Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle, non-greasy emollient derived from castor oil that helps soften and smooth the skin without clogging pores.

A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient that softens skin and improves product feel without common irritation or clogging concerns.

A modified juniper extract that may offer antioxidant benefits, but research on this specific form is limited.

A gentle, modified lanolin that softens skin but may clog pores for some people.

A semi-synthetic emollient that softens skin but may clog pores for some; not suitable for vegans.

A semi-synthetic emollient that softens skin but may clog pores for some people, especially those prone to breakouts.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture without common irritation.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that may help calm skin, but research on the acetylated form is limited.

A modified wood extract used mainly for scent and mild skin conditioning, but research is limited.

A gentle emollient derived from lanolin that softens skin but may clog pores for some people.

A rich emollient that softens skin but may clog pores for some, especially those prone to breakouts.

A semi-synthetic emollient that softens skin but may clog pores for some, and is not suitable for vegan or certain religious lifestyles.

A gentle, aromatic ingredient from lavandin that may offer mild soothing benefits, but its acetylation process alters its properties and safety profile.

A modified lavender extract that offers a gentle scent and potential soothing benefits, but research on the acetylated version is limited.

A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient that softens skin and improves product feel without common irritation or clogging concerns.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds scent but offers no skin benefit and may irritate sensitive skin.

A gentle, modified oil that softens skin and improves the feel of products without clogging pores.

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

A modified plant extract with potential antioxidant benefits, but research is limited and it may not be a standout ingredient.

A gentle, sugar-derived emollient that helps products feel silky and spread smoothly without clogging pores.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from Swiss pine that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress.

Acetylbenzofuran 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.

Acetylcedrene is a synthetic woody fragrance ingredient that is generally safe at low concentrations but may cause skin sensitivity in some individuals.

A synthetic polymer that helps products last longer and feel smooth, but its formaldehyde component raises some safety questions.

A synthetic peptide that may help support skin firmness and reduce the look of fine lines, but human research is still limited.

A silicone-modified protein that may temporarily smooth and firm skin, but long-term anti-aging benefits are not well proven.

A gentle, naturally derived humectant that helps keep skin hydrated and supports a healthy barrier without irritation.

A lab-made peptide that may help firm skin and soften lines, but human studies are limited so far.

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

A gentle, antioxidant-rich flower extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though human studies are limited.

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

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

A fragrant flower oil with antioxidant potential, but limited research and a risk of skin irritation for sensitive types.

A safe, widely used synthetic dye in rinse-off cosmetics, but offers no skincare benefit.

A synthetic blue dye that adds color to cosmetics but offers no skincare benefits.

A synthetic blue dye that adds color to products but offers no skincare benefits; generally considered safe in low concentrations.

CI 62045 is a safe, widely used blue dye in cosmetics, but offers no skincare benefits.

A safe, widely used synthetic blue dye that adds color but offers no skincare benefits.

A widely used blue pigment that adds color to makeup and bath products; generally safe but offers no skincare benefits.

A widely used synthetic blue dye that adds color to products but offers no skincare benefits.

A widely approved synthetic blue pigment that adds color to cosmetics but offers no skincare benefits.

A widely used synthetic blue dye that adds color to cosmetics but offers no skincare benefits.

A widely used synthetic dye that adds blue-green color to cosmetics; generally considered safe at low concentrations but offers no skincare benefit.

A common synthetic green dye that adds color to products but offers no skincare benefit.

A widely used synthetic orange dye that is generally safe in low concentrations but may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

A widely used synthetic red dye that adds color to cosmetics but offers no skincare benefits.

A safe, widely used synthetic red pigment that adds color to cosmetics but offers no skincare benefits.

A widely used synthetic red dye that is generally safe in cosmetics at low levels, but may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

A widely used synthetic pigment that adds vibrant red shades to makeup, generally considered safe at low concentrations but best avoided on broken skin.

A synthetic red dye that adds color to makeup and personal care products, generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic red dye that adds color to cosmetics but offers no skincare benefits; generally safe at low levels but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

CI 18736 is a common synthetic red dye that adds color to cosmetics but has limited skincare benefits and may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

A widely used synthetic red pigment that adds vibrant color to makeup but offers no skincare benefits.

A widely used synthetic red dye that adds vibrant color to makeup, but may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

A widely used synthetic red dye that adds color to cosmetics but offers no skincare benefits.

A synthetic red dye approved for use in cosmetics, but some individuals may experience sensitivity.

A widely used synthetic dye that adds vibrant red color to cosmetics, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

CI 69800 is a safe, widely used synthetic violet dye that adds color to cosmetics but offers no skincare benefits.

A synthetic yellow dye that is generally safe in rinse-off cosmetics but offers no skincare benefit.