Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A natural wood extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and it's not a standout ingredient in most formulations.

A safe, plant-derived green colorant that adds a natural-looking tint to products without known skin irritation.

Chloroplatinic acid is a rare, high-cost ingredient with theoretical antioxidant benefits, but its use in skincare is experimental and carries significant irritation and sensitization risks.

A gentle cousin of salicylic acid that may help with mild acne and surface exfoliation, but research is still limited.

Chlorothymol is a synthetic preservative with mild antimicrobial power, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin at higher levels.

Chloroxylenol is an effective preservative that helps keep products safe from bacteria and fungi, but it can be irritating for some people, especially at higher concentrations.

Chlorphenesin is a widely used synthetic preservative that helps keep your skincare products fresh and safe from contamination.

A biotech ingredient with promising but limited research; may support skin repair but is not a proven anti-aging powerhouse.

A PEG-modified form of vitamin D3 that may support skin barrier function, but research is limited and the ingredient is uncommon in mainstream products.

Cholesterol is a skin-identical lipid that strengthens the moisture barrier and soothes dryness without clogging pores.

A cholesterol-based emollient that helps restore the skin barrier, making it ideal for dry or compromised skin without clogging pores.

A gentle film-former that helps lock in moisture and improve product feel without clogging pores.

A skin-friendly ester blend that mimics natural lipids to strengthen the skin barrier and lock in moisture.

Cholesteryl Acetate is a gentle, cholesterol-based emollient that supports the skin barrier and helps lock in moisture without clogging pores.

Cholesteryl butyrate is a gentle, barrier-supporting lipid that may help calm and moisturize skin, but research is still early.

A gentle, cholesterol-based emollient that helps reinforce the skin barrier and improve moisture retention without clogging pores.

A gentle conditioning ingredient that helps smooth hair and soften skin, but is less common than other cholesterol derivatives.

A synthetic cholesterol relative that helps creams feel smooth and stable, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

A gentle, skin-friendly lipid that supports the skin barrier and locks in moisture without clogging pores.

A gentle film-forming ingredient that helps lock in moisture and smooth the skin’s surface without clogging pores.

A gentle, cholesterol-based emollient that mimics the skin's natural lipids to support barrier function without clogging pores.

A gentle, cholesterol-based emollient that helps reinforce the skin barrier without clogging pores, making it suitable for most skin types.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that improves product feel and skin softness, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

A gentle, lanolin-derived emollient that helps restore the skin barrier and lock in moisture, but may be too rich for oily or acne-prone skin.

A gentle, cholesterol-based emollient that mimics the skin's natural lipids to improve softness and barrier function without clogging pores.

A gentle, cholesterol-based emollient that helps reinforce the skin barrier without clogging pores.

Cholesteryl Oleate is a skin-friendly lipid that helps reinforce the skin barrier and soften the skin without clogging pores.

A gentle, biomimetic lipid that supports the skin barrier without clogging pores.

Cholesteryl Stearate is a gentle emollient that mimics the skin's natural lipids to support barrier function without clogging pores.

A gentle cholesterol-based ingredient that helps reinforce the skin's natural barrier and lock in moisture.

A gentle, multi-chain ester that helps soften skin and improve product texture without clogging pores.

A gentle, cholesterol-based emollient that helps reinforce the skin barrier without clogging pores.

Choleth-10 is a mild, cholesterol-based emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy formulas while also supporting the skin's natural barrier.

Choleth-15 is a gentle emulsifier that helps blend water and oil in skincare, but it's rarely used alone and is best understood as a formulation helper.

Choleth-20 is a mild, cholesterol-based emulsifier that helps blend water and oil in creams and lotions without significant irritation or clogging concerns.

Choleth-24 is a mild, cholesterol-based emulsifier that helps blend water and oil in creams and lotions, with a low risk of irritation.

Choleth-30 is a mild, cholesterol-based emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in skincare products while leaving a smooth, non-greasy feel.

Choleth-5 is a mild emulsifier that helps oil and water mix in your skincare products, with a low risk of irritation.

A gentle seaweed powder that helps calm and hydrate skin, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

A gentle marine extract that helps hydrate and protect the skin, but research is still early.

A gentle, hydrating seaweed extract that helps soothe and moisturize the skin without clogging pores.

A gentle botanical root extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its skincare benefits is still emerging.

A safe, opaque green pigment used in color cosmetics; generally well-tolerated but best avoided on broken or irritated skin.

A safe, FDA-approved green pigment that adds color without common irritation or clogging pores.

A safe, stable green pigment widely used in color cosmetics, but avoid inhaling loose powder forms.

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

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

Chrysanthal is a gentle, plant-derived ingredient that may help calm redness and protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

A gentle plant extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may reduce puffiness around the eyes.

A mild, antioxidant-rich floral water that can soothe and protect skin, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

A gentle botanical blend that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, though research is still emerging.

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

A fragrant flower oil with antioxidant potential, best suited for calming scents in skincare but may irritate sensitive skin.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited—best used as a supporting ingredient in soothing formulas.

A gentle botanical extract with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research is limited and it may cause sensitivity in those allergic to daisy-family plants.

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

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

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

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

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