Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A synthetic UV filter that is effective but controversial due to potential endocrine concerns and regulatory restrictions.

A synthetic UVB filter that is effective but controversial due to potential endocrine-disrupting effects, leading to bans in some countries.

Acetaminosalol is a synthetic UV filter that helps protect skin from sun damage, but it may cause irritation for sensitive skin types.

A synthetic UV filter that helps protect skin from sun damage, but its long-term safety data is still emerging.

A synthetic UV filter that provides broad-spectrum sun protection with a low irritation profile, commonly used in sunscreens and daily SPF products.

A synthetic UV filter that offers broad-spectrum protection, generally well-tolerated but with limited long-term data.

A synthetic UV filter that also contributes to fragrance; effective but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Avobenzone is a reliable UVA sunscreen ingredient, but it needs stabilizers to remain effective and can cause staining on clothes.

A highly photostable, broad-spectrum sunscreen filter that offers excellent UVA and UVB protection with minimal irritation risk.

A synthetic UVA filter that helps protect skin from deeper sun damage, but it's less common in the US and more often found in international sunscreens.

Benzophenone is an effective UV filter, but concerns about skin penetration and potential hormone disruption have led to stricter regulations and a shift toward safer alternatives.

Benzophenone-1 is an effective UV filter, but its potential for skin sensitization and environmental concerns make it a less preferred choice in modern formulations.

Benzophenone-3 is an effective UV filter but has raised concerns about skin absorption and potential hormonal effects, making it a controversial ingredient in modern skincare.

Benzophenone-4 is an effective UV filter, but concerns about skin penetration and potential endocrine disruption mean it's best for occasional use in rinse-off products.

Benzophenone-6 is a synthetic UV filter that protects products and skin from UV rays, but it has raised some safety concerns regarding potential hormone disruption and environmental persistence.

Benzophenone-8 is an effective UV absorber, but its use has declined due to concerns about skin penetration and potential endocrine disruption.

Benzophenone-9 is a synthetic UV filter that helps protect your skin and product from sun damage, but it's less common and less studied than newer alternatives.

A reliable, photostable sunscreen ingredient that offers broad-spectrum protection without the white cast of some mineral filters.

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

A synthetic UVA filter that helps protect skin from deeper sun damage, but it's not as widely studied as some older filters.

A synthetic UV filter that effectively absorbs UVB and short UVA rays, but its use is restricted in some countries due to environmental concerns.

An experimental UV-filter ingredient that may offer sun protection and skin conditioning, but it is rarely used in mainstream products and has limited safety data.

A modern synthetic UV filter that offers broad-spectrum protection with a low irritation profile, but its use is still limited compared to older filters.

A widely used synthetic UVA filter that helps protect skin from aging and sun damage with a good safety profile.

A gold-standard sunscreen ingredient that offers broad-spectrum protection without the white cast of older mineral filters.

A silicone polymer that improves sunscreen performance and water resistance without feeling heavy.

A lab-enhanced version of a natural algae sunscreen compound that shows promise for UV protection, but human research is still limited.

Bumetrizole is a synthetic UV filter that effectively absorbs UVA and UVB rays, but its use is restricted in some regions due to environmental concerns.

Butyl Anthranilate is a synthetic UVA filter that helps protect skin from sun damage, but it is rarely used alone and is often paired with other UV filters.

A silicone-based helper ingredient that improves the feel and water resistance of sunscreens and foundations without adding greasiness.

A modern synthetic UV filter that provides broad-spectrum protection with low irritation potential, but its safety data is still emerging compared to older filters.

A synthetic UV filter that helps stabilize sunscreen formulas and absorb UVA/UVB rays, but its use is limited by regulatory approval in some regions.

A safe, lightweight emollient that helps sunscreens feel silky and spread easily, but it's not an active sunscreen ingredient itself.

Cinoxate is a UVB filter that protects skin from sunburn, but it is less common today due to newer, more photostable alternatives.

A synthetic UV filter that helps protect skin from sun damage, but its use is limited to certain regions due to regulatory differences.

Decyl Anthranilate is a gentle UVB filter that helps stabilize other sunscreen ingredients, but it is not a broad-spectrum protector on its own.

A synthetic UV filter that protects skin from sun damage, but its use is limited by regional regulations and potential environmental concerns.

A highly effective, photostable sunscreen ingredient that provides broad-spectrum protection without common irritation.

A reliable, photostable UVA filter that helps protect skin from premature aging and sun damage without leaving a white cast.

A highly effective, photostable sunscreen ingredient that provides broad-spectrum protection without the greasy feel of some older filters.

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

Diisopropyl Methyl Cinnamate is a synthetic UV filter that helps protect skin from sun damage, but its use is limited compared to more common sunscreen ingredients.

A synthetic UV filter that effectively absorbs UVA and UVB rays, offering broad-spectrum protection with a low irritation profile.

A synthetic UV filter that provides broad-spectrum sun protection with low irritation potential, but its use is limited to certain regions.

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

A highly effective, photostable sunscreen ingredient that provides broad-spectrum protection with minimal irritation risk.

A highly effective, photostable UVA filter that is gentle on skin and widely used in sunscreens.

Drometrizole is a synthetic UV filter that helps protect skin from sun damage, but it is less common in the US than in Europe.

A highly effective, photostable sunscreen ingredient that provides broad-spectrum protection without leaving a white cast.

Ethyl Dihydroxypropyl PABA is a less common UVB filter that can protect against sunburn but may cause skin sensitivity in some people.

Ethyl Diisopropylcinnamate is a synthetic UV filter that helps block UVB rays, but it is less common in modern sunscreens due to limited broad-spectrum protection.

A synthetic UV filter that helps protect skin from sun damage, but its use is limited to certain regions and formulations.

A modern UVA filter that offers broad-spectrum protection with low irritation potential, commonly used in sunscreens outside the US.

Ethyl Methoxycinnamate is an effective UVB filter, but its safety has been debated due to potential skin absorption and environmental concerns.

A highly effective, photostable sunscreen ingredient that provides broad-spectrum protection without the white cast of mineral filters.

A synthetic UVA filter that helps protect skin from sun damage, generally well-tolerated but not as widely studied as some other UV filters.

Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene is a synthetic ingredient that keeps other sunscreen filters stable and effective, but it's not a primary UV blocker on its own.

A widely used UVB filter that helps protect skin from sunburn and is generally considered safe and well-tolerated.

A powerful, photostable UVB filter that provides reliable sunburn protection without the greasy feel of older sunscreens.

A synthetic UV filter that effectively absorbs UVA and UVB rays, commonly used in sunscreens for broad-spectrum protection.