Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

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

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and benefits are not yet well-established.

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research in topical skincare is still limited.

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

Caramel is a safe, natural colorant that adds a warm tint to products but offers no skincare benefits.

A gentle, water-friendly emulsifier derived from andiroba oil that helps blend oils and water in cleansers and creams without stripping the skin.

A gentle, plant-based emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in your skincare products while providing mild skin conditioning.

A gentle, plant-based oil that hydrates and soothes without clogging pores, ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

Caraway Fruit Extract offers antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research on its efficacy in skincare is still emerging.

Caraway fruit oil offers antimicrobial benefits and a warm, herbal scent, but its strong essential oil nature means it can irritate sensitive skin if used undiluted.

Carbocysteine is a gentle, hydrating amino acid derivative that may help support skin barrier health, but research in topical cosmetics is still limited.

A safe, widely used thickener that gives gels and creams their smooth texture without clogging pores.

Carbon is a safe, non-irritating ingredient used mainly for its absorbent and coloring properties in skincare.

Carbon Black is a common black pigment in cosmetics, generally safe for external use but may be irritating if inhaled or used near eyes in high amounts.

Carbon dioxide is a safe, widely used propellant in aerosol cosmetics, but it offers no direct skin benefit.

Carbon fiber is a synthetic material used mainly for texture and bulk in cosmetics, with minimal direct skin benefit and very limited research on long-term safety in leave-on products.

Carbonado Extract is a natural diamond powder used for physical exfoliation, but its abrasiveness requires careful formulation to avoid skin damage.

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

Carboxyethyl acrylate is a synthetic polymer that helps create a smooth, even film on skin, improving product texture and water resistance.

A gentle, water-loving amino-acid derivative that helps hydrate and calm the skin, but research is still early.

A synthetic antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still emerging.

A gentle enzyme that helps loosen dead skin cells by breaking down surface bonds, offering mild exfoliation without harsh scrubbing.

A gentle, film-forming chitosan derivative that helps lock in moisture and may support skin barrier function.

A gentle, water-soluble chitosan derivative that hydrates and forms a protective film on skin, with some soothing and antioxidant potential.

A gentle, semi-synthetic ingredient that forms a breathable film on skin to lock in moisture and provide a smooth feel.

A gentle, water-loving derivative of chitosan that helps hydrate and form a protective film on the skin, with early research suggesting soothing benefits.

A gentle, non-irritating thickener that improves product texture without clogging pores.

A synthetic conditioning agent that helps hair feel soft and smooth, but it's not as widely studied as more common ingredients.

A gentle, biotech-derived film former that helps lock in moisture and may soothe the skin without clogging pores.

Cardamom Seed Extract offers antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research on its topical effects is still emerging.

Cardamom seed oil adds a warm, spicy scent and offers antioxidant benefits, but its essential oil nature means it can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Cardamom seed powder offers gentle physical exfoliation and antioxidant benefits, but research on its cosmetic efficacy is limited.

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds a fresh, woody scent but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A gentle plant-root extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is limited and benefits are not yet well-established in clinical studies.

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

A gentle, lab-grown root extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Carlina Root Extract is a gentle botanical with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is still early and it's not a powerhouse ingredient on its own.

Carmine gives a vibrant red or pink hue but may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals and is not vegan-friendly.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but limited human studies to back dramatic claims.

Carnation Flower Oil adds a pleasant floral scent to products but has limited proven skincare benefits and may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

A gentle, lightly astringent floral water that adds a pleasant scent and mild soothing feel to skincare, but lacks strong clinical backing.

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

Carnauba acid wax is a natural, plant-based wax that gives cosmetics a smooth texture and glossy shine, with a low risk of irritation.

Carnauba wax is a natural, plant-based thickener and shiner commonly found in lip products and creams, with a very low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

A natural plant wax that gives products a smooth texture and glossy finish, generally safe and non-irritating for most skin types.

Carnitine is a gentle antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more youthful appearance.

A gentle, semi-synthetic ingredient that may help support the skin barrier and provide antioxidant protection, though research is still emerging.

A gentle, water-loving ingredient that pulls moisture into the skin and helps maintain a healthy barrier.

Carnitine Tartrate is a gentle, multi-tasking ingredient that helps balance oil production, supports skin barrier health, and offers antioxidant protection.

A powerful rosemary-derived antioxidant that helps defend skin from pollution and UV stress, but is less studied than vitamin C or E.

Carnosine is a gentle antioxidant that may help protect skin from aging and environmental stress, but more human studies are needed to confirm its benefits.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from carob fruit that helps soothe and protect the skin from environmental stress.

Carob seed extract is a gentle, plant-based antioxidant that helps soothe and protect the skin from environmental stress.

Carotenoids are plant-derived antioxidants that help defend skin against environmental stress and may support a more even tone, but they are sensitive to light and air.

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

A gentle red algae extract that helps hydrate and soothe the skin, with emerging research on its antioxidant potential.

Carpronium chloride is a synthetic ingredient that helps control microbes and condition skin or hair, but it may cause irritation for sensitive individuals.

Carrageenan is a natural seaweed extract that helps thicken and soothe skincare products, but its film-forming effect may not suit everyone.

A gentle, lab-grown carrot extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more even tone.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich flower extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still limited.