Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A synthetic dispersant that helps ingredients blend, but may be drying for sensitive skin.

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

A gentle, sulfate-free surfactant that effectively cleanses while being kind to sensitive skin.

A mild synthetic cleanser that helps remove dirt and oil without stripping the skin, but may cause irritation for very sensitive skin types.

A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in skincare products without stripping the skin.

A gentle, plant-derived surfactant that cleanses effectively while being kind to sensitive skin.

A mild, conditioning surfactant that cleans without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

A gentle, non-stripping cleanser that helps maintain skin's moisture barrier while effectively removing dirt and oil.

A mild, plant-derived surfactant that cleanses gently, making it a good choice for sensitive or dry skin.

Disoyamine is a functional surfactant that helps cleansers foam and rinse cleanly, but it may be slightly drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

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

A mild, amino-acid-derived surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, making it ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

A mild, amino-acid-based surfactant that cleanses effectively while being gentle on the skin barrier.

Dodoxynol-12 is a synthetic emulsifier that helps cleanse and stabilize formulas, but it may be slightly drying or irritating for very sensitive skin.

Dodoxynol-13 is a synthetic cleansing agent that helps remove dirt and oil, but may be slightly drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

Dodoxynol-5 is a synthetic cleansing agent that helps remove dirt and oil, but may be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

Dodoxynol-6 is a synthetic cleansing agent that helps remove dirt and oil, but it may be slightly drying or irritating for very sensitive skin.

Dodoxynol-7 is a synthetic cleansing agent that helps products foam and remove dirt, but it may be slightly drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

A synthetic cleansing agent that helps remove dirt and oil, but may be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

A synthetic conditioning agent that reduces static and softens hair, but may cause irritation for sensitive scalps.

Ethylene Dioleamide is a synthetic thickener and opacifier used mainly in rinse-off products; it is generally considered safe but has limited direct skin benefit.

A gentle, yeast-fermented cleanser that removes dirt without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

A synthetic fluorinated ingredient that helps products spread smoothly and resist water, but raises environmental persistence concerns.

A fluorinated surfactant that improves water and oil resistance but raises environmental persistence concerns.

A mild, coconut-derived ingredient that softens skin and helps cleansers foam without stripping moisture.

A gentle, water-loving emollient that softens skin and helps other ingredients spread evenly without clogging pores.

A gentle, water-loving emollient that softens skin and helps cleansers feel less stripping, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

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

A gentle, biodegradable surfactant that effectively cleanses without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

Hexeth-5 is a mild synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, but may cause irritation for very sensitive skin at higher concentrations.

Hexyldeceth-2 is a gentle, synthetic surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive formulas.

Hexyldeceth-20 is a gentle, effective emulsifier and cleanser that helps mix oil and water without stripping the skin.

A synthetic cleansing agent that helps remove dirt and oil, but may be drying for sensitive skin.

A reliable, low-irritation emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in your skincare products, but may feel slightly heavy on very oily skin.

A gentle, plant-derived surfactant that helps create a rich lather and cleanse without stripping the skin.

A mild, animal-derived surfactant that cleans effectively without over-drying, suitable for sensitive skin.

A traditional foam booster and emulsifier that can be effective but may cause irritation or clog pores in sensitive or acne-prone skin.

An effective hair conditioner and antistatic agent, but its animal origin and potential for irritation make it less common in modern clean beauty.

An effective foaming agent from animal-derived tallow, but may be too stripping for dry or sensitive skin.

A gentle emulsifier that helps mix water and oil, but its animal-derived origin may not suit everyone.

A gentle emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in cleansers and creams, but its animal-derived origin may not suit everyone.

A mild, biodegradable surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, making it a great choice for sensitive or dry skin types.

A mild, protein-based cleanser that helps clean skin and hair while leaving them feeling soft and conditioned.

Hydroxycetyl Phosphate is a gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps create stable, smooth formulas without significant irritation or clogging concerns.

A mild synthetic surfactant that helps cleanse and reduce static, generally well-tolerated but not a standout ingredient.

A mild, sugar-derived emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in cleansers and creams without stripping the skin.

Isoceteth-12 is a synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in cleansers, but it may be slightly drying or irritating for very sensitive skin.

Isoceteth-20 is a gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix water and oil in your skincare, making textures smooth and stable without common irritation.

Isoceteth-25 is a gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, making it a common but low-risk ingredient in cleansers and creams.

Isoceteth-30 is a mild synthetic emulsifier that helps mix water and oil in cleansers, with low irritation potential for most skin types.

Isoceteth-5 is a gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in cleansers and lotions, with a low risk of irritation.

Isodeceth-4 is a gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in cleansers and lotions, with a low risk of irritation.

Isodeceth-5 is a workhorse emulsifier that helps products feel smooth, but it can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin if used in high amounts.

Isodeceth-6 is a mild synthetic emulsifier that helps cleansers rinse away dirt and oil, but it may cause irritation for very sensitive skin.

A mild synthetic surfactant that helps cleansers foam and rinse clean, but may cause dryness or irritation for very sensitive skin.

A synthetic emulsifier that helps products rinse cleanly but may be drying for sensitive skin.

Isolaureth-4 Phosphate is a mild cleansing agent that helps remove dirt and oil, but may cause slight irritation for very sensitive skin.

Isomyreth-3 is a synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, but it may be mildly irritating for sensitive skin.

Isomyreth-9 is a synthetic emulsifier that helps cleansers foam and rinse cleanly, but it may be slightly drying for sensitive skin.

A strong synthetic detergent that effectively removes oil and dirt but may be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.