Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

Dichloromethane is a strong solvent with significant safety concerns; it is not recommended for routine skincare and is largely banned or restricted in cosmetic products.

A mild synthetic solvent that helps mix ingredients and thin out thick formulas, but offers no direct skin benefit.

Diethyl carbonate is a gentle, fast-evaporating solvent that helps products spread and dry quickly, but it's not a star active ingredient.

Diethyl oxalate is a synthetic solvent with limited cosmetic benefits and potential skin irritation; it is rarely a primary active ingredient in skincare.

Diethyl Succinate is a gentle solvent that helps dissolve other ingredients and improve product texture, with a low risk of irritation.

A synthetic solvent and plasticizer that helps nail polishes and hair sprays apply smoothly and resist chipping, but it's not a hydrating or active skincare ingredient.

Diisobutyl Oxalate is a synthetic solvent that helps dissolve other ingredients and creates a silky feel, but it has limited research on long-term skin effects.

Diisopropyl Oxalate is a synthetic ingredient that helps other ingredients dissolve and spread smoothly, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

An industrial plasticizer rarely used in leave-on skincare; best avoided for daily facial care due to limited safety data and potential irritation.

A mild solvent that helps products spread and dry quickly, but its role is purely functional — it doesn't actively improve skin.

Dimethyl Glutarate is a gentle synthetic solvent that helps products spread and feel smooth, but it offers no direct skin benefits beyond formulation.

A gentle, non-drying solvent that helps other ingredients work better without leaving a greasy feel.

Dimethyl Malonate is a synthetic solvent and fragrance ingredient with minimal research on skin benefits; it's generally safe at low levels but offers no active skincare value.

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

A mild synthetic ester that helps other ingredients absorb and leaves skin feeling smooth, but offers no direct active benefits.

Dimethyl sulfide is a sulfur compound used mainly as a solvent or to mask odors in cosmetics; it has limited research on direct skin benefits and may cause irritation at higher concentrations.

A synthetic solvent and fragrance ingredient that is generally considered safe at low concentrations but offers no direct skin benefit.

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

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

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.

Dodecane is a lightweight, volatile oil that helps products spread smoothly and evaporate quickly without leaving a greasy feel.

Dodecene is a lightweight synthetic oil that helps dissolve makeup and sebum without feeling greasy, but it offers no active skincare benefits.

A synthetic solvent and emollient that helps dissolve other ingredients and provides a lightweight feel, but lacks extensive skin-benefit research.

Ethoxydiglycol is a common solvent that helps active ingredients penetrate the skin, but it can also increase the absorption of potentially irritating ingredients.

A mild synthetic solvent that helps dissolve other ingredients and gives a smooth, non-greasy feel, but may enhance penetration of other actives.

A mild synthetic ester that helps dissolve other ingredients and adds a subtle scent, but offers no standout skincare benefits.

Ethyl acetate is an effective solvent for nail products but can be drying and irritating if used in high concentrations on skin.

Ethyl Formate is a solvent and fragrance ingredient that can add a fruity scent but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals at higher levels.

A fast-evaporating synthetic fluid that gives a silky, non-greasy feel and helps other ingredients spread evenly.

A lightweight synthetic ingredient that helps products spread smoothly and evaporate quickly, but its long-term safety data is still limited.

Ethyl propyl ketone is a synthetic solvent and fragrance ingredient that can help dissolve other ingredients but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic solvent that helps other ingredients absorb better, but may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

A synthetic diol used mainly as a solvent or viscosity adjuster; not a star active ingredient but generally considered safe at low concentrations.

Ethylhexanol is a synthetic alcohol used as a solvent or fragrance ingredient, not a direct skin care active; it can be irritating at high concentrations.

A lightweight synthetic solvent that helps products spread smoothly and evaporate quickly, but may cause dryness with overuse.

Fusel oil is a fermentation byproduct used as a solvent in cosmetics, but it can be irritating and is not a common or recommended ingredient for everyday skincare.

Glycofurol is a synthetic solvent that helps other ingredients absorb into skin, but it may cause irritation for sensitive types.

Heptane is an effective fast-evaporating solvent, but its high volatility and potential for irritation make it a cautious choice for sensitive skin.

A lightweight, fast-evaporating silicone that improves product feel and spreadability without clogging pores.

Hexanediol is a gentle, multi-tasking ingredient that helps dissolve other ingredients, adds light hydration, and supports product preservation.

Hexene is a synthetic solvent used in small amounts; it has no direct skincare benefit and may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

Hexyl alcohol is a mild fatty alcohol that helps dissolve other ingredients and adds a silky feel, but it's not a drying alcohol like denatured alcohol.

Hexyloxyethanol is a synthetic solvent that helps other ingredients dissolve and boosts preservative effectiveness, but it may cause mild irritation for sensitive skin.

A synthetic hydrocarbon blend that helps dissolve oils and create a lightweight feel, but may be comedogenic for some.

A petroleum-derived solvent blend that effectively dissolves oils and creates lightweight textures, but may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

A mild synthetic solvent that helps dissolve other ingredients and may offer light skin conditioning, but research on its long-term effects is limited.

A synthetic solvent that helps other ingredients blend and spread, but has limited direct skin benefit and is best reserved for nail and hair formulas.

Isoamyl alcohol is a solvent and fragrance ingredient that can help products feel lighter, but it may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

A synthetic solvent that helps dissolve other ingredients and leaves a light, non-greasy feel on skin.

Isobutoxypropanol is a synthetic solvent that helps other ingredients dissolve and spread, but it can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

Isobutyl acetate is a fast-evaporating solvent that helps products dry quickly, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin or when inhaled in high amounts.

A solvent that helps ingredients mix but can be drying and irritating, especially for sensitive skin.

Isododecane is a lightweight, volatile emollient that helps products spread smoothly and dry quickly without a greasy feel.

A gentle synthetic ester that helps dissolve other ingredients and leaves skin feeling smooth without heavy residue.

A safe, synthetic fatty alcohol that helps products spread smoothly and feel less greasy, but offers no active skin benefits.

Isooctane is a lightweight solvent that helps dissolve oils and makeup, but it can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

Isooctanol is a synthetic alcohol that helps dissolve other ingredients and gives a silky feel, but it can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.