Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A synthetic solvent that helps other ingredients dissolve and spread, but offers no direct skin benefit.

A synthetic alcohol used as a solvent or denaturant; can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

A synthetic solvent used in small amounts; not a star ingredient but generally safe at low concentrations.

A small alcohol molecule used mainly as a solvent or fragrance ingredient; it has limited direct skin benefit and may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

2-Methylbutanol is a small alcohol used to dissolve other ingredients or add scent, but it can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

2-Octanol is a mild fatty alcohol that helps dissolve other ingredients and can boost preservative effectiveness, but it's not a primary active ingredient.

2-Pentanol is a solvent alcohol that can help dissolve other ingredients but may be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

A synthetic solvent that helps dissolve other ingredients but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals at high concentrations.

A synthetic alcohol that helps dissolve other ingredients and adds scent, but may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

A synthetic alcohol used mainly as a solvent or fragrance component; generally safe at low levels but may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

A synthetic solvent and fragrance ingredient with limited safety data; best avoided in leave-on products due to potential skin irritation and environmental concerns.

Acetone is a powerful but harsh solvent best reserved for quick, targeted removal of nail polish or stubborn adhesives, not for daily facial skincare.

A synthetic plasticizer that helps nail polish stay flexible and resist chipping, but is not a moisturizer or active skincare ingredient.

Alcohol can improve product feel and penetration but is drying and irritating for many skin types, especially at high concentrations.

Amyl alcohol is a solvent that helps dissolve other ingredients, but it can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin at higher concentrations.

Benzoyl Isopropanol is a synthetic solvent and fragrance ingredient with limited safety data; it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benzyl benzoate is a common fragrance ingredient that can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals, especially at higher concentrations.

A synthetic solvent that helps other ingredients dissolve and improves product feel, but offers no direct skin benefit.

Butoxydiglycol is a synthetic solvent that helps ingredients blend together, but it can be a mild irritant for sensitive skin.

Butoxyethanol is a synthetic solvent that can help dissolve other ingredients, but it carries moderate irritation and toxicity concerns, making it less common in modern skincare.

Butyl acetate helps nail polish glide on and dry quickly, but it can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin or frequent use.

Butyl alcohol is a solvent rarely used in leave-on skincare; it can be drying and irritating at higher concentrations.

Butyl Benzoate is a synthetic solvent and fragrance ingredient that helps dissolve other ingredients but may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

Butyl ethyl ketone is a strong solvent used mainly in nail products; it can be drying and irritating, and is not a beneficial skincare ingredient.

Butyl Glycolate is a synthetic solvent that helps dissolve other ingredients, but it has limited published safety data and may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Butyl Hydroxybutyrate is a mild synthetic ester that helps other ingredients spread and absorb, but it has limited published research on its own benefits.

Butyl lactate is a mild solvent that helps blend ingredients and can temporarily soften the skin, but it's not a star active ingredient.

Butyl Propionate is a safe, low-irritation solvent that helps dissolve other ingredients and adds a mild scent, but it offers no direct skin benefit.

Butylene carbonate is a synthetic solvent that helps dissolve other ingredients and adjust product feel, but it offers no direct skin benefit and is rarely used in leave-on skincare.

A gentle synthetic ester that helps other ingredients spread smoothly, but offers little direct skin benefit.

Butyrolactone is a synthetic solvent used mainly in nail products, but it has limited skincare benefits and may cause irritation at higher levels.

A lightweight, non-greasy solvent that helps products spread easily and evaporate quickly, but it's a synthetic ingredient with limited skin benefits beyond texture.

A safe, lightweight synthetic oil that helps products glide on smoothly without clogging pores.

A lightweight, fast-evaporating solvent that helps products glide on smoothly, but may be drying for very dry or sensitive skin types.

A lightweight, volatile hydrocarbon that helps dissolve makeup and spread products without leaving a greasy feel.

A lightweight, volatile solvent that helps products spread smoothly and evaporates quickly, but offers no active skincare benefits.

A lightweight, volatile hydrocarbon blend that helps products glide on smoothly and evaporate quickly without leaving a greasy feel.

A gentle, fast-evaporating solvent that helps products spread smoothly without leaving a greasy feel.

A gentle, lightweight synthetic oil that helps products spread smoothly and dissolve makeup without feeling greasy.

A lightweight, volatile solvent that helps products spread smoothly and evaporate quickly, leaving a non-greasy finish.

A lightweight, volatile hydrocarbon that helps products spread easily and evaporate quickly without leaving a greasy feel.

A lightweight, volatile hydrocarbon that helps dissolve makeup and sebum without leaving a greasy residue.

A lightweight, non-greasy solvent that helps dissolve makeup and sunscreen while leaving a silky feel on skin.

A gentle, fast-evaporating hydrocarbon that helps products spread smoothly without leaving a greasy feel.

A lightweight, volatile solvent that helps products spread smoothly and evaporate quickly, leaving a non-greasy finish.

A lightweight synthetic oil that helps products spread smoothly and dissolve makeup, generally safe for most skin types.

A lightweight synthetic oil that helps products glide on smoothly without a greasy feel.

A safe, lightweight solvent that helps products spread easily and evaporate quickly, but offers no active skincare benefits.

A fast-drying solvent that can help with product texture and acne, but may be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

Cyclohexane is a fast-evaporating solvent that helps dissolve oils and makeup, but it can be drying and potentially irritating for sensitive skin.

A synthetic solvent that helps products spread and dry evenly, but offers no direct skin benefit.

Cyclohexanol is a synthetic solvent used in small amounts; it has moderate irritation potential and is not a beneficial skincare ingredient.

Cyclohexanone is a strong solvent with significant irritation and safety concerns; it is rarely used in leave-on skincare and is best avoided in daily products.

Cyclohexyl Toluate is a synthetic ester that helps dissolve other ingredients and leaves a light, non-greasy feel on skin.

Cyclopentanone is a synthetic solvent with limited direct skincare benefits; it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals and is best avoided in leave-on products.

Denatured alcohol evaporates quickly to give a matte finish but can strip the skin's moisture barrier, making it best for oily or acne-prone skin and risky for dry or sensitive types.

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

Dibenzyl is a synthetic solvent and fragrance ingredient with moderate irritation potential; it is not a primary active but may appear in small amounts in scented products.

Dibutoxymethane is a synthetic solvent that helps products spread and dry quickly, but it can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

Dibutyl Oxalate is a synthetic solvent found mainly in nail products; it helps ingredients blend and dry, but there is limited safety data for leave-on skincare.