Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle, non-greasy oil that hydrates and soothes skin, suitable for most skin types including sensitive and oily.

Fusel oil is a fermentation byproduct used as a solvent in cosmetics, but it can be irritating and is not a common or recommended ingredient for everyday skincare.

A mild, biodegradable surfactant from fermented wheat that cleanses without stripping the skin.

A gentle, fermentation-derived ingredient that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, but research is still early.

GABOB is a gentle amino acid derivative that may help calm skin and support the moisture barrier, but research in cosmetics is still limited.

Gac fruit seed aril powder is a gentle antioxidant-rich ingredient that may help brighten skin and protect against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Gac seed aril oil is a lightweight, antioxidant-rich oil that may help protect skin from environmental stress while providing gentle moisture.

A mild, sugar-derived exfoliant that smooths skin and boosts hydration with minimal irritation.

A gentle, plant-derived humectant that helps hydrate and soothe the skin without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-based conditioning ingredient that reduces static and improves softness without heavy buildup.

A gentle fermented yeast extract that helps improve skin texture and hydration, popular in Korean skincare.

A gentle, fermented ingredient that hydrates and supports skin texture, popular in Korean skincare essences.

Galactose is a gentle sugar humectant that helps hydrate skin and may support a healthy skin microbiome, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still emerging.

A gentle enzyme exfoliant that works by breaking down surface sugars, offering mild brightening without harsh scrubbing.

A gentle prebiotic sugar that hydrates and feeds beneficial skin bacteria without irritation.

A milder cousin to salicylic acid that delivers exfoliation with less sting, making it ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

A gentle, hydrating exfoliant that smooths skin without the sting of stronger acids.

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research on topical skincare benefits is still limited.

Galanga Root Extract is a gentle botanical with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research in topical skincare is still limited.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich water from galangal root that may help soothe skin and protect against environmental stress.

Galangin is a plant-based antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but human studies are limited.

A gentle red algae extract that may help calm irritation and provide antioxidant support, though research is still emerging.

Galbanum gum is a natural resin with a rich history in traditional medicine, but modern skincare evidence is limited to its soothing and aromatic potential.

Galbanum gum extract is a natural resin with mild soothing and antioxidant potential, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Galbanum Resin Oil adds a unique green, woody scent to products but has limited research on direct skin benefits and may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

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

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant and astringent benefits, best for oily or combination skin looking for light protection.

Gallic acid is a plant-derived antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental damage and may support a more even skin tone, but it is less studied than more common antioxidants like vitamin C.

Gallium maltolate is an experimental ingredient with promising antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, but it is not yet widely used or proven safe in everyday skincare.

A newer synthetic peptide that may help firm skin and soften lines, but long-term research is still limited.

A synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but more human studies are needed to confirm its effects.

A synthetic peptide that may help support skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but research is still emerging.

A synthetic peptide that may help firm skin and soften lines, but research is still early.

A synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but more human studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness.

A synthetic peptide that may help firm skin and soften fine lines, but research is still emerging and it works best as part of a broader anti-aging routine.

A lab-made peptide that may help firm skin and soften lines, but human studies are still limited.

A lab-made peptide that may help firm skin and soften lines, but human studies are still limited.

A promising synthetic peptide that may help firm skin and soften wrinkles, but more independent human studies are needed to confirm its effects.

A synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but more independent research is needed.

A synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, with good tolerability for most skin types.

A gentle antioxidant that may help even skin tone and reduce dullness without irritation.

A gentle, fruit-derived exfoliant that helps smooth skin texture without the sting of stronger acids.

Gamma-Decalactone is a safe, fruity fragrance ingredient used at low levels in cosmetics, but it offers no skincare benefits beyond scent.

Gamma-Docosalactone is a gentle synthetic emollient that helps soften and condition skin, but research on its long-term benefits is still limited.

Gamma-Heptalactone is a synthetic scent ingredient that adds a sweet, creamy note to products, but it offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a fresh floral note but has limited published safety data beyond basic skin irritation tests.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds pleasant scent but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a creamy, peach-like scent to products, but offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a floral note but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Gamma-Nonalactone is a synthetic scent ingredient that adds a sweet, coconut-like aroma to products; it is generally safe at low concentrations but offers no skincare benefit.

A gentle antioxidant from rice bran that helps calm skin and fight environmental damage without irritation.

Gamma-Terpinene is a plant-derived antioxidant that can help protect skin from environmental stress, but it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals at high concentrations.

A synthetic peach-scented fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant aroma but offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Gamma-Undecenolactone is a synthetic fragrance compound that adds a pleasant scent to products but offers no skincare benefits and may be a concern for those with fragrance sensitivities.

Gamma-Valerolactone is a gentle, naturally derived exfoliant that may help smooth skin texture with less irritation than stronger acids.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich mushroom extract that helps calm skin and defend against environmental stressors, but research is still emerging.

A mushroom extract that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, but research is still early.

A fermented mushroom extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still emerging.

A mushroom-derived antioxidant that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though human studies are still limited.

A mushroom extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in large human studies.