Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

Pectin is a gentle, fruit-derived thickener and hydrator that helps stabilize formulas and adds a light, non-greasy feel to skincare products.

PEG-115M is a gentle synthetic thickener that gives products a smooth, silky feel without clogging pores or causing irritation.

A safe, widely used thickener that gives cleansers and lotions a rich, creamy texture without clogging pores or irritating skin.

PEG-135 is a safe, widely used thickener and emulsifier, but its production may involve potentially concerning impurities that are tightly regulated.

A synthetic thickener that gives water-based products a smooth, gel-like feel without greasiness.

PEG-160M is a safe, synthetic thickener that improves product texture without causing irritation or clogging pores.

A synthetic thickener that helps give your cleansers and lotions a smooth, gel-like texture without clogging pores.

PEG-180M is a safe synthetic thickener that improves product texture and spreadability without common irritation concerns.

PEG-240 is a safe, synthetic thickener that improves product texture but may be less eco-friendly than natural alternatives.

PEG-450 is a safe, widely used synthetic thickener and humectant that helps stabilize formulas and improve texture, but it may be contaminated with impurities in poorly manufactured products.

PEG-45M is a safe, synthetic thickener that gives products a smooth, silky feel without clogging pores.

PEG-65M is a safe, synthetic thickener that improves product texture and feel without common irritation concerns.

PEG-90M is a safe, synthetic thickener that gives a smooth, non-sticky feel to water-based products.

A safe, synthetic thickener that improves product texture without clogging pores or causing irritation.

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

A safe, synthetic thickener that gives water-based products a silky, non-sticky feel, but offers no active skincare benefits.

A safe, synthetic thickener that helps create a smooth, spreadable texture in cleansers and lotions, but offers no active skin benefits.

A safe, synthetic thickener that helps create smooth, non-sticky gels and serums, but offers no direct skin benefit.

A safe, synthetic thickener that improves product texture and spreadability without common irritation.

A safe, synthetic thickener and stabilizer that improves product texture without major skin concerns.

A safe, synthetic thickener that improves product texture and stability without common irritation.

A safe, synthetic thickener that improves product texture and stability without common irritation concerns.

A safe, synthetic thickener that improves product texture and spreadability without clogging pores.

A safe, synthetic thickener that gives water-based products a smooth, non-sticky feel, but offers no active skincare benefits.

A safe, synthetic thickener that improves product texture and stability without common irritation concerns.

A safe, synthetic thickener that improves product texture and spreadability, but offers no direct skin benefit.

A safe, synthetic thickener that improves product texture and spreadability, but offers no direct skin benefit.

A safe, synthetic thickener that gives water-based products a silky, non-sticky feel, but offers no active skin benefits.

A safe, synthetic thickener and emulsifier that improves product texture and stability without major skin concerns.

A safe, synthetic thickener that improves product texture and stability, but offers no direct skin benefit.

A safe, synthetic thickener that helps products feel smooth and spread evenly, but offers no active skincare benefits.

A safe, synthetic thickener that improves product texture and stability, but offers no active skincare benefits.

Polyacrylamide is a safe, effective thickener that gives products a smooth, silky feel, but it's often paired with preservatives that raise concerns for some users.

A safe, synthetic thickener that helps create a smooth, silky texture in skincare products without clogging pores.

A gentle, seaweed-derived thickener that gives products a smooth gel feel and can create a temporary tightening sensation on skin.

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

A synthetic thickener that helps create a smooth, stable texture in creams and lotions, but offers no active skin benefits.

A gentle, seaweed-based thickener that improves product feel and stability without common irritation concerns.

A gentle, plant-based thickener that creates a soothing gel texture, but it can feel sticky if used too high.

A gentle clay derivative that improves product feel and stability, but offers no direct skin benefit.

Rhizobian Gum is a gentle, natural thickener that improves product texture without clogging pores or causing irritation.

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

A safe synthetic thickener that helps products spread smoothly and feel lightweight on skin.

Sodium chloride is safe in small amounts but can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin in high concentrations.

A common synthetic thickener that gives gels and creams a smooth, silky feel, but may not suit those avoiding synthetic ingredients.

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

A synthetic thickener and stabilizer that helps give creams and sticks a smooth, non-greasy feel with low irritation risk.

A gentle fatty alcohol that helps thicken and soften products without drying or irritating the skin.

Stearyl Beeswax is a gentle, plant-friendly wax that gives creams and balms a smooth, stable texture without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-based thickener and film former that can add a silky feel and light hydration to skincare products.

Trihydroxystearin is a reliable thickener and stabilizer that helps keep cosmetic products smooth and consistent without common irritation concerns.

Welan gum is a gentle, plant-derived thickener that improves product texture and stability without clogging pores or irritating skin.

Xanthan gum is a safe, plant-derived thickener that gives your skincare products a smooth, spreadable texture without clogging pores.

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

A gentle, modified xanthan gum that thickens products and helps reduce static in hair without common irritation.