Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A reliable synthetic emulsifier that helps create stable, smooth lotions and creams with low irritation potential.

PPG-6 Trideceth-8 is a synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in cleansers, but it may be slightly drying for very sensitive skin.

A synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, but may cause irritation in sensitive skin at high concentrations.

A mild synthetic emulsifier that helps mix water and oil, generally safe for most skin types.

A reliable synthetic emulsifier that helps keep your skincare products stable and smooth without common irritation concerns.

A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in cleansers and shampoos, with a low risk of irritation.

A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps cleansers rinse cleanly without stripping the skin.

A mild synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in cleansers and shampoos, generally well-tolerated by most skin types.

A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps oil and water mix, making creams and cleansers stable and effective.

A mild synthetic surfactant that helps products foam and rinse cleanly, generally well-tolerated but not a star active ingredient.

A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps cleanse without stripping the skin, but offers no active skincare benefits.

A synthetic emulsifier that helps products spread and rinse cleanly, but may cause mild irritation for sensitive skin.

A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix water and oil in products, generally well-tolerated by most skin types.

A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in cleansers and lotions, generally well-tolerated by most skin types.

A gentle plant-based surfactant with mild cleansing and soothing potential, but research is limited and it may not replace more established ingredients.

A gentle conditioning ingredient that helps reduce static and improve manageability in hair products, with a low risk of irritation.

A semi-synthetic emulsifier from rice bran oil that helps create stable, creamy cleansers but may be mildly irritating for sensitive skin.

A mild foam booster and thickener that helps create a rich lather in cleansers, generally well-tolerated but not a primary active ingredient.

An effective foam booster and thickener, but may cause irritation for sensitive skin and has raised environmental concerns.

A mild surfactant derived from castor oil that helps create rich lather and thicken cleansers without stripping the skin.

Ricinoleth-40 is a gentle emulsifier that helps blend oil and water, but may cause irritation in sensitive skin at high concentrations.

A water-friendly version of rosehip oil that delivers fatty acids without the greasy feel, ideal for lightweight hydration and gentle cleansing.

Sesamide DEA helps create rich lather and thicken cleansers, but it may be mildly irritating and has moderate comedogenic potential.

A gentle, plant-derived surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, making it a great choice for sensitive or dry skin types.

A gentle, sesame-derived surfactant that boosts foam and improves the feel of cleansers without stripping the skin.

A gentle emulsifier and foam booster that helps blend oil and water in cleansers, but may cause mild irritation for sensitive skin.

A gentle, plant-based surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin, but it's not as widely studied as more common cleansing agents.

A gentle, semi-synthetic surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

A mild synthetic surfactant that helps cleansers foam and rinse without stripping the skin.

A gentle synthetic surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin, but offers no direct skincare benefits beyond cleansing.

A strong foaming cleanser that can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin, but is generally safe for normal skin types.

A gentle, coconut-derived surfactant that cleans effectively without stripping the skin barrier.

A gentle silicone emulsifier that helps products spread smoothly and rinse cleanly, but may not suit those avoiding silicones.

An effective cleansing and conditioning ingredient, but may cause mild irritation for sensitive skin and has environmental concerns due to tallow sourcing.

A semi-synthetic surfactant and conditioner from tallow that can improve feel and foam but may be too heavy or irritating for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

A gentle, phosphate-based surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

A mild, conditioning surfactant derived from chitosan and coconut oil that cleanses without stripping the skin or hair.

A mild, naturally-derived surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin barrier.

A gentle coconut-derived surfactant and conditioner that cleans without stripping, making it a good choice for sensitive or dry hair and skin.

A mild, protein-enriched cleanser that helps clean without stripping the skin or hair.

A gentle, coconut-derived cleanser that also conditions skin and hair, making it a good choice for sensitive or dry types.

A mild, protein-based surfactant that cleanses without stripping and helps strengthen hair, but may not suit those with protein-sensitive hair.

A mild, protein-rich cleansing agent that helps clean without stripping the skin or hair.

A gentle, wheat-derived surfactant that cleans effectively while being kinder to sensitive skin than traditional sulfates.

A synthetic helper that keeps cleansing formulas clear and stable, but can be drying for sensitive skin.

Sodium deoxycholate is a bile salt that can help break down oils and improve ingredient absorption, but it may be irritating for sensitive skin.

A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in cleansers and creams, with a low risk of irritation.

A gentle cleansing and emulsifying ingredient that helps create stable, non-stripping formulas.

A gentle, multi-tasking ingredient that cleanses and conditions without stripping, making it ideal for sensitive or dry hair and skin.

A gentle silicone-based cleansing agent that creates a rich lather without stripping the skin.

A gentle silicone-based surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, making it a good option for sensitive or dry skin types.

A mild synthetic surfactant that helps cleansers foam and creams stay smooth, generally well-tolerated by most skin types.

Sodium Isostearate is a gentle cleansing and emulsifying ingredient that helps create stable, creamy formulas without stripping the skin.

A gentle, low-irritation surfactant that cleanses effectively while being kind to sensitive skin.

A gentle surfactant that helps cleanse and emulsify without stripping the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive skin formulations.

A gentle cleansing agent that helps remove dirt and oil without stripping the skin, but may not suit ultra-sensitive types if used in high amounts.

A gentle, ethoxylated surfactant that cleans effectively without stripping the skin, but its ethoxylation process raises minor environmental and purity concerns.

A mild, phosphate-based surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

A mild, plant-derived surfactant that helps mix ingredients and improve product texture, but it's not a star active for skin benefits.

A gentle, plant-derived surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.