin to soften expression lines, but with milder and temporary results.

A synthetic peptide that may temporarily soften expression lines, but results are subtle compared to injectable treatments.

A synthetic peptide blend that may temporarily soften expression lines, but results are subtle and not comparable to injectable treatments.

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in human skin.

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

A gentle, antioxidant-rich rose extract that helps soothe skin and fight free radical damage, but its benefits are best supported by general rose research rather than specific studies on this exact species.

A bovine-derived peptide that may support collagen and skin repair, but evidence is limited and ethical sourcing is a concern.

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

A gentle botanical powder that may offer mild soothing and absorbent benefits, but research is very limited.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich leaf extract that may help soothe and protect skin, though research is still emerging.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich flower extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Brain lipids are rich in fatty acids and phospholipids that can help moisturize and support the skin barrier, but sourcing and ethical concerns limit their use.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich aquatic extract that may help calm irritated skin and defend against environmental stress, though human studies are still limited.

A gentle, plant-based conditioning ingredient that helps detangle hair and soften skin without heavy buildup.

A mild, plant-derived surfactant that effectively cleanses while respecting the skin barrier — ideal for sensitive or dry skin.

A mild, amino-acid-based surfactant that cleanses effectively while being gentle on sensitive and dry skin.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress while providing light nourishment.

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

Brazil nut oil is a nourishing emollient rich in selenium and fatty acids, but its moderate comedogenic rating means it may not suit all skin types.

A gentle, water-soluble emollient derived from Brazil nut oil, ideal for adding slip and softness without greasiness.

A mild, eco-friendly emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in formulas while adding a touch of skin-softening nourishment.

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

A natural, gentle exfoliating powder that helps smooth skin without harsh microbeads, but may be too gritty for sensitive skin if particles are large.

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still emerging.