Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle, naturally derived fatty acid that helps calm and condition the skin, with emerging research supporting its soothing benefits.

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

A gentle, synthetic ingredient that helps calm redness and sensitivity while supporting a more even skin tone.

A gentle, licorice-derived ingredient that helps calm redness and irritation without the strong smell or stickiness of raw licorice extract.

A gentle, plant-derived compound that helps calm redness and supports the skin's natural repair process.

A synthetic compound that may reduce skin sensitivity by calming nerve signals, but research is still early.

Agave leaf extract is a gentle, plant-based ingredient that may help soothe and hydrate the skin, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Agave Rigida Extract is a gentle, plant-derived ingredient that helps soothe and hydrate the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive or irritated skin types.

A gentle, biotech-derived ingredient that may help calm skin and support a healthy microbiome, but research is still early.

Aldioxa is a gentle, soothing ingredient that helps calm irritated skin and reduce minor redness, but it is not a powerhouse active.

A gentle red algae extract that may help calm and hydrate the skin, though research is still emerging.

A gentle, plant-derived soother that helps calm irritated skin and supports a healthy-looking complexion.

A gentle, dual-action ingredient that calms irritation and supports skin repair, ideal for sensitive or stressed skin.

A gentle, dual-action ingredient that soothes irritation and helps skin hold onto moisture, ideal for sensitive or compromised skin.

A gentle, dual-action ingredient that soothes irritation and supports skin repair without clogging pores.

Allantoin PABA combines soothing allantoin with PABA, a former sunscreen ingredient, but PABA is rarely used today due to safety concerns and allergy risks.

A gentle, well-tolerated combination that soothes irritation and supports moisture retention, ideal for sensitive or compromised skin.

A gentle, probiotic-fermented aloe ingredient that soothes and conditions skin without irritation.

A soothing, hydrating botanical extract with antioxidant benefits, generally safe and well-tolerated for most skin types.

A gentle, plant-derived powder that helps calm and hydrate skin, but is less studied than its cousin Aloe barbadensis (common aloe vera).

Aloe Maculata Leaf Extract is a gentle, soothing botanical that helps calm irritated skin and provides light hydration, but it is less researched than classic Aloe vera.

Aloe resin is a natural, soothing ingredient that may help calm irritated skin, but research on its specific benefits is still emerging.

A gentle, water-soluble powder that soothes and hydrates skin, ideal for sensitive or irritated complexions.

A gentle, plant-based powder that soothes and hydrates skin, but its benefits depend heavily on processing and formulation.

Alpha-santalol is the primary fragrant component of sandalwood oil, offering a subtle woody scent and potential soothing benefits, but it must be used at low concentrations to minimize the risk of skin irritation.

A gentle, plant-derived hydrosol that may help calm skin and provide mild antioxidant benefits, but research is limited.

A gentle, licorice-derived ingredient that helps calm irritated skin and reduce redness without harsh side effects.

A fermented botanical extract that soothes and protects skin with antioxidants, ideal for sensitive or stressed skin.

A traditional plant extract with potential soothing benefits, but research is limited and it's not a mainstream ingredient.

A gentle alpine plant extract that may help calm irritated skin and provide antioxidant protection, though research is still emerging.

A fermented botanical extract that may offer soothing and conditioning benefits, but research is still emerging.

Annual feverfew oil is a gentle, plant-based oil that helps calm redness and irritation, making it a good choice for sensitive skin.

A gentle, fragrant oil from the feverfew family that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich Arctic plant extract that may help calm irritated skin, but research is still early.

Arnica flower oil can help calm irritated skin, but it must be used in low concentrations and never on broken skin due to potential irritation.

A gentle, plant-based ingredient that may help calm redness and protect skin from environmental stress, though human studies are still limited.

A gentle, plant-based extract that may help calm irritated skin and provide antioxidant protection, though research specific to this species is still limited.

A gentle, hydrating botanical water that may help calm redness and provide antioxidant protection, especially popular in Korean skincare.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that helps calm irritated skin and supports a healthy-looking complexion.

A gentle, aromatic oil from Korean mugwort that may help calm irritated skin and provide antioxidant support.

A gentle, plant-based ingredient that may help calm redness and protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still early.

A gentle, water-based botanical extract with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research is limited.

A gentle seaweed powder that hydrates, soothes, and provides antioxidant protection, ideal for sensitive or dry skin.

Asiaticoside is a soothing, skin-repairing compound from Gotu Kola that helps calm irritation and supports a healthy skin barrier.

A gentle seaweed extract that may help calm irritated skin and provide antioxidant protection, though research is still emerging.

A gentle, fermented ingredient that helps calm and condition the skin, especially beneficial for sensitive or irritated complexions.

A gentle, fermented ingredient that may help calm skin and support hydration, though research on its benefits is still emerging.

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

A gentle fermented botanical that may help calm skin and support a healthy barrier, but research is still early.

A gentle, plant-based extract that may help calm irritated skin and provide light hydration, though research is still emerging.

A gentle herbal oil with traditional roots, offering soothing and antioxidant benefits, though modern research is still limited.

A gentle, plant-based extract that may help calm and hydrate skin, though research is still emerging.

Azelamide MEA is a milder, less irritating cousin of azelaic acid that helps calm redness and support a clearer complexion without the typical itch or sting.

Azulene is a gentle, blue-hued ingredient that helps calm redness and irritation, making it a favorite for sensitive skin.

A gentle, plant-based extract that helps calm irritation and provides antioxidant protection, ideal for sensitive or reactive skin.

A gentle plant extract that may help calm irritated skin and provide antioxidant support, though research is still early.

Baccharis Oil is a gentle, plant-based oil with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is still early and it may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

A gentle, fermented ingredient that may help calm skin and support a healthy skin barrier, but research is still emerging.

A gentle, biotech-derived ingredient that may help calm and condition the skin, though research is still emerging.

A gentle fermented ingredient that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant benefits, though research is still emerging.