Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle, semi-synthetic thickener that helps create a smooth, non-greasy texture in skincare products.

An effective synthetic cleanser that can be drying for sensitive skin, but is generally safe in well-formulated products.

A synthetic surfactant that effectively cleanses but may be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

A classic natural moisturizer that softens skin but may clog pores for some people.

A lightweight, plant-based emollient that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores.

A gentle milk-derived powder that softens and conditions skin without heavy oils.

Butterbur leaf extract may help calm irritated skin and fight free radicals, but research on topical use is still limited.

Butterbur root extract is a gentle botanical with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research in topical skincare is still emerging.

Butterbur root powder is a gentle botanical with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research in topical skincare is still limited.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, though research is still early.

A mild, milk-based exfoliant that gently sloughs dead skin cells and supports a smoother, more even complexion.

A gentle, stable vitamin C alternative that brightens skin without the irritation or instability of pure ascorbic acid.

A synthetic ester that adds a fruity, apple-like scent to products; generally considered safe at low levels used in cosmetics.

A gentle, stable vitamin C derivative that brightens skin and fights free radicals without the irritation of pure ascorbic acid.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient derived from castor oil that helps products glide on smoothly and keeps skin feeling soft.

Butyl Acrylate is a safe film-forming ingredient in finished cosmetics, but it is not used as a standalone ingredient on skin.

A synthetic polymer that forms a flexible, breathable film on skin, improving water resistance and texture without clogging pores.

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

A safe, effective film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put, but may feel heavy on very oily skin.

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

A silicone-based film former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put longer without feeling heavy or greasy.

Butyl alcohol is a solvent rarely used in leave-on skincare; it can be drying and irritating at higher concentrations.

Butyl Angelate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient with a low risk of irritation, but it offers no skincare benefits beyond scent.

Butyl Anthranilate is a synthetic UVA filter that helps protect skin from sun damage, but it is rarely used alone and is often paired with other UV filters.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that mimics the skin's natural lipids, offering hydration without clogging pores.

A lightweight, plant-based emollient that hydrates without greasiness, suitable for most skin types.

Butyl Benzoate is a synthetic solvent and fragrance ingredient that helps dissolve other ingredients but may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put and resist water, but offers no direct skin benefit.

Butyl benzyl phthalate is a synthetic plasticizer with endocrine-disrupting potential; it is rarely used in modern skincare and is best avoided.

Butyl Butyrate is a synthetic ester that adds a fruity, sweet scent to products, but it offers no direct skin benefit and may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Butyl Butyrolactate is a gentle synthetic emollient that improves product texture and skin feel without common irritation risks.

Butyl Cinnamaldehyde is a common synthetic fragrance ingredient that can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Butyl Cinnamate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient with mild UV-absorbing ability, generally considered safe in low concentrations but best avoided by those with fragrance sensitivities.

A gentle film-former that helps products stay put without feeling heavy or sticky.

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

A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put, but may feel stiff or heavy in high concentrations.

A lightweight synthetic ester that softens and smooths skin without a greasy feel, generally well-tolerated.

Butyl Formate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity, sweet scent to products, but it offers no skincare benefits and may be a concern for those with fragrance sensitivities.

A gentle, plant-based surfactant that effectively cleanses without over-drying, making it a good choice for sensitive skin.

Butyl Glycolate is a synthetic solvent that helps dissolve other ingredients, but it has limited published safety data and may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Butyl Hexanoate is a lightweight synthetic ester that softens and smooths skin without a greasy feel, making it a popular choice in non-oily formulations.

Butyl Hydroxybutyrate is a mild synthetic ester that helps other ingredients spread and absorb, but it has limited published research on its own benefits.

A synthetic cooling agent that provides a gentle, menthol-like sensation without strong odor or irritation, often used to soothe and refresh the skin.

Butyl Isobutyrate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity scent but offers no skincare benefits; it is generally safe at low levels but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A lightweight synthetic ester that softens skin without a greasy feel, generally well-tolerated.

Butyl Isostearate is a lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture without clogging pores.

Butyl Isovalerate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity, apple-like scent to products; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but offers no skincare benefits.

Butyl lactate is a mild solvent that helps blend ingredients and can temporarily soften the skin, but it's not a star active ingredient.

Butyl Laevulinate is a gentle, plant-derived ester that hydrates and lightly exfoliates, making it a good option for sensitive skin.

Butyl Methacrylate is a synthetic film-former that helps nail products last longer, but it can be a skin sensitizer for some people.

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup and skincare last longer without clogging pores or causing irritation for most people.

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

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds scent but offers no skincare benefit; generally safe at low concentrations but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient with limited safety data; generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Butyl Myristate is a lightweight emollient that softens skin and improves product feel, but it may clog pores for some people.

Butyl Octanoate is a lightweight synthetic emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture without clogging pores.

Butyl Oleate is a lightweight emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture, but it may be moderately comedogenic for acne-prone individuals.

Butyl Phenethyl Ether is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a floral scent to products; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Butyl Phenylacetate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, floral scent to products, but it offers no skincare benefits and may be a concern for those with fragrance sensitivities.

An old-school plasticizer with phthalate-related safety concerns; most brands have phased it out.