Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle, non-stripping surfactant that effectively cleanses without disrupting the skin barrier, ideal for sensitive or dry skin.

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

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, with a touch of hemp-derived fatty acid benefits.

A lightweight synthetic emollient that softens skin without a greasy feel, generally well-tolerated and non-comedogenic.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that softens skin without clogging pores.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient derived from jojoba oil that softens skin without clogging pores.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that hydrates and softens skin while being gentle enough for sensitive and acne-prone types.

A synthetic preservative booster with limited safety data; best reserved for rinse-off products if used at all.

A lightweight synthetic emollient that helps products glide on smoothly without a greasy feel, generally well-tolerated by most skin types.

Decyl Myristate is a lightweight emollient that softens skin, but it may clog pores for those prone to breakouts.

Decyl Oleate is a silky, non-greasy emollient that helps moisturizers spread easily, but it may clog pores for acne-prone skin.

A gentle, olive-derived emollient that hydrates and smooths skin without clogging pores, ideal for sensitive and oily skin types.

Decyl Palmitate is a lightweight, non-greasy emollient that softens skin and improves product texture, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

A synthetic dispersant that helps pigments spread evenly and stay stable in makeup and sunscreen.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that hydrates and softens skin with a silky finish.

Decyl Succinate is a gentle, lightweight emollient that helps soften skin and improve product feel without clogging pores.

A synthetic emollient that helps products spread smoothly and resist wash-off, but lacks extensive safety data in cosmetics.

A gentle surfactant that helps create rich foam and thicken formulas without stripping the skin.

Decylene Glycol is a gentle, multi-tasking ingredient that hydrates, softens skin, and helps preserve formulas without harsh preservatives.

A synthetic preservative booster that helps keep products fresh and stable, generally considered safe at low concentrations.

Decyloxyacetaldehyde is a synthetic ingredient that may help improve skin texture, but research is limited and it can be irritating for sensitive skin.

A gentle synthetic fatty acid that softens skin and improves product feel without common irritation.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that softens skin and improves product texture without clogging pores.

A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix water and oil in your skincare products without causing irritation or clogging pores.

A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy formulas without common irritation.

A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in products, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

A gentle, high-performance emulsifier that helps create stable, luxurious creams without common irritation concerns.

A gentle, high-performance emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures without common irritation concerns.

A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures without common irritation concerns.

A mild, effective emulsifier that helps water and oil mix without stripping the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive skin formulas.

A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix water and oil in skincare products without common irritation.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps soften and smooth skin without clogging pores.

A lightweight synthetic emollient that helps skin feel smooth and soft without clogging pores.

A gentle surfactant that helps create rich foam and improves cleansing without stripping the skin.

DEDM Hydantoin is an effective preservative but may cause irritation for sensitive skin, especially at higher concentrations.

A mild synthetic surfactant that helps foaming and cleansing, but may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

A novel biotech ingredient with potential regenerative benefits, but human evidence is very limited and ethical sourcing is a concern.

A novel biotech ingredient with promising anti-aging potential, but human research is still limited.

A novel fermented ingredient with promising antioxidant potential, but human skin research is very limited.

Deer antler velvet extract is a trendy but poorly studied ingredient in skincare, with anecdotal anti-aging claims and significant ethical baggage.

Deer blood extract is a niche ingredient with traditional use but minimal modern research to support its cosmetic benefits.

Deer milk extract is a gentle, moisturizing ingredient with some soothing potential, but scientific evidence is limited and it may not be suitable for vegans.

A novel biotech ingredient with promising regenerative potential, but human skincare evidence is still very limited.

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

A protein-rich powder that can help condition skin and hair, but its benefits are not well-studied in modern cosmetics.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich flower extract that may help calm skin, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

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

A biotech ingredient that may support skin repair, but its benefits in a jar are not well proven and it's mostly used in professional or clinical settings.

This is a lab growth medium for cells, not a skincare ingredient you apply directly—its presence on a label usually means it's a trace residue from biotech production.

A biotech ingredient that provides a complex blend of nutrients to support skin cell function, but its benefits in finished products are still being studied.

Defined Cell Culture Media 16 is a lab reagent for growing cells, not a proven skincare ingredient; its presence on a label may indicate a ferment or extract base, but direct skin benefits are unsubstantiated.

Defined Cell Culture Media 2 is a lab-grade nutrient solution for growing cells, not a proven skincare ingredient for direct consumer use.

A cutting-edge biotech ingredient that nourishes skin cells with a tailored nutrient mix, but its novelty means long-term data is still limited.

This is a lab tool, not a skincare ingredient you apply—it helps grow cells that may later create cosmetic actives.

A lab-grown nutrient cocktail that may support skin cell health, but its benefits in skincare are still being explored and it's not a proven anti-aging ingredient.

A lab-grown nutrient cocktail that may support skin cell health, but research is still early and the ingredient is not yet widely studied in cosmetics.

This is a lab-grade cell culture medium, not a proven cosmetic ingredient—its role in skincare is experimental and lacks safety data for topical use.

A widely used, low-irritation preservative that helps keep your skincare products safe from bacteria and mold.

Dehydrolatanoprost is a synthetic ingredient that can help eyelashes appear longer and fuller, but it may cause eye irritation and other side effects.

A gentle, effective thickener that improves product texture without clogging pores or irritating skin.