Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A widely used synthetic yellow pigment that adds color to cosmetics but may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

A widely used synthetic yellow dye that is generally safe in cosmetics but may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

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

CI 14270 is a synthetic yellow dye that adds color to products but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

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

A gentle fermented ingredient that combines probiotic activity with grape-derived antioxidants to support smoother, brighter skin.

A promising probiotic ingredient that may help balance skin bacteria and strengthen the skin barrier, but research is still early and benefits vary by person.

A gentle, microbiome-friendly ingredient that may help calm irritation and strengthen the skin barrier, though research is still early.

Aconitum ciliare root extract is a traditional botanical with potential soothing properties, but its safety profile is not well-established for modern skincare, and it carries a high risk of irritation if not properly processed.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, though research is still early and mostly lab-based.

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

A gentle, natural fruit powder that provides mild exfoliation and antioxidant benefits, but research is limited.

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

Acrylamide is not a direct cosmetic ingredient but a potential impurity in certain polymers; regulatory limits exist to keep levels safe in finished products.

A synthetic polymer that helps products stay put, but offers no skin benefit and may feel stiff on hair.

A safe synthetic thickener that gives skincare products a smooth, non-greasy feel without clogging pores.

A safe, effective synthetic thickener that gives water-based products a smooth, non-sticky feel without clogging pores.

A synthetic polymer that helps products spread smoothly and stay put, but its acrylamide content raises minor purity concerns.

A safe, effective thickener that gives products a smooth, lightweight feel, but its synthetic origin and potential for trace acrylamide residue raise minor concerns.

A safe synthetic thickener that gives products a silky, lightweight feel without clogging pores.

A safe, synthetic thickener that gives products a silky, non-greasy feel without clogging pores.

A synthetic polymer that helps products stay put, but offers no active skincare benefit.

A synthetic film-former that helps products like nail polish and mascara last longer and resist water.

A synthetic thickener and stabilizer that helps create lightweight, non-greasy gel textures in skincare and haircare.

A synthetic polymer that helps hair feel soft and smooth while reducing frizz and static, but may cause buildup with frequent use.

A safe, synthetic film-former that helps products stay put and resist water, but offers no active skincare benefit.

A safe synthetic polymer that helps products stay put, resist water, and feel smooth on skin.

A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put longer, but offers no active skincare benefit.

A safe, effective thickener that gives skincare products a smooth, non-sticky feel without clogging pores.

A synthetic film former that helps products stay put, but its phthalate-related name may cause confusion — it is not a phthalate of concern.

A synthetic polymer that helps makeup and hair products stay put, but may feel stiff or heavy on some.

A safe, synthetic film-former that helps makeup last longer and feel smoother without clogging pores.

A safe, synthetic polymer that helps products spread smoothly and stay put without feeling heavy.

A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put and resist water, but offers no active skincare benefit.

A safe, synthetic thickener and stabilizer that gives water-based products a silky, lightweight feel without clogging pores.

A safe, synthetic film-former that helps products spread smoothly and stay put, but offers no active skincare benefit.

A silicone-based film former that improves water resistance and wear time, generally safe but may feel heavy on some skin types.

A safe, synthetic ingredient that helps products feel smooth and spread evenly without clogging pores.

A safe, effective thickener that gives water-based products a smooth, non-sticky feel.

A safe, synthetic thickener that gives gels and creams a smooth, non-sticky feel without clogging pores.

A safe, synthetic thickener that improves product texture and stability without clogging pores or irritating skin.

A safe, synthetic thickener that gives skincare products a silky, non-sticky feel without clogging pores.

A safe, synthetic film-former that helps products spread smoothly and stay put without clogging pores.

A safe synthetic polymer that helps products stay put and feel smooth, but offers no active skincare benefit.

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put longer, but offers no active skincare benefit.

A safe, synthetic film-former that helps products spread evenly, feel lightweight, and resist water or sweat.

A safe, synthetic thickener that gives products a smooth, non-greasy feel and helps keep ingredients evenly mixed.

A synthetic polymer that helps products feel smooth, spread evenly, and stay put without clogging pores.

A safe, synthetic thickener and stabilizer that helps create a smooth, pleasant texture in many skincare products.

A safe, silicone-based ingredient that improves product texture and spreadability without clogging pores.

A safe, widely used synthetic thickener that improves product texture and stability without clogging pores.

A safe, synthetic film-former that improves product feel and wear without common irritation concerns.

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put without common irritation.

A safe, synthetic film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put without clogging pores.

A synthetic polymer that helps products stay put and resist water, but offers no direct skin benefit.

A reliable synthetic thickener that gives gels and creams a smooth, non-sticky feel without clogging pores.

A safe, synthetic thickener and film-former that helps products feel smooth and spread evenly without clogging pores.

A safe, synthetic film-former that improves product feel and wear without common irritation concerns.

A safe, synthetic film-former that helps products spread evenly and stay put without clogging pores.

A reliable film-former that helps products stay put and resist water, but it's purely synthetic and may feel tight on some skin types.