Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

A traditional botanical powder with antioxidant potential, but limited modern research and practical formulation data for routine skincare use.

A gentle amino acid derivative that may help improve skin hydration and barrier resilience, though research is still emerging.

Alanine is a gentle, water-loving amino acid that helps keep skin hydrated and supports a healthy barrier without irritation.

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

A gentle, amino-acid-based humectant that helps hydrate and soothe the skin, making it a good option for sensitive or dry skin types.

A gentle peptide that may help improve skin hydration and barrier function, but research is still early.

A gentle, nutrient-rich seaweed extract that hydrates and soothes the skin without clogging pores.

A mushroom extract with promising antioxidant and soothing benefits, though research is still emerging.

A gentle plant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still early.

Alcloxa is an old-school antimicrobial that helps control odor but can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Alcohol can improve product feel and penetration but is drying and irritating for many skin types, especially at high concentrations.

Aldioxa is a gentle, soothing ingredient that helps calm irritated skin and reduce minor redness, but it is not a powerhouse active.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its specific skin benefits is still limited.

A fragrant essential oil with some antimicrobial potential, but may cause irritation in sensitive skin and lacks strong research for cosmetic benefits.

A gentle plant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

A gentle botanical root extract with a history in traditional wellness, but limited modern research to support specific skincare benefits.

A plant-based extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its skincare benefits is still limited.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its specific benefits in skincare is still limited.

A gentle, plant-derived exfoliant that helps brighten skin and even out tone without the irritation of stronger acids.

Alexandrite powder adds a subtle, gem-like shimmer to makeup but offers no proven skincare benefits.

Alfalfa Juice is a gentle, nutrient-packed plant juice that may help soothe and protect skin, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

A gentle, nutrient-rich botanical powder that provides mild physical exfoliation and may offer antioxidant benefits, but its effects are not well-studied in skincare.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that helps calm and support the skin barrier without clogging pores.

A natural, gentle exfoliating powder that also provides antioxidant properties, but research on its skincare benefits is still limited.

A gentle, biotech-derived alfalfa extract that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

A gentle, algae-derived humectant that hydrates and forms a protective film on the skin, with good tolerability for most skin types.

A gentle red algae extract that may help calm and hydrate the skin, though research is still emerging.

A gentle, algae-derived lipid that helps strengthen the skin barrier and lock in moisture.

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 gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that helps hydrate and protect skin, though research is still emerging.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress while providing light hydration.

Alisma Extract is a gentle botanical that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Alkaline Phosphatase is a gentle enzyme that may help support skin renewal, but research is still emerging and it's not a proven powerhouse ingredient.

A gentle silicone that smooths hair and skin without heavy buildup, but may not suit those avoiding silicones.

A silicone polymer that improves product feel and wear without clogging pores or causing irritation.

A gentle, plant-derived film-former that helps products feel smooth and stay put without clogging pores.

A gentle silicone emulsifier that creates smooth, stable formulas without heavy residue.

A gentle, silicone-based cleansing and texturizing ingredient that helps products spread smoothly without stripping the skin.

A gentle silicone derivative that smooths hair and skin without heavy buildup, but its long-term effects are less studied than simpler silicones.

A gentle, non-greasy butter that softens and hydrates skin without clogging pores, ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

A gentle, plant-derived soother that helps calm irritated skin and supports a healthy-looking complexion.

A gentle, multi-tasking ingredient that soothes irritation while supporting the skin's natural repair processes.

A gentle, stable vitamin C derivative that pairs antioxidant protection with soothing skin repair.

A gentle, low-irritation duo that soothes and supports skin barrier function, best for sensitive or stressed skin.

A gentle, dual-action ingredient that calms irritation and supports skin repair, ideal for sensitive or stressed skin.

A gentle, dual-action ingredient that soothes irritation and helps skin hold onto moisture, ideal for sensitive or compromised skin.

A gentle, dual-action ingredient that soothes irritation and supports skin repair without clogging pores.

Allantoin PABA combines soothing allantoin with PABA, a former sunscreen ingredient, but PABA is rarely used today due to safety concerns and allergy risks.

A gentle, well-tolerated combination that soothes irritation and supports moisture retention, ideal for sensitive or compromised skin.

A gentle, multi-tasking ingredient that calms irritation and helps skin hold onto moisture — ideal for sensitive or stressed skin.

Allergenic fragrances are common skin sensitizers that can cause irritation and allergic reactions, especially in those with sensitive skin or eczema.

Allethrins are synthetic insecticides used in some personal care products for anti-parasitic purposes, but they are not common in everyday skincare and may cause irritation for sensitive individuals.

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still early—think of it as a nice bonus, not a skincare hero.

A gentle plant-based antioxidant extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Allo-Ocimenol is a natural fragrance compound that adds a pleasant scent to products but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Alloimperatorin is a plant-derived antioxidant with early research suggesting anti-inflammatory benefits, but its use in skincare is still emerging and requires caution due to potential photosensitivity.