Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

Chimyl Stearate is a gentle emollient that helps soften and condition skin without clogging pores, making it a safe choice for most skin types.

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

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

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is still early and benefits are not yet well-established in human skin.

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still emerging.

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

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

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research in cosmetics is still limited.

A gentle, aromatic root extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its topical benefits is still limited.

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

A gentle plant-based antioxidant from Chinese quince callus culture, with early research suggesting skin-soothing and protective benefits, but more human studies are needed.

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

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

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

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but human skin research is still limited.

Chinpi Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich citrus peel extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress while offering mild soothing benefits.

Chitin is a gentle, natural film-former that helps skin retain moisture and feel smooth, but it is not a standout hydrator on its own.

A gentle, film-forming humectant derived from shellfish that helps lock in moisture and smooth the skin's surface.

Chitosan is a gentle, natural film-former that helps lock in moisture and can provide a light, protective barrier on skin or hair.

A gentle, film-forming ingredient that helps lock in moisture and may improve skin feel without clogging pores.

Chitosan Benzamide is a semi-synthetic ingredient that forms a breathable film on skin, potentially improving hydration and helping manage acne, but research is still early.

A gentle, positively charged ingredient that helps hair and skin feel smooth and hydrated by forming a lightweight, protective film.

A novel hybrid ingredient that pairs chitosan's film-forming and hydrating properties with glutathione's antioxidant potential, though research on this specific conjugate is still limited.

A gentle, conditioning ingredient that helps hair feel soft and smooth while also offering some antimicrobial and film-forming benefits for skin.

A gentle, film-forming polymer derived from chitosan that helps condition hair and improve product feel without heavy buildup.

A gentle film-forming ingredient derived from chitosan that helps lock in moisture and improve product feel on skin.

A gentle, film-forming chitosan derivative that helps condition hair and reduce static without heavy buildup.

A gentle, film-forming ingredient that helps skin feel smooth and hydrated without clogging pores.

Chitosan PCA is a gentle, film-forming humectant that helps skin retain moisture and provides light hold for hair without heavy residue.

A gentle, film-forming ingredient that helps lock in moisture and may support skin barrier function, but research is still limited.

A gentle, water-soluble chitosan derivative that provides light hydration and a protective film on skin and hair.

A gentle conditioning ingredient that forms a protective film on hair, reducing frizz and improving softness without heavy buildup.

A gentle, semi-synthetic ingredient that forms a protective film on hair and skin, improving feel and moisture retention without irritation.

A gentle exfoliant that pairs salicylic acid with a soothing, film-forming biopolymer, making it a good option for acne-prone or sensitive skin.

A gentle, positively charged chitosan derivative that helps condition hair and skin while forming a light, protective film.

A gentle, water-soluble chitosan derivative that forms a breathable film on skin to lock in moisture and improve texture.

A gentle microalgae extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support hydration, though research is still early.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich microalgae extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support hydration.

Chloramine T is an effective preservative but can be irritating for sensitive skin, especially in leave-on formulas.

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

A gentle, plant-derived extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but human skincare research is still limited.

A gentle fermented ingredient that may help hydrate and soothe skin, though research is still limited.

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

Chlorella extract is a gentle, algae-derived antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a healthy-looking complexion.

A lightweight, nutrient-rich oil from microalgae that hydrates and defends skin without feeling greasy.

A novel peptide blend from chlorella algae that may help firm and hydrate skin, but research is still early.

Chlorella pyrenoidosa powder is a gentle, antioxidant-rich algae extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a healthy-looking complexion.

A gentle algae extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a healthy-looking complexion.

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

Chlorhexidine is a powerful antimicrobial that can help preserve products and treat acne, but it may cause irritation or allergic reactions in some people.

Chlorhexidine dihydrochloride is a potent antimicrobial that can help control bacteria on skin, but it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals and is not a standard skincare ingredient for daily use.

An antimicrobial ingredient that helps reduce bacteria on skin, but may cause irritation for sensitive types.

Chlorine dioxide is an effective preservative but can be irritating at higher concentrations; it is not a common skincare active.

Chloroacetamide is an effective but potentially irritating preservative that has largely been replaced by gentler alternatives in modern cosmetics.

Chloroacetic acid is a strong synthetic acid rarely used in consumer skincare due to high irritation risk; it appears mostly in professional chemical peels or as a pH adjuster in very low concentrations.

Chlorobutanol is an effective preservative but can be irritating for sensitive skin and is less common in modern formulations.

Chloroethyl PCA is a synthetic preservative booster with antimicrobial properties, but its safety data is limited and it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Chlorogenic acids are gentle plant antioxidants that help protect skin from environmental stress and may support a more even tone.

A gentle microalgae extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still early.

Chlorophene is an effective preservative but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals, especially at higher concentrations.