Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle natural gum that helps thicken formulas and leaves a light, non-sticky film on skin.

Acrylamide is not a direct cosmetic ingredient but a potential impurity in certain polymers; regulatory limits exist to keep levels safe in finished products.

A safe, effective thickener that gives products a smooth, lightweight feel, but its synthetic origin and potential for trace acrylamide residue raise minor concerns.

A synthetic thickener and stabilizer that helps create lightweight, non-greasy gel textures in skincare and haircare.

A safe, synthetic thickener and film-former that helps products feel smooth and spread evenly without clogging pores.

A safe, effective thickener that gives lightweight, non-greasy textures to water-based skincare products.

A gentle synthetic thickener that helps create smooth, stable lotions and creams without clogging pores.

A synthetic thickener and film former that helps create a smooth, lightweight feel in gels and serums, with a low risk of irritation.

A synthetic thickener that helps create smooth, stable gel textures without common irritation concerns.

A gentle, seaweed-derived thickener that helps create smooth gel textures without irritating skin.

A gentle, seaweed-derived thickener that gives gels a smooth texture without clogging pores or irritating skin.

A gentle seaweed-derived thickener that helps create smooth, spreadable textures and may offer light hydration.

A seaweed-derived thickener and gentle film-former that helps create smooth, spreadable textures without clogging pores.

A synthetic thickener and stabilizer that helps keep makeup and creams smooth, but may be moderately pore-clogging for some.

A safe, effective thickener and emulsifier that improves product texture without common irritation concerns.

A gentle synthetic thickener that creates a smooth, non-sticky gel texture without clogging pores.

A gentle synthetic thickener that helps create a smooth, non-sticky gel texture in skincare products.

A safe, effective synthetic thickener that gives water-based products a smooth, non-sticky feel without clogging pores.

A gentle, seaweed-based thickener that helps create smooth, stable formulas without clogging pores or irritating skin.

A safe, synthetic thickener that gives water-based products a smooth, non-sticky feel without clogging pores.

Behenyl alcohol is a gentle, plant-derived fatty alcohol that thickens and stabilizes formulas without clogging pores or irritating skin.

A gentle, semi-synthetic thickener that helps create a smooth, non-greasy texture in skincare products.

A gentle, semi-synthetic thickener that improves product texture and stability without common irritation concerns.

A gentle, semi-synthetic thickener that improves product texture and stability without common irritation concerns.

A safe, non-drying fatty alcohol that gives creams a silky feel and helps stabilize formulas without clogging pores.

A safe, non-drying fatty alcohol that helps thicken and stabilize creams and lotions without clogging pores.

A gentle, seaweed-derived thickener that can help soothe and calm the skin while improving product texture.

A plant-based wax that gives lip products and creams a smooth, stable texture without common irritation.

A gentle, non-irritating thickener that improves product texture without clogging pores.

Carnauba wax is a natural, plant-based thickener and shiner commonly found in lip products and creams, with a very low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Carrageenan is a natural seaweed extract that helps thicken and soothe skincare products, but its film-forming effect may not suit everyone.

A gentle, plant-based thickener that helps create a smooth, spreadable texture in skincare products without clogging pores.

Cellulose is a gentle, plant-derived ingredient that thickens formulas and can provide mild physical exfoliation without irritation.

Ceresin is a safe, non-irritating wax that gives products a smooth texture and helps lock in moisture.

Cetyl alcohol is a safe, non-drying fatty alcohol that helps thicken and stabilize products while leaving skin soft and smooth.

A gentle, non-irritating thickener that improves product texture and stability without clogging pores.

A gentle, effective thickener that improves product texture without clogging pores or irritating skin.

A safe, effective thickener that gives gels and creams a smooth, non-sticky feel without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-derived thickener that gives skincare products a smooth, lightweight gel texture without clogging pores or irritating skin.

Ghatti gum is a natural thickener that improves product texture and stability, but it's not a star active ingredient for skin benefits.

A gentle, plant-derived thickener that improves product feel and stability without clogging pores.

A synthetic wax that helps create a smooth, creamy texture in lip and skin products without clogging pores.

A safe, non-irritating wax that gives lipsticks and balms their smooth, firm texture without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-based thickener that gives products a smooth, silky feel without clogging pores.

A gentle, hydrating ingredient that helps skin hold onto moisture without feeling heavy or sticky.

A gentle, plant-derived thickener that improves product texture and stability without irritating skin.

A gentle, plant-derived thickener that improves product texture without clogging pores or irritating skin.

A gentle, plant-based thickener that gives products a smooth, non-greasy feel without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-derived thickener that improves texture and stability without clogging pores or irritating skin.

A gentle, semi-synthetic thickener and stabilizer that improves product texture without clogging pores or irritating skin.

A gentle seaweed powder that helps thicken and soothe formulas, but its benefits are mostly textural rather than active.

A gentle thickener that improves product texture without significant skin concerns.

A synthetic polymer that helps create a smooth, spreadable texture and can leave a light, flexible film on skin or hair.

A gentle, plant-derived thickener that improves product texture and stability without clogging pores or irritating skin.

A gentle, plant-derived thickener that improves product texture without clogging pores or irritating skin.

A gentle, plant-derived thickener that improves product texture without common irritation concerns.

A petroleum-derived wax that gives lipsticks and creams a smooth, stable texture, but may not suit those avoiding petrochemicals.

A wax blend that helps lock in moisture and give products a rich, protective feel, but may clog pores for some skin types.

Natto Gum is a gentle, natural thickener from fermented soy that can add a silky feel and light hydration to products, but research on its skin benefits is still limited.

A gentle thickening agent that improves product texture and stability, generally safe for most skin types.