Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

Acrylic acid is a synthetic building block for common thickeners and stabilizers, but it is rarely used directly in skincare due to potential irritation.

Dibenzylidene Sorbitol is a synthetic thickener that helps create smooth, non-greasy gels, but it has limited skin benefits and may feel heavy on some skin types.

A synthetic gelling agent that gives oil-based products a smooth, non-greasy texture, but is rarely used in water-based formulas.

Lithium Stearate is a safe, synthetic thickener that helps give cosmetics a smooth, stable texture, but it offers no direct skin benefit.

A synthetic thickener that gives creams and lotions a rich, velvety texture without clogging pores or irritating skin.

A gentle seaweed-derived thickener that helps create a smooth, spreadable texture, but research on its unique benefits is still limited.

A mild, plant-derived cleansing polymer that helps create a rich lather while being gentle on skin.