Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that improves product feel and spreadability without clogging pores.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps thicken and stabilize formulas without clogging pores.

A lightweight synthetic emollient that gives a silky finish without clogging pores, ideal for oil-free formulas.

A gentle, synthetic emollient that makes products feel silky and spread easily without clogging pores.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that gives a silky feel and helps products spread smoothly without clogging pores.

A versatile, lightweight emollient that helps products spread smoothly without feeling greasy, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

A lightweight, synthetic emollient that gives a silky finish without clogging pores, commonly used in high-end cosmetics.

A reliable, lightweight emollient that improves texture and spreadability without clogging pores or causing irritation.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that improves product feel and stability without clogging pores.

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

A gentle, synthetic emulsifier that helps blend water and oil in creams and sunscreens without clogging pores.

A lightweight synthetic emollient that improves product texture and skin feel without clogging pores.

A synthetic peptide that temporarily softens expression wrinkles by calming muscle contractions, similar to a milder, topical version of neuromodulators.

A lab-made peptide-niacin hybrid that may help firm skin and soften lines, but human studies are limited.

A lab-made peptide that may help firm skin and soften lines, but human studies are limited.

A synthetic peptide-niacin hybrid that may help firm skin and reduce fine lines, but research is still limited compared to well-studied peptides.

Dipeptide-8 HCl is a synthetic peptide that may help firm skin and soften the look of expression lines, but research is still early and results vary.

Diphenhydramine HCl is an oral and topical antihistamine, not a standard cosmetic ingredient; it is used for temporary itch relief, not for routine skincare.

Diphenolic acid is a synthetic pH adjuster with limited cosmetic research; it may cause irritation at higher concentrations.

A synthetic skin-conditioning ingredient with limited research; its complex structure may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

A gentle silicone that smooths hair and skin with a lightweight, non-greasy feel.

A synthetic photochromic ingredient that shifts color when exposed to UV light, used mainly for novelty or adaptive color cosmetics.

A gentle silicone that improves product feel and spreadability without clogging pores or causing irritation.

A silicone polymer that creates a smooth, flexible film on skin, helping makeup last longer and feel lightweight.

A silicone polymer that gives a silky, blurring finish and improves product wear without clogging pores.

A lightweight silicone that gives skin a silky, smooth feel without clogging pores.

A gentle silicone that makes products feel silky and spread easily, with a very low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

A synthetic UVA filter that helps protect skin from aging and sun damage, generally considered safe and non-irritating.

A gentle silicone that smooths skin and improves product texture without clogging pores.

A high-performance silicone that gives a silky, non-greasy feel and helps products glide on smoothly.

A gentle chelating ingredient that helps keep your products stable and effective by binding to unwanted metals.

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

Dipotassium Aspartate is a gentle, water-attracting amino acid salt that helps keep skin hydrated and supports a healthy moisture barrier without irritation.

A gentler, salt-based form of azelaic acid that helps brighten skin and smooth texture with less irritation.

A synthetic ingredient that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but research is still emerging.

A mild, effective cleanser derived from coconut and amino acids, ideal for sensitive or dry skin.

A gentle, plant-derived powerhouse that calms redness, fades dark spots, and supports sensitive skin without irritation.

Dipotassium oxalate is a functional ingredient that helps keep formulas stable and fresh, but it is not a direct skin treatment.

A safe, synthetic pH adjuster that helps keep your skincare products stable and gentle on your skin.

A mild, plant-derived surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin barrier.

Dipropyl Adipate is a lightweight, non-greasy emollient that improves product texture and skin feel, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Dipropyl carbonate is a lightweight, fast-drying emollient that helps products glide on smoothly without leaving a greasy residue.

Dipropyl Ketone is a synthetic solvent that helps dissolve other ingredients, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin and is best used in rinse-off products.

Dipropyl Oxalate is a synthetic ester used as a solvent and fragrance ingredient; it is generally safe at low concentrations but can be irritating for sensitive skin.

A synthetic ingredient that may support skin firmness and smoothness, but research is still emerging.

A safe, widely used solvent that helps products feel lightweight and absorb quickly, but offers no direct skin benefit.

A lightweight, synthetic emollient that improves product texture and skin feel without clogging pores.

A safe, non-greasy emollient that helps other ingredients spread smoothly and feel lightweight on skin.

A synthetic solvent that helps products spread and dissolve other ingredients, generally considered safe at low concentrations.

A workhorse solvent that helps blend ingredients and improve product feel, but offers no direct skin benefit.

A milder salicylate derivative that offers gentle exfoliation with less irritation than salicylic acid.

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

A gentle, plant-derived resin extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, though research is still limited.

A natural balsam oil with a warm, woody scent that may soothe skin but can cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

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

A lightweight, antioxidant-rich oil that hydrates without clogging pores, ideal for normal to dry skin.

A natural, biodegradable exfoliant that provides gentle physical scrubbing, but may be too rough for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

A nourishing plant butter that softens and protects dry skin without feeling overly greasy.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich oil that softens and conditions skin without clogging pores.

A gentle, naturally fragrant water from tonka bean seeds that adds a subtle scent and mild antioxidant benefits, but lacks strong research for skin-specific effects.