Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A silky, non-greasy emollient that improves spreadability and leaves skin feeling smooth without clogging pores.

A lightweight, silky emollient that helps products spread smoothly without feeling heavy or greasy.

A synthetic emollient that helps sunscreen formulas spread evenly and resist water, but it's less common and less studied than traditional alternatives.

A well-tolerated, lightweight emollient that improves product feel and skin softness with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

An effective synthetic cleanser that helps remove oil and dirt, but may be drying or irritating for sensitive skin types.

A gentle, lightweight emollient that improves product texture and leaves skin feeling soft without clogging pores.

A synthetic antioxidant that helps shield skin from pollution and UV damage, often used in anti-aging formulas.

A lightweight synthetic emollient that helps products glide on smoothly without greasiness, but it's not a hydrating or active ingredient.

Diethyllutidinate is a synthetic stabilizer that may help other ingredients work better, but research on its direct skin benefits is still limited.

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

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds scent but offers no skin benefit; safe at low levels but may cause sensitivity in some people.

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds a nutty, roasted note to products; generally safe at low levels but offers no skincare benefit.

Diethylquinoline is a synthetic fragrance compound with limited safety data; it may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic ingredient with limited research; may offer antioxidant benefits but lacks strong evidence for efficacy or safety.

A gentle, multi-fatty-acid emollient that helps soften and smooth skin while supporting the skin barrier.

A lab-made peptide that may help firm skin and soften lines, but research is still early.

Digalloyl Trioleate is a gentle emollient with antioxidant potential, but research on its efficacy in skincare is still limited.

A gentle red algae extract that may help calm irritation and provide light hydration, though research is still emerging.

A gentle, stabilized antioxidant that helps brighten skin and protect against environmental damage without the irritation of pure gallic acid.

A lightweight, water-loving emollient that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores or feeling heavy.

Diglycerin is a gentle, effective humectant that hydrates skin without the sticky feel of glycerin, making it a great option for lightweight moisturizers.

A gentle film-forming polymer that improves water resistance and texture in sunscreens and lotions without clogging pores.

A gentle, multi-chain ester that softens skin and improves product feel without clogging pores.

A gentle, lightweight emollient that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores, suitable for most skin types.

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

A mild, non-irritating emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures while also softening the skin.

Diglycol Guanidine Succinate is a synthetic conditioning agent that helps improve the feel and mildness of skincare and haircare products, but research on its long-term effects is limited.

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

A sugar-modified peptide that may help firm skin and soften fine lines with low irritation potential.

An effective synthetic cleanser that can be drying for some skin types, but generally safe and well-studied.

A silky, non-greasy emollient that hydrates and smooths skin while improving product texture.

A silky, non-greasy emollient that hydrates and softens skin with a lightweight feel, suitable for most skin types.

A silky, lightweight emollient that hydrates without clogging pores, ideal for oily and combination skin.

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

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

An effective cleansing agent that can be drying for some skin types, but generally safe when formulated properly.

A silky, non-greasy emollient that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores.

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

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient derived from amino acids that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores.

A silky, non-greasy emollient that spreads easily and helps other ingredients absorb better — great for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone.

A lightweight synthetic emollient that improves product feel and helps other ingredients absorb without clogging pores.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a warm, woody scent but offers no skincare benefits.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a pleasant floral-musky note, but offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, creamy scent but offers no skincare benefits and may be a concern for those with fragrance sensitivities.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a pleasant floral-woody note but offers no skincare benefit and may be a concern for those with fragrance sensitivities.

A synthetic pine-scented fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh note but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that improves the feel and spreadability of products without clogging pores.

A resin-derived film former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put longer, but may feel stiff or heavy on some skin types.

Dihydroanethole is a synthetic scent ingredient that adds a sweet, licorice-like note but offers no skin benefit and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A synthetic relative of chamomile-derived azulene, this ingredient is used to calm redness and provide antioxidant protection, though research is still emerging.

Dihydrocarveol adds a minty, herbal scent to products but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals at higher concentrations.

Dihydrocarvone is a natural fragrance compound that adds a minty scent to products but offers no direct skincare benefits.

A gentle, skin-friendly lipid that reinforces the moisture barrier without clogging pores.

A gentle, cholesterol-based emollient that helps reinforce the skin barrier and lock in moisture without clogging pores.

A gentle, cholesterol-based emollient that helps reinforce the skin barrier without clogging pores, making it a good choice for dry or sensitive skin.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that mimics skin's natural lipids, making it a good choice for dry or sensitive skin.

A gentle, cholesterol-based emollient that supports the skin barrier and helps lock in moisture without clogging pores.

A gentle, cholesterol-based emollient that helps reinforce the skin barrier and provides a smooth, non-greasy feel.

A gentle, cholesterol-based emollient that helps restore the skin barrier and improve moisture retention without clogging pores.

A gentle emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in formulas, with mild skin-conditioning benefits.