Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

Glycolipids are gentle, multi-tasking molecules that help hydrate and reinforce the skin barrier, making them a smart choice for sensitive or dry skin.

Glycoproteins are gentle, naturally derived molecules that help hydrate and support skin structure, but they are not a replacement for proven anti-aging ingredients like retinoids or peptides.

Glycosaminoglycans are powerful hydrators that help skin stay plump and firm by attracting and holding water.

Glycosphingolipids are gentle, skin-identical lipids that help strengthen the moisture barrier and keep skin hydrated.

A gentle, sugar-derived conditioning ingredient that hydrates and smooths hair and skin without heavy buildup.

A synthetic peptide that may help support collagen and skin repair, but human data is still limited.

A gentle peptide that may support skin brightness and antioxidant defense, but research is still early.

A gentle, plant-derived ingredient that helps calm redness and irritation without the side effects of stronger anti-inflammatories.

A gentle, oil-friendly derivative of licorice root that helps calm redness and soothe sensitive skin without irritation.

A gentle, plant-derived ingredient that helps calm redness and irritation, making it a great choice for sensitive or reactive skin.

Glyoxal is a strong chemical rarely used in modern skincare; it can be irritating and is best avoided in leave-on products.

Glyoxylic acid is a chemical exfoliant that helps smooth skin and reduce fine lines, but it is stronger than AHAs and requires careful use to avoid irritation.

A gentle, lab-made amino acid derivative that may help improve skin firmness and smoothness, but research is still early.

A gentler alternative to harsh hair straighteners that works by temporarily reshaping hair bonds without breaking them.

A gentle protein complex that helps reinforce hair and skin barrier function without heavy buildup.

A gentle keratin-derived ingredient that helps smooth and strengthen hair without harsh chemicals, ideal for those seeking a milder alternative to traditional straightening treatments.

Gmelina root extract is a gentle botanical with antioxidant potential, but research on its skincare benefits is still limited.

A gentle plant-based powder that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, but research is limited.

A gentle botanical extract with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research is limited.

Goat butter is a natural emollient that softens skin, but its high fat content may clog pores for some people.

Goat fat is a rich, natural emollient that deeply moisturizes but may clog pores for some skin types.

Goat milk is a gentle, nourishing ingredient that moisturizes and mildly exfoliates, making it a popular choice for sensitive and dry skin types.

Goat Milk Extract is a gentle, nutrient-rich moisturizer that soothes and softens skin, but may not suit those with dairy allergies.

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

A gentle plant-root extract with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research is very limited.

A gentle, plant-derived amino acid blend that helps hydrate and support the skin barrier, though research is still emerging.

A gentle botanical blend that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research on this specific combination is limited.

A gentle antioxidant extract from goji berry stem cells that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that helps protect skin from environmental stressors and may support a more even complexion.

A fermented goji berry extract that provides antioxidant benefits and may help soothe and condition the skin.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich water from goji berries that helps protect skin from environmental stress and provides light hydration.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit juice that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a healthy glow.

A lightweight, antioxidant-rich oil that hydrates and helps protect skin from environmental stress.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich flower extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich leaf extract that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

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

Gold adds a touch of luxury and may offer mild antioxidant benefits, but its effects are subtle and not a must-have for most routines.

A trendy fermented ingredient that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but human research is still limited.

A mild, plant-derived surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, making it ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

Gold powder adds a luxurious shimmer to makeup but offers no proven skincare benefits beyond decoration.

Gold Thioctate is a novel antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental damage, but research is limited and it can be irritating for some.

A novel hybrid of hyaluronic acid and gold that may offer antioxidant and hydrating benefits, but research is very limited.

A gentle, marine-derived algae extract that helps hydrate and protect the skin, but research on its benefits is still emerging.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help calm and protect skin, though research is still early.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit juice that may help soothe and protect skin, though research is still emerging.

A gentle, flower-derived extract that helps calm skin and fight free radical damage, ideal for sensitive or irritated skin.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress while providing mild soothing benefits.

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and benefits are not yet well-established.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and it may not be as potent as more studied alternatives.

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

Goldenseal root extract is a traditional botanical with potential soothing and antimicrobial benefits, but its use in modern skincare is limited by a lack of strong clinical evidence and potential for skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Gomphrena Root Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Gondoic acid is a gentle, plant-derived fatty acid that helps soften and smooth skin while supporting the skin barrier.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that may help brighten skin and protect against environmental damage.

Gooseberry fruit juice adds light hydration and antioxidant support, but it's not a powerhouse ingredient on its own.

A marine extract with potential calming benefits, but research is limited and sustainability concerns exist.

Gorse extract is a gentle botanical antioxidant that may help calm and protect skin, but research is still early.

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

A gentle plant extract with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research is still emerging.

A gentle red algae extract that helps hydrate and soothe skin while forming a light protective film.