Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

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

Alluvial mud is a gentle, mineral-rich sediment that can help absorb excess oil and lightly exfoliate skin, but its benefits are mostly anecdotal.

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds scent but offers no skincare benefit; may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

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

Allyl Butyrate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity, pineapple-like scent to products, but it offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Allyl Caproate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity, pineapple-like scent to products, but it offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Allyl Cinnamate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, balsamic scent but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a fruity note to products; generally safe at low levels but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity scent but offers no skincare benefits and may be a concern for those with fragrance sensitivities.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a pleasant fruity note but offers no skincare benefit and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Allyl heptanoate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity, pineapple-like scent to products, but it offers no skincare benefits and may be a concern for those with fragrance sensitivities.

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds a violet note to products but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Allyl Isovalerate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity, apple-like scent to products; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but offers no skincare benefits.

A synthetic powder that helps control shine and gives a silky feel, but offers no active skincare benefits.

A synthetic polymer that helps products spread smoothly and feel silky, with a low risk of irritation.

Allyl Nonanoate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity, pineapple-like scent to products; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A synthetic fragrance ester that adds a fruity scent to products but offers no skin benefit and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Allyl phenethyl ether is a synthetic fragrance compound that adds a sweet floral note to products, but it may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Allyl phenoxyacetate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, fruity note to products but offers no skincare benefits and may be a concern for those with fragrance sensitivities.

Allyl Phenylacetate is a synthetic fragrance compound that adds a sweet, honey-like scent to products, but it offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Allyl Propionate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity note to products; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but offers no skin benefit beyond scent.

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put longer, especially in water or sweat.

Allyl Trimethylhexanoate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity, floral scent to products, but offers no skincare benefits.

Allylanisole adds a sweet, licorice-like scent to products but can be a skin sensitizer for some people.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a warm, spicy scent but may cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

A nourishing blend of plant-derived fatty acids that softens and smooths skin with a low risk of irritation.

Almond Kernel Extract is a gentle, plant-based ingredient that helps soothe and condition the skin, making it a good fit for sensitive and dry skin types.

A gentle, semi-synthetic ingredient that combines the moisturizing benefits of almond oil with improved water solubility for stable, non-greasy formulas.

A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient that helps products spread smoothly and leaves skin feeling soft without clogging pores.

A gentle, PEG-modified almond oil that helps products spread smoothly and feel silky without clogging pores.

A mild, eco-friendly emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in skincare products while leaving skin feeling soft.

A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient that helps soften skin without feeling overly greasy, suitable for most skin types.

A gentle, natural exfoliant that buffs away dead skin cells without harsh microplastics, but may feel too gritty for sensitive skin.

Almondamide DEA helps create rich lather and thicker textures, but it is a semi-synthetic ingredient with moderate irritation potential for sensitive skin.

A gentle conditioning agent derived from almond oil that helps reduce static and improve manageability, but may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.

A gentle, almond-derived surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, making it a solid choice for sensitive or dry skin types.

A gentle conditioning ingredient that helps soften hair and reduce static without heavy buildup.

A gentle, almond-derived surfactant that helps create a rich lather without stripping the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive skin.

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

A gentle, plant-based powder that soothes and hydrates skin, similar to Aloe vera but with a slightly different nutrient profile.

A sustainable, lab-grown aloe extract that soothes skin and fights free radicals without the variability of traditional aloe.

A lab-grown aloe extract that offers concentrated antioxidants and soothing benefits with minimal irritation risk.

A gentle, plant-based powder that soothes and protects skin, but its benefits are less studied than traditional aloe leaf juice.

A gentle, probiotic-fermented aloe ingredient that soothes and conditions skin without irritation.

A gentle fermented botanical blend that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, though research is limited.

Aloe Ferox Leaf Juice is a gentle, hydrating ingredient that soothes and moisturizes skin, with a slightly richer nutrient profile than common Aloe Vera.

A soothing, hydrating botanical extract with antioxidant benefits, generally safe and well-tolerated for most skin types.

A gentle, plant-derived powder that helps calm and hydrate skin, but is less studied than its cousin Aloe barbadensis (common aloe vera).

Aloe Maculata Leaf Extract is a gentle, soothing botanical that helps calm irritated skin and provides light hydration, but it is less researched than classic Aloe vera.

A gentle, plant-derived ingredient that may help calm irritation and support skin's natural repair processes, though human studies are limited.

Aloe polysaccharides are gentle, hydrating molecules that help calm irritation and support the skin's moisture barrier.

Aloe resin is a natural, soothing ingredient that may help calm irritated skin, but research on its specific benefits is still emerging.

Aloe sprout extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that hydrates and soothes skin, but research on its specific benefits is still emerging.

Aloe vera is a gentle, hydrating ingredient that can help calm irritated skin, but its benefits are often overstated in marketing.

A gentle, lab-grown aloe extract that soothes and hydrates without the variability of traditional aloe.

Aloe vera leaf extract is a gentle, water-based humectant that hydrates and soothes the skin, making it a staple in calming and moisturizing products.

A gentle, water-soluble powder that soothes and hydrates skin, ideal for sensitive or irritated complexions.

A gentle, plant-based powder that soothes and hydrates skin, but its benefits depend heavily on processing and formulation.

Aloesin is a gentle, plant-derived brightener that can help fade dark spots without the irritation of stronger alternatives.

Alpha hydroxy acids are effective exfoliants that smooth skin texture and boost radiance, but require careful use to avoid irritation.