Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle, starch-based ingredient that gives products a silky, non-greasy feel and helps stabilize formulas.

A gentle, plant-based emulsifier that improves product texture and stability with a low risk of irritation.

A mild, effective emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures without common irritation.

A mild, starch-derived emulsifier that improves product feel and stability without common irritation concerns.

A gentle, starch-derived ingredient that improves product feel and stability without common irritation concerns.

A gentle texture enhancer that improves product feel and stability without common irritation concerns.

A gentle, starch-derived ingredient that improves product feel and stability without common irritants.

A gentle, starch-based ingredient that improves the feel and stability of products without common irritation concerns.

A gentle, plant-based emulsifier that gives creams a silky feel without clogging pores or irritating skin.

A nourishing blend of omega fatty acids that helps soften skin and strengthen the moisture barrier without feeling greasy.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps products spread smoothly and leaves skin feeling soft without clogging pores.

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

A lightweight synthetic emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for oily or combination skin types.

A synthetic conditioning agent that reduces static and softens hair, but may cause irritation for sensitive scalps at high concentrations.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture with a low risk of irritation.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps products spread smoothly and leaves skin feeling soft without clogging pores.

A gentle, phosphate-based surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive skin.

A mild synthetic surfactant that helps lift dirt and oil without stripping the skin.

A mild synthetic surfactant that helps cleansers foam and rinse cleanly, but may be slightly drying for very sensitive skin.

A mild synthetic surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping, but may cause irritation in sensitive skin at high concentrations.

A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps rinse away dirt and oil without stripping the skin.

A synthetic conditioner that reduces static and softens hair, but may cause irritation or clog pores in sensitive individuals.

A gentle, cellulose-based conditioning agent that helps detangle and soften hair without heavy buildup.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture without clogging pores.

A synthetic conditioning agent that reduces static and softens hair, but may be too heavy for fine or oily hair and can cause irritation in sensitive skin.

A gentle, plant-based emollient that makes skin feel smooth and soft without clogging pores—great for sensitive or oily skin types.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that improves product feel and skin softness without clogging pores.

A synthetic film-former that helps sunscreen and makeup stay put longer, especially in water or sweat.

A synthetic polymer that helps hair feel smooth and reduces frizz, but it's not a moisturizer or repair ingredient.

A synthetic emollient that helps skincare products feel silky and spread easily, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

A gentle synthetic emollient that helps skincare products feel silky and spread easily without clogging pores.

A gentle synthetic emollient that helps products glide on smoothly without greasiness, suitable for most skin types.

A synthetic UV filter that protects skin from sun damage, but its use is limited by regional regulations and potential environmental concerns.

A highly effective, photostable sunscreen ingredient that provides broad-spectrum protection without common irritation.

A mild coconut-derived cleansing agent that helps create a rich lather without stripping the skin.

A gentle synthetic surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, often used in milder formulas.

A mild synthetic surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin, but it's not a standout ingredient on its own.

Diacetin is a gentle humectant that helps keep skin hydrated and can improve the feel of skincare products.

Diacetone alcohol is a synthetic solvent that helps dissolve other ingredients, but it can be drying and may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

Diacetyl adds a buttery scent to cosmetics but is controversial due to respiratory risks from inhalation, especially in aerosolized products.

An emerging semi-synthetic ingredient that may help support skin barrier function, but research is still limited.

A gentle antioxidant derived from boldo tree extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage.

A hybrid antioxidant that pairs resveratrol with alpha-lipoic acid for enhanced stability and skin penetration, but clinical research is still limited.

A food-grade emulsifier that helps creams and lotions stay smooth and stable, with a low risk of irritation.

A stable, potent antioxidant derived from turmeric that may help brighten skin and fight free radicals, but human studies are limited.

Diallyl sulfide is a natural sulfur compound with antimicrobial potential, but its strong odor and limited skincare research make it a niche ingredient.

A synthetic peptide that may help firm skin and soften fine lines, with low irritation risk.

Diammonium Citrate is a safe, low-irritation pH adjuster that helps keep your skincare products stable and gentle on skin.

A behind-the-scenes stabilizer that helps keep your products fresh and effective by neutralizing trace metals.

A gentle, sulfate-free surfactant that cleans without stripping the skin barrier, ideal for sensitive or dry skin.

A gentle, sulfate-free surfactant that cleanses effectively with low irritation potential, ideal for sensitive or dry skin.

A gentle, sulfate-free surfactant that cleanses effectively while being kind to sensitive and dry skin types.

Diammonium phosphate is a safe, low-irritation pH adjuster that helps keep your products stable and effective, but it offers no direct skin benefit.

A gentle, effective cleansing agent that creates foam without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

Diamylhydroquinone is a synthetic antioxidant that helps keep oils and lip products from going rancid, but it's not a star active for skin benefits.

A natural, gritty powder that gently scrubs away dead skin and soaks up excess oil, but can be too harsh for sensitive or broken skin.

An effective preservative that can release formaldehyde, making it a potential irritant for sensitive skin.

A gentle synthetic conditioner that helps detangle hair and soften skin without heavy buildup.

A mild, plant-derived conditioning ingredient that smooths hair without heavy buildup, suitable for fine or sensitive hair.