Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

Cyclotetradecanone is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a musky scent to products; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but offers no skincare benefits.

A gentle, sugar-based humectant that hydrates and soothes without irritation, ideal for sensitive or reactive skin.

A synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but more independent research is needed.

A volatile silicone that gives a silky feel and helps products spread smoothly, but its environmental persistence has raised regulatory concerns in some regions.

A fast-evaporating silicone that gives a smooth, silky finish but has raised some environmental and safety questions.

A lightweight silicone that gives a silky, smooth feel without heavy residue, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.

Cyclovirobuxine is a plant-derived compound that may help reduce under-eye puffiness by improving blood flow, but research is limited and it can be irritating for sensitive skin.

A gentle orchid extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still limited.

A gentle orchid extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich orchid extract that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich orchid bulb extract that may help soothe and protect skin, but research is still limited.

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

A gentle, antioxidant-rich orchid extract that may help soothe and protect skin, but research is still emerging.

A gentle, aromatic orchid water that adds light hydration and a touch of elegance to skincare, but with limited scientific backing for unique benefits beyond plain water.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich orchid leaf extract that may help soothe and protect skin, but research is still emerging.

A gentle botanical powder from orchid leaves that may offer antioxidant benefits, but research is limited and it's mostly used for its natural appeal.

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still early.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich orchid extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still limited.

A natural exfoliant from lemongrass leaves that offers gentle scrubbing and a fresh scent, but may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

A gentle botanical leaf ingredient that offers mild astringent and refreshing effects, but may cause irritation in sensitive skin due to natural fragrance compounds.

A botanical extract with astringent and antimicrobial benefits, best for oily or blemish-prone skin, but can be irritating for sensitive types.

A natural powdered leaf that provides gentle physical exfoliation and a fresh scent, but may irritate sensitive skin.

A gentle, plant-based oil that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores, with some antioxidant benefits.

A fermented botanical extract that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

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

A fragrant root oil with traditional soothing uses, but limited modern research and potential for skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

A plant-based extract with antioxidant potential, but research in cosmetics is still limited.

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

A fragrant root oil with a rich, earthy scent that may offer mild soothing benefits, but its use is primarily aromatic and can be irritating for sensitive skin.

A gentle botanical extract that may help tighten pores and provide antioxidant protection, though research is limited.

A gentle botanical extract that helps calm skin and tighten pores, with antioxidant benefits for daily use.

Cypress Leaf Extract is a gentle botanical astringent that may help tighten pores and provide antioxidant protection, though human studies are limited.

Cypress leaf oil can help balance oily skin with its astringent feel, but it's a potent essential oil that may irritate sensitive skin.

Cypress leaf water is a mild, aromatic botanical water that can help refresh and temporarily tighten skin, but its benefits are subtle and not backed by strong research.

Cypress oil offers a natural astringent boost and a pleasant woody scent, but its essential oil nature means it can irritate sensitive skin if used at high concentrations.

A gentle botanical extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may temporarily tighten pores.

Cypress Wood Oil adds a woody, earthy scent and may offer mild astringent benefits, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin and has limited research backing its skincare effects.

Cysteamine is a potent antioxidant and skin-lightening ingredient that can help fade dark spots, but it may cause irritation and has a strong sulfur odor.

Cysteic acid is a gentle exfoliating amino acid derivative that may help brighten skin and support antioxidant defenses, but research is still emerging.

Cysteine is a gentle antioxidant and hair-strengthening amino acid that supports skin's natural defenses and may help with hair texture, but it's not a standalone solution for major skin concerns.

A novel antioxidant complex that pairs cysteine with plant-derived proanthocyanidins, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in human studies.

A promising synthetic peptide that may help firm skin and soften fine lines, but research is still early.

Cystine is a gentle antioxidant amino acid that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support hair strength, but it is not a standout anti-aging ingredient.

A hybrid ingredient that combines amino acids with silicon to help strengthen hair and support skin barrier function.

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

A gentle brown algae extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early.

A brown algae extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but human studies are limited.

A gentle brown seaweed powder that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Cytidine is a gentle, naturally derived ingredient that may help support skin repair and resilience, but research in cosmetics is still early.

Cytochrome C is a naturally occurring protein that may help protect skin from oxidative stress and support cellular energy, but research in topical cosmetics is still emerging.

Cytosine is a DNA building block with emerging research in skincare, but its benefits are not yet well-established for topical use.

D-Allo-Ocimenol is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant scent but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

D-Bornyl Isovalerate is a synthetic ester that provides a mild cooling and soothing sensation, often used to calm irritated skin.

A synthetic peptide that may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve skin firmness, with a good safety profile for most skin types.

D-Pulegone is a potent fragrance compound with antimicrobial properties, but it carries a high risk of skin irritation and is restricted in many regions due to safety concerns.

A safe, widely used synthetic colorant that adds orange tones to makeup, but offers no skincare benefits.

CI 11725 is a synthetic orange pigment approved for use in cosmetics, but it may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A widely used synthetic orange dye that is generally safe in the tiny amounts found in cosmetics, but offers no skincare benefits.

A synthetic red dye approved for use in cosmetics, but with some restrictions due to potential impurities.

A widely used synthetic red pigment that is generally safe in cosmetics but offers no skincare benefits beyond color.