Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

Cranberry fruit water is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that can help soothe and hydrate the skin, but its benefits are mild compared to more concentrated extracts.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress while providing light moisture.

Cranberry seed oil is a lightweight, antioxidant-rich oil that hydrates and helps protect skin from environmental stress without clogging pores.

A gentle, natural exfoliating powder that also provides antioxidant benefits from cranberry seeds.

A gentle, natural exfoliant from cranberry seeds that also delivers antioxidants, but research on its skincare benefits is still limited.

A gentle, natural exfoliating powder from cranberry seeds that also provides antioxidant benefits, but research on its skincare efficacy is still limited.

A gentle plant 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 skincare benefits is still limited.

A generic cream base is a common cosmetic vehicle that delivers active ingredients but its specific effects depend entirely on the formula.

Creatine is a gentle, naturally sourced ingredient that helps skin cells produce energy, potentially improving firmness and reducing fine lines with consistent use.

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

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm irritation and protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

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

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

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

Cresyl acetate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a floral scent but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds floral and fruity notes but may cause skin sensitivity in some people.

A plant extract with antioxidant potential, but limited research on topical benefits and a moderate risk of skin irritation.

A potent essential oil with antimicrobial potential, but high irritation risk limits its use in leave-on skincare.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress while providing mild soothing benefits.

A gentle, hydrating sap from a wild grape species that offers antioxidant benefits and soothing properties, but research is still emerging.

A gentle botanical extract with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research is still emerging and it is less common in mainstream skincare.

A botanical extract with some antioxidant potential, but limited research and a known toxicity concern in its raw form require cautious use in skincare.

A gentle, plant-based oil that softens skin but has limited research and a moderate chance of clogging pores for some people.

A gentle botanical extract that may help tighten pores and provide antioxidant protection, but research is limited and it's mainly used for its pleasant scent.

A fragrant essential oil with mild astringent properties, best suited for normal to oily skin types but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A mild botanical extract that may help tighten pores and fight free radicals, but research is limited.

A fragrant botanical oil with potential antimicrobial benefits, but limited research and a moderate risk of skin irritation for sensitive types.

A gentle seaweed extract that helps hydrate and soothe the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive or dry skin types.

Crocin is a gentle antioxidant from saffron that may help brighten skin and fight oxidative stress, but human studies are limited.

Crocodile oil is a rich emollient that may help soothe dry or irritated skin, but research on its benefits is still limited.

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

Croscarmellose is a safe, plant-derived binder that helps solid cosmetics hold together and break apart easily on contact with water.

A gentle, biotech-derived film former that helps lock in moisture and improve skin feel, though research is still emerging.

Crotamiton is a synthetic anti-itch ingredient that can help calm irritated skin, but it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Croton Eluteria Oil adds a warm, spicy scent to skincare but offers limited skin benefits and may irritate sensitive skin.

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

A gentle botanical oil with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and it may be comedogenic for some skin types.

A natural emollient oil from an African tree, but with limited research and a moderate chance of clogging pores for some skin types.

A gentle plant oil with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and it may be mildly comedogenic for some skin types.

Crotonic acid is a synthetic pH adjuster with limited direct skin benefit and moderate irritation potential at higher concentrations.

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup last longer and resist water, but offers no skincare benefit.

Crowberry extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps protect skin from environmental damage, though research on its specific cosmetic benefits is still emerging.

Cryolite Extract is a mineral ingredient with limited cosmetic research; its use is rare and may pose safety concerns due to aluminum and fluoride content.

A fragrant bark oil with limited research; best used in low concentrations for its scent rather than proven skincare benefits.

A gentle, fermented ingredient that may help hydrate and condition skin, but research is still emerging.

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

A fragrant essential oil from Japanese cedar with some antioxidant potential, but limited research on skin benefits and a moderate risk of irritation for sensitive skin.

A fragrant essential oil from Japanese cedar with limited research on skin benefits; best suited for fragrance purposes in well-formulated products.

A gentle, plant-based water that adds light hydration and antioxidant protection, best for sensitive or environmentally stressed skin.

Cubeb Berry Oil offers antioxidant benefits and a warm, peppery scent, but its strong fragrance can be irritating for sensitive skin.

A gentle, plant-derived extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant protection, though research is still emerging.

Cucumber extract is a gentle, water-rich ingredient that helps calm and hydrate skin, making it a popular choice for sensitive or irritated skin types.

Cucumber seed oil is a gentle, non-greasy moisturizer rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin E, ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

Cucurbitacin B is a plant-derived compound with promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, but its use in cosmetics is still emerging and requires careful formulation due to potential irritation at higher levels.

Cucurbiturils are advanced synthetic molecules that help stabilize and deliver active ingredients, but their use in cosmetics is still emerging and not widely studied in everyday products.

A lab-grown plant antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but human studies are still limited.

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more even tone, though human studies are limited.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that may help calm irritated skin, but research is still early.

A fragrant leaf extract with antioxidant potential, but limited human research and a moderate risk of skin irritation.