Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

Butylquinoline is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a distinctive leathery scent but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

A potent synthetic brightener that can fade dark spots but may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

Butyraldehyde is a synthetic fragrance compound that adds a distinctive scent but can be a skin irritant for sensitive individuals.

Butyric acid is an emerging skincare ingredient that may support a healthy skin microbiome, but research is still early and it can be irritating at higher concentrations.

Butyrolactone is a synthetic solvent used mainly in nail products, but it has limited skincare benefits and may cause irritation at higher levels.

Butyrolactone Thiol is a synthetic fragrance ingredient with limited safety data; it may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Butyrophenone is a synthetic fragrance ingredient with limited safety data; it may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals and is best avoided in leave-on products for reactive skin.

A lab-made peptide that encourages collagen production, making it a gentle anti-aging option for most skin types.

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

Butyrum is a natural butter that softens and protects skin, but its comedogenic potential depends on the specific plant source.

A synthetic humectant that helps hydrate skin, but research on its long-term effects is still limited.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps skin feel smooth and soft without clogging pores.

A gentle, lightweight synthetic oil that helps products spread smoothly and leaves skin feeling soft without clogging pores.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps products spread smoothly and evaporate quickly without clogging pores.

A lightweight, non-greasy solvent that helps products spread easily and evaporate quickly, but it's a synthetic ingredient with limited skin benefits beyond texture.

A safe, lightweight synthetic oil that helps products glide on smoothly without clogging pores.

A strong synthetic cleanser that effectively removes oil and dirt but can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

A gentle, plant-based surfactant that effectively cleanses without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

A gentle synthetic surfactant that helps cleanse and emulsify oils without stripping the skin.

A gentle, effective surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

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

A gentle, plant-based emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures while being kind to sensitive skin.

A mild synthetic acid that helps balance product pH and stabilize formulas, but offers no direct skin benefit on its own.

A gentle synthetic fatty acid that helps skin feel smooth and soft without clogging pores.

A gentle synthetic emollient that helps moisturize without clogging pores, making it a good option for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

A gentle, synthetic emollient that softens skin and improves product texture without clogging pores.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that improves product feel and spreadability with a very low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

A synthetic conditioning ingredient that helps reduce flyaways and static without heavy buildup.

A safe, lightweight emollient that helps products spread smoothly and evaporates quickly, leaving a non-greasy finish.

A lightweight, fast-evaporating solvent that helps products glide on smoothly, but may be drying for very dry or sensitive skin types.

A gentle cleansing agent that helps remove dirt and oil, but may cause mild irritation for very sensitive skin.

A gentle cleansing agent that helps remove dirt and oil without stripping the skin, but may cause mild irritation for very sensitive skin.

A gentle synthetic cleanser that helps remove dirt and oil without stripping the skin, but may cause mild irritation for very sensitive types.

A lightweight, volatile hydrocarbon that helps dissolve makeup and spread products without leaving a greasy feel.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that improves product texture and spreadability with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

A lightweight, volatile solvent that helps products spread smoothly and evaporates quickly, but offers no active skincare benefits.

A lightweight, volatile hydrocarbon blend that helps products glide on smoothly and evaporate quickly without leaving a greasy feel.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps products spread smoothly and evaporates quickly, leaving a silky finish.

A gentle synthetic cleanser that helps remove dirt and oil, but may be slightly drying for very sensitive skin.

A reliable synthetic emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy formulas, but offers no direct skin benefit.

A mild synthetic surfactant that helps cleansers foam and rinse cleanly without stripping the skin.

A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, widely used in cleansers and considered safe at typical levels.

A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps cleansers foam and rinse cleanly, but may cause mild irritation for very sensitive skin.

A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix water and oil in creams and lotions, with a low risk of irritation.

A safe, effective emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy formulas, but offers no direct skin benefit.

A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, but may cause mild irritation for very sensitive skin.

A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, but may cause mild irritation for very sensitive skin.

A synthetic emulsifier that helps cleansers and lotions mix and rinse clean, but may be slightly drying for sensitive skin.

A synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, but may be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

A gentle, semi-synthetic surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

A gentle cleansing agent that helps remove dirt and oil without stripping the skin, but may cause irritation for very sensitive skin types.

A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps cleansers rinse cleanly without stripping the skin.

A mild synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in rinse-off products, generally well-tolerated.

A lightweight, silicone-like emollient that spreads easily and leaves a non-greasy finish, ideal for oil-free or lightweight formulas.

A lightweight synthetic emollient that spreads easily and leaves a silky finish without clogging pores.

A next-gen hyaluronic acid that sticks to skin longer for lasting hydration without greasiness.

A lightweight synthetic emollient that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores, commonly used in moisturizers and sunscreens.

A gentle, effective surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

A gentle, effective surfactant that helps cleanse and emulsify without stripping the skin.

A gentle synthetic surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin, commonly used in mild foaming cleansers.